Window installation in Bethlehem, PA
Bethlehem has deep Moravian roots and a steel history, and its older neighborhoods reflect both in their buildings.
The city
Bethlehem was founded by Moravian settlers in 1741 and later grew around Bethlehem Steel. The city lies partly in Lehigh County and partly in Northampton County. North of the Lehigh River, the historic area along Main Street has old stone and brick buildings, while South Bethlehem across the river has rowhouses and houses built for steel and university workers, with Lehigh University on the hill above.
Installation points
- Historic review
- Bethlehem has historic districts where exterior changes need a certificate of appropriateness from its Historical and Architectural Review Board. Check your address first.
- Two counties
- Parts of the city are in Lehigh County and parts in Northampton County, so make sure any county-level questions go to the right one.
- Steep streets
- South Bethlehem is hilly, which can make deliveries and parking harder.
Plan ahead
- Confirm whether your property is in a historic district.
- Ask for lead-safe practices in houses built before 1978.
- Ask the city about permits for the scope of work.
- Plan access for hilly, narrow streets.
Rentals and students
Bethlehem has a large rental market near its universities. If you rent out a property, check the city's rental requirements and make sure window egress and safety glass are part of the plan.
Official local sources
These outside pages are worth a look before you hire anyone for work in Bethlehem.
Nearby areas
Guides that go with this page
Questions people ask
Do all Bethlehem blocks need approval?
No, only those in designated historic districts. Check with the city.
Which county do I contact?
It depends on where the property sits. The city can tell you.
Can installers handle hills?
Yes, but ask how they will deliver windows.