Permitting Tool: Historic Preservation Commission

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• What is the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)?

  The Commission is a seven-member volunteer board appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council that is responsible for reviewing proposed exterior changes in the Historic District. Its jurisdiction does not include land use, or interior renovations. It is a public agency whose authority is derived from Maryland statute. It is not a historical society. It is not part of the Historic Annapolis Foundation.

• Someone wants to buy a house on Prince George Street and they want to add a sunroom. Will they have to go before the Historic Preservation Commission?

  Yes. If any part of the property is visible from a public way, the property owner will have to appear before the HPC for a Certificate of Approval prior to obtaining a building permit. All exterior alterations or additions must be reviewed and approved by the HPC.

• What are the boundaries of the Historic District?

  Generally, the historic district is in the downtown area and includes the residential areas along the waterfront, to the Naval Academy, and part of Murray Hill. The westernmost section is at Calvert and West Streets. The Planning and Zoning Department will be happy to supply you with a small map. See the City Website for more details.

• What is the National Register of Historic Places and how can I get myproperty listed on it?

  The National Register of Historic Places is a list of buildings, structures, districts, sites and objects which have been determined to have national historic significance. The National Register is maintained by the National Park Service, but administered on the state level by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in each state. National Register listing offers limited protection from state and federally funded projects. In addition, a listing on the National Register does not limit a property owner’s rights, and may provide some tax and funding incentives for historic preservation. Before a property is deemed National Register eligible, the nomination must be evaluated at the state level. For more information, contact your SHPO.

• What is a Certificate of Approval?

  This certifies that the property owner’s plans for the change have been reviewed and approved in a public hearing by the Historic Preservation Commission. It is required prior to the issuance of a building permit.

• Is there an administrative approval process that doe not require a public hearing?

  Yes. An administrative approval application is filled out when exterior replacement-in-kind occurs within the Historic District. The Certificate of Approval is granted by the Chief of Historic Preservation and does not require a public hearing before the HPC. However, any part of the property that is visible from the public way, which is not replacement-in-kind, requires a public hearing in front of the HPC. In both cases a building permit will still need to be obtained in order to perform the work.

• I want to lease a property on Main Street. The only change I will be making is repainting the wood trim and installing a new sign. Does this require HPC review?

  Although the HPC does not review paint colors, the City Code does require the HPC to review all signs in the district.

• What does NOT require HPC approval?

  Normal maintenance and repair, repainting and in-kind replacement of materials are not subject to public hearing by HPC, but are still reviewed by the Chief of Historic Preservation. The HPC has delegated certain items to staff for administrative approval.

• What about interior alterations?

  The HPC does not review interior work.

• I am interested in building within the Historic District. What are the parking requirements?

  The parking requirements within the Historic District are determined by their underlying zoning. There are no parking requirements within the Conservation zones which is predominant zoning within the Historic District. Call the Department of Planning and Zoning to obtain your zoning applicability.

• What is “replacement-in-kind”?

  Consult the Historic Preservation Officer for specific guidelines as they are related to your proposed project. 410-263-7940

• A realtor is listing a house in Murray Hill. Is that neighborhood in the Historic District?

  Only part of Murray Hill is within the Historic District. HPC staff would need to know the exact address. Generally, those areas included in the district are Acton Place, part of Southgate and part of Franklin. Contact the Department of Planning and Zoning for an exact zoning determination. Historic District maps are also available.

• My question is in two parts. I am interested in a vacant lot on Compromise Street. First, are there any guidelines for new construction? Secondly, are there any height limits in this area?

  To answer the first question, yes, the HPC does have design guidelines and they can be obtained on line or from the Historic Preservation staff in the Department of Planning and Zoning at no charge. Secondly, there are three height limits in the historic district. Compromise Street is in the lowest with a maximum height allowed of 32 feet. The other two districts, which are on the zoning map, limit roof ridges to 38 feet and 45 feet. Check with the Planning and Zoning Office before proceeding with any plans.

• Can a property owner in the Historic District replace wood frame windows and doors with vinyl clad ones?

  No. Vinyl windows, doors and siding are not permitted in the Historic District.

• Are buildings in the historic district exempt from the requirements of the Americans with Disability Act?

  Generally, no. But each building will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by DNEP.

• Can a property owner add skylights to the roof?

  Skylights are permitted, but only on rear elevations, except on waterfronts. The HPC may also take into consideration the age of the building and the effect on historic framing materials.

• Can a property owner add a rooftop deck?

  The HPC guidelines state that alterations that diminish or conceal character defining features are discouraged especially if it is highly visible. However, a property owner can submit an application for a rooftop deck.

• I want to do renovations to my property located within the Historic District. Are there any programs that can assist me?

  There are Federal, State, and City programs which aid in the preservation and restoration of Historic properties. Some of these programs are listed below:

  Local:

  There is a tax credit on City real property taxes based upon the amount expended by a property owner for preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation of any structure having historic or architectural value which is designated a City of Annapolis Landmark by resolution of the City Council based upon designation by the Annapolis Historic Preservation Commission. There is also a Sprinkler Assistance Revolving Fund and necessary procedures for the purpose of encouraging the installation of sprinklers in older buildings throughout the City.

  State:

  The Heritage Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, administered by the Maryland Historical Trust, provides Maryland income tax credits equal to 20% of the qualified capital costs expended in the rehabilitation of a “certified heritage structure.”

  Federal:

  Federal historic preservation tax incentives are available for any qualified project that the Secretary of the Interior designates a certified rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. However, to qualify for the federal tax credit, the property must be income producing, or commercial in nature.

  Other programs:

  Contact the Historic Preservation Officer, 410-263-7961 in the Department of Planning and Zoning for more details.