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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 from the Historic District Commission. These review levels follow the same process but are intended for different types of work.

The chief of zoning is authorized to administratively issue a Certificate of Approval for minor projects that have no significant historical impact and meet the adopted Technical Guides for Exterior Alterations. As of Aug. 1, 2026, staff approval may be issued for the following work:

  • Construction of an accessory structure that does not exceed 150 square feet.
  • A minor revision to plans associated with a Certificate of Approval issued by the Historic District Commission.
  • Replacement of an existing driveway with different materials.
  • Erection of a new fence or wall or continuation of an existing fence or wall in the same style as the existing fence or wall.
  • Minor exterior alterations to a structure, including the installation of a mailbox or house numbers.
  • Installation or replacement of minor landscape features, including plantings and planters.
  • The replacement of exterior light fixtures or the installation of new light fixtures, including fixtures to illuminate signage.
  • Minor paving, including the construction or replacement of brick, stone, concrete, or gravel walkways, sidewalks, small parking areas, and patios.
  • Installation of a new sign.
  • Installation of storm windows and storm doors.
  • Installation of solar panels and solar shingles or tiles on roof elevations.
  • Installation of utility meters, vents, cable or telephone boxes, exterior wiring, antennas, satellite dishes, HVAC system components, electric vehicle charging stations, and exterior security devices.
  • Removal of the following types of trees and shrubs:
    • Trees immediately adjacent to buildings or walls that undermine structural foundations or threaten roofs, as certified by the administrator of Chapter 10.5.
    • Diseased trees, as certified by the administrator of Chapter 10.5.
    • Any tree or shrub with a main trunk or stem of less than 12 inches diameter at breast height, as certified by the administrator of Chapter 10.5.

A Certificate of Approval (COA) from the Historic District Commission is required before making any other alterations to properties located within a local historic district beyond those listed above as eligible for staff approval. 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 five years. If work has not started before five years, a new Certificate of Approval will be required.

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. 

Certificate of Approval Application

Complete a Certificate of Approval Application for an exterior alteration to a historic property.

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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