Delaware County Planning can perform various assessments to better plan for current and future public transit ridership throughout the County.
In order to fully evaluate and plan for improved public transit service, analysis is needed to understand existing conditions, how transit services are being used, and determining where the future demand within a given service area or along a service route may be. This analysis can include inventorying transit-supportive infrastructure to interpreting travel patterns for passengers utilizing a particular service.
Questions about Transit Service Assessments? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Conduct a Transit Needs Assessment
Transit Needs Assessments consist of inventorying transit infrastructure from bus stops to fixed rail facilities. Needs Assessments will evaluate current levels of transit service, identify existing and missing passenger amenities, evaluate parking demand, and make recommendations addressing these findings to better serve the transit demand at a particular stop(s).
Conduct a Travel Survey
A travel survey is an inexpensive tool which helps inform planners on how passengers are utilizing the transit system and generally what their travel patterns and behavior are. Surveys are essential for better understanding individual travel behavior that current ridership information cannot interpret. Surveys are best utilized on a per station basis for light and regional rail service and best utilized along an entire bus route for obtaining information on a particular bus service. The surveys aim to collect demographic information and to determine where a person is travelling to and for what purpose. Additionally for light and regional rail services, a drivershed analysis can be conducted to determine geographically from where most of the passengers who utilize and park at a particular station may be originating.
DVRPC and the Planning Department completed a study to enhance pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the Morton regional rail station with recommendations for improvements and funding.
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, with assistance from the Planning Department, completed the report Safe Routes to Transit (SRTT): Morton SEPTA Regional Rail Station in 2021. This study was undertaken to develop planning-level designs for improving and expanding walking and bicycling routes to the Morton train station. The design recommendations will be used to support applications for various funding sources. The SRTT program was created to provide technical assistance to municipalities and counties that want to improve pedestrian or bicycle access to rail stations, with an emphasis on implementation. The efforts of this project are intended to culminate in a safer Morton station area. Better facilities that improve safe access to rail stations via walking and bicycling can be relatively easy to implement, promote sustainability and healthy lifestyles, and increase transit ridership without the need to increase parking spaces.
Read the report here.
View the Planning Department’s story map here.
Questions about the Morton Safe Routes to Transit study? Would like to explore how the Planning Department could assist your municipality to improve access to a station? Contact the Planning Department, at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Planning can help municipalities develop master plans to better plan for transit-oriented development around transit stations.
Transit Master Plans establish short and long term strategies that aim to guide and strengthen development around public transit facilities, whether those facilities are bus, fixed rail, or a transit center. These plans will provide a strategic vision for a given station area by addressing its current transit service and anticipating its future transit needs.
Questions about Transit Master Plans? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Develop a Transit Master Plan
Best suited for fixed rail facilities and transit centers, Transit Master Plans would build upon Transit Needs Assessments and further investigate elements necessary for successful transit-oriented development (TOD). Transit Master Plans will:
examine current land use and zoning regulations;
identify parcels with redevelopment potential;
address deficiencies in bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular station access;
identify parking capacity issues (if applicable); and
recommend enhanced service levels (if applicable).
These factors, in addition to the Transit Needs Assessment, would establish a future vision with implementable short and long-term projects that aim to better integrate transit facilities into their surrounding neighborhoods, enhance customer experiences for captive and future passengers, improve current transit service levels, and help spur economic development.
Funding Assistance
Regional and state funding sources may be available to support your request for developing a Transit Master Plan. For currently available funding assistance programs, see the Funding page.
Delaware County Planning provides technical assistance regarding floodplains and local compliance with regulatory floodplain requirements.
Flooding is an issue that affects all of Delaware County’s municipalities. Planning Department staff often act as a conduit for State and Federal regulatory directives by assisting in dispensing information and/or coordinating meetings. Staff regularly receive inquiries to view the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) floodplain maps. These maps can be viewed at the DCPD office, but are also available through FEMA’s Map Service Center. FEMA’s online mapping tool allows a user to access FEMA floodplain maps by entering the street address for the desired location.
FLOOD RESILIENCY WORKSHOP
The Delaware County Planning Department conducted a Flood Resiliency Workshop on August 21, 2018, featuring guest speakers from the Delaware County Conservation District, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Presentation materials and handouts can be found here.
Questions about Floodplain Management? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
Delaware County Planning can provide information and technical support to municipalities for compliance with stormwater regulations.
