HomeMy WebLinkAbout20120307WASHINGTON COUNTY
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
A Washington County Administrative Annex
80 West Baltimore Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740-6003
Telephone: 240-313-2430
FAX: 240-313-2431
Deaf and Hard of Hearing call 7-1-1 for Maryland Relay
AGENDA
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
CONFERENCE ROOM 1A & B
WASHINGTON COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE ANNEX
80 WEST BALTIMORE STREET
March 7, 2012
7:00PM
M
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA - 7:00 PM
A. Call to Order & Roll Call
B. Minutes — February 1, 2012*
C. Communications & Bills
D. Unfinished Business
1. Design Guidelines — Review of Chapters 3 and 4
E. Budget
F. New Business
G. Other Business
H. Closed Session
I. Adjournment
* = written material enclosed
\HDC\amar2012.DOC
NOTICE IS GIVEN THAT THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MAY MEET IN CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO SECTION 10.508, STATE GOVERNMENT
ARTICLE, ANNOTATED CODE OP MARYLAND. INDIVIDUALS REQUIRING SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS ARE REQUESTED TO CONTACT THE WASHINGTON COUNTY
PLANNING DEPARTMENT. COMPACT PLANNING DEPARTMENT AT (240) 313-2430 VOICE/FDD TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS NO LATER THAN TEN (10) WORKING DAYS PRIOR
TO THE MEETING.
www.washco-md.net RECYCLED PAPER
�Yl�' nCPi1
Property
• Tax Credits may be combined. For example, a his-
toric commercial business in the National Register
Town of Williamsport may be eligible for 55% tax
credits
• All work MUST be pre -approved and meet the Sec-
retary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation
• With few exceptions, only exterior work is consid-
ered for tax credits
• Taxpayers are urged to seek the advice of a qualified
tax professional before proceeding with any tax credit
rehabilitation project
• Policies change frequently and funding may be subject
to legislative constraints. Check with the Maryland
Historical Trust for the latest information on State
and Federal Tax Credit.
Available Tax Credit
20% Federal Tax Credit
• Administered by the National Park Service (U. S. Dept.
of the Interior) and the Maryland Historical Trust
• Qualifying rehabilitation expenses must exceed the
greater of $5,000 or the adjusted basis of the building
• The tax credit is deducted from applicant's Federal In-
come Tax
20% State Tax Credit
• Administered by the Maryland Historical Trust
• Qualifying rehabilitation expenditures in a 24 -month
period must exceed $5,000
• The Tax Credit is deducted from the amount of Maryland
State Income Taxes that you owe for the calendar year in
which the project was completed. If you owe less than the
tax credit in income taxes that year, you will receive a re-
fund check from the Comptroller of Maryland
10% County Tax Credit
• Administered by the County Planning Office
• Qualified rehabilitation, restoration, or preservation
• The tax credit is deducted from applicants local Real
Estate Tax for the tax year immediately following the
work. Any unused portion of the tax credit, may be car-
ried forward for up to 5 tax years
5% County Tax Credit
• Administered by the County Planning Office
• Qualified new construction attached to an existing his-
toric structure
• The tax credit is deducted from applicants local Real
Estate Tax for the tax year immediately following the
work. Any unused portion of the tax credit, may be car-
ried forward for up to 5 tax years.
43
Historic Tax Credit Programs
The Historic Preservation Tax Incentives program is a suc-
cessful, cost-effective community revitalization program for com-
mercial historic districts and an incentive for private homeowners
to correctly rehabilitate and maintain important historic structures.
The availability of the federal, state, and local tax credits has encour-
aged investment in historic resources — in urban cores, residential
neighborhoods, small towns, and private residences throughout the
state. These programs preserve historic buildings, stimulates private
investment, create jobs, and revitalizes communities.
At the Federal level, tax credit programs have leveraged over
$58 billion in private investment to preserve and reuse 37,000 his-
toric properties since 1976. The Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Program benefits the owner, the occupants, and the community
by:
• Encouraging protection of landmarks through the promo-
tion, recognition, and designation of historic structures
• Increasing the value of the rehabilitated property and re-
turning underutilized structures to the tax rolls
• Upgrading downtowns and neighborhoods and often in-
creasing the amount of available housing within the com-
munity.
Federal programs are administered by National Park Ser-
vice and the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with Mary-
land Historical Trust since 1976. The State of Maryland has offered
tax incentive programs since J
Maryland Historical Trust.
Washington County saw the
benefits of offering a local
tax credit program to quali-
fying homeowner beginning
in 1991 and offers tax credits
on both historic rehabilita-
tion and new construction
when attached to an existing
historic structure.
it might be good to include some
local statics on the WC tax pro-
gram. How many dollars credits
since inception, how many prop-
erties affects?
Ines for Historic Preservation
44
Tax Credit Fre_q.uentiy Asked Questions
Wooburn Manor, circa 1815 just south of
Downsville, Maryland. Several years ago this
stately Georgian home was unoccupied and
in an advanced state of deterioration. After
purchase, the owners applied for and re-
ceived designation onto the National Register
of Historic Places and voluntarily established
a local "historic preservation" or HP zone.
These designations allowed the homeowner
to take advantage of all available local, state,
and federal tax credit programs.
What is a Tax Credit? A tax credit
lowers the tax owed by an individual. A
tax credit differs from a tax deduction
in that an income tax deduction lowers
the amount of income subject to taxa-
tion, while a tax credit is a dollar -for -
dollar reduction in income tax liability.
In other words, a tax credit of one dol-
lar reduces the amount of income tax
owed by one dollar. Taxpayers are urged
to seek the advice of a qualified tax pro-
fessional before proceeding with any tax
credit rehabilitation project.
Is my property eligible for Tax Credits? Your historic struc-
tures must have Washington County "Historic Preservation" HP
zoning , or be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, or
noted as a "contributing structure within a National Register of
Historic Places district or town, or
Is my rental property or commercial building eligible for
Tax Credits? Income producing historic properties are eligible for
the most tax credits - up to 55% of the qualifying rehabilitation
investment. Again, to be eligible, the historic structures must have
Washington County Historic Preservation Zoning (HP), or be listed
on the National Register of Historic Places, or noted as a "contrib-
uting structure" within a National Register of Historic Places dis-
trict or town. The federal credits are limited to income -producing,
depreciable property only. The property may be either commercial
or residential rental property. A taxpayer's personal residence would
not qualify for the federal credit.
Tax Credits
45
property is listed on the State and County Historic Site
Survey, am I eligible for Tax Credits? No, almost all historic
properties in Washington County are listed on the Maryland His-
torical Site Survey and the Washington County Historical Sire Sur-
vey. These site survey's were created solely to identify local historic
resources within each county.
How do I get my property zoned HP so I gua4fii for tax
credit programs? Any property owner may petition the Board
of County Commissioners to establish an HP overlay zone on their
property. The HP District is an overlay zone that indicates the pres-
ence of an historic site, structure or district, that has been deter-
mined to be of significance to the heritage of Washington County.
