AboutThe Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission (HPARC) was established by the Mayor & City Council in May 2019.  The goal of the HPARC is to encourage historical preservation,

AboutThe Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission (HPARC) was established by the Mayor & City Council in May 2019.  The goal of the HPARC is to encourage historical preservation, without discouraging creativity or growth, in keeping with the City's Core Values. Approval by the HPARC is required for, but not limited to, any work that alters the exterior facade of a structure visible from the public right of way. Completing a Building Permit Application (Renovation/Addition/Demolition) triggers the review process if your property is within the Historic District. All meetings of the HPARC are open to the public and decisions are based on the plans and on the information presented by the applicant and/or representative, along with a discussion with the Commission. If you have any questions. the Building Official can be contacted at the City Manager's Office, at Lewes City Hall, 114 E. Third Street, Lewes DE 19958, (302) 645-7777 x120.Is my house in the Historic District? You can use the Zoning Map to determine if your house is within the Historic District.  Your property is within the Historic District if there is an "(H)" associated with the Zoning. Ex. R-4(H), R-2(H)Lewes Historic Map - This map shows the properties located within the City's Historic District. DocumentsApplication FormBuilding Permit Application (Renovation/Addition/Demolition)HPARC BylawsResourcesCity of Lewes National Register Inventory 1977City of Lewes National Register Inventory 1992HPARC Regulations 197-59The following books are available as a resource at the Lewes Library and in the City's Planning Department.  A Field Guide to American Houses by Virginia Savage McAlesterRestoring your Historic House by Scott T. HansonArchitectural Survey of Historic District PropertiesFinal Architectural Survey reportFinal Architectural Surveys of individual properties The properties are listed alphabetically by street name. You can search the document using the magnifying glass symbol. The symbol is located to the right of "Find text or tools".Sanborn Maps189118971904191019221931State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) The State of Delaware has resources and information on Historic properties.  The State has a tax credit program to help homeowners rehabilitate their homes. Delaware Historic Preservation Tax Credit ProgramThe Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation The Federal Government has adopted rules and regulations to maintain historic buildings.  The Federal Government has tax incentives. Federal Historic Preservation Tax IncentivesMeetingsThe Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission meets on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 PM in the Bonnie Osler Meeting Room at 101 Adams Ave., unless otherwise noted.HPARC Submission Due DatesApplications are due ten (10) business days prior to the scheduled meeting date.Applications will not be accepted after 4:00 PM on the submission due date.  Any applications submitted after this deadline will be scheduled for the following meeting.Meeting DateSubmission Due DateMay 7, 2026April 23, 2026June 4, 2026May 21, 2026July 2, 2026June 18, 2026August 6, 2026July 23, 2026September 3, 2026August 20, 2026October 1, 2026September 17, 2026November 5, 2026October 22, 2026December 3, 2026November 19, 2026MembersMichael DiPaolo, Vice ChairpersonDeb Hansen, Secretary (HD)Debra Evalds, Planning Commission liaisonPete Sanger (HD)Michael LooneyMichael MinnemannTim Ritzert, Council Liaison, ex-officioEllen Lorraine McCabe, City Manager, staffJon Ward, Building Official, staffAlex Burns, Legal Counsel(HD) = Historic District Member ApplicationsPer §197-56 (C1) of the City's Municipal Code, the Historic Preservation Architectural Review Commission shall consist of seven voting members to be appointed by the Mayor of the City of Lewes, subject to confirmation by a majority of the elected members of the City Council. At least three members shall be residents in the Historic District, and at least six members shall be residents of the City of Lewes. Recognizing the benefits of having HPARC members with professional and/or academic backgrounds related to historic preservation, the seventh member may be an architect or other professional with related experience, who is not required to be a City of Lewes resident. Appointments shall be made with consideration of the diverse talents and communities represented in Lewes and should, to the maximum extent possible, include residents with the following expertise:At least one representative of the field of architecture and/or building design.At least one representative with knowledge and/or experience in historic preservation.At least one representative with knowledge and/or experience in building construction; andOne member of the Lewes Planning Commission.