There are three historic districts within the City of Allentown: Old Allentown, Old Fairgrounds, and West Park. The Historic Office upholds guidelines to protect and preserve the architectural heritage of these storied neighborhoods, ensuring their unique character is maintained. This is achieved through the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application process.

Some COA applications can be reviewed and approved by city staff. Other COA applications may need to be reviewed by the Historical Architecture Review Board (HARB).

Applications for review, related documents and the associated review fee are received electronically: apply online or call 610-437-7630 for assistance.

GUIDELINES FOR COA SUBMISSIONS

A COA application is required when exterior alterations are proposed on a building within a Historic District. Information on our three Historic Districts, including maps, can be found below. The proposed alterations need to be in compliance with the City of Allentown’s Design Guidelines (Revisar las pautos de diseno).

SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

• Step 1: Preapplication Meetings
  A Pre-Application Meeting is optional but provides you with the opportunity to discuss your proposed project with staff prior to the initial submittal of your application. This gives you the opportunity to discuss approval procedures and design guidelines with staff. The preapplication meeting can streamline and increase the effectiveness of any plan review process. Property owners should contact the Historic Office to schedule a Pre-Application Meeting.
• Step 2: Initial Submission
  Once submitted, staff will review the application and required review checklist to determine whether the proposed project requires a staff review or review by the HARB. Minor changes may only require staff review and approval. Substantial alterations visible from the street, including, but not limited to, changes in design, material, pattern, or arrangement, will require HARB review.
• Step 3: HARB Review (if required)
  If a HARB review is required, staff will get your project on the next available agenda. The HARB Meeting schedule can be found here: HARB Meeting Calendar.
  The HARB is a recommendation board. They will review your project and recommend Approval or Denial to City Council. City Council will issue the resolution to Approve or Deny your project.
• Step 4: Issuance
  Once your project is approved either by staff or through a City Council resolution, a Certificate of Appropriateness will be issued. Your approval may come with conditions which will be detailed with the Certificate of Appropriateness.
• Step 5: Upon completion of the approved work, the project will be inspected to verify compliance with the approved application and any conditions of approval.