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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  

Generally, you must request approval for all construction, repairs, alterations, demolitions, and ground disturbances on the easement property, including, but not limited to:  

  • 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
  • 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 review and approval process first. 

Easement review & approval 

  1. Review your easement agreement. We strongly encourage reaching out to MHT staff before submitting an application. Easement documents may be technical, and staff can help you navigate these details in your agreement.
  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 issues and proposed work
    2. Current color photographs of the affected areas
    3. Drawings, plans or renderings (if available)
    4. Product or material information
  3. MHT's Easement Committee will review your proposal for compliance with your easement agreement and consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to make a recommendation to MHT's director. Staff may ask for more details or schedule a site visit.
  4. You will receive a written response, which will outline what is approved and any conditions. Keep this for your records. Do not begin work until you receive written approval. If the application is not approved, the response will include the reasons why and how the work can be brought into compliance (if applicable). 

Typical review timelines 

The timeline for review is determined by the specific Deed of Easement, with most requiring a decision within 45 to 90 days.

Emergency requests are expedited when possible.