The designation of HP District is voluntary, property owners
A completed amendment to Washington
must apply to the county for this zoning overlay with the under- County zoning adding a HP zone to a local
standing that this designation imposes additional guidelines during zy historic property
construction or modzficatzon of new or exzstzngstructures
on the property, now and in the future. In simple terms
— if you desire the financial benefit of tax credits, you
agree to allow the county to monitor any rehabilita-
tion, restoration, or construction activities on your
historic property and certify that it is completed cor-
rectly. You receive the immediate financial incentive
of a tax credit and the county has preserved an impor-
tant historic property for the future.
The Planning Commission in conjunction
with the County Commissioners determine if your
property is eligible, and the Historic District Com-
mission certify that all rehabilitation, restoration, and
new construction meets the guidelines established by
the county. For the procedures and regulations to ap-
ply for a HP District on your property see the Wash-
ington County Ordinance on Historic Preservation
Zoning Sections 20.4 through 20.8 and Washington
County Zoning Amendments Section 27.1. or contact
the Washington County Planning Department at 80
W Baltimore Street, Hagerstown, or call (240) 313-
2430.
ORDINANCE NO. 555 -o5 -m
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND T}IRZONING MAP
FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND
(RZ.55.053)
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 27.1 of the Zoning Ordinance for
Washington County, Maryland (Zoning Ordinance), Ronald and Jean Dolan
(Appliumb) 'save applied to the Board of County Commissioners for Washington
County, Maryland (Barad), for a zoning reclassificaton and a zoning map
amendment of property more particularly identified in the Ordinance
Amendment Application found in the record herein.
The Application has been designated as Care No. RZ-O8-003.
A public hearing was held on the application pureuant to Section 27.2 of the
Ordinance, where the Applicants presented evidence and information relating to
the zoning reclassification.
the Board has considered all information presented at it's public less ring, the
recommendation of the Planning ComMssinn, and each of those factors net forth
in Maryland Code Ann., Article 660, Section 4.05 acid Section 27.3 of the Zoning
Ordinance,
The Board has made (actual findings and concluslmts of law which are act
forth in the attached "Derision." The findings of fact and mnluslons of law are
Incorporated herein.
NOW, THnREPORR, BR IT ENACTED AND ORDAINED BY THB BOARD
ON COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Oil WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND,
that the property which 15 the eubject of Case No. RZUSU03 be, and hereby is,
reclassified from the Rnviromnental Conservation (EC) to Bnviromnental
Conservation with the Historic Preservation (HP) Overlay classification.
IT IS FURTHER ENACT ED AND ORDAINED that the official Zoning Map
be, and hereby is, amended accordingly. The Dhnrtor of Planning and
Community Development shall cause the Zoning Map to be amended pursuant
to Rlie Ordinance.
IC
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
46
Does my house or community guali for
the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register is the nation's official list
of buildings, structures, objects, sites, and dis-
tricts deemed worthy of preservation for their
significance to the cultural heritage of the na-
tion. If your home or neighborhood is fifty years
old or older and you think it has historical or ar-
chitectural significance, you may wish to inves-
tigate your options. For towns or communities,
the Maryland Historical Trust often sponsors
grant programs that offer financial assistance in
this undertaking.
As this designation is the highest level of
historic recognition in the nation and requires
significant documentation we recommend you
first consult an architectural historian. Wash-
ington County is fortunate to have several pro-
fessional architectural historians who have all
successfully nominated, local landmarks to the National Register.
The Washington County Historical Trust can provide you with a
listing of architectural historians.
My old house is in a National Register Town, what rules
does the government impose on me? There are no Federal laws
or regulations that limit what private property owners can do to
their properties, including properties listed in the National Register
of Historic Places. The only situations in which private property
owners may be impacted by Federal laws and regulations are when
the owners have applied for or received a Federal Rehabilitation Tax
Credit (within the last five years) OR require a permit, license, or
funding from a Federal agency.
Tax Credits
47
What Tax Credit does Washington County offer? Qualify-
ing rehabilitation will be credited ten percent (10%) of the owner's
expense for up to the total amount of County real estate property
taxes. A credit of five percent (5%) of the owner's expense will be
allowed for new construction attached to an existing historic struc-
ture. The credit will be allowed for the tax year immediately follow-
ing the work or any portion thereof is completed, and any unused
portion of this tax credit, may be carried forward for as many as five
tax years, after which the credit will lapse.
Who do I contact for more Information? Tax credit appli-
cations and zoning amendments information may be obtained at
the Washington County Planning Department at 80 W. Baltimore
Street, Hagerstown, or call (240) 313-2430.
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
48
,i l .. : . , ,. r
To encourage the restoration and preservation of historic
properties, in 1991, the Washington County Commissioners ap-
proved an ordinance creating a historic preservation tax credit pro-
gram. Owner documented expenses for exterior restoration or pres-
ervation work is eligible for ten-precent tax credit, plus five -percent
(5%) tax credit for qualifying new construction The tax credit is
deducted from the property owner's Washington County real prop-
erty taxes.
The Washington County historic preservation tax credit may
be used for many different types of projects. The project can be
as simple as repairing a roof in -kind to engaging in a large scale
restoration project. The credit can also be used for diverse types of
structures, not just houses. Tax credit recipients may restore historic
garages, outbuildings, barns, and greenhouses, in addition to main-
tenance and restoration work on their residences.
Historic District Commission Review
One of the duties of the Historic District Commission is to
review and approve, or disapprove, county tax credit applications. To
ensure a trouble -free experience, it is highly recommended, but not
mandatory, that the application be reviewed by HDC in advance of
any work preformed.
The HDC will verify that all work performed was completed
in accordance with the Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation in
Washington County as set forth in Chapter 7 of this publication. The
HDC will not review any incomplete applications. Additionally,
they will only approve tax credits for work if proved by supporting
financial documentation. Save your receipts! The HDC has a fidu-
ciary responsibility to the citizens of Washington County to ensure
tax credits are correctly and judiciously applied. Lack of supporting
receipts and documentation will disallow your application.
The HDC may approve all, or part, of an applicants request.
Approval by the Maryland Historical Trust for Federal or State tax
credits does not guarantee an automatic approval by HDC. The
HDC will approve or disapprove the work based on the current ap-
proved county design guidelines which may differ slightly from the
State or Federal guidelines.
Tax Credits
49
That portion of the tax credit application approved by the
HDC is forwarded to the Washington County Treasurer's Office.
The approved tax credit is applied to a property owner's tax bill.
Any unused portion of this tax credit may be carried forward for
as many as five years. If the property were subsequently removed
from the HP district, any unused portion of the tax credit would
immediately lapse. A property not listed within a HP district at the
time the work is undertaken is not eligible for the preservation tax
credit.
The Washington County Tax Credit is given for projects that
"return a structure to a state of utility, through repair or altera-
tion, which makes possible an efficient use while preserving those
portions and features of the structure and its site and environment
which make the structure and its site and environment histori-
cally, architecturally, or culturally significant."
