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Historic Preservation

Make Alterations to a Historic Property

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

Projects within a Historic District that require HDC review include:  

  • Additions and new construction. 
  • Demolition of historic structures.
  • Alterations to exterior features such as windows, doors, chimneys, roofing, or siding. 
  • Fence installation or alterations. 
  • Signage installation or alterations. 
  • Driveway or parking lot installation and/or modifications. 
  • Major landscape modifications, including tree removal. 

Historic Property Alteration Review Levels  

There are two methods to getting approval for a historic property alteration: staff approval or a Certificate of Approval. These review levels follow the same process but are intended for different types of work.  

The chief of zoning is authorized to issue a Certificate of Approval for minor projects that have no significant historical impact and meet the adopted Technical Guides for Exterior Alterations. Staff approval is limited to fences, signs and accessory structures. The Chief of Zoning is also authorized to issue a Certificate of Approval for the removal of trees that have been determined to be diseased and/or hazardous by the city forester. 

A Certificate of Approval (COA) is required before making alterations to properties located within a local historic district. The HDC reviews and approves a Certificate of Approval after determining that alterations are compliant with the Technical Guides for Exterior Alterations and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. 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 work being completed. 

The approved Certificate of Approval project must be completed within 12 months. The HDC may, for good cause shown, grant no more than 2 extensions of not more than 6 months each, for any Certificate of Approval. 

Historic Property Alteration Process 

1

Review Guidelines for Alterations of Historic Structures

Review the requirements and guidelines for your planned work: 

 

City of Rockville Technical Guides for Exterior Alterations: 

2

Request Historic Review 

Before work begins on a historic property, you must apply for Historic District Commission review. Complete the Certificate of Approval and Courtesy Review Application via MyGovernmentOnline Connect with the required reference materials such as photos, plans, and material specifications. Staff will accept the application once it is reviewed for completeness. Depending on the project proposal, the application will either be administratively approved by staff or processed for review by the HDC.

3

Historic District Commission Review (if applicable)

The Historic District Commission meets the third Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. Once the application is filed and accepted, you will receive your review date. The city strives to schedule historic reviews within 45 days of the date of application acceptance. At the Historic District Commission meeting, staff will present your proposed work to the HDC. Upon review, your plans may be approved, denied, amended, or postponed for additional information. If approved, you may proceed to the next step to apply for development review or issuance of a building permit. 

Overview of Tax Credit Programs

Learn about tax credit programs available to owners of historic properties in Rockville through Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and the National Park Service. 

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Contact

Community Planning and Development Services Department
Historic Preservation Division
240-314-8236
history@rockvillemd.gov

Hours
Monday – Friday
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Address
Rockville City Hall
111 Maryland Ave.
Rockville, MD 20850