Historic Preservation Commission

The Delaware City Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with protection of historic resources in Delaware City and in particular the over 250 structures in the the Delaware City Historic District. It advises Mayor & Council on Historic District matters, educates the public on preservation issues, provides technical assistance to historic property owners, and regulates new construction and significant improvements to structures in the District, Chapter 49 in the City Code.

Delaware City is a Certified Local Government (CLG), which is a status granted by the National Park Service and the State Historic Preservation Office giving Delaware City the authority to nominate properties to the National Register of Historic Places and which recognizes Delaware City’s historic preservation program.

The HPC consists of seven members appointed by Mayor & Council for a three-year term. Unless otherwise posted, the Commission meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 P.M. in the surfboard room at the Delaware City Community Center, 250 Fifth Street..  Agendas and Minutes

Property owners seeking HPC review of plans to build or renovate structures in the Historic District must submit a completed application form and supporting material meeting the Review Requirements to Town Hall at least five days prior to the next Commission meeting.

The Historic Preservation Commission has developed two publications to guide preservation and development in the Historic District. One is Design Guidelines for Clinton Street and the other is the Field Guide to Delaware City Architecture. A Homeowners Guide is in preparation. In addition, a number of preservation resource books and pamphlets are available at Town Hall and the Delaware City Library.

Outside the city limits, but of historical significance, is the community facility at Dragon Run Park owned by the Delaware City Park District. The building is the former Delaware City School 118C, one of several schools for African-Americans built in Delaware in the early 1920’s with the support of P.S. DuPont.

Historic Commission Letters of Appropriateness | Delaware City, DE

Board Members

Name Title
Gerri Wood Member
Rebecca Keifer Member
Karen Lyons Member
Mary Bricker-Jenkins Member
Lynn Dilliplane Chair
Roberta DeLeo Member
Robert McPherson Member