Historic Preservation
The City of Rockville has a long and rich history as the political, cultural, and economic center of Montgomery County. With more than 250 years of growth as a community, Rockville is home to many historically and culturally significant sites. The City's Historic Preservation Office manages designated historic resources through its five-member volunteer Historic District Commission. The commission is supported by staff in the City's Department of Community Planning and Development Services. For questions concerning Rockville's historic resources, call 240-314-8230 or email history@rockvillemd.gov.
Historic District Commission
Meeting Agendas, Minutes and Staff Reports
Rules of Procedure (.pdf)
Historic Districts
Site Histories
Inventory of Properties in Historic Districts
Take a Walking Tour and Explore Rockville
Take a Walking Tour of Rockville's African American Heritage
Rockville Cemetery: Spend an Hour or Two Among the Tombs
Historic District Designation
Historic District Eligibility Information
Historic District Designation Process
Historic Designation Criteria Checklist
Historic Designation Nomination Form (.pdf)
Historic Designation Process Flowchart
Evaluation of Historic Significance for Demolition
Tax Benefit Information
Historic Preservation Tax Credit Information
Summary Chart of Tax Credit Programs
Tax Credit Procedures
Guide to Permitting and Tax Credits
Alterations to Historic Buildings
Architectural Design Guidelines -- Adopted 1977
Certificate of Approval Process
Certificate of Approval Application Form (.pdf)
Guide to Permitting and Approvals
Technical Guides for Exterior Alterations
Review Procedures for Demolition Requests (.pdf)
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
Publications/Videos
Take a Historic Walking Tour and Explore Historic Rockville
Rockville: Portrait of a City - Book Order Form (.pdf)
Recommended Architectural Design Guidelines for the Exterior Rehabilitation of Buildings
Lincoln Park Coloring Book (.pdf)
Rockville History - video
Local Preservation Organizations
Historic Preservation News
Rockville Remembers
Rockville Remembers is a program designed to let Rockville citizens honor their fellow citizens who have made a positive difference in our community. The contribution of the individual, business or organization must demonstrate concern for the community’s well-being and overall quality of life in the City.
Architectural Design Guidelines
These guidelines, adopted in 1977, contain detailed design standards and recommendations by which plans for rehabilitation and for new construction in the City's historic districts can be judged for harmony, compatibility, and appropriateness. The intent of these architectural guidelines is not to require particular architectural features or to dictate architectural style. Rather, it is to identify a range of design options which will encourage development that is compatible with the existing character of the Rockville historic districts.
Chestnut Lodge Design Guidelines
Design Guidelines for the Chestnut Lodge property at 500 West Montgomery Avenue were prepared by the Historic Preservation Staff and adopted by the Mayor and Council on May 24, 2004. The purpose of the design guidelines is to guide exterior alterations to historic buildings within the historic areas of the Chestnut Lodge site so that historical, architectural, and environmental features that are the basis of the site’s significance to the City are identified and preserved.
Lincoln Park Community Preservation Project
Lincoln Park is one of the greatest traditional neighborhoods that serve as a significant link to Rockville's past.
Rockville Cemetery Design Guidelines
Design guidelines have been prepared by the historic preservation staff for the Rockville Cemetery property on Old Baltimore Road. The guidelines are intended to identify and describe the elements of character that contribute to the property’s significance; provide information to current and future owners on actions that are encouraged and discouraged, and assist them in planning maintenance and future improvements; and provide direction to the Historic District Commission and other City bodies in making decisions regarding proposed alterations.
Good News - Tax Credits for Historic Properties Returns
The 20% Maryland State Historic Preservation Tax Credit program administered through the Maryland Historic Trust (MHT) was rescued from termination with some changes on the last day of the 2004 Maryland General Assembly. It has been extended to 2008. The program allows historic property owners to apply 20% of the cost of eligible interior and exterior renovations toward their Maryland Income Tax. The changes will have little effect on most historic Rockville homes, but may affect income-producing and non-profit claims.