"Design guidelines are written recommendations, approaches, and/or policies about repairs, improvements, and alterations to existing buildings, additions, new construction, site work, and other changes to the physical environment in a defined location. Guidelines typically include photographs, drawings, and other graphics to illustrate the architectural features, concepts and approaches described in the text.

"Guidelines are different than regulations, ordinances, or zoning codes because they do not dictate specific requirements or solutions. Instead, guidelines are intended to provide guidance on how to evaluate options and make informed decisions about a variety of design issues, including materials and construction methods."

(Wording from Principles and Standards for Design Guidelines in Pennsylvania Communities, courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office)

Lower Merion Township's new Design Guidelines were finalized in 2022. The full document contains a wealth of information about the care and restoration of historic buildings as well as guidance for various other kinds of work reviewed by the Township's Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) and Historical Commission (HC).

Through this page, you can access the full Design Guidelines document, as well as summaries of frequently reviewed topics and application forms. For inquiries regarding the HARB and HC process, please contact Historic Preservation Planner Greg Prichard.

	Design Guidelines Quick Reference These 2-page sheets contain text and images from the Design Guidelines, summarizing some of the most common types of applications reviewed by the HARB and Historical Commission.
		Windows Covers topics including the preservation of historic windows, storm windows and other upgrades, a ranking of window replacement options, and shutters.
		Roofing Covers topics including roof forms, roofing materials, cornices, dormers, chimneys, gutters, and downspouts.
		Additions & New Buildings Covers topics including addition placement and setbacks, windows and doors for additions, new building placement and setbacks, and appropriate scale and massing of new large buildings.
		Streetscapes, Signs & Awnings Covers topics including the design of new storefronts, the preservation of historic storefronts, awnings, signage, and anchoring devices.

The Design Guidelines were written by Frens & Frens Studio of Patterhn Ives and funded in part with a CLG grant from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission.

Other Resources

Historic Preservation in the Township Code

• Chapter 88: Describes the locations of Historic Districts and the role of the HARB and HC in the review of Historic Resources.
• Chapter 62-2.D: Additional provisions for Class I and II Historic Resources and the HC review process.
• Chapter 155-7.1: Description of the Historic Resources Overlay District (HROD) in the Zoning Code, including the use and relief incentives available to Historic Resources

Interactive Historic Resource Inventory Map

Application Forms

HARB Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) Application

HC Application For Review (AFR)

HC Roof Application Supplement