Philadelphia, PA Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Authority
- Phila Code 14-1004(3)
- Criteria
- Ten lettered standards
- Federal credit
- 20 percent rehabilitation
- PA credit
- 25 percent under 72 P.S. 8902-C
Summary
The Philadelphia Historical Commission individually designates buildings, sites, structures, and objects under Code 14-1004(3). Designation places the property on the Philadelphia Register, requires Commission approval for changes, and may unlock the federal historic-rehabilitation tax credit and Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Tax Credit.
As part of the Department of Planning and Development, the Philadelphia Historical Commission protects the City's historic resources. Together with its advisory committees, the commission: Identifies and designates historic landmarks. Maintains the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. Hosts public meetings about historic properties. Works with property owners to protect landmarks. The commission staff reviews building permit applications and nominations to the register. When needed, they forward applications to the appropriate committee.
Full Breakdown
Section 14-1004(3) lets any person nominate a building, site, structure, or object meeting Criteria A through J: significant character, association with a person, embodiment of a style, work of a designer, archaeological value, association with a movement, exemplification of cultural heritage, integrity of historic context, identifiable as a familiar visual feature, or unique location. Nominations go to the Committee on Historic Designation, then to the full Commission. Owners receive notice and a hearing. Once listed, the property is protected under the same alteration-review framework as Historic Districts. Federal twenty-percent rehabilitation credit under 26 USC section 47 and Pennsylvania twenty-five percent credit under 72 P.S. 8902-C may apply.
Violations & Fines
Damaging or removing designated objects without Commission approval triggers code-enforcement actions, civil penalties up to two thousand dollars per day under 14-1004(7), and possible criminal mischief charges under 18 Pa.C.S. section 3304 if intentional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can nominate a Philadelphia building for designation?
Do Philadelphia historic designations affect property taxes?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Philadelphia
Compare Philadelphia to another location·View the Pennsylvania historic preservation overview
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