How does a property become a designated County Historic Landmark?

The designation process has three primary stages:

1.   Nomination to the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC);

2.   Review and vote by the HPC; and

3.   Review and vote by the Harford County Council.

The process begins with submittal of a completed Historic Landmark Nomination Form [MC1]. Nominations may be submitted by a member of the HPC, owner of record of the nominated property or any other person or organization. A nomination for an individual site, structure, or property, however, must have written consent of the legal property owner(s) before it goes to county council. 

At a public meeting, the HPC will review the nomination and staff recommendations. The HPC will determine if the nomination adheres to the Criteria for Designation, and vote to recommend the nominated resource to the county council. The authority for designation of Harford County Historic Landmarks rests with the elected county council.

The nomination is then sent by the Department of Planning and Zoning, in conjunction with the HPC, to the county council. After written notice to the owner, and another public hearing, the council will vote to place the nominated resource on the Harford County Historic Landmarks list.

For more information OR if you are interested in nominating a resource for designation as a Harford County Historic Landmark, please contact Joel Gallihue, 410-638-3136 or jagallihue@harfordcountymd.gov


[MC1]Link to Nomination form pdf

Show All Answers

1. What are the benefits of a Harford County Historic Landmark designation?
2. Can my property be a Harford County Historic Landmark?
3. How does a property become a designated County Historic Landmark?
4. What is the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)?
5. Can a Harford County Historic Landmark be changed?
6. How does the HPC review projects?
7. What is the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties?
8. What are the Standards for Rehabilitation?
9. What kinds of projects have been approved?
10. What are some examples of projects that would not be approved?