There are several classifications for historic properties in Baltimore County. Structures are either individually listed on the Baltimore County Landmarks List or the National Register of Historic Places, or they are contributing structures in a County Historic District or a National Register District. They also may be listed on the County Inventory and may have a MIHP (Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties) number. Designated historic properties, that is properties listed on the Final Landmarks List, the National Register of Historic Places, or which contribute to a County or National Register District may be eligible for a County tax credit.
The Landmarks List was created to preserve structures that have historical, architectural, archeological or cultural merit deemed significant to Baltimore County’s heritage.
The Baltimore County’s historic preservation law states the five basic purposes are:
- To safeguard the heritage of the County as embodied and reflected in the structures and districts that have historical, architectural, archeological or cultural merit; and
- To stabilize and improve property values in the districts and in the County generally; and
- To foster civic pride in the beauty and noble accomplishments of the past; and
- To strengthen the economy of the County; and
- To promote the use of historic districts and landmarks for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the residents of the County.
As of Bill 93-05, Landmark Structures also include a Historic Environmental Setting (HES). "Historic Environmental Setting" means the property or lot or portion thereof, as delineated by the Commission, which is historically, architecturally, archeologically, or culturally connected to the historic significance of a landmark structure.
Any exterior modification or addition, as well as any excavation, building, or demolition permit, is subject to approval by the Landmarks Preservation Commission for structures on the Preliminary or Final Landmarks List. Details about the process for nominating a structure, and other information about the Landmarks List are provided in the Landmarks List FAQ.
Landmark Nomination Form and Instructions are available, if you are interested in nominating a property to the Baltimore County Landmarks List.
There are presently nine Baltimore County Historic Districts. Under County law, the agreement by the owners of 75 percent of the property within a proposed district’s boundary is required to form a local historic district. Details about the process for enacting a district are provided in the Historic District FAQ.
As with Landmarks List structures, any exterior modification or addition to a structure in a district, or any excavation, building, or demolition permit, is subject to approval by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Significantly, the Commission’s authority within a County historic district includes the site surrounding and adjoining the individual structures, which may be important in maintaining the sense of historic character.
Through the 1966 Historic Preservation Act, the United States Congress created the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This was in response to a boom in urban renewal and highway construction that had resulted in the demolition of thousands of older buildings without any consideration of their value to the culture and heritage of the nation. The NRHP is a list of districts and individual properties with national historic significance protected through stringent reviews in the planning phases of federally funded projects. The listing also confers eligibility for federal tax incentives. Federal limitations do not apply to developers who do not use federal funds or incentives, or need federal permits.
There are numerous National Historic Properties and 20 National Register Districts in Baltimore County. National Register designation is received through the National Park Service.
The Maryland Historical Trust is a state agency that inventories potentially historic properties for every county in the state of Maryland. Many of the listed historic properties and districts in Baltimore County have a Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP) number. Over the next three years, having a MIHP number offers properties some level of protection. Any property with a MIHP number cannot be demolished without a public hearing before the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). The LPC will determine whether to approve the demolition request or whether the structure warrants Preliminary Landmarks Listing. This provision on structures with MIHP numbers will remain in effect until April 29, 2010.
Revised May 14, 2007
Courthouse 