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Frequently Asked Questions
Historic District Information
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| Can I paint my house any color I want, even purple and green? |
Yes, you can! The Historic District Commission (HDC) does not regulate paint colors inside or out. |
| Must I restore my house to its original condition? |
No. The property can remain as it is when designated and all materials can be replaced in kind with similar materials. If the roof is asphalt shingles, you can replace it with asphalt shingles of any color. You may also replace existing vinyl or aluminum siding with a different colored siding of the same material. You only need an HDC Certificate of Approval to change the materials or alter the design. |
| What's all this I keep hearing about tax benefits? |
Owners of historic properties are eligible for Montgomery County, state and federal tax credits for renovation, restoration and even ordinary maintenance. Please check the Historic Preservation Tax Credit Information section for detailed information. |
| Can I put up wallpaper and remodel the interior without HDC review and Certificate of Approval? |
The HDC has no jurisdiction on the interior of historic properties, just the exterior. However, many interior improvements are eligible for the Maryland State Tax Benefits. Check with the Historic Preservation Office before you begin to determine eligibility. |
| Can I put an addition on my historic property? |
Yes, you usually can! The Historic District Commission (HDC) prefers additions to be located away from public view to preserve the period streetscape. The HDC encourages people to meet with them early in the design process and get feedback on the design. The addition should be compatible with your house and appropriate for your streetscape. Additions also must comply with the zoning ordinance and receive building permits. |
| Do I need permission for ordinary maintenance to my house? |
No. As long as the materials and design are not changed, you do not need permission to paint, make repairs, or replace materials in-kind (replacing cedar shingles with cedar shingles, wood siding with the same type of wood siding, etc.). |
| Does the Historic District Commission regulate my yard? |
No and yes. The HDC does not regulate normal landscaping. However, removal of mature trees requires HDC review as they are typical features in historic subdivisions and streetscapes. |
| Does it make the project much longer when I am required to get an HDC Certificate of Approval to make changes to my historic house? |
No. The State of Maryland requires the HDC to render a decision within 45 days from the date the complete application is filed, otherwise, the permit is considered granted. This is for HDC Certificates of Approval only; other required City permits may take longer. |
| Is there a fee for a Historic District Commission Certificate of Approval? |
No. |
| Is the HDC Certificate of Approval all I need? |
Not always. You still must have approved building, fence, sign, electric and other permits as required by the City of Rockville. |
| Where can I get help designing my addition? |
The City's publication Recommended Architectural Design Guidelines provides a thorough overview of the City's architecture and provides useful information on appropriate designs and materials. It is available free from the Historic Preservation Office. The Technical Brief Series may also be helpful. In addition, the HDC provides courtesy reviews to property owners at its monthly meetings. Owners must submit rough designs and other materials prior to the meeting so that Commissioners can work with them on finalizing a design scheme that is compatible with the historic district. Call or email the Historic Preservation staff to schedule a courtesy review. |
| Is there historical information about my house? |
Probably. The City maintains a digital database of historic properties that will soon be available on the Web. Currently, inventory forms and other documentation are available at the Historic Preservation Office. Peerless Rockville also has archives and collections on local properties and people as does the Montgomery County Historical Society. The Montgomery County Judicial Center has a wealth of information on land records, wills and court cases. |
| What is the difference between a local historic district and listing on the National Register of Historic Places? |
| The main difference is that HDC design review and approval is not required for changes to properties listed only on the National Register. Often the HDC does review proposed changes and offer suggestions so the alterations will not have an adverse effect on the resource. National Register listing also protects properties from any federally sponsored impacts. Most districts in Rockville have both designations. |
| If I have more questions, whom should I talk to? |
Call the Historic Preservation Office staff at 240-314-8230 or e-mail history@rockvillemd.gov. |