Historic Resource Surveys

Delaware County Planning can advise communities who wish to begin or update a survey of their historic resources.

To preserve historic resources, a municipality must first know what resources it has. The Delaware County Planning Department can help you understand the process and conduct an historic preservation survey. Municipal historic resource surveys are a valuable tool for those seeking information on the built environment of a municipality. The Planning Department has extensive files on historic resources and maintains a database on the potential archaeologically sensitive areas in the County.

Establishing an inventory or survey is an important step toward building regulatory protection for historic resources in a community. A simple inventory, otherwise known as a “windshield survey," consists of a listing all of the historic resources within a municipality. A more complete survey includes the historic significance of each resource and is an important tool for determining the type and level of protection that is needed. Surveys and inventories must be kept up to date to protect those resources that become "historic," after they reach fifty (50) years or older.

Questions about Historic Resource Surveys? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.