Description of requirements for this commission

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The Historical Commission shall perform those duties established by Chapter 88 and by Chapter 155 with respect to recommending to the Board of Commissioners those properties to be placed on or removed from the Historic Resource Inventory, distinguishing between those properties to be classified as Class I and Class II Historic Resources. The Historical Commission shall further give counsel to the Board of Commissioners, as provided for in this chapter and in Chapters 62, 88, 135 and 155, regarding the preservation or demolition of those resources of historic significance located in the Township, but not within a local historic district.

Design Guidelines for Historic Resources & Historic Districts

In February, 2023, the Board of Commissioners voted to accept a new Design Guidelines document to assist property owners, architects, and applicants of all kinds to understand the Township's review process and the appropriate alteration of historic properties. The Design Guidelines can be viewed here (10.7 MB PDF).

Design Guidelines Quick Reference Sheets And More Information

Historic Resource Inventory Interactive Map

The Historic Resource Inventory (HRI) is the official list of historically designated resources in Lower Merion. These resources are depicted in this interactive online map, which includes historical data and regulatory information about each.

View the Map

2026 Historic Preservation Report

This Report examines various aspects of the Township's historic preservation initiatives including Historic Districts, Historic Resources, the role of the HARB and Historical Commission, and the Township Code. It also contains detailed statistics and analyses of historical data.

Read the report (5 MB PDF)

HC Application for Review

This application is required for all submissions to the Historical Commission. For roofing applications, please also submit the roof application supplement. Submission materials, including completed application forms and all other supplemental material required, are due 10 days prior to the HCmeeting (typically two Fridays before the Monday HC meeting).

HC Application For Review (AFR)

HC Roofing Application Supplement

Historic Preservation Awards

The HARB and the Historical Commission periodically co-sponsor awards to recognize exemplary historic preservation projects in the Township.

The 2024 Historic Preservation Awards were held on September 26 and took place at the Merion Tribute House. The Township was proud to honor 8 historic preservation projects, 2 stewardship awards, 1 communication/education award, 7 past members of the HARB and Historical Commission, and Ted Goldsborough, recipient of the Robert DeSilets Award.

View the 2024 Historic Preservation Awards Presentation (PDF, 5.5 MB)

View the 2017 Historic Preservation Awards Presentation (PDF, 1.1 MB)

View the 2012 Historic Preservation Awards Presentation (PDF, 10.2 MB) 

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.

Useful Links

Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties
National Park Service Preservation Briefs

Upcoming Historical Commission Meeting Dates

The Historical Commission is scheduled to meet on the dates listed below in the Board Room of the Township Administration Building (subject to later notice of change of time and location). To sign up for automatic email updates on upcoming agendas, enter your email address on this webpage and select “Historical Commission” from the list.