What is a Historical Architectural Review Board?
Once a local historic district has been certified as historically significant by the PHMC, the local government must appoint a Historical Architectural Review Board, also known as a HARB. It must consist of a registered architect, a licensed real estate broker, a building inspector, and two or more persons with interest and experience in historic preservation, preferably from the respective community. The HARB acts as an advisor to the local governing body, recommending approval or disapproval of certificates of appropriateness for new construction, demolition, and work within the historic district which would alter the exterior appearance (visible from a public right of way) of any structure within the district. Final authority to approve or disapprove the issuance of permits rests with the governing body.
