Historic Review Commission

Overview

The Historic Review Commission (HRC) is a five member commission that reviews applications for exterior work on property located within the three historic districts of the Borough.  The HRC contains a registered architect, a real estate broker, a building inspector, and a Council member. They meet the first Monday of the month, in the 2nd floor conference room in the Municipal Building. Meetings begin at 7 p.m.  Beginning in 2025 workshop meetings have been added.  Please check the calendar for workshop meeting dates.  Workshop meetings will also begin at 7 p.m.

All exterior work performed within the three historic districts must conform to the Borough of Sewickley's Code of Ordinances Chapter 198-Historic Districts, which includes the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation.  It is the responsibility of the Commission to recommend to Council whether to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness.  A Certificate of Appropriateness must be issued by the HRC and approved by Borough Council prior to the issuance of a building permit.  A complete Historic Review Application and submission packet must be received ten days prior to the HRC meeting in order to be added to the meeting agenda.  

Application Process

1. Download the Application for Exterior Work in a Historic District here.  
2. During the design phase, property owners, architects and contractors are strongly encouraged to attend an HRC meeting to discuss any questions regarding the design or materials of their project.   HRC meetings are open to the public.   Attending a meeting will assist with the design process as well as ensure the HRC, zoning and planning requirements are met prior to work commencing.
3. Review the checklist on the application.  Include drawings, photographs and other supporting documents.   A $50 filing fee must be submitted along with the completed application.  Only complete applications received at least 10 days prior to the HRC meeting will be reviewed - no exceptions. If you have any questions contact Joe Motznik at jmotznik@sewickleyborough.org or 412-741-4015. 
4. Submit your completed application to Joe Motznik via email to jmotznik@sewickleyborough.org .
5. Attend the HRC meeting for your application.  If you would like to confirm your application on the agenda, please contact Joe Motznik.  An owner or representative must be present at the HRC review meeting.   The HRC will discuss the details of the work which may include questions pertaining to the design, materials, massing, location and zoning.  The HRC will vote to recommend approval of the COA, or, may deny the application for COA, or, may table the application for COA for a future meeting.  
6. The HRC’s recommendation is forwarded to Borough Council for a vote.  Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month.
7. Upon approval by Borough Council, a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) will be issued immediately, and a building permit may be obtained.
8. Inspections by the building code enforcer will be conducted throughout the construction process as well as final inspection at the conclusion of work to ensure compliance with the COA.

Additional resources for Historic Districts and Properties:

Apply to join the HRC by submitting the Boards and Commissions Talent Bank Application online form or download the form here and return to the Borough Manager's office, 601 Thorn Street, Sewickley, PA  15143.

In an effort to increase awareness and understanding for Sewickley's historic architecture, the HRC welcomes all property owners in the Borough seeking guidance on historically accurate and sensitive construction work to attend any of the regularly scheduled monthly meetings.  The HRC's is composed of five volunteer commissioners with knowledge in design, real estate and preservation.  As a community service, discussions regarding work will be informal and non-binding.