Historic Property Alterations

Rockville reveres its historic roots and is committed to preserving the local history. To protect the historic homes and districts in Rockville, historic properties in need of exterior modifications must be reviewed and approved by the Historic District Commission.

Projects within a Historic District that generally require Historic District Commission review include:

  • Additions and new construction
  • Demolition of historic structures
  • Major landscape modifications, including tree removal
Still have questions? Contact: 

Historic Preservation
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240-314-8236
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Sheila Bashiri
sbashiri@rockvillemd.gov
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111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850
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Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Historic Property Alteration Review Levels

The following review levels follow the same process, but are intended for different types of work

Staff Approval

Minor projects that have no significant historical impact and meet the adopted design guidelines, such as:

  • fences,
  • signage,
  • mature tree removal,
  • new small accessory structures (e.g. sheds)

The Chief of Planning determines whether such projects may receive a Certificate of Approval without Historic District Commission review.

Certificate of Approval

The Rockville Historic District Commission reviews the Certificate of Approval after determining that alterations are compliant. The Certificate of Approval process is distinct from other city permitting requirements and an applicant is responsible for receiving all other applicable building and use permits prior to construction. See Rockville Code Section 25.07.13 for more on the Certificate of Approval.


Historic District Review Process

Review the Guidelines for Alterations of Historic Structures

Review the requirements and guidelines for your planned work.
U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards for Historic Rehabilitation
City of Rockville Technical Guides for Exterior Alterations

Request Historic Review

Before work begins on a structure within a historic district or any demolition, you must apply for historic review. To request a review, complete the application and submit it to the Historic Preservation office at Rockville City Hall, 111 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850. You will receive notice of your application within 45 days.

The Historic District Commission meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Once the request is filed and approved, you will receive your review date.

Historic District Commission Review (if applicable)

On the date of your review, you will present your proposed work to the commission with appropriate reference material such as photos, drawings and materials planned to be used. Upon review, your plans will be approved, denied or amended based on feedback from the Commission. If approved, you may proceed to the next step to apply for development review or issuance of a building permit.
Tax Credit Resources

Overview of Tax Credit Programs

Montgomery County Tax Credit Application

Montgomery County Tax Credit Program

State of Maryland Tax Credit Program

Federal Tax Credit Program