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Maryland Historical Trust

Request Easement Review

Historic building with green columns and a white facade, featuring the text "The Agricultural & Mechanical Association of Washington Co."

Easements protect the historic features of your property. If you would like to make changes to your easement property, you must contact the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) for review and approval before beginning work.  

When you need MHT review  

You must request approval for any work that changes the appearance, materials, or setting of protected features, including: 

  • Exterior alterations such as roof, wall, window, or door changes
  • Additions, new construction, or demolition
  • Site work like grading, paving, or landscape alterations
  • Installation of solar panels, HVAC systems, or other mechanical equipment visible from public areas
  • Interior work if the easement includes interior protections 

If you’re not sure whether your project requires approval, contact MHT before starting any work. 

If changes to your property require other approvals (for example, from a local historic preservation commission), MHT strongly recommends that you begin the easement approval process first. 

How to request property change approval 

  1. Review your easement agreement. Check which features are protected and what kinds of work require prior approval.
  2. Prepare your request by sending an application - PDF 414.87 KB via email or the mail that includes:
    1. A clear description of the proposed work
    2. Current color photographs of the affected areas
    3. Drawings, plans or renderings (if available)
    4. Product or material information
  3. MHT staff review your proposal for consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. Staff may ask for more details or schedule a site visit.
  4. Receive written approval. MHT will issue a written approval letter outlining what is authorized and any conditions. Keep this for your records. Do not begin work until you receive written approval. 

Typical review timelines 

Routine project reviews typically take 3 to 5 weeks. Complex projects or incomplete submissions may take longer. 

Emergency requests are expedited when possible.