The Historic Preservation Commission was formed in 1989 for the purpose of recognizing and preserving historic resources in the Borough as an essential element of municipal character and identity which contributes to the reputation of Chatham Borough as a place of beauty and architectural value.

While the Commission has identified various structures and districts in the Town's Master Plan, the Main Street Historic District is officially designated. This gives the Commission the responsibility to review and make recommendations to the Planning Board on applications for permits that affect the exterior appearance of any property in the District. The Planning Board will deny issuance of the permit or include the conditions in the permit, as the case may be.

Applications before either the Borough Planning Board or the Board of Adjustment are also submitted to the Commission for a Review Report when exterior appearance is affected.

Additionally, any applicant for a demolition permit must include detailed architectural plans with the application. Commission approval must be received for the proposed replacement structure.

Reaching from near Chatham's eastern boundary to just short of Lafayette Avenue, the Main Street Historic District represents most aspects of Chatham's history, which began in the early 18th century. The eastern portion of the District is listed on the New Jersey Register of Historic Places.

Property owners, retailers and developers will find the Commission's "Design Guidelines" booklet helpful in planning projects. The booklet is available in the Construction Office. Applicants are encouraged to meet with the Commission during the planning stage.

The Guidelines booklet is also intended to help in projects of a seemingly minor nature, such as repointing masonry, designing a sign or choosing a new screen door. Emphasis on details is never more important than in small towns such as Chatham, where impressions are necessarily made quickly and where a few "mistakes" can tilt an overall image from good to bad.

Answers to questions regarding the history or architecture of a number of Chatham's buildings and streets may be found in the Historic Preservation Manual, available to the public at the reference desk of the Library of the Chathams.

The Commission schedules its meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Middle-Level Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 54 Fairmount Avenue. It is advisable to check with the Administration Office before attending as meetings are sometimes cancelled.