What the Historical Commission reviews
The City says properties on the register need a project review for “masonry cleaning, painting, pointing, repair, replacement, alteration, or removal,” and for “painting, coating, staining, or sealing surfaces except wood and metal trim.” Star bolts are on the list too. There is no charge for the review, and the City says staff often approve applications without referring them to the full Commission. You can contact staff early at preservation@phila.gov.
The Commission’s Rules & Regulations allow staff to approve standard maintenance work, including pointing, when it meets the Commission’s standards.
Pointing and cut-out samples
Approvals for pointing often come with conditions. The Commission’s approval documentation form includes standard conditions such as “Masonry pointing sample required in the field” and “Masonry cut-out sample required in the field.” Its October 2024 permit log shows those conditions on real Philadelphia repointing permits. In practice, the contractor cuts out a small area, points a sample, and staff inspect it before the rest of the wall is done.
Getting the mortar right
- Softer than the brick. NPS Preservation Brief 2 says new mortar must have greater vapor permeability and be softer than the masonry units, so the mortar, not the brick, absorbs movement.
- Matching appearance. The brief calls for matching the historic mortar’s color, texture and tooling. A mortar analysis can help: HomeGuide lists $300–$500 for a mortar analysis and $150–$325 for a color analysis.
- Joint profile. The new joints should match the original width and profile. Widening joints with a grinder changes the look of the wall and can damage the brick edges.
- No masonry cement. The brief says masonry cement is not recommended for repointing historic buildings.
Is my house on the register?
The Commission publishes inventories of its historic districts, including Society Hill, Spring Garden, Old City and Rittenhouse–Fitler. Individual buildings can also be designated. Ask Commission staff, or check before you sign a contract, because it changes what your contractor must submit. More on historic review.