• Awaken in residents an interest in Gettysburg's cultural, economic, social, political and architectural history, and consequently an understanding that the appearance of the Historic District is a valuable but fragile resource that must be protected and preserved.
• Stabilize and improve property values in the Historic District
• To strengthen the Borough's economy through recognition that visitors are interested in Gettysburg's historic buildings and streetscapes as a part of the context of the Gettysburg National Military Park
• Encourage proper enforcement of the Borough's building, housing and property maintenance codes, particularly as they apply to properties in the Historic District.
• Discourage demolition and other inappropriate changes to historic structures by providing advice or other assistance for their stabilization, preservation, rehabilitation or restoration so as to perpetuate their usefulness.
• Ensure that size, scale and design of new construction within the Historic District is in harmony with the old.
• Discourage excavations that could disturb potentially important archeological sites

All exterior changes to buildings within the Historic District must be reviewed by the Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB). Occasionally minor changes in kind may be approved administratively by the Historic District Administrator. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness must be submitted to the Borough Planning Department no later than 14 days (The first Wednesday)before the HARB meeting.

All signs within the Historic District must meet the requirements of the Borough sign ordinance. Signs following the Design Guide recommendations for signs may be approved administratively by the Historic District Administrator. Other signs must be reviewed by HARB. An application for a Certificate of Appropriateness  must be submitted to the Borough Planning Office no later than 14 days (The first Wednesday) before a HARB meeting.

The Historical Architectural Review Board reviews applications for buildings and makes a recommendation to Borough Council, which grants final approval or denial at its next meeting. The Board will make a recommendation to the Historic District Administrator regarding signs. A sign permit may be issued the following day for signs recommended for approval. The HARB meets monthly on the third Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Borough Council Chambers, 59 E High Street.

• Code of Ordinances, Chapter 11 (Historic District)

• Map of Historic District

• Gettysburg Design Guide                  

• Code Enforcement

• Zoning

• Zoning Map

For more information contact: