Flood Planning & Protection
About flood risk in Maryland
Maryland has many rivers, streams, and tidal areas along the Chesapeake Bay. That means many of the state’s historic places face increased flood risk from:
Increased rainfall and flash-flood events
Rising sea level and enhanced storm surge
Coastal erosion and shoreline change
Disasters triggered by water, such as hurricanes and tropical storms
Flood planning and protection involve anticipating risk, acting before disasters strike, and recovering thoughtfully afterward.
MHT helps communities understand and plan for flood risks, protect resources, and build resilience so that Maryland’s heritage endures.
Reasons for flood risk in Maryland
Maryland has many rivers, streams, and tidal areas along the Chesapeake Bay. That means many of the state’s historic places face increased flood risk from:
- Increased rainfall and flash-flood events
- Rising sea level and enhanced storm surge
- Coastal erosion and shoreline change
- Disasters triggered by water, such as hurricanes and tropical storms
Why flood risk matters for historic places
Historic buildings, archaeological sites, and cultural landscapes in Maryland are vulnerable to flooding, storms, sea-level rise and other water-related threats. Flooding can:
Damage historic materials
Alter original settings
Degrade cultural landscapes
Planning pathways for protection
By planning ahead, communities can reduce damage, speed recovery and preserve the character of historic places. Some MHT funding and financial incentives may be able to help with resilience planning or in the event of a disaster.
1. Hazard mitigation planning
Local governments can identify where historic resources are in relation to flood hazards, estimate potential damage, and establish strategies to reduce risk.
MHT recommends incorporating historic places into local hazard mitigation plans so they are considered alongside other community assets.
Read about MHT’s approach to hazard mitigation planning in Chapter 2 of the Flood Mitigation Guide: Maryland's Historic Buildings - PDF 16.39 MB.
2. Disaster response & recovery
Local governments, organizations and historic property owners can prepare for disasters. When a flood or storm occurs, timely actions matter:
- Salvage historic building components
- Store materials properly
- Document damage
- Carefully restore with sensitivity to historic materials
MHT often helps local governments assess the damage to historic properties in the wake of a disaster.
Read about MHT's approach to disaster response and recovery in Chapter 2 of the Flood Mitigation Guide: Maryland's Historic Buildings - PDF 16.39 MB.
You can also find helpful fact sheets for property owners here:
3. Climate change adaptation
Flood-related risks are increasing due to climate change — sea-level rise, shifting rainfall patterns, and stronger storms. Planning for climate adaptation helps address long-term threats to historic places.
Read about MHT’s recommendations for adaptation as part of the traditional emergency management cycle in Chapter 2 of the Flood Mitigation Guide: Maryland's Historic Buildings - PDF 16.39 MB.
4. Flood mitigation for historic properties
Choosing mitigation actions that respect the historic character of a property is essential. Options could include:
Changing a non-historic landscape to allow for better stormwater management
Reinforcing foundations vs. replacing original materials
Raising utilities vs. altering historic appearance
Carefully elevating the property in a way that protects its character and relationship to the surrounding environment
You can read about MHT’s recommendations for community-scale flood mitigation as well as mitigation options for individual properties in Chapter 3 of the Flood Mitigation Guide: Maryland's Historic Buildings - PDF 11.43 MB.
The National Park Service has also produced Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings to help communities and property owners adapt individual historic properties.
What communities can do
- Map historic resources and overlay flood hazard zones.
- Include historic places in hazard mitigation plans and local comprehensive plans.
- Develop “what-if” recovery plans for flood events that prioritize historic materials.
- Use adaptation strategies that minimize changes to historic character while addressing water risk.
- Engage key partners, including property owners, preservation commissions, local emergency managers, and planners.
- Review the MHT Flood Mitigation Guide for specific options and case studies.