Managing stormwater and protecting water quality in our streams is of critical importance to Delaware County and its residents. The Planning Department works with municipalities to help them implement state and federal programs aimed at mitigating stormwater and pollutant impacts on water quality.
Act 167 Stormwater Planning
Countywide Act 167 Plan Currently Underway
Delaware County is coordinating with its 49 municipalities as well as with key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive, countywide stormwater management program that is consistent with the provisions of Act 167. This will include an updated model stormwater management ordinance that addresses stormwater issues in critical areas in each of the County’s watersheds.
Phase 1 of the Countywide Act 167 Plan outlines the scope of study and is available here.
Pennsylvania Act 167 requires counties to prepare and adopt stormwater management plans for each of its watersheds. Act 167 stormwater plans provide uniform technical standards and criteria for the management of stormwater runoff from new land development and redevelopment sites throughout a watershed. These plans are prepared in consultation with municipalities located in the watershed, working through a Watershed Plan Advisory Committee (WPAC) comprised of local officials and other interested parties.
Act 167 plans examine existing and potential storm runoff and associated stream flow in a watershed. The plan’s analysis results in development of standards and criteria for the control and management of stormwater that must be implemented as part of new development and redevelopment. The final product of the Act 167 watershed planning process is a comprehensive watershed plan and model stormwater ordinance developed for the unique physical conditions of that specific watershed. Municipalities are required to implement the Act 167 plan through adoption of the model ordinance.
Ordinances from plans developed in 2005 or later can also be used to satisfy NPDES II/MS4 Program requirements. The Crum Creek model ordinance is the most recent, and it has been adapted for use by most municipalities in the County. Many Darby and Cobbs Creek municipalities continue to use the Darby-Cobbs ordinance as it still complies with the MS4 requirement. Planning Department staff are available to answer questions or advise municipalities on Act 167 plans and use of the Crum Creek model ordinance.
Act 167 prepared for Delaware County communities:
Ridley Creek (1988) - Volumes I, and II
Chester Creek (2002) - Volume I - Volume II
Darby-Cobbs Creek (2005) - Volumes I and II
Crum Creek (2011) - Volumes I and II - Volume III
Brandywine Creek (2013) - Chester County-wide Plan
Delaware River, Naamans, Marcus Hook, & Stoney Creek (2014) - The Delaware River Watershed Conservation Plan
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES II)/MS4 Program
The Clean Water Act of 1972 has greatly improved the quality of the nation’s waterways. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program originally regulated point discharges such as those from sewage treatment plants and factories. Phase II of the program expands the regulation to address nonpoint source pollution resulting from stormwater.
The NPDES Phase II Program requires all owners of municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s) to obtain an NPDES permit. Every municipality in Delaware County is an MS4 and is required to have a permit, which is issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The permit requires implementation of programs to address the following six Minimum Control Measures:
- Public Education and Outreach
- Public Involvement and Participation
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination
- Construction Site Stormwater Runoff Control
- Post Construction Stormwater Management in New Development and Redevelopment
- Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping for Municipal Operations and Maintenance
A recent change in the DEP permit requires municipalities to prepare pollutant reduction plans (PRPs) for each of its impaired streams.
The County can assist municipalities in meeting some permit requirements through multi-municipal coordination efforts and technical support for stormwater management ordinance adoption and implementation.
The Coastal Zone Task Force is a group focused on revitalization efforts and supported by the Delaware County Planning Department.
The Delaware County Coastal Zone Task Force (CZTF), formed in 1995, is a group of representatives from various branches of Delaware County government, Coastal Zone municipalities, business, industrial, environmental, transportation, and citizen bodies. Task Force members include, but are not limited to, municipal officials; environmental organizations; businesses; and County and regional organizations such as the Delaware County Conservation District, the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, and the Delaware County Transportation Management Association. The group meets quarterly each year to guide Delaware riverfront redevelopment activities, collaborate on projects, and share important information pertaining to the coastal zone. The CZTF aims to promote the redevelopment of the waterfront with a regional perspective by fostering cooperation and coordination among coastal zone communities. This initiative has been designed to help communities make the best use of this limited waterfront and plan for the coastal zone’s future land use.
Meetings are held quarterly, and attendance is open to the public. Should you be interested in participating, kindly refer to the event calendar to confirm the next scheduled meeting.
