Technical Assistance
Historic resource policies are advanced by the Planning Commission through the activities of the county’s heritage preservation coordinator (acting as the county’s Historic Preservation Officer) and planning activities (specifically the Vision Partnership Program).
The Chester County Historic Preservation Officer was created by the Chester County Board of Commissioners and approved by the federal government in 1981 to provide necessary coordination between the county, the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, state and federal agencies and the general public when identifying and addressing the county's individual historic resources and their history based upon the National Preservation Act of 1966 as amended. Duties address the following:
- Chester County Historic Structures Certification Program
- Section 106 consulting party for state and federally funded or assisted projects
- Section 106 review for County projects
- Chester County Historic Resource Atlas Project - GIS Mapping of Historic Resources updating the Chester County Historic Sites Survey 1979-1982
- Historic Resource identification, registration and documentation
- Technical Expertise and Educational Assistance to the Public
- Duties municipal historical commissions, committees and societies
- Historic resource information for residents, businesses and property owners
- Technical assistance to historic resource task forces and organizations on historic preservation issues
- Technical assistance for historic structures preservation and maintenance standards
- Town Tours & Village Walks: Celebrating and Sharing Chester County's Built Heritage
- Support of partnerships for the preservation and interpretation of historic resources
Contact: Chester County Planning Commission
601 Westtown Road, Suite 270
West Chester, PA 19380
610-344-6285
The Vision Partnership Program was established by the Chester County Board of Commissioners in 1996 to promote cooperation between the county and local governments in the implementation of the County's comprehensive policy plan. Grants continue to be awarded to assist municipalities with achieving consistency with the county’s comprehensive plan policies. This competitive grant program provides both technical and financial assistance to municipalities in the preparation of planning documents, including historic surveys and plans. Learn more about the program.