Victorian home owner laws
Our 1889 house is in the historic district of Bedford, Pennsylvania. Below is a reference to the Bedford Historic District Ordinance and a summary of Bedford’s Historic Architectural Review Board, as an example of the types of laws Victorian home owners may encounter.
“HARB – FAQ’s
What does H.A.R.B. stand for?
H.A.R.B. stands for the Historical Architectural Review Board.
What is H.A.R.B.?
H.A.R.B. was established by the Bedford Historic District Ordinance to advise Borough Council on any requests for authorization to construct, alter, reconstruct, repair, restore or demolish all or a part of any building or structure, within a historic district.
How do I know if I live in the Historic District?
The Historic District Map outlines the boundaries of the Historic District.
What applications/permits are required if I live in the Historic District?
A Historical Architectural Review Board application is required to be completed and approved, along with a land use/zoning permit (if applicable), for any work that would affect the general design, arrangement, texture, material or color of any structure or building in any historic district when the result of such work is capable of being viewed from a public street or way. H.A.R.B. permits shall be required for such work, even if a permit is not required according to the presently enacted Zoning ordinance of the Borough of Bedford; this includes but is not limited to painting, sandblasting, chemical cleaning, stucco or other applied textures, replacement or major repair of windows, cornices trim or other nonstructural elements, signs and other work affecting the visual appearance of the structure.
How do I apply for H.A.R.B. approval?
Complete a H.A.R.B. Application and any supplemental permit applications (if applicable). Photos are highly recommended to accompany your application. You may submit your application via email or in person at the Bedford Borough office located at 244 W. Penn Street, Bedford, PA.
Is there a fee for a HARB application/approval?
No, there is no fee required for a HARB application/approval.”
The laws we follow are somewhat strict (for example, we had to get approval for the specific white paint we used when we restored the outside of our 1889 home), but following these laws ensures that the historic district of our small town is maintained appropriately.