Projects that are primarily remodeling or are interior rehabili-
tation are not eligible to receive county tax credits. Owners contem-
plating major rehabilitation or significant changes to their historic
property are strongly advised to consult with a preservation architect
early in their project. A list of qualified preservation architects is avail-
able from the Washington County Historical Trust or the Maryland
Historical Trust.
To be eligible for for the Tax Credit all work must:
• Be exterior in nature
• Performed by a licensed contractor
• Be certified by the HDC as contributing to the restora-
tion or preservation of the historic structure
If you need clarification on whether your project is ordinary
maintenance, preservation or restoration, please contact the Wash-
ington County Planning Staff at 240-313-2430. Examples of eli-
gible projects could include (but are not limited to):
• Repairing historic windows and doors or replacing
deteriorated features with compatible new materials
• Significant repair of or replacing roofs to original closely examine this list for
• Repairs to framing or structural systems accuracy...
• HVAC systems
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
50
• Costs for architectural, engineering, consultants' ser-
vices and exploratory demolition necessary to prepare
the application
• Chimney repairs
• Exterior painting
• Exterior drains and potentially other drainage issues
if affecting structural integrity
• Gutter replacement
• Repairing architectural trim or ornament
• Repairing and maintaining historic outbuildings
such as barns and garages
• Repointing brick or stone foundations or chimneys
(does not apply to walls that have never been pointed,
i.e. dry -laid brick and stone walls)
• Restoring a documented feature such as a dormer or
porch that was previously altered or removed
• Uncovering or repairing original siding
• New historically compatible construction when at-
tached to existing historic structure
Not Eltgible for Tax Credits
• Annual or routine termite control
• Cleaning: windows, chimney, gutters, or siding
• Driveway and sidewalk repairs unless they have historic
significance
• Electrical work
• Equipment or tool purchases
• Interior work of any kind
• Installation of new non -historic features
• Interior fireplace repairs or chimney cleaning
• Landscaping, yard work
• Permit fees
• Professional services (architects, color consultants, engi-
neers)
• Replacement windows or doors except in rare circum-
stances with prior HDC approval
• Snow and ice removal
• Tree removal or tree services unless the tree touches the
Tax Credits
51
house or threatens structural integrity
• Value of owners' project time
Tax Credits Guidelines
Replacement of historic or non -historic features should be
completed in -kind, i.e. wood to wood, slate to slate. Introduction of
new materials requires HDC approval and may not be eligible for the
credit —unless the new material or design is a restoration to the prop-
erty's primary period of significance or if the original material was
faulty. In either case, the project should still receive a prior approval
Projects that restore a historic portion of a property to its orig-
inal appearance using acceptable documentation, i.e. historic photo-
graphs, forensic evidence on the building itself, drawings/paintings,
or diary entries, to name a few sources, will be considered eligible.
Alternately, work that replaces a historic feature may not meet eligi-
bility for a preservation tax credit. This is especially true when the
new feature differs from the original in materials or design.
When obtaining receipts for work done, make certain to
have your contractor price out each element of the job. Some items
may not be eligible and you may lose the entire credit if you fail to
provide sufficient information. Be sure to itemize receipts. If you are
not available for the HDC review of the application a tax credit may
be disallowed due to lack of clarification.
When purchasing equipment or supplies for a job, please
note on the receipt or a separate page attached to the receipt exactly
what the items are and what they were used for in your project. This
is only necessary if you purchased items for the contractor and the
supplies were used for multiple on -going projects.
Make certain to enclose a paid -in -full receipt or a cancelled
check with your application. Also, be sure to include a proposal or a
scope of work from the contractor who completed the work clearly
stating what eligible exterior work was done on your property.
Contact the Washington County Planning Office as soon
as you contemplate undertaking a county historic preservation tax
credit project. They will help guide you through the process and
recommend sources for good historic preservation practice. You
may also want to read the Design Guidelines for Historic Preservation
in Chapter 7 of this publication. These guidelines provide excellent
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
52
information about good historic preservation practice and are the
reference guidelines by which the HDC will review each project
and ultimately make a decision.
Historic Preservatior!-_Tax Credits
Insert local application
Local Succesful projects:
• Woburn Manor, Dam #4 Road major restoration work
• Old Forge Farm, Old Forge Road, slate roof replacement
• NEED MORE EXAMPLES - Photos would be great!!!!
•
Tax Credits
53
The Maryland Sustainable Communities Tax Credit Pro-
gram is administered by the Maryland Historical Trust and pro-
vides Maryland income tax credits based on a percentage of the
qualified capital costs expended in the rehabilitation of a structure
for the following types of projects:
• 20% credit for "certified historic structures" that are own-
er -occupied, single-family residences
• 20% credit for "certified historic structures" that are com-
mercial buildings
• 25% credit for "certified historic structures" that are high-
performance commercial buildings
• 10% credit for non -historic, "qualified rehabilitated struc-
tures"
Additionally, the Maryland Historical Trust offers low -interest
rehabilitation loans to users of the Heritage Preservation Tax Credit
Program. All questions on the Maryland Historic Tax Credit program
should be directed to the Maryland Historical Trust 410 514-7000
As the requirements, terms, and funding for Maryland Tax
Credits change, please refer the Maryland Historical Trust website
for the most recent information on State tax credits:
http://mht.marsrland.gov/taxcredits.html
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
54
Jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Inter-
nal Revenue Service, Federal Historic Preservation Tax Incentives
are administered in partnership with the Maryland State Historic
Preservation Office, and reward private investment in rehabilitating
historic buildings. To qualify for a Federal Historic Preservation Tax
Incentive, buildings must be income -producing properties listed on
the National Register of Historic Places, and work must be done in
accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Applica-
tions for the Federal Tax Credit are due in advance of the work.
Under the provisions of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, a 20%
tax credit is available for the substantial rehabilitation of commer-
cial, agricultural, industrial, or rental residential buildings that are
certified as historic. The credit may be subtracted directly from fed-
eral income taxes owed by the owner. The U.S. Internal Revenue
Service is the final judge of economic matters relative to certified
rehabilitations. Therefore, it is advisable that you consult with a tax
accountant or lawyer before completing your tax return.
To quality for the Investment Tax Credit, a property owner
must:
• Have a certified historic structure. To be certified, the
building must be listed individually on the National Reg-
ister of Historic Places or be a contributing part of a his-
toric district that is either listed on the National Register
or certified as eligible for the National Register
• Use the building for an income -producing purpose such
as rental -residential, commercial, agricultural, or indus-
trial
• Rehabilitate the building in accordance with the Secre-
tary of the Interior's "Standards for Rehabilitation" and
"Guidelines for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings." The
National Park Service (NPS), with advice from the Mary-
land Historical Trust determines whether a project meets
the standards.
• Spend an amount greater than the building's adjusted ba-
sis (roughly the current depreciated value of the building
not including land value) on the approved rehabilitation
project
Tax Credits
55
• Complete the work in a timely manner. Projects must
meet the minimum expenditure test within a two-year
measuring period, but applicants may take up to five
years to complete a phased project if the plans and specs
are approved in advance of construction.
