Get Savvy about County Historic District Law 

COUNTY HISTORIC DISTRICT LAW

Important information for those who live within the Sudbrook Park County historic district area: ALL exterior changes, additions and deletions must be approved — in advance —by the Baltimore County Landmarks Preservation Commission

(LPC). Despite repeated reminders and mailings, residents sometimes proceed with projects without obtaining the required County approvals — creating unnecessary problems for themselves. In a continuing effort to help inform and assist historic district residents, we present some commonly asked questions.

Q:     I want to add a window in the back of my house. You can’t see it from the street. Do I need to get this approved?

A:   Yes. The test is not whether the change can or cannot be seen from the Street. All new or added exterior changes must be approved within a district. Windows are an essential architectural element of a house in an historic district.

Q:  I want to replace my old wood windows with new vinyl weather sealed windows. Does this need to be approved?

A:   Yes. Unless you are replacing “in kind” (meaning the exact same material, size, location, style, etc.), you must get LPC approval. Vinyl windows are not “replacement in kind” for wood windows.

Q:  I want to put up a fence. I don’t need this approved, do I?

A:   Yes, you do. Fences are exterior changes requiring LPC approval. In the Sudbrook Historic District, the location of fences is guided by Olmsted’ s principles and should comply with certain setbacks. Your local landmarks committee will be glad to provide additional information to assist you.

Q:  I want to install some carriage lights by my front door and period lighting along my existing walkway. I’m ordering them from a catalogue specializing in historic fixtures. Do I need LPC approval?

A:   Yes, “street furniture,” which includes exterior lighting, benches, sculpture, and other yard decorations, is important to the historic setting in a district and must be approved before installation.

Q:  I need to replace my asphalt shingle roof. I will use the exact same kind of shingles. Do I need to get approval?

A:   If you are doing an exact replacement in kind, you do not need approval. However, it would be wise to check in advance and make sure your replacement qualifies. Additionally, if you want to take advantage of the historic income tax credit, you will want to make sure you document your work appropriately and get all necessary approvals and permits. Your local landmarks committee can advise you how best to proceed~

Q:  My half-round gutters are damaged and have chipped paint; a gutter installer said I could not get half rounds in baked white aluminum and recommended a K­style for my turn-of-the-century home. What do I need to do before signing a contract?

A:   You would need LPC approval to change the style of gutter on your house. Your installer gave you incorrect information; half round gutters are available in baked white aluminum and your local landmarks committee can give you more information on these. Additionally, only half-round gutters are appropriate for a period house. If you want to qualify for the tax credit, you will need to install the appropriate gutters.

Q:  I want to install a new stone patio and bench, and a wood grape arbor; I also plan to construct a three-by-six-foot brick planter in back of my cedar shake house. Do I need to get any approvals?

A:   Yes, you do. The rule is that ALL exterior changes or additions — whether to the house or yard — require LPC approval in an historic district. So, you’ll need to get all of these changes approved. Also, brick may not be an appropriate material to use with a turn-of-the-century cedar shake house in Sudbrook Park. If it is not, your local landmarks committee can provide information on materials for your planter that would be more appropriate and more likely to be approved by the LPC.

Q:  Who determines what is appropriate?

A:   The LPC makes the decision as to whether a proposed addition, reconstruction or deletion is appropriate, guided by rehabilitation standards developed by the Secretary of the Interior (used all across the country) and Baltimore County Historic Design Guidelines (a 1991 LPC booklet available from the Office of Planning). Baltimore City’s Commission on Historic and Architectural Preservation (CHAPS) puts out a very helpful brochure summarizing many of the Secretary’s Standards.

Q:  I bought an old house in Sudbrook. I need to have all of the electrical and plumbing updated, replace the furnace, and may add air conditioning. It will be mostly interior work. Do I need any approvals?

A:   You do not need LPC approval for interior work. If a compressor unit is to be added outside, approval for that will be necessary. Additionally, since this work can qualify for the historic tax credit, be sure to comply with necessary documentation requirements. Your local committee can explain what you’ll need to do and help you get the forms.

Remember: When in doubt, ask. Check before signing contracts or initiating work. The LPC can insist that projects be removed if they are initiated without required approvals, and the process can result in fines for persons who violate these laws. Your local landmarks committee will be happy to provide information and assist you through this process. Call Charles Locke, Chair of the Sudbrook Park Landmarks Committee (580-0342) if you have questions or want additional information. The local committee can also give you information about the State Historic Tax Credit.