City Council Meetings
Williamsport Maps
New Business Information
Public Records Documents
Housing Programs
The Millionaires' Row Historic District
The Millionaires Row Historic District is a Nationally Registered District with distinctive buildings significant to our history. The Williamsport Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviews all exterior renovations, changes and new construction planned in the district.
The HARB Review Process
If your property is in the Historic District, you must obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) before performing exterior alterations, including but not limited to, repairs, improvements, demolitions, construction or signs. The Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) reviews all COA applications. There is no fee for a HARB review. You or your representative should attend the meeting to clarify any questions about the work.
Applications are obtained at City Hall, Community Development, 245 West Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. An application requires a full work description, photographs of the building, photographs of the work area, and samples, brochures or other information about the materials you plan to use. Drawings and elevations are required for new construction, re-construction and projects proposing removal of or changes to historic features.
If you want to replace a historic feature, such as windows, porch railings or wood siding, or to demolish a structure, you must document the condition of the feature or structure and support your request for replacement or removal. New construction, including additions or garages, requires detailed drawings and plans. You must also consult with the Codes/Zoning Office and verify if a Building Permit or Zoning change is required.
After review, HARB sends a recommendation regarding your proposal to City Council. City Council is the official body issuing Certificates of Appropriateness. You have the right to discuss your application with them. To arrange this, contact the City Clerk before the Council meeting.
| Due Date for COA Applications | Applications, with supporting documentation, are due by 3:30 PM the Wednesday before the meeting. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. |
| Meeting Time and Location | HARB reviews applications in City Hall Council Chambers at 7:00 PM, usually on the third Tuesday of each month. Call Community Development to verify meeting dates. |
| Basis for the HARB Review | HARB bases its review on the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. A description of the Standards can be found at: National Parks Service-Standards |
| The Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) | Only items listed on a COA are approved. COA's have an expiration date. Approved work must begin within six months of the COA date and completed within two years. The COA is not a Building Permit. A Building Permit is a separate application that you obtain from the Bureau of Codes. |
Historic Property Guides & Helpful Hints
|
Williamsport Booklet |
|
|
Brochure |
|
| NPS | |
|
NPS Tip Sheet |
|
|
NSP List |
PA / Federal Rehabilitation Investment Tax Credits (RITC)
The RITC is a program providing owners of historic properties with valuable tax credits. Under the RITC certain expenses incurred in connection with rehabilitating an old, income producing building are eligible for a tax credit. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission administers the program.
RITCs are available to owners of income-producing properties. There are two rates—20% for a historic building and 10% for a non-historic building, with different qualifying criteria for each rate. Information, tax application forms, and instructions are available from the Bureau for Historic Preservation. Click here for more information on the Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program or contact Steve Delp at (717) 214-8649. As with any tax law, there are restrictions that may affect your ability to make use of these tax benefits.