• Pay a fee to the NPS; the fee shall be no less than $250
and no greater than $2,500 and shall be based upon the
qualifying rehabilitation expenditures.
As the requirements, terms, and funding for Federal His-
toric Tax Credit Program are frequently amended, please refer the
National Park Service website for the most recent information on
Federal tax credits:
http://www.nos.�g ov/hps/TPS/tax/index.htm
lines for Historic Preservation
56
Tax Credits
57
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
58
Tax Credits
� +� • • N
60
Preservation Zoning Ordinances
Preservation -minded citizens continue to search for improved
and effective ways to protect their historic neighborhoods, down-
towns and rural landscapes and the irreplaceable character of the
buildings and structures that define the county and provide us with
visible evidence of our past. Local government leaders struggle to
maintain a balance between preservation, property rights, and de-
velopment growth. For almost forty years, the historic preservation
ordinance has been an effective tool for accomplishing this goal.
When properly applied, zoning can be a powerful tool in protecting
historic properties.
The preservation ordinance is local legislation, or laws, en-
acted to protect historic districts, individual buildings and archaeo-
logical sites from destruction or insensitive remodeling. It is a legal
means by which local communities can identify, evaluate and pro-
tect historic properties. Such laws empower a board or commis-
sion to regulate to a greater or lesser degree, the design of exterior
changes to buildings within a defined area.
The most effective local ordinances enable the establishment
of a design review board or commission and the designation of local
historic districts and individual landmarks. Ordinances of this type
are called "enabling ordinances." Most ordinances do not identify
specific districts or landmarks in the ordinance itself. In this way
additional historic properties may be identified and designated in
the future.
Federal Level .._._
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) provides the
legal framework for a wide variety of historic preservation programs
at all levels. The NHPA was passed by Congress in 1966 and created
the National Register of Historic Places, State Historic Preservation
Offices, and Certified Local Governments. The NHPA also calls for
all Federal agencies to consider the effects of their projects — in-
cluding funding, permitting, and licensing programs — on historic
properties.
In addition to regulatory programs for Federal undertak-
ings, there is a Federal Income Tax Credit for the rehabilitation of
Washington County Historic Districts
properties listed in the National Register of
Historic Places. The Rehabilitation Tax Cred-
it Program provides project sponsors with a
credit equal to 20% of qualified expenses for
rehabilitation projects on income -producing
historic properties. This program has helped
to preserve and return hundreds of buildings
in Maryland to productive use. See chapter
3 of this publication for more information on
Tax Credit Programs.
While all Federal agencies have a re-
sponsibility to consider historic properties in
their projects, there are two Federal agencies
charged with specific preservation responsi-
bilities: The National Park Service and the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation.
The National Park Service (NPS) administers the National
Register of Historic Places, the National Historic Landmarks Pro-
gram, Save America's Treasures, the Certified Local Government
Program, Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, and numerous tech-
nical assistance programs.
The Advisory Council on Historic Preserva-
tion (ACHP) is the agency charged with ensuring
that other Federal agencies meet their obligations
under the NHPA and consider historic properties
in their project planning and execution. The ACHP
also administers the Preserve America program.
There are no Federal laws or regulations that
limit what private property owners can do to their
properties, including properties listed in the Na-
tional Register of Historic Places. The only situa-
tions in which private property owners may be im-
pacted by Federal laws and regulations are when
the owners have applied for or received a Federal
Rehabilitation Tax Credit (within the last five years) or require a
permit, license, or funding from a Federal agency.
The mid -19th century Brumbaugh-Kendle-
Grove farmstead near the Hagerstown Air-
port was acquired by Washington County in
1999 with a grant from the FAA. The use of
Federal funds requires a Section 106 review
to "mitigate adverse effects" assuring that
the Federal Government is not contributory
to the unwarranted demolition of a valuable
historic property.
The rare and beautiful Swisser Barn at the
Brumbaugh-Kendle-Grove farmstead has
been allowed to fall into a great state of dis-
repair by the Hagerstown Airport personnel.
Summer 2009
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
62
A grant from the Maryland Historical Trust State Level___ _
assisted the Town of Williamsport in main -
Every state has a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO),
taining the magnificent barn at Springfield
Farm. The great barn houses the town a government agency that administers a variety of programs de -
museum on the lower level and makes the signed to help citizens preserve and revitalize historic places in their
upper level available for private functions.
state. The Maryland Historical Trust is the SHPO for Maryland
and was created by the Maryland General Assembly in 1961. The
Trust is governed by a fifteen -member Board of Trustees appointed
by the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the
House of Delegates, and is administered by the Maryland Depart-
ment of Planning.
The Maryland Historical Trust administers a variety of pro-
grams, including:
• The Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP)—
a list of all properties in the State that have been surveyed
and recorded. However, just because a property has been
surveyed and included in the MIHP, it does not mean
that it is historically significant or is subject to any restric-
tions or regulations,
• The Maryland and National Registers of Historic Places —
The Maryland and National Registers are lists of properties
that have been surveyed AND evaluated AND found to be
historically significant the local, State, or national level.
Washington County Historic Districts
63
• Financial Incentives — MHT administers grants, loans,
and tax credits for historic properties, including planning
and documentation, "bricks and mortar", museum, and
heritage tourism projects.
• Review and Compliance — All State and Federal agencies
are required to consider the impact of their projects on
historic properties. MHT reviews all projects receiving
government assistance and helps agencies avoid, mini-
mize, or mitigate adverse effects on historic properties.
• Archeology — MHT undertakes archeological research,
coordinates public archeology programs, and monitors
archeological activities on State-owned property.
• Local Government and Community Assistance — MHT
provides technical and limited financial assistance to mu-
nicipal and county governments, community organiza-
tions, and citizens on a variety of historic preservation
policies and projects.
• Easements — MHT holds easements on more than 600
historic properties across the State, including some of the
most historically, architecturally, and archeologically sig-
nificant properties in Maryland.
Many of these programs are administered in partnership
with National Park Service and the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation. Congress provides SHPO's with a limited amount of
funding each year through the Historic Preservation Fund to assist
with these programs. The balance of MHT's operating budget is
provided by the State of Maryland.
There are no State laws or regulations that
limit what private property owners can do to
their properties, including properties listed in the
Maryland Inventory, and Maryland and National
Registers of Historic Places. The only situations in
which private property owners may be impacted
by State laws and regulations are when the owners
have applied for or received a State Rehabilitation
Tax Credit (within the last five years) or require a
permit, license, or funding from a State agency.
