Ask the Experts: Preservation and Conservation in Philadelphia

Join the Chestnut Hill Conservancy for Ask the Experts: Preservation and Conservation in Philadelphia – Understanding and Navigating Tools for Community Advocacy, a free virtual program designed to provide a clear, high-level overview of the legal and planning tools that shape zoning, historic preservation, and environmental conservation in Philadelphia.

This session will be led by David Gest, Esq., Executive Director of the Chestnut Hill Conservancy, with presentations from Kim Chantry, Historic Preservation Planner Supervisor at the Philadelphia Historical Commission, and Meg Cavanagh, Environmental Planner at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission. The program will conclude with a moderated Q&A led by Jean McCoubrey, AIA, architect and Conservancy board member. This informational program is intended for a broad audience and applies citywide, with a contextual focus on Northwest Philadelphia, reflecting the Conservancy’s mission areas within the lower Wissahickon watershed.

Ask the Experts is the Conservancy’s free public education series offering expert guidance on topics related to historic buildings, landscapes, and community stewardship. The program is presented in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association.

Program overview:

Part One – Overview of Land Use Regulation Tools
Presented by David Gest, Esq., Executive Director, Chestnut Hill Conservancy

This segment will introduce the primary laws and regulatory frameworks that govern land use in Philadelphia, including zoning, remapping, overlays, text amendments, Civic Design Review, and preservation-related regulations at the local, state, and federal levels. The presentation will also address preservation and conservation easements and outline tools for researching applicable regulations using publicly available resources.

Part Two – Historic Preservation Planning
Presented by Kim Chantry, Historic Preservation Planner Supervisor, Philadelphia Historical Commission

This portion will explain how historic preservation planning functions in Philadelphia, including how designation affects properties, how the public can participate in the process, and the distinction between National Register and Philadelphia Register listings. Archaeology and related preservation considerations will also be addressed.

Part Three – Environmental Conservation and Planning
Presented by Meg Cavanagh, Environmental Planner, Philadelphia City Planning Commission

This segment will focus on how the Zoning Code and the City’s Comprehensive Plan address environmental conservation, including protections related to watershed issues, steep slopes, floodplains, heritage trees, and stormwater management. It will also cover the role of city agencies in implementing these regulations.

Part Four – Research Tools Walkthrough
Presented by David Gest, Esq.

This segment will include a practical demonstration of key public-facing research tools, including Atlas and the Philadelphia Historical Commission map, highlighting how residents can better understand the regulations affecting specific properties.

Q&A Session
Moderated by Jean McCoubrey, AIA, architect, and Conservancy board member.

For advanced questions or registration inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact the Conservancy’s Director of Programs and Communications, Chrissy Clawson, at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.

About the speakers:

For all questions, contact Chrissy Clawson, Director of Programs and Communications, at Chrissy@CHConservancy.Org.

Ask the Experts is the Chestnut Hill Conservancy’s free public education series offering practical, expert-led guidance on preservation, conservation, and stewardship topics relevant to historic homes, landscapes, and communities.

This program is made possible through the generous support of the Conservancy’s Lead Sponsor,  Chubb, as well as  General Sponsors, Event Sponsors, and members, and is offered in collaboration with the Chestnut Hill Community Association. The 2026 Ask the Experts Event Sponsor is Ace Hardware Home Services.