Lower Paxton, PA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)

Section 203-306 uses the terms historic building and Historic Structure Map rather than cultural monument. Its stated purposes include retaining community character, establishing a clear process to review demolition of designated historic buildings, encouraging adaptive reuse, and carrying out Sections 603(b), 603(g), 604(1) and 605(2) of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. It applies to principal buildings in the V Village District, except a building or addition the Zoning Officer knows was built after 1945, and to any principal building identified on the Historic Structure Map, which is on file in the Township offices. An applicant can give the Zoning Officer evidence of a post-1945 build date.

Demolition means the dismantling, tearing down, removal or razing of the exterior of a building, in whole or in part. Partial demolition includes removing an attached porch roof, porch columns or exterior architectural features. Interior changes that do not alter structural integrity are not demolition.

The Board of Supervisors decides as a conditional use, applying this section's standards in place of the general conditional use standards. The applicant must prove one of four conditions: the building cannot feasibly and reasonably be reused and the owner did not cause that through neglect; denial would cause unreasonable economic hardship that was not self-created; the demolition is necessary for a project of substantial, special and unusual public benefit; or the building has no historical or architectural significance and demolition will not adversely impact the streetscape. The Board weighs the effect on neighboring historic buildings and the feasibility of alternatives. A complete written application includes owner details, recent exterior photographs, a scaled site plan, a statement of reasons and the proposed use with a timeline. If demolition is approved, a performance bond is required to ensure the site is cleared with proper disposal of debris, and a separate demolition permit is needed under the Township Construction Codes with proof of compliance with State Department of Environmental Protection requirements for debris disposal.