Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for conserving the City's historic architecture and heritage within the Historic District and other designated sites.

Preserving the City's Historic Heritage improves property values, encourages private investments, promotes tourism and commercial opportunities, leverages educational resources, and maintains the beauty of our wonderful City.

In order to safeguard the cultural, political, social, economic, and architectural heritage of the City, it is strictly prohibited to demolish, cause permanent damage, or make any unauthorized alterations to the exteriors of any designated sites and structures.

If you are planning to renovate the exterior of your property, please contact the Construction Official at 609-386-0200, ext. 143, before commencing any work.

To check if your property falls within a designated site, please see the Historic District Map.

Certificate of Appropriateness

Some residents or property owners may be required to seek the Commission's approval and be issued a Certificate of Appropriateness before performing exterior work.

  1. Submit your application and related documents to Lisa Schiller at least (2) two weeks before the scheduled meeting.
  2. Your application must include the following:
    • A current photograph of the front of your building
    • A current photograph of the specific portion of the building that will be renovated
    • Brochure or other printed material showing the intended design of doors, windows, and fencing
    • Samples of proposed siding and roof materials
    • Color chart indicating planned color scheme
  3. Property owners or representatives with written authorization must attend the meeting to present the proposal.

Certificate of Appropriateness Application

How to Request Technical Assistance

Please contact the Historic Preservation Commission Secretary for assistance from our consultant for the following:

  • Aesthetic appearance
  • Architectural period and design
  • Choosing historically appropriate:
    1. Materials
    2. Color combinations
    3. Construction methods
  • Alteration and replacement of:
    1. Doors
    2. Windows
    3. Shutters
    4. Fencing
    5. Porches
    6. Siding
    7. Trim and Moulding

Access to Technical Assistance is offered through appointment, only.

Please call 609-386-0200 ext. 114, and ask Lisa Schiller (or email LSchiller@burlingtonnj.us) for information on how to obtain such assistance from the Commission’s Consultant.

Research Assistance

Preservation Tech Notes
https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/preservation-tech-notes.htm

Cultural Resource Management
https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/nps28/28intro.htm

Informative Links on Historic Preservation

By the National Park Service. Focuses on practical insights for "...Work on a Historic Building" including "Using the Standards and Guidelines...", "Planning..." and "Beginning..."

https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/index.htm

Founded in 1949, The Trust provides leadership, education and advocacy to help save America’s diverse historic places and revitalize communities.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/

Museum in Washington, DC offers notes, topical news, lectures, exhibits, etc.

https://www.nbm.org/

Architectural types and styles in online encyclopedia of more than 750 buildings worldwide and across history with photos, text, and live 3D models. See especially the sections under American Architecture Timeline, including 1700s, 1800s, and by decades, 1900s.

http://www.greatbuildings.com/suggestions.html

Historic Architecture and Buildings Survey drawings undertaken in the 1930s by the WPA. Excellent reference source of downloadable drawings (renderings, plans, elevations, photos) of period American buildings.

https://www.loc.gov/pictures/collection/hh/

Advances the preservation of the state's historic properties through financial, educational and stewardship programs.

https://www.nj.gov/dca/njht/

Of the Div. of Parks and Forestry, Dept. of Environmental Protection, an excellent reference for preserving historic resources in this state.

https://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/

State of New Jersey Certified Local Governments community links page.

https://www.nj.gov/dep/hpo/3preserve/clg_links.htm

Contact Information

City Hall Municipal Offices
525 High Street,
Burlington NJ, 08016
Hours: Monday - Friday (9:00am - 5:00pm)

Lisa Schiller, Secretary
Tel: 609-386-0754 ext. 1
Fax: 609-387-8547
Email: LSchiller@burlingtonnj.us

John D.S. Hatch, Preservation Consultant, AIA LEED AP
100 Barrack St.,
Trenton, NJ 08608
Office: 609-883-8383
Tel: 609-477-7304
Fax: 609-883-4044
Email: JHatch@cchnj.com

Useful Links

Historic Preservation Commission Meetings

Historic Preservation Commission Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month

Time: 7:00 PM
Location: City Hall, Common Council Chambers

- Please use Belmont Avenue Entrance

Members of the Commission

Name Class Term
Frank Caruso Chairperson, Class C Member 1/1/2022 - 12/31/2025
Milton D. Smith Vice Chair, Class A Member 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2024
Kimberlee Tinnick Class C Member 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2024
Alma Saravia Class B Member 1/1/2020 - 12/31/2023
Adrianna S. Christmas Class C Member 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2027
John Krimmel Class C Member 1/1/2021 - 12/31/2024
Elizabeth F. Baird Class C Member 1/1/2022 - 12/31/2025
Mary Wirth Alternate 1 1/1/2023 - 12/31/2024
Alycia Eck Alternate 2

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