Amendment to Zoning Regulations for Historic Resources

The Birmingham Township Board of Supervisors adopted an amendment to the Township’s Zoning Ordinance on December 4, 2023, which amended certain regulations relating to historic resources. Prior to adopting the zoning amendment, the Township Zoning Ordinance previously established regulations in Article VIIIA titled “Historic Preservation” which designated certain lots, buildings or structures as historic resources and maintained regulations that were intended to protect these resources and hopefully discourage and prevent their demolition. The Board wanted to streamline the process for review of applications related to historic resources.  A copy of the zoning amendment that was adopted by the Board is available by clicking on the link below.

The Ordinance designates certain properties and structures in the Township as historic resources and maintains restrictions and regulations on these resources. All properties listed on the Inventory of Historic Resources (which is found in the link below) are classified as historic resources and are governed by the regulations in Article VIIIA.

 The Board encourages all owners of historic resources to read the Ordinance in its entirety. Notably, the Ordinance requires owners of historic resources to obtain a demolition permit before demolishing a historic resource. This permit application must be reviewed by the Historical Commission and Board of Supervisors. The Ordinance also requires the Board of Supervisors’ review and approval of a proposed alteration of a historic resource. The Ordinance maintains procedural requirements for certain subdivision and land development applications that may have an effect on a historic resource.

The Board of Supervisors is committed to the preservation and protection of historic resources in Birmingham Township and believes that the Ordinance imposes reasonable restrictions to achieve that goal.

If anyone has questions on the regulations for historic resources, please contact the Township at birminghamtwp@comcast.net.