In 1961 The Historic District Act authorized the establishment of local Historic Districts and Historic Architectural Review Boards. The Historic District within the Town and the Town Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) were established in 1980 reflecting the commitment of the citizens of the Town of Bloomsburg to preserving and protecting the cultural heritage of the community.

The Town of Bloomsburg Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) consists of seven (7) members appointed by Town Council to serve four-year overlapping terms. HARB provides counsel and recommendations to property owners and business owners seeking Certificates of Appropriateness, as well as making recommendations to the Town Council on the advisability of issuing Certificates of Appropriateness, for all exterior building changes, additions, new construction, demolition, and signs, within the designated Historic District.

In considering whether or not to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness, HARB, and Council consider the general design, arrangement, texture, material, and color of the building or structures and the relation of such factors to similar features of buildings and structures in the Historic District. The issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness demonstrates that the property owner, HARB and Council have agreed that a proposed change to the exterior of a building will be consistent with, and preserve the general historic and architectural features of the Historic District.

The jurisdiction of HARB and Council is limited to exterior architectural features of buildings and structures (including fences, signs, retaining walls, etc.). Modifications to the interior of a structure are exempt from HARB requirements, although construction permits may be required before such work can proceed. HARB does not regulate painting.