Questions about the Coastal Zone Task Force? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
THE COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
The National Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP) is an important federal-state partnership aimed at safeguarding and promoting the responsible development of our coastal communities and resources. This program is designed to balance the sometimes competing needs of coastal resource use, economic development, and conservation. Common eligible projects include research, acquisition and easements, design, construction, and education.
The Coastal Zone Management Program tackles a range of important issues. These include preparing for and adapting to climate change and its impacts, ensuring that energy facilities are constructed in ways that protect our national interests in energy production and coastal resources, and minimizing conflicts with other coastal uses. One of the key goals of the program is to provide public access to coastal areas. This involves creating new access opportunities and enhancing existing sites, as well as providing public education and outreach to ensure that people know where and how they can access the coast. Another important aspect of the program is habitat protection. This is achieved through land-use planning, habitat restoration, and state and local permitting programs that regulate development impacts to coastal habitats. Finally, the program also aims to address nonpoint source pollution, which is the biggest threat to our coastal water quality today. This type of pollution can come from runoff from streets or lawns, and addressing it is critical to ensuring the health of our coastal ecosystems.
The coastal zone along the Delaware River Estuary extends inland to 660 feet in urbanized areas, to 3.5 miles in rural areas, and includes floodplains of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers and their tributaries to the upper limit of tidal influence, and tidal and freshwater wetlands. The Coastal Zone Boundary, also called the 306 Boundary, is the main management area. The Coastal Nonpoint Program Boundary, also called the 6217 Boundary, is a larger watershed-based boundary for nonpoint source management activities and planning grants.
View Delaware County’s Coastal Zone Web map to see if your project site is part of the Delaware River Estuary: Delaware County Coastal Zone Web Map.
For additional grant information or to view previously awarded projects, please visit: DEP Coastal Zone Grants (pa.gov).
Delaware County Planning can help you understand how to make your historic building more energy efficient and sustainable while retaining its historic character.
“The greenest building is the one that already exists.” Historic preservation is inherently sustainable and the reuse, adaptation, and upgrading of existing buildings is the most sustainable combination of reducing our carbon footprint. The following resources can help guide projects in historic buildings.
Questions about Sustainability or Historic Preservation? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or planning_department@co.delaware.pa.us.
MAINTAINING YOUR HISTORIC HOME A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR HOMEOWNERS
This guide functions as an instruction manual for the maintenance, repair and preservation of historic homes, and is targeted toward homeowners. The information within is applicable to all historic residential structures, not only those located in Delaware County. The guide is divided into six sections, each of which tackles specific aspects of historic home maintenance. They are: Roofs, Chimneys, and Gutter Systems; Walls and Foundations; Windows and Doors; Porches and Awnings; Landscapes; and Sustainability and Energy Efficiency. The document also outlines the material and structural differences between historic houses and modern houses, and the particular issues that are common to older homes.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
In recognition of the role the built environment plays in energy use, Technical Preservation Services develops guidance and technical information about how historic properties can incorporate sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption, while maintaining those characteristics that make historic properties significant.
NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION - PRESERVATION LEADERSHIP FORUM
The ‘greenest building’ argument has dominated conversations around sustainability and historic preservation for decades, recognizing that existing buildings are inherently ‘greener’ when compared to demolition and new construction. But in recent years, sustainability has come to mean more than simply being environmentally responsible. Older buildings and blocks are a key component to creating successful cities and neighborhoods – historic fabric creates economically vital, socially equitable, and strong, resilient neighborhoods.
PRESERVATION PRIORITIES TASK FORCE
A partnership of the National Preservation Partners Network and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Formed in 2020, this two-year project brings together advocates from across the country to help statewide and local organizations address four significant, interrelated issues facing the preservation movement including Sustainability and Climate Action.
PLANPHILLY
A newsletter by WHYY that focuses on planning issues in the Philadelphia region, with articles on Preservation, Sustainability and others.
BUILDING SCIENCE CORPORATION
A building science consulting firm with a wide variety of articles, case studies, guides, training, webinars, etc. on its website. Search all documents for ‘historic’ to find information specific to historic buildings.
GREEN BUILDING ADVISOR
Building Science articles, books, blogs, and Q&A. Primarily about general sustainability and Green rating, but search for ‘historic’ for a list regarding historic buildings.