The Washington CountyAlmshouse on North
Locust Street, Hagerstown is a rare, surviv-
ing example of a poorhouse dating to the turn
of the 19th century. In 2010 this historic struc-
ture was placed on Preservation Maryland's
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
64
,Probe Sought Of Reported Plans county Le -v. -e1 ---------
To Sell Rochester ft on s e Site The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 is the le-
; " " " " " "'"' "' "" gal foundation for Washington County's for local historic pres-
I f n A:.I u IhN r Y II ro nr
t If la >ee sbg a I -I.1 I,i£ ut,I ilk fir t
y 1 i tl TN 11 ;' I fit A l h(Bll II IX,R0. tub
P 411x h, < all / ervation legislation so long as there are well -thought-out crite-
b tl i •ti a[1 Itfe.ot 1 (1 rqol,Ioois 01
Il 1 91 Li d ,dr Inl' II / tl l[ '.".
ir, , s I 01. „ 0,rh Ile, l ." 1,ri <,l . is Illler ` ria and standards, good hearing procedures, well -documented
It itr AenP ill 1105,100 0, Uilpll 1, iYsl f to,'
' is " "oioo II "° °"" "'' ` ", Yt{ dye- rif0"1` records and sound administrative oversight and decisions are
SM I hLA ' li
I i I I 0110 us, l l i 5 a! I L0 0,r iill \- Ud ,, id 1 r- found 1i ad rsl rr fl{ 0 Iuuhso nY a 1`01011
R' ,RIIRnl ), 0110{ consistent and serve multiple public goals. Detailed minutes
(IllS ,mw out'.
" "° ""`I ` " ".' ° of must be kept, historic sites and districts must be carefully re-
rl I, U I ill , Y ":1, l 11 ..,of
rare I r .x t l tc ill ark- I l is
"' "" 00-0 `"" °" "" "' "'" "' h' ' l "'a` searched and selected throughout the community, and design
t I ri. n ➢ f , 11 !' nI lr ^ I , rht .ei ?i '.hr'o b .[
h3 1 Oa t a i rre nI [ n. `110004 1 r 'll0 fir on,nrll
"" :"'"` p"" ";:" ° '" ""`review decisions must be consistent and based upon sensible
,PI If kll'r l ll f il, ', 1 54th,
4 h , 14 .. I fi ,1„
' e` 'I design guidelines which are readily understandable and avail-
able
to the public.
Morning Herald, June 13, 1952 One of the
earliest battles forpreservationinWash- Local preservation legislation enables the county and com-
ington County begins in the infamous, very munities to designate groups of historic or archaeological proper -
public, and unsuccessful attempt to save ties, called historic districts, or individual properties as zoning over -
the 18th mansion known as the Rochester
House two block west of Hagerstown's lays. This means that the legal use of the land does not change, but
square. that an additional designation of historic "zone" is identified. These
Historic Preservation districts and zones are administered by the
Historic District Commissions,
The Washington County governments support historic pres-
Morning Herald, August 12, 1969. onlyg-
ton County was praised for being the only ervation in a variety of ways, including being the owners and stew -
county in Maryland with a HistoricatAdvisory ards of historic properties, offering tax incentives, and creating His -
Committee. toric Area Overlay Zones,
County Praised For Being
Far Ahead Of Others In
Historical Preservation
Tito Uoavol of Cnonly Cm4: Iles ncpanlu lien 1naednrlob
Idi ssinnera Imlay Kemal Mrs. OLl In111dinis fm• the Ni
iPuish or No dinrylnrdl ties isler of IllsNdc Sties irhieh,
`
Ilaiuric ill 'ynmt p,dlso it's espl01nod, to 011,1 of All..
'for I" ohon" of n'fly f
liler Wnnllinb'' nlllratt IIatiolia1, till, null local
In Iho 0100 of tdaiorirnl poser. pynparlos ospieh tllmdd h0
vallml. stood trots dno'Ireiloo.
Elrs, 1051111 Dlasanled to the (0,10 nn[oeWnnlO mislnkn llln
tommisbioners Cimrt Oil tits vollnly hna nuulo, Sir,, Garish
vey r ud0 of blstndc points said, woo the toxv n[ tilt' IUslerio
hl \VSshinptnn Ill
Isole ddO 1 Nalllmllel roofed
I
Alt,, hrtlhded o IJsiorle bldbli"6 ¢rehvei• fonmleJ II 011y 111
sha 'Ti"
nvi P'nshingtml pOrheslor, N.1'.
Costly is toenail rnnntY in 4hc shasial 1101 ncvU for
Ilie dole Is have ill mil Sri tax rnlllh0 isnllon of a Chll pillilii o,
IIIofoI tell ndrixme• emnmilleq and hieloris Pr0sersadiml. Tilt
01111 Inndtd Iha coon!? for it, mollir toil sill,". forprmath 01111
folIt Il, bTi Jinx doceloiimmM1 pod still
'Vu!,' rosily is nnilrvudll''p00osrec ifs stn nlerhll hmilap4
sipniilenni;' she told IIm rme, she mahtl ol'i
iadnners, her.ornt It was IIIe MI's. i'a11ah fold the mm.
Curl011 y Anlen'ny So II IhrOsi Iry !""th Ihnl slln hop0d IhCY
rv0s'.0010111toonlicr, do Crmll ip!011mi l wulel'slpnd nrrrylhilln
)Ire. Parish ICrnmA 11 05(0 IIm sow isn't 10 anv Ilnronan silo
pnrmnt ihxn IIm 010114 Inntlinq ovoclrU In came beck and rx'
I I onr mllloenl hlslm;v. 011 in it nl:ahl.
In Imr 0011006 311x. Pnnah Am• calms" In 0"010 In
p,:l(0ed Ilse ln.IlOW nl'eldlrmo lv"ollilolnll Connl)', 01's 101,1,
111 III,, anlrllp' moll told 1110 011151 /0011111 sill I'er. "ICs can of the
ndasi0ners "Inwp all to IL" lovelicsl counties hl Ilm ninlc"
In Maryland only local governments have the authority to
review and approve changes to historic properties owned by indi-
viduals. State law allows counties and municipalities to designate
historic districts and individual landmarks and review changes
to those properties as a way of preserving the historic fabric that
makes those properties significant and ensure that new construc-
tion is compatible with the historic nature of those properties.
Changes to these locally designated historic districts and proper-
ties are reviewed by the Historic District Commissions of Wash-
ington County or the Hagerstown Preservation District that are
appointed by the County Commissioners and the Mayor and
Council of Hagerstown respectively.
Washington County Historic Districts
65
SECTION 20.0 PURPOSE - THE PURPOSE OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVA-
TION DISTRICT IS TO PROVIDE A MECHANISM FOR THE PROTECTION, ENHANCE-
MENT AND PERPETUATION OF THOSE SIGNIFICANT HISTORIC STRUCTURES, SITES
AND DISTRICTS AS DEFINED IN SECTION 20.7 IN WASHINGTON COUNTY, WHICH
HAVE HISTORICAL, ARCHITECTURAL, ARCHEOLOGICAL AND CULTURAL MERIT.
THE "HP" DISTRICT IS AN OVERLAY ZONE MEANT TO ENHANCE, NOT SUBSTI-
TUTE, FOR THE EXISTING ZONING DESIGNATION, THAT REGULATES LAND USE,
SECTION 20.1 - HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION CREATED, PURSUANT TO THE
AUTHORITY GRANTED TO WASHINGTON COUNTY IN ARTICLE 688, SECTION S01
ET. SEQ. OF THE ANNOTATED CODE OF MARYLAND, THERE IS HEREBY CREATED
THE "HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND."
