Historic Review Board

*For more information on Historic Preservation, visit our  Historic Planning page.

Information Regarding Virtual Public Meetings and Hearings: 

In accordance with 29 Del. C. Section 10006A, Public Hearings will be held as virtual meetings utilizing Zoom Webinar. Unless otherwise specified, the New Castle Room of the Government Center located at 87 Reads Way will be accessible during scheduled hearing times for members of the public to attend virtual meetings in-person. 
The appropriate weblink, call-in number(s) and webinar ID number for all hearings may be found approximately two (2) business days prior to the scheduled hearing date at the top of the appropriate meeting *agenda.  

*NOTE: Up-to-date public hearing agendas including Zoom meeting log-in information are available in our Agenda Center or through the Scheduled Meeting links below.

Please view our Historic Review Board Virtual Meetings Information Guide in advance of any virtual public hearing of interest.

Zoom Help CenterAdditional information regarding Virtual Public Meetings may be found at: Virtual Meetings-Land-Use

Notes for Applicants only:

*Please be advised: Starting January 1, 2022, applications appearing before the Historic Review Board will be required to submit a Historic Resource application to the Department of Land Use to be scheduled for the next available hearing.

Applicants must submit presentation materials electronically to the Department of Land Use no less than five (5) business days prior to the scheduled public hearing. Please email us with any questions.

Related Documents and Mailing Packets                                                   

  1. HRB Public Hearing Packet_05.16.2023

Regular Meetings (Public Hearings)

  • 5 p.m.
  • Business meetings held the first Tuesday of the month
  • *Public hearings held the third Tuesday of the month
  • Note: dates, times and/or locations of meetings and hearings are subject to change.
  • *In accordance with 29 Del. C. Section 10006A, Public Hearings will be held as virtual meetings utilizing Zoom Webinar. Unless otherwise specified, the New Castle Room of the Government Center located at 87 Reads Way will be accessible during scheduled hearing times for members of the public to attend virtual meetings in-person. The appropriate weblink, call-in number(s) and webinar ID number for all hearings may be found approximately two (2) business days prior to the scheduled hearing date at the top of the appropriate meeting agenda. Individuals needing reasonable accommodations according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please call (302) 395-5400 (DRS, 1-800-232-5460) at least (5) business days before the meeting/hearing.

Members

  • Karen Anderson, AIA, LEED BD+C
  • Kevin Barni, M.A.
  • John R. Davis, PE - Chair
  • Robert Duke, AIA
  • Jean Hershner, M.S., M.A.
  • Stephen L. Johns, PE, PLS
  • Paresh (Perry) Patel, MBA, CHA
  • Barbara H. Silber, MA, RPA
  • Nannette Swadey, Esq.

Board Responsibilities

The Historic Review Board makes recommendations and delineations for historic district boundaries, maintains a survey of historic properties, and reviews permits relative to historic properties. For the exact language defining the board’s responsibilities, please see Section 40.30.330 of the Unified Development Code. Members are appointed by the county executive and County Council.

Legal Authority

  • UDC articles 30, 15, 31
  • IBC (New Castle County Code Chapter 6 - Building Code) - sections dealing with building and demolition permits for historic structures
  • Certification agreement between the State of Delaware and New Castle County, effective September 16, 1986, conferring on the County Certified Local Government Status
  • Guidelines for implementation of a certified local government program in Delaware

For more information on Historic Preservation, visit our Historic Planning page.

Agenda Center, Meeting Minutes & Transcripts

View current and recent years' agendas and minutes for all boards and commissions. Older agendas and minutes can be found in the Archive Center.
​Historic Review Board Archives