CARBON AVOIDED RETROFIT ESTIMATOR (CARE)
A tool for calculating and comparing the embodied, operating and avoided carbon impacts and benefits of reusing, upgrading existing buildings vs building new buildings.
SUSTAINABLE TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS ALLIANCE
An alliance of the UK’s leading organizations associated with the conservation and improvement of traditional buildings.
Many external sites have digital copies of maps available for personal use. These are not Delaware County websites, but are provided for information purposes. Please note that municipal boundaries have changed over time. Refer to the municipal genealogy chart for clarification on division dates.
The Delaware County Planning Department has an historic atlas collection available for public viewing at the County Archives and Records Center.
Digital Map Collections
| Collection | Description |
|---|---|
| Delaware County History | This website has a lot of information specific to Delaware County, including maps, tax records, census records, newspaper articles and photos split into municipalities. There are also topic-specific pages such as mills, transportation, covered bridges, WPA and more. |
| Free Library of Philadelphia | While primarily for Philadelphia, the Free Library has many maps that also cover Delaware County. Use the Search tool to find Delaware County. Includes 1809 Hills Map, 1946 maps and directories, Hexamer surveys of industries (mills/factories), Sanborn Fire Insurance Company maps and other maps. |
| Greater Philadelphia GeoHistory Network | Run by the Athenaeum of Philadelphia, it has a large number of maps in the Philadelphia area, including an interactive maps viewer of some maps geo-located to the current street grid. Use the Resource Browser to search by county or keyword. Some local historical societies have their collections on this website. |
| Historic Map Works | A historic digital map database of North America and the world. Includes a lot of special maps like birdseye views, nautical charts and antiquarian maps. Some maps are name-searchable, which is useful for genealogy purposes, but nothing in Delaware County yet. Some maps are available for purchase. |
| Library of Congress | The Digital Collections of the Library of Congress includes HABS/HAER Surveys, City/Town maps (look for PA- Philadelphia Region for Delaware County maps), and many other collections. |
| Lower Merion Historical Society | Primarily for Montgomery County, it also includes antique maps that include Delaware County, and Main Line Atlases, which include Haverford and Radnor Townships in Delaware County through 1961. Use the ‘select page’ at the top of the page to choose. |
| Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) | The State Archives has an extensive collection of materials, including maps. The collection includes the 1816 Melish County map, 1850s-1870s County maps, copied Penn grant surveys, transportation maps, and more! Some information for Delaware County may be included in Chester County (pre 1789) so check both. The site also includes other map sites. |
| Penn State Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps | Sanborn Fire Insurance Company did detailed surveys of some areas 1884-1930, particularly the heavily populated areas in the south and east of the county. The list is organized by town (sometimes municipality) but also there is a Delaware County list and an interactive Delaware County Index map. |
Aerial Maps
Delaware County Aerial Imagery Viewer- Available 2000-2025.
Historic Aerials- Available 1950s-2020, you can overlay a current street map and see changes over time.
PASDA - Available 1937-2023. Use the Tile Index to select the dates you want. Images need to be downloaded.
Local Map and Atlas Collections
Several local historical societies have maps and atlases in their collections but are not available online. Check with your local historical society to make an appointment.
Delaware County Historical Society
Delaware County Archives and Records Center (DCPD Collection)
| Maps |
|---|
| 1882 Early Land Grants and Patents (by municipality, showing ownership 1682-1720) by Smith |
| 1862 Map of the Early Settlements (county-wide) by Smith |
| 1683 Delaware County Map by Ashcom |
| 1687 A Mapp of the Improved Part of Pensilvania in America, Divided into Countyes, Townships and Lotts by Holme |
| Early Roads and Trails (drawn in 1990s) |
| 1752 Early map of Springfield by John Morton |
| 1798 Middletown Township (redrawn in 1980s) |
| 1826 Mill Sites of Delaware County (drawn in 1994) |
| 1828 Thomas Leiper’s Railway, 1808-1828 |
| 1848 Map of Delaware County by Ash |
| 1870 Atlas of Delaware County by Hopkins |
| 1875 Map of Delaware County by Lee |
| 1882 Atlas of the Properties along the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad |
| 1902 Baist's Atlas of properties in Southwest Suburbs of Philadelphia |
| 1909 Atlas of Delaware County: East of Ridley Creek by A .H. Mueller |
| 1913 Atlas of Delaware County: West of Ridley Creek by A .H. Mueller |
| 1920s with later additions Sanborn Maps of Delaware County |
| 1934 Map of Delaware County West of Crum Creek by Franklin Survey Map Co. |
| 1942 Map of Upper Darby & Vicinity by Franklin Survey Map Co. |
| 1947 Property Atlas of the Main Line, Penna. by Franklin Survey Map Co. |
| 1961 Atlas of the Main Line by Franklin Survey Map Co. |
| 1965-1985 Chester Volume 1 and Chester Volume 2, Sanborn Fire Insurance Company |
Find out about other historical records on our Historic Research Page.