SECTION 20.3 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION DUTIES & POWERS
SECTION 20.4 ESTABLISHMENT OF "HP" ZONES. THE "HP" DISTRICT IS AN
OVERLAY ZONE THAT INDICATES THE PRESENCE OF AN HISTORIC SITE, STRUCTURE
OR DISTRICT, WHICH HAS BEEN OR WILL BE JUDGED TO BE OF SIGNIFICANCE TO
THE HERITAGE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. THE OVERLAY ZONE IS ALSO A MECHANISM TO MONI-
TOR AND REGULATE BUILDING ACTIVITIES IN THE "HP" DISTRICT. AS AN OVERLAY ZONE, THE
"HP" DISTRICT IMPOSES ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OR MODIFICATION
OF NEW OR EXISTING STRUCTURES ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY. THESE CRITERIA ARE IN ADDI-
TION TO THE CONVENTIONAL UNDERLYING LAND USE ZONE. THE "HP" OVERLAY ZONE SHALL BE
IN NO WAY CONSTRUED TO LIMIT OR MODIFY THE PERMITTED USES OF THE UNDERLYING ZONE.
iers Urge Plaza
For Rt. 40 Tract
A discussion of proposed
Ing for a recently annexed
occupied (he time Thu rid i
the Hagerstown Planning
mission.
The group, along with r
hers of the Board of Z,
Appeals and the owner o:
property. Dr. Richard liar
The area Is generally
I lowell Rd., Dnal
id the Ilehb farm, It
F acres and was- ann
SECTION 20.5 CRITERIA FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF AN "HP" OVERLAY ZONE
SECTION 20.6 ACTIVITY WITHIN AN "HP" ZONE
IN THE "HP" DISTRICT, ANY ACTIVITY WHICH REQUIRES THE ISSUANCE OF A BUILDING PERMIT
ACCORDING TO THE CURRENTLY ADOPTED WASHINGTON COUNTY BUILDING CODE AND SUBSE-
QUENT AMENDMENTS AS ADOPTED FOR USE IN WASHINGTON COUNTY AND THE PROCEDURES OF
THE DEPARTMENT OF PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS SHALL BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW, APPROVAL OR
DISAPPROVAL BY THE HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. SUCH ACTIV-
ITY CAN INCLUDE BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO CONSTRUCTION, RECONSTRUCTION, RELOCATION, RES-
TORATION, REHABILITATION, MODIFICATION, ENLARGEMENT, CONVERSION OR DEMOLITION OF ALL
OR ANY PORTION OF THE EXTERIOR FEATURES OF THE SUBJECT SITE, STRUCTURE OR DISTRICT.
SECTION 20.7 DEFINITIONS
SECTION 20.8 APPEALS
der the Burhans adminlslraI
The commission officially
commended that about 35 a
of (lie property fronting an I
Highway should he zoned c
minify shipping center. R,
dentist zoning was recomme,
for the rest of the land.
In other business the ce
mission reviewed file ma
street plan proposed by the
rn Ave. be fall
led a n ri the
the proposed
be realigned.
Morning Herald, May 1966. The Hagerstown
Planning Commission determined the 18th
century stone home and barn known as Fox
Deceived Farm on the Dual Highway should
be a shopping plaza.
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
66
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,II„
ton County Historical Resources
Washington County launched its first formal survey and
`dentification of it's historic resources in the mid 1970's when an
architectural historian consultant was hired with joint County and
State funding. Within five years, over 1,300, individual, pre -1860
esources were identified, evaluated, and cataloged. It was the foun-
ation for the Washington County Historical Site Survey. In 1983,
dditional funding enabled an additional eighty-two properties to
be identified when the Getty Survey was completed.
In 1989, Washington County began a
comprehensive effort to identify and evaluate
resources and potential for historic districts in
all the incorporated municipalities throughout
the county except Hagerstown. Each survey in -
eluded a contextual history relating the specific
factors that lead to the towns development,
lists of contributing resources and a proposed
-historic district boundary. The survey limited
identified historic resources to be fifty -years old or older, the profes-
sionally and nationally accepted guideline.
Hancock was the first town in the county to tender a complet-
ed survey in 1989 identifying 348 contributing resources. William-
sport was surveyed in 1990 with 381 identified resources. Smith-
sburg and Sharpsburg were completed in 1991 and identified 161
and 218 resources respectively. In 1992, 142 sites were documented
in Clear Spring and 249 were noted as contributing to a
° potential district in Boonsboro. Keedysville's survey was
completed in 1993 with a different source of contribut-
ing funds from the Maryland Department of Planning
and listed 124 contributing sites within a potential dis-
trict boundary. After a brief hiatus due to the shortage of
/F.' funding, Funkstown was the final town to be surveyed in
One of the Washington County Historical Site Survey completed in 1976. The Reich-
ard Farm on Jordan Road write up includes a brief history, a description, and historical
significance. Black and white photos and a map complete the file.
Washington County Historic Districts
67
1996 where 162 contributing resources were identified. The City of
o;;j. n s
Hagerstown has 1,653 contributing resources located within six na-
tional register districts, that overlap with its four locally designated
=,_ _p_„" • _ a - ._,en,_ :,,, '"'
preservation design districts.
::::::::r
Site surveys continue on an individual basis and are added to
„°. , ,...°� • ...,,
existing survey work. Occasionally they are initiated by the prop-
•i.°ii M .n"qitbi ni�euix,'.,i` �.•.:uE e,
..•„m,°•„M.`� , i;;°.r;i,. ':.a °' " °`^ °'
erty owner but more often it is triggered by use of Federal and State
funding or permits that require analysis of their effects on
historic resources. Affected sites not previously done are ana-
lyzed and documented.
Most recently survey work has been completed as a
joint funding effort between Washington County and the
State of Maryland through the Certified Local Government
program, status which Washington County achieved on Au-
gust 28, 1991. Two phases of this Rural Community Survey
have been completed with several more to be completed.
th_
____________________________________
Each community contains multiple properties. Some
may have significance to local history on their own. Most, however,
will have more importance as a contributing resource to assist in
understanding and interpreting the history of the whole commu-
nity and Washington County. To date, the communities that have
had their surveys completed and the number of resources identified
include Maugansville (101 resources), Rohrersville (42), Pen Mar
(53), Fairplay (23), and Tilghmanton (72). The Highfield/Cascade
poescnmun wmu-44t
--
community has been preliminarily evaluated but a resource count
was delayed to a future phase of the project. In all, the resources that...,..,
. °<.ph
contribute to the understanding of the development of rural.a
past
a.¢re:,
communities and therefore to the therefore to the County's history,
number 291.
Almost 25 years of historic sites survey has identified 5,127
it in Washin ton Count and it's munici ali- '"�
ses g y p
ties, most of them being dwellings. The 1990 {:
census counted 47,448 housing units in Wash-
ington County. 13,570 of them were reported to 1#
be constructed before 1939. 8,592 of those pre -
1939 structures are located in the incorporated x 5.
municipalities, 6,761 in Hagerstown alone. The
remaining pre -1939 structures in towns, 1,831
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
68
corresponds favorably with the total number surveyed in the mu-
nicipalities of 1,785. With 1,689 sites surveyed in the county since
the 1970's and the Census indication of 4,978 pre -1939 dwelling
units in the County there is some merit in the thought that there are
still many potentially historic sites, over 3200, unevaluated, waiting
to be discovered and documented.
