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Historical Commission approval: Philadelphia restaurant guide

Philadelphia Historical Commission

What it is

Required for storefront, sign, awning, lighting, window and facade work on properties listed on the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places.

When a restaurant needs it

Building is individually designated or in a historic district and you change the exterior or signage.

How to apply

Submitted with your building/sign permit application in eCLIPSE (or by appointment); staff approve most projects, larger ones go to the Architectural Committee and Commission.

Documents you’ll need

Fee
No charge for Historical Commission review
Processing time
Staff review: weeks; full Commission: monthly meeting cycle
Renewal
None
Who files
Owner or design professional files with the permit application.

Good to know

Staff approve over 90% of building permit applications without referral to the full Commission — design to the Commission's standards to stay there.

Official source

Historical Commission — Approval for work to a historic property · Find a historic property or district

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Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.