A citizen's guide to Historic Preservation in Harford County

For Additional Information:

Sarah Corey,
Historic Preservation Planner

Harford County Government
Department of Planning and Zoning
220 South Main Street
Bel Air, Maryland 21014

Telephone 410-638-3103
Fax 410-879-8239
e-mail: sccorey@harfordcountymd.gov

Harford County's rich cultural heritage is reflected in its exceptionally diverse stock of historic buildings, sites and structures, including unique creations. The County has supported surveys of historic resources since 1969. This ongoing effort should be continued to aid in evaluating surviving resources and in documenting the heritage and character of the County's diverse communities and cultures for future generations.

GOALS:

Documentation and Protection of Historic Resources

• Designate and protect sites and structures that serve as significant visible reminders of the County's history.
• Use the County's historic architectural, cultural, and archaeological resources to help maintain and enhance the livability of the County's communities, villages, and landscapes.

• Contribute to the economic development and vitality of the County.

• Foster a sense of civic pride and an understanding and appreciation of the County's heritage among its citizens.

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• What is a Harford County Landmark?
• What is the process to designate a Harford County Landmark?
• What is the National Register of Historic Places?
• What are National Register Historic Districts?
• Who is eligible for Maryland Rehabilitation Tax Credits?

The Harford County Code provides for the preservation of sites, structures, and districts of historical, archaeological or architectural significance together with their appurtenances and environmental settings. The Harford County Historic Preservation Commission is charged with nominating landmark properties, reviewing applications for landmark listing, and advising and assisting property owners on the physical and financial aspects of preservation, restoration, rehabilitation and adaptive reuse.

The benefits of listing as a Harford County Landmark include:

1. The prestige of formal recognition that a site/structure is significant in American/Harford County history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and/or culture;
2. Eligibility for the Harford County property tax credit for 10% of rehabilitation costs and the added value property tax credit for rehabilitation work completed according to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
3. Eligibility for the State of Maryland Tax Credits for 20% of rehabilitation costs, grants and low interest loans for historic preservation projects.

What is the process to designate a Harford County Landmark?

1. Historic site or district is nominated by property owner, citizens, Historic Preservation Commission (HPC), or Planning and Zoning staff and completed application submitted to HPC.
2. Historic Preservation Planner presents Planning and Zoning staff report to HPC. HPC reviews the application at a public meeting and determines if the nominated property meets one or more of the criteria for designation (45-day time limit from application submission).
3. If the application is denied by the HPC, a written report stating the reasons is sent to the Director of Planning and Zoning, the applicant and the owner within seven days of the HPC meeting. Recommendations may be made for any procedural or administrative revisions, which may allow reconsideration of the application.
4. If the application is approved by the HPC, the Historic Preservation Commission sends a written report to the Director of Planning and Zoning, the applicant and the owner (within 7 days of the HPC meeting).
5. The Director of Planning and Zoning requests that the Law Department, within 20 days of receipt of the HPC report, prepare the legislation for listing .
6. The HPC sends the report and proposed legislation to the owner of the property with a form for the owner to sign verifying agreement with the nomination.
7. The legislation is submitted to the County Council for scheduling on the Council agenda and public advertisement of the hearing.
8. The County Council hears testimony on the nomination at a public hearing and votes on the approval of the legislation. If the Council approves the nomination the applicant and owner will be sent a written notice and a copy of the approved legislation.

FAQ

The National Register of Historic Places is a list of properties acknowledged by the Federal Government as worthy of recognition and preservation for their significance in American history and culture. National Register properties include districts, buildings, sites, and objects of significance to their local community, state, or the nation. The National Register is part of a national policy to recognize and protect the country’s historic and cultural heritage.

The benefits of listing in the National Register are:

1. The prestige of formal recognition that a property is significant in American history, architecture, archaeology, engineering and/or culture.
2. Consideration in planning for federally or state assisted projects that impact your property. A review process is required that considers carefully properties which will be affected by projects involving federal or state funds, licenses, permits or tax benefits.
3. Eligibility for federal income tax benefits that include:



1. a 20 % investment tax credit for a certified rehabilitation of historic commercial, industrial, and rental residential buildings and
2. a charitable donation deduction for the conveyance of a perpetual easement to a qualified preservation organization.

4. Eligibility for a 20% Maryland income tax credit/refund for a certified rehabilitation.
5. Eligibility for grants and low interest loans for historic preservation projects.

What are National Register Historic Districts?

Historic Districts are areas where properties share a common history and convey a sense of that history through their architectural and geographical features. In Maryland two distinctly different types of historic district designations exist:

1. A Federal designation through the National Register of Historic Places; or
2. Local designation through the local zoning code.

1. Federal National Register Historic District

   In 1966, Congress established the National Register of Historic Places as the federal government’s official list of properties, including districts, significant in American history and culture. Listing in the National Register offers several benefits:

   • prestige that can contribute to preservation efforts
   • protects the district from harm by federally and state funded or licensed projects
   • eligibilityto apply for federal and state tax benefits, and loans and grants for certain kinds of rehabilitation and preservation work.
   
   
   Listing in the National Register does not limit an owner’s property rights. No standards are imposed on maintenance or improvements, and no government agency’s permission is required for any alteration, sale, or even demolition of property in a National Register District. Harford County has 17 National Register Historic Districts such as Medical Hall, Darlington, Harford Furnace, and Berkley.
2. Historic District by Local Zoning

   In the 1960’s, the State of Maryland enacted Article 66B of the Annotated Code, enabling local governments to establish historic area zoning as part of its regular zoning ordinance, and to appoint an historic district commission made up of members of the community. The Commission decides on standards to make sure that the historical and architectural qualities of the zoned historic district will be preserved. It has the power to apply these standards in reviewing building permits and proposed alterations or demolition of buildings within the district.

   A locally zoned historic district is entirely the product of local initiative. Its controls are created and administered by local citizens and government and it provides a way for concerned citizens and property owners to recognize and protect the special character of their historic neighborhoods.

FAQ

Eligible Properties:

• A “certified heritage structure” that is:
  • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places or
  • Designated a Harford County Landmark or
  • Located in a National Register Historic District or a local historic district and certified as contributing to the district’s significance or
  • Located in a certified heritage area and certified as contributing to the area’s significance.
  
  
  
• Owner-occupied residential property
• Income-producing property

Owner-occupied residential property – The rehabilitation expenditure in a 24-month period must exceed $5,000.

All other property – The rehabilitation expenditure in a 24-month period is the greater of the adjusted basis of the structure or $5,000. The adjusted basis is generally the purchase price, minus the value of the land, minus any depreciation taken.

All properties - The rehabilitation must conform to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. The plans for the proposed work must be approved by the Maryland Historical Trust prior to commencement of the work.

Benefits:

Income tax credits equal to 20% of the qualified capital costs for the completed rehabilitation work. If the credit exceeds the taxpayers tax liability, a refund may be claimed in the amount of the excess.

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