How does HARB make its decisions?

Prior to the regularly scheduled HARB meeting, HARB members review each application and visit each property in question. HARB assesses the architectural and historical significance of the property, and considers the effect of the proposal on the overall district, on the street, and on the individual building and its component features. To help make its decision, HARB applies the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation to every application. These guidelines were developed by the United States Department of the Interior following several decades of preservation activity. They are accepted as the national standard for rehabilitating historic buildings.

In determining the compatibility of the proposed project, HARB also considers a number of issues specifically identified in Gettysburg's Historic District Ordinance, such as proportions, window placement, and materials. The Gettysburg Design Guide clarifies these matters, and provides information in greater detail than is given in the ordinance. Consequently the Design Guide is an important tool that HARB can use in its decision making process.

After HARB has considered all of these materials and issues, it votes on the proposal and sends its recommendations to Borough Council. Borough Council makes the final decision on the application, using the same information as HARB in its determination.