The Maryland Historical Trust was created in 1961 to as-
sist the people of Maryland in identifying, evaluating, protecting
and interpreting the state's significant historic, architectural, and
cultural resources. The Trust's field survey program has operated
continuously since that date, placing some 45,000 entries on the
Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties. Over the years, docu-
mentation standards have evolved considerably. Early reconnais-
sance surveys produced brief architectural descriptions and minimal
photographic coverage; subsequent efforts often expanded upon this
basic information with historical research and measured drawings.
Following the creation of the federal historic preservation program
and the Trust's designation as the State Historic Preservation Office
for Maryland, a more exhaustive inventory form was developed,
based on the National Register format; this brought the state's field
survey standards into close alignment with National Park Service
requirements. Documentation produced in recent decades is rich
in content, and has established the Maryland inventory's national
reputation for thoroughness and professionalism.
The MHT assembled all Maryland county Historical Site
Surveys in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties and have
made these survye's available to the public in electronic form on
their website. Through grants the MHT continues to expand the
database by adding historic properties.
http://www.mdihp.net/
Rural Villages
The Rural Village designation is provided to preserve the
unique historic or rural character of existing villages by encour-
aging compatible, harmonious development within a defined vil-
lage boundary. It also identifies clusters of existing development in
Washington County Historic Districts
69
the rural areas that may be candidates fo
public facilities in the future. The zon
intends for permitted development to b
generally of a similar density, scale an(
use type and mixture as that which exist
in the village. I
The zone is also designed to pre
vent large amounts or inappropriate)
scaled development or uses that woult
detract from the existing rural or histori
character of the village. It is expected tha
development will be residential and a lim
ited amount of mixed rural services. Mor
than one use may be permitted on one
specific guidelines. Public water and sewer may be available for the
purpose of resolving or preventing health issues. Use of public utili-
ties to permit greater density than the density specified in this sec-
tion is not permitted.
The formal designation of"Rural Villages" is an outgrowth of
Maryland's Smart Growth Act of 1997. By law, a designated Rural
Village is considered a "Priority Funding Area" (PFA). Many such
villages have existed in Washington County since colonial times
while newer urban settlements at junctions in roads or along creeks
and railroads have evolved in the recent past. Rural Villages are de-
fined by something other than incorporation or governing structure.
They are definable on the landscape and contribute to the unique
character of Washington County. They usually include a small core
of a residential neighborhood associated with a retail establishment
or an institution such as a post office, elementary school, church or
1 Section 5D,5Architectural Review It Is the intention of the Rural Villagedesignation to promote new development that Is con-
sistent in type, scale and appearance with existing development In the village. (a) In Rural Villages that are identified In Washington County's
Historic Sites Inventory, individual parcels Identified In the same Inventory when the village Is not Identified, properties listed in Maryland's
Inventory of Historic Places or properties listed In the National Register of Historic Places, the exterior appearance of new construction that re-
quires a building permit, except buildings of 100 square feet or less, shall be subject to review and approval or disapproval by the Washington
County Historic District Commission.
The Historic District Commission shall use the adopted review guidelines as provided In Article 20 of the Zoning Ordinance, 1. In addition to.
the adopted guidelines the Historic District Commission shall give consideration to the following in Its determination of appropriate exterior
appearance of new construction in the Rural Village district, a, the exterior appearance of existing structures in the Rural Village Including
materials, style, arrangement of doom and windows, mass, height and number of stories, roof style and pitch, proportion, b. Building size and
orientation c. landscaping d. signaga e, lighting f. setbacks g. accessory structures (b) All applications for new construction, except buildings
of 100 square feet or less, shall provide accurately scaled and detailed elevation drawings of all sides of the structure for review as pad of
the building permit or site plan review, whichever Is first applicable. (c) As other Rural Villages or Individual properties within the Rural Village
district are evaluated to determine their historic significance according to Maryland Historical Trust guidelines and are added to the Maryland
Inventory of Historic Properties, Washington County's Inventory of Historic Properties or the National Register of Historic Places, the exterior
appearance of those structures shall also become subject to the review and approval or disapproval of the Historic District Commission. The
requirement for Historic District Commission review of exterior appearance in Rural Villages added after original adoption of this Ordinance
shall apply only after a public hearing during which the affected property owners have had the opportunity to provide Input.
Washington County was surveyed for his-
toric content in 2001. Any new construction
within the bounds of the Rural Village are
subject to review by the Washington County
Historic District Commission.
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
70
fire station. Most are located in the rural areas some distance from
other towns or facilities. A few are close enough to an urban center
to be associated with the Urban Growth Area or a Town Growth
Area. Many have vacant lots that are suitable for infill development.
No new Rural Villages are being recommended at this time, how-
ever, it is recommended that the villages be reviewed for their his-
torical potential so that "historical sub -areas" may be delineated
within the boundary of the villages. The intent is to create historical
sub -areas within the rural villages so that additional emphasis can
be placed on design criteria so that the historical nature of the area
may be preserved in terms of scale and compatibility. The following
are the designated "Rural Villages" for Washington County:
Rural Village
Completed
Other
Antietam
Bagtown
Bakersville
Beaver Creek
Big Pool
Big Spring
Bostetter
within UGA
Breathesdville
Bridgeport
within UGA
Brownsville
Cascade
Cavetown
Cearfoss
Cedar Lawn
within UGA
Charlton
Chewsville
Conococheague/Wilson
Dargan
Downsville
March 2009
Eakle's Mill
Edgemont
Ernestville
Fairplay
need date
Fairview
Fiddlesburg/Security
Washington County Historic Districts
71
Rural Village
Completed
Other
Gapland
Garrett's Mill
Greensburg
Highfield
July 1999
Huyett
Indian Springs
Jugtown
Kemps
Lappans
Leitersburg
Nov 2002
National Register
Mapleville
Maugansville
Within UGA*
Mercersville
Middleburg
Mt. Aetna
Mt. Briar
Mt. Lena
March 2009
Pecktonville
Pen Mar
July 1999
Pinesburg
Pondsville
Reid
Ringgold
July 2001
Rohrersville
need date
Sandy Hook
July 2001
St. James (Lydia)
Tilghmanton
July 1999
Trego-Rohrersville Station
Williamsport Station
Yarrowsburg
*Rural Villages within the Urban Growth Areas are not subject to HDC review.
Major public investment by the County in public facilities
and services to encourage substantial new development should not
be made in Rural Villages. Priority should be given to correcting
existing public health and safety problems that result from failing
septic systems or contaminated wells.
It is anticipated that a Rural Village Zoning District classifi-
cation coinciding with the designated Rural Villages located in the
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
72
ister of Historic Places and is designated a
local Historic Presentation District.
