Properties listed on the Preliminary or Final Landmarks list or properties located within a Baltimore County Historic District (BCHD) are subject to Article 32 Title 7 of the Baltimore County Code, which requires a Historic Review by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), for certain exterior alterations or site modifications. Historic Reviews by the LPC are essentially a design review to ensure that work is appropriate and compatible to the historic building/district. In addition to a historic review by the LPC, all exterior alterations also require a Baltimore County building permit, regardless if the type of work needs a permit (e.g. for windows or siding). The LPC reviews proposals and votes on whether or not to issue a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA), because they determined that the work is either consistent or not consistent with the County’s Historic Preservation Design Guidelines.
Determine if Your Property Requires a Historic Review
To find out if your property is subject to Article 32 Title 7, of the Baltimore County Code, contact Historic Preservation Staff, or search the My Neighborhood map. Make sure to select “Baltimore County Historic District” and “Landmarks List” layers to view designated properties (located in the upper right corner).
All properties within the boundaries of BCHDs are subject to a historic review. This includes development on vacant lots and exterior and site alterations to:
- Contributing resources—Those that were constructed during the district’s period of significance, and contribute to the character, history and significance of the district.
- Noncontributing resources—Those that were built outside the period of significance and don’t generally contribute to the history or significance of the district. Typically, noncontributing structures are those built more recently.
Exterior alterations that require review include, but are not limited to, the following:
- ADA ramps
- Additions and new construction
- Accessory structures of any size (sheds, tree houses, garages, etc)
- Decks
- Demolition or partial demolition
- Hardscapes (patios, fire pits, walkways, driveways)
- Fences of all heights
- Repairs and replacements to roofing, gutters, siding, windows, exterior doors, porches, steps and gutters
- Retaining walls of all heights
- Signs
- Solar panels
- Swimming pools
The LPC does not have purview over the following:
- Any small repair projects that would be considered general maintenance (something that would be tax credit eligible, but is not substantial enough to qualify for tax credits—like replacing a few cracked slate roofing tiles, versus replacing 20 or more cracked roofing tiles)
- County and State road maintenance
- Change of Occupancy or Use
- General landscaping projects (planting/removal of trees, flowerbeds, gardens)
- General Zoning requirements (LPC approves design appropriateness, however, the project still needs to follow Zoning and Building Code requirements, like setbacks, height, size, ADA, etc.)
- Lot line adjustments
- Paint color selection
- Painting, unless part of a tax credit project
- Property line and neighbor disputes
- Seasonal decorations
- Work to the interior, unless it involves a tax credit project
Apply for a Historic Review
Please plan your project in advance to take into consideration personal timelines, LPC meetings dates and application due dates. Contact our staff for assistance with projects or applications. All projects must follow the Baltimore County Historic Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Rehabilitation.
- Step 1: Read the Application Instructions and Checklist
The application instructions contains information on how to complete each section of the Historic Review Application and important information about submission requirements.
- Step 2: Complete Your Application
Complete the Historic Review application form in accordance with the application instructions. Make sure to review the submittal checklists for additional information needed for review.
Related documents:
- Step 3: Submit Your Application
It is recommended to submit materials before the submittal deadline to prevent any delay if more information is needed. Applicants may submit their applications via email (preferred) to histpres@baltimorecountymd.gov, or via mail or in-person to:
Department of Planning
Landmarks Preservation Commission
105 West Chesapeake Avenue, Suite 101
Towson, Maryland 21204 - Step 4: Staff Review of Application
After submission, staff will confirm that the application has been received and review the application for completeness. If the application is found to be incomplete or contain insufficient information, it will be returned to the applicant, with a list of what information is needed.
Submission Deadlines
The LPC meets on the second Thursday of every month, unless otherwise posted. They do not meet in August and December. Applications are due two weeks prior to the next LPC meeting. View the list below of meeting dates and associated due dates. Plan your projects accordingly.
| Meeting Date | Submittal Deadline Date |
|---|---|
| January 12 | December 29, 2022 |
| February 9 | January 26 |
| March 9 | February 23 |
| April 13 | March 30 |
| May 11 | April 27 |
| June 8 | May 25 |
| July 13 | June 29 |
| September 14 | August 31 |
| October 12 | September 28 |
| November 9 | October 26 |