It is the nation’s official list of properties that are recognized for their significance in American history, architecture, archeology, engineering and/or culture. The National Register of Historic Places program was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and is administered by the National Park Service. In Pennsylvania, the National Register program is managed by the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office (PA SHPO), which is a bureau within the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

• RECOGNITION that a property is significant to the nation, the state, or the local community;
• ELIGIBILITY for federal tax incentives for income-producing buildings;
• STATE and FEDERAL preservation grants, when available, for planning and rehabilitation of buildings owned by not-for-profit organizations and local governments;
• CONSIDERATION in the planning for state and federal projects or projects that are assisted by state and federal agencies.

• HONORARY title recognized by the National Park Service because of its importance to local community, state, or the nation;
• ENCOURAGE the preservation of historic properties by documenting its significance;
• LIST properties only if it meets National Register criteria for evaluation;
• FACILITATE the SHPO review of state or federally funded or permitted projects to determine its effects on historic properties;
• PROVIDE an opportunity for the SHPO to consult with government agencies to mitigate projects that will adversely affect historic properties;
• PROVIDE information about historic resources for local, state, and federal planning purposes;
• OFFER federal and state tax benefits to owners of income-producing (businesses) historic properties if they rehabilitate their properties according to preservation standards.

• RESTRICT the rights of property owners or require that properties be maintained, repaired, or restored;
• PREVENT a property’s destruction by federal, state, local, or private development;
• GUARANTEE that grant funds will be available for projects;
• REQUIRE property owners to follow preservation standards unless they wish to qualify for tax benefits;
• AUTOMATICALLY invoke local historic district zoning or landmark designations;
• QUALIFY a property for a Pennsylvania Historical Marker;
• LIST individual properties if the owner objects, or list a historic district if the majority of property owners object;
• PROVIDE a plaque for registered properties, although property owners may obtain plaques at their own expense.

No. The HARB is a required review process for property owners within Bath’s Historic District ‘A’ when making changes to the facade of structures. HARB meets to discuss your design changes and offer guidance. HARB is an advisory or recommending body to Borough of Bath Council. HARBs recommendations are transmitted to Borough Council for final approval. Borough Council can accept, by Resolution, or override HARBs recommendations.

Yes. You must do your homework! Speak to a consultant or tax accountant familiar with these laws. If your property is income-producing and located within a National Register, any time you attempt to qualify for state and/or federal benefits, there may be restrictions and requirements associated with the benefit(s). You’ll need to check with the state or federal agency for which you are applying for the benefit.

Yes. First, grants are not guaranteed! If your property is income-producing, and grants are available and you apply for and accept state and/or federal funding, such funding may have legal restrictions attached to it. You are likely agreeing to the legal restrictions as a condition of receiving the funding. You may also be required to follow preservation standards and practices as determined by the funding entity. Its best to speak with a consultant familiar with these matters.

The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission provides recommendations to the National Park Service (Federal Government) for a structure or historic district to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The federal government decides whether a property or properties will be listed on the National Register.

No. If the federal government (National Park Service) lists a property or properties on the National Register, it DOES NOT automatically mandate by law that Bath amend any of its ordinances to reflect that a property or properties are listed in the National Register. Additionally, it DOES NOT require Bath to make any changes to historic preservation, building codes, or zoning laws.

No. Federal and state tax credit or grant eligibility is for income-producing properties. If you have a home/occupation, a portion of the property that is used for income-producing activity may be eligible for federal and state tax credits.

No. Property or properties listed to the National Registry do not mean the property or properties are part of the National Park Service. It is simply an honorary title that property or properties have been identified as historically significant. It only means property, or properties that are income-producing, could receive federal and state tax credits, and potentially federal and state grant benefits.

Yes. And regardless of whether Bath’s Historic District is accepted to the National Registry, Section 106 Review has been a requirement for years since Bath passed a local historic district. Bath’s Historic District became eligible for National Registry status during this time and Section 106 Reviews were required. In other words, whether National Registry status is considered ‘eligible’ or actually ‘listed’, this doesn’t change the Section 106 Review process. Section 106 Review has always been a requirement.

One of the many roles for all State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), including Pennsylvania’s, outlined in the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) is to advise, assist, and consult on the review of federally assisted projects that have the potential to affect historic properties. This is known as the Section 106 Review Process of the NHPA.

You can learn more from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation or through the Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Act.