What is HARB?

HARB stands for Historical Architectural Review Board.

HARB is an advisory body created by state and local laws and appointed by Borough Council. It is composed of seven (7) members including an architect, a real estate broker, a code official, and four people with an interest in the preservation of Gettysburg's historic buildings. HARB is advised by the Borough's Historic Preservation Officer. HARB's main responsibility is the review of all proposals for new construction and all changes to the exteriors of buildings located in the Gettysburg Historic District. HARB reviews this work to protect the architectural and historical character that makes Gettysburg a unique place, which in turn contributes significantly to the quality of life in the Borough.

Where does HARB get its authority for review?

The Gettysburg Borough HARB is given power to operate by the local governing body (Borough Council), which received its authority to establish a historic district from the Commonwealth.

The Pennsylvania Historic District Act (1961) authorizes "counties, cities, boroughs, incorporated towns and townships to create historic districts within their geographic boundaries providing for the appointment of Boards of Historical Architectural Review; empowering governing bodies of political subdivisions to protect the distinctive historical character of these districts and to regulate the erection, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, demolition or razing of buildings within the historic districts." It also sets forth the composition of the review board and procedures for designating the boundaries of historic districts.

In 1972 the Borough of Gettysburg officially recognized the value of its historic buildings and the need for their protection with the adoption of the Gettysburg Historic District Ordinance. To carry out this goal, the Ordinance established a HARB and a process for design review. The Gettysburg HARB makes recommendations to Borough Council based on careful review, but it is the elected body that ultimately issues Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) for work in the Historic District.