Questions about Historic Maps? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
To make an appointment to view the historic atlas collection, contact the Archives and Records Center at 610-891-5620 or archives@co.delaware.pa.us.
The Planning Department provides preservation planning services to maintain the historic integrity of Delaware County communities.
Delaware County’s Historic Preservation Planners use strategic planning tools to protect the County’s historic, cultural, and archaeological resources. These efforts help enhance the character of our communities and generate economic vitality. The Planning Department also provides a wealth of files, survey information, and historical atlases to other agencies and the public at large.
The Planning Department encourages the use of best practice when undertaking work to historic buildings.
The National Park Service has issued a series of Preservation Briefs which provide guidance on preserving, rehabilitating and restoring historic buildings. They help historic building owners recognize and resolve common problems prior to work. The briefs are especially useful to Historic Preservation Tax Incentives Program applicants because they recommend methods and approaches for rehabilitating historic buildings that are consistent with their historic character.
Questions about Preservation Briefs? Contact the Planning Department at 610-891-5200 or Planning_Department@co.delaware.pa.us.
WHAT WE DO
The Delaware County Heritage Commission is made up of 11 residents who are appointed by Delaware County Council to promote the cultural heritage of the county and make recommendations to Council on preservation issues in the County. The Commission fulfills this charge through the following undertakings:
- Hosting Educational Seminars
- Making recommendations on annual Community Development Block Grant funding
- Sponsoring Annual Preservation Awards
- Advising Council on county owned historic resources
- Acting as liaison between County Council and historic organizations in the County
SEMINARS
The Commission seeks to raise heritage awareness and provide education on preservation for citizens of Delaware County by hosting periodic seminars and workshops. Past subjects include restoring and maintaining historic homes, historic landscaping, interpreting and funding historic sites, and preservation strategies. A list of previous seminars can be found here.
Delco Volunteers 250 Workshop
The Workshop was on Wednesday, October 29, 7-9 pm on Zoom
Do you have volunteer opportunities with your group or site?
Do you want to know how to get more involved with your local community for 2026 and beyond?
This interactive workshop showed organizations how to post their opportunities and showed individuals and groups how to search for opportunities.
Hosted by America250PADelco Director Andrea Silva.
Delco Volunteers is a strategic investment to build community and American pride through volunteer service. A250PADelco will launch an interactive web platform and marketing campaign to promote ‘American Generosity and Service’. Community Program Partners will be invited to post 250th volunteer opportunities at their historic and civic sites, commemorative events, and public history projects. A250PADelco will connect with the public, schools, companies, faith centers, and civic groups to mobilize and join the celebration! This project is made possible through a very generous grant from the Philadelphia Funder Collaborative for the Semiquincentennial.
America250PADelco website with more information
ANNUAL PRESERVATION AWARDS
The Heritage Commission traditionally sponsors the Annual Preservation Awards each May during National Preservation Month. Awards are bestowed to those who have contributed to retaining and maintaining our County’s heritage through a construction project, special program or project, planning effort, or publication. Additional awards are granted to an individual, group, or young person who has contributed significantly to our heritage. The Leedom B. Morrison Award recognizes a construction or special project in Chester City. The Legacy Award recognizes a long-term business in a historic resource. A new Semiquincentennial Award honors projects related to America250 that occurs in 2025-2027.
The 2026 Call for Nominations is now closed. Thank you to all who submitted nominations. Winners will be notified in April.
The Awards ceremony will be on Saturday, May 2 at the Redwood Center in Upland Park. Email DelawareCountyHeritage@co.delaware.pa.us if you are a member of the public that would like to attend the ceremony. Winners and their guests will be sent invitations.
All past award recipients are available in PDF form.