Researching a Property in Montgomery County, Maryland
Researching a property is one of the first steps in identifying significance and learning the history of a place. Montgomery History offers a terrific explanation of the process and where you might find such information. We at Montgomery Preservation suggest that your research include the appearance of the property — architectural style, environmental setting, landscape, streetscape, and the broader community or area in which it is located. Good luck!!
Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission
The HPC is responsible for evaluating sites and districts nominated for the Locational Atlas & Index of Historic Sites and/or for the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation. Once a site or district is listed on the Master Plan for its architectural, historic, or cultural value, proposed changes are reviewed for their impact on the historic property through the Historic Area Work Permit process.
The HPC is ably staffed by professionals at Montgomery Planning in the Historic Preservation Section, headed by Rebeccah Ballo.
The nine-member Commission meets on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of each month for a public session. View detailed information about the HPC, the HAWP process, and individual properties.
Historic Designation in Montgomery County
Architecturally or historically significant sites may be nominated for designation on Montgomery County’s Master Plan for Historic Preservation or for a city list. Historic designation adds certain protections and may make property owners eligible for 10 to 30% in financial incentives for approved qualified rehabilitation and maintenance projects at local and state levels. MPI has prepared a brochure explaining the designation process.
Find out if a site is designated on the Montgomery County Master Plan for Historic Preservation.
Historic Preservation MCATLAS Training
View the October 2022 webinar given by Brian Crane of Montgomery Planning to review information included in the historic preservation layers on MCATLAS. Mr. Crane demonstrates how to use online tools, including how to search for a property by a name, address, or other property. You can contact Mr. Crane at 301-563-3402 or brian.crane@montgomeryplanning.org.