MILFORD

The Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) & The Historic District

Milford has noteworthy buildings throughout the Borough, and is fortunate to have many residents who care deeply about maintaining the Borough’s historic character.

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The Borough Council has designated parts of the Borough as a Historic District, and created the Architectural Review Board to manage this District in accordance with federal and state guidelines for the preservation and restoration of historic buildings.

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The Historic District encompasses Broad Street and East and West Harford Streets, as well as portions of some side streets adjacent to them. A map on the Borough website details its exact boundaries.

All exterior changes to buildings and property in the Historic District including, but not limited to, signage, windows, doors, trim and siding, roofing, gutters, porches, stoops, shutters, fascias, fencing, landscape elements and paint (whether refreshing existing colors or changing colors) require a permit from the Architectural Review Board. The Borough office will assist you in this process.

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Occupancy & Zoning

Permits, Building Permits, Sewage Enforcement

The Zoning Officer, Building Inspector and Sewage Enforcement Officer have offices on the second floor of the Borough Office at 500 Broad Street.

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Occupancy permits are required for any transfer of property or change of occupancy, whether residential or commercial.

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Zoning permits are required before work starts on any exterior changes to residential or commercial property including, but not limited to, additions, porches, decks, sheds, gazebos, pools, driveways and carports as well as for any interior alterations that are structural.

Any new fencing requires a zoning permit.

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In the commercial district, zoning permits are required for new businesses, for any changes of use of existing buildings, and for any signage. (Signs in the Historic District also require separate approval by the Architectural Review Board.) Commercial changes of use require a certification from the Sewage Enforcement Officer.

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Before signing a lease to rent commercial space in the Borough, check first with the Borough office to make sure your intended use of the property is permitted by the zoning ordinances.

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All zoning, building and sewage applications are available from the Borough office and on the Borough website. If possible, submit all related applications at the same time. Again, the Borough office will assist you.

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The Zoning Officer is in the office on Monday, Wednesday & Friday.  Hours vary, call to schedule an appointment.  The Zoning Officer can be reached at 570-296-4255 or at judy@sfmconsultingllc.org.

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Building permits are required for any new structure over 200 square feet, for any new deck that is more than 30” above ground and for any structural changes to an existing building.

 The Building Inspector can be reached at 570-296-4255 or at smcglynn@sfmconsultingllc.org.

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The Sewage Enforcement Officer conducts all sewage inspections for both commercial and residential buildings. All new septic systems require permits; any changes in use for existing commercial septic systems require a re-use certification.

Contact the Sewage Enforcement Officer at 570-226-5810 for any questions about a new or existing septic system.

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Local Government

Milford’s local government consists of a seven-member Borough Council and a Mayor. Each council member is elected by the public to a four-year term. The Council proposes and votes on all local ordinances. It also appoints a Borough Treasurer and Solicitor, as well as members of Milford’s various commissions and boards.

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The Council meets on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m., and the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. All meetings are open to the public, except for executive sessions. Any changes to the Council’s meeting schedule are posted on milfordboro.org. Calendar page.

If you have business to bring before the Borough Council, contact the Borough office at 570-296-7140.

The Milford Planning Commission, appointed by the Borough Council, advises the Council on zoning issues such as subdivisions, lot combinations, variances, conditional use permits, and other zoning issues. Check the Borough website or call the Borough office for meeting time details.

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Other Borough organizations include the Zoning Hearing Board, the Milford Shade Tree Commission, and the Recreation Committee. Additional information for each of these organizations is available at milfordboro.org