What We Do
The Historical Commission is the body created by City Council to oversee the Heritage Conservation District. The Commission is made up of seven individuals appointed by City Council to review applications for new construction and demolition within the conservation district.
Unlike the HARB district, where all exterior alterations to properties must be reviewed, the Heritage Conservation District involves only the review and approval of new construction or demolition projects that will have an impact on the surrounding streetscape (that is, the appearance or character of the street or neighborhood).
Examples of the types of projects reviewed by the Historical Commission include:
– Constructing a new building or an addition to a building
– Adding a porch, balcony, or deck
– Demolishing an entire building, porch, balcony, deck, or dormer
*The Commission does NOT review maintenance or alterations such as changes in windows and doors, fences, masonry work, roofing, or siding.
HISTORICAL COMMISSION MEMBERSHIP
The Historical Commission is composed of seven members appointed by City Council to three-year terms. One member of the Commission must be a registered architect, one a licensed real estate broker, and one the City’s Building Official. The remaining members are individuals who own property or reside within Lancaster’s National Register Historic District and have knowledge of, or interest in, the preservation of buildings and historic districts and modern urban design.
Members:
Christopher Peters, Registered Architect
Steven Funk, Registered Architect
John Spidaliere, Real Estate Broker
John Lefever, Building Code Official
Eric Berman
Elizabeth De Santo
Alex Folk