Areas · Merion Station
Replacing a Roof on a Prewar Merion Station House?
More than half of Merion Station's homes were built before 1940, the second-highest share in our area.
- Zip 19066
- Lower Merion Township rules
- Free inspection
Does Lower Merion require approval to replace a roof in Merion Station?
It does inside a township historic district. Lower Merion's Chapter 88 says no building permit is issued there until a Certificate of Appropriateness is granted, and it names roof replacement as an alteration. Outside a district, the ordinary building permit applies. Ask the township whether your address is inside one.
Housing age in this area
- 52.8%of homes in 19066 built 1939 or earlier (±4.3 pts)
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020–2024 5-year, table B25034. Full table: pre-1940 homes by zip.
How long does a Lower Merion historic certificate take?
The township's board reviews an application within 30 days, and if the township does not act within 90 days the application is deemed approved. An unused certificate lapses after six months. The board favors matching material, texture and color but is directed to be sensitive to the increased cost.
Lower Merion's fee schedule prices a reroofing permit in a historic district at $100 for work up to $5,000, $120 up to $10,000, then $120 plus $15 per $1,000 up to $50,000, plus the $4.50 state fee; the signed contract goes with the application. It also lists a $75 Certificate of Appropriateness application fee for new construction, additions and façade alterations disturbing more than 25% of the exterior. Permit fees are the municipalities' published figures. They are not a quote for roof work; your price comes after a free inspection.
Sources and checked date
- Lower Merion Township Code, Chapter 88 §§88-6, 88-8, 88-9, 88-12
- Lower Merion Township Code, Chapter A167, Fees
- U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2020–2024, B25034
Last checked 2026-10-29.
Rules change. Confirm with the city, township or borough permit office before you rely on any permit or historic-district detail here.
Roof trouble in Merion Station?
Tell us where the house is, how old the roof is and what it is doing. If you have photos, say so and we will ask for them by email. Outside our core area? Send the form and ask.
We answer form requests Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. There is no phone line, so the whole conversation stays in writing.