Bethlehem, PA · Lehigh County
Application for Certificate of Appropriateness (HARB/HCC)
This application lets Bethlehem property owners or applicants request a Certificate of Appropriateness for proposed work reviewed by the Historical Architectural Review Board or Historic Conservation Commission.
What this form is
Use this application to describe proposed work on a building or property for review by Bethlehem’s Historical Architectural Review Board or Historic Conservation Commission. It asks for the building address, owner and applicant contact details, work categories, project description, and signatures. Submit the application with photographs and required drawings or other project materials before the applicable meeting deadline; the applicant must attend the meeting.
Who needs it
Owners or applicants proposing work covered by the application, including alterations, additions, signs, demolition, or new construction, should complete it for board or commission review.
How to submit it
Submit it to the city department named on the form; check the city website for current contact details.
About notarization
This application is signed and dated without a notary; the form does not identify any notarized or sworn attachment.
How to submit this form
- 1
Download The Application
Download the Certificate of Appropriateness application and its checklist.
- 2
Complete The Application
Provide the property and contact details, check the proposed work categories, describe the project, and sign and date the application.
- 3
Gather Supporting Materials
Include photographs and any required drawings, specifications, samples, or other project materials; prepare an original and 10 copies.
- 4
Submit To The City
Submit the complete materials before the applicable meeting deadline. The applicant must attend the meeting for the case to be heard.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for the Certificate of Appropriateness application?
- No. The application calls for owner and applicant signatures and dates, but does not identify a notarized or sworn attachment.
- How do I submit the Certificate of Appropriateness application?
- Submit an original and 10 copies of the application and accompanying documentation before the applicable meeting deadline. The applicant must attend the meeting.
- What should accompany the application?
- The application requires photographs and, depending on the proposed work, drawings or other materials such as product specifications or paint color chips.
- What information does the application request?
- It requests the property address, owner and applicant contact information, proposed work categories, a project description, and owner and applicant signatures.
Need something notarized?
This Application for Certificate of Appropriateness (HARB/HCC) doesn’t need a notary — but if you have another Bethlehem form that does, a commissioned online notary can help.