The Keedy House, circa 1776, on Barnes
Road near Boonsboro is on the National
Register of Historic Places and is designat-
ed a local Historic Preservation District.
Rural Area will be implemented through
the Zoning Ordinance. Residential develop-
ment density for a Rural Village classification
is anticipated to be in the one dwelling unit
per acre range unless specific environmen-
tal problems have been identified or where
existing public facilities can permit a higher
density. Development should be limited to
infill development in accordance with the
defined boundaries for the Rural Village.
Additional regulations addressing
_rural considerations are anticipated to insure
new development compatibility with existing development. No new
Rural Villages are being recommended at this time.
Historical Preservation ZoneProperties
The purpose of the Historic Preservation District is to pro-
vide a mechanism for the protection, enhancement and perpetu-
ation of those significant historic structures, sites and districts as
defined in Section 20.7 in Washington County, that have historical,
architectural, archeological and cultural merit. The "HP" district is
an overlay zone meant to enhance, not substitute, for the existing
zoning designation which regulates land use. Districts established
to reflect elements of the cultural, social, economic, political or ar-
chitectural history are intended to:
• Safeguard the heritage of Washington County as embodied
and reflected in such structures, sites and districts
Stabilize and improve property values of such structures, sites
and districts and in Washington County generally
• Foster civic pride in the beauty and noble ac-
complishments of the past
• Strengthen the economy of the County
• Promote the preservation and appreciation of
historic structures, sites and districts for the edu-
cation, and welfare of the residents of Washing-
ton County.
Washington County Historic Districts
73
Historic group asks tax cuts for preservation
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VMrts,la,,
,,, to
Oxmn Imm wxllllnpy GMaging Ito ddpttk value N
vats, mcY
apnnvm 0larvaxa4Wlal4a'+me llme,Guyt, ate
IA+IM, lb mule ank a marl W.W.pl' ccdan it, xOh
cch a
W,I,IXOanduvl+MMry
ha., II h,tad
my lA,ago.6lv[e da�ll F+a rludlM prmervalke ma In
tied
val4 arts, Itn; hM,armelke, +M Mbxdls4dmmM
[arvNubv vwld act lmwhhlYrk eldWa m=mhra lvb en
lawdaaawldhll=MvmuLmma
b%days lot tall,
Morning Herald, May 4, 1977 The HUG pre -
When the Zoning Ordinance was adopted in 1973 it con- sented the idea of Historic Tax Credits to the
tained a Historic Preservation zone. Although it was applied to over County Commissioners. The tax credit or -
500 acres of land area, that text was unable to provide any signifi- dinance was not approved by the County
Commissioners until July 1990.
cant guidance or protection for privately owned historic sites. Wash-
ington County at least considered a new Ordinance for preservation
of historic structures in 1977. A draft of thefl Ordinance remains as
well as a record of at least one hearing. It was not adopted.
The 1981 Comprehensive Plan Commissioners kill idea
contained recommendations to develop a , a..
voluntary zoning designation that would ,15torle protection. nosedives
my bRxom S. Party , bell, ,, On mmr er Ih. Aemae pey,q Iv IG Mm eOmm4,Ms, 6160
rtm,maa Arcane erepru<M Nda6 .e0xla [e me mV prvpenr Or.m bM.61 ,14i, se rnrwmnvne m=eehPvorg le
protect, enhance and perpetuate those (tr,,Marna e,, Cac„mm.Ya "em COmxmaka,aat. St hal tail ew^ka bhv re,mraroPnr (tsar vWaa eY it,, Camq Cgmmlvlmrn Tam. @ is scatty , pprk,, mlulvur Oe,ttY. Ilurser nia to km„a dn, dry. _ ImnM lAe apk Tu<Nry. blA lvWa lq erht avm, p,am'albn kx.
structures and areas in Washington Coun— TAemmml„W,,,,.. Mb aM9RacNlwb) at team Rtaa110+Mha,,a, mIddeltA.Oxxw ra.atn NN,, ata{e Pm elernlana
mmmwlmer eM 6°xxe{le aaev�r ax n41mk rblewaP.pp Irrm'nel<egabemra dea=nMa 4e[e1m Ilrnnn dw I
Pruem,Nn mwae. um m. mvmrMxm �'vmnrualeimvmmtn.tbuwuadYelMnnvla { arr IY, a ,w taint axing
eIM'pad4h u, Nwrr pWPlbn pga,MrAcan re aalmN tar me mm cal a pmpnr rm. xbno<rlh,rpu<." WmaYulabe vnaLelm
ty which are of historic, architectural, ar— al: Mhcmarikliv pm=mmLL Pp,v,d br We(a11AneFnexm-,wl lm mw N'
d .trwu aPP,remp'Inn xlm re n•. ••`-•. _•.•. .._ Nwtlrlm e.p:e:rM Ay nmu, rnm lne o,°m,w
mlxm m[m,nm a a In pmlmm(wlmle w=p,• p
theological or cultural merit. The County pa. batr do 4 .t, M„aim 4A lle wn
erne lml,Ytn eka„pm4^x°i eem�� vrmpi
ne e,maaam.ona hn b.,M nn,tm m. minge
rowxemr ven Inn, pmpmn m Amenc aN. rrgMnn
accomplished that goal in 1986 by adopt- ;epoaaa:'gaituc,ahadtotnr acth[ta iayetp etth,ta,
.nWurM amr4l ,wmnlWmhle,. dacol iP lneai. v,w ,l
ing a completely new text for the Historic IkcaN°'l^.a.Y=mm. meamr
TM, nwnd an a,w',envr°Inum tsas fbMr
tlama[e tame blllvri[vTmer,ppnnn[eat sash 6vi.
Nvtiven. nefilY
Preservation District with corresponding amxll,Mwm 6YdlMidmmepwxrolax. + k,
xOp�v, a+, 4atm(d Ay a pev4len dal t IJ IAa
bbaa�l Ilm'N ua gv,mvr:.x On(uu Warix
ea a,mm mrxml.8 mxaxnlim mx¢ `eert,
map amendments. It replaced the original Ilof„�., malnd,a dal de ah;w,aMm At nr6e,
and ineffective 1973 version. The text fol-
lowed the Comprehensive Plan guidelines by being voluntary and
includes provisions for review of building permit applications with
an eye toward keeping changes to the exterior of buildings in the
zone consistent with the historic appearance.
New construction in the zone is also subject to plan review
and compliance with design standards. The text created a Historic
District Commission with specific responsibilities for administra-
tion of permit review within the zone.
At the time of its adoption it was consistent with existing
State legislation that delegated the authority for Historic Preserva-
tion zoning to counties, Section 8 of Article 66B. Since then Article
aetab had
October 26, 1977. Washing-
ton County just wasn't ready.
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
74
Sharpsburg,
The Antietam OverlayAO districts exclude
the city of Sharpsburg
66B has been revised and there is a need to
revise the County's Historic Preservation
zoning to incorporate those changes.
At the present time there are forty-
_. 1C�' m'; , . three sites in Washington County with•
" ` '° the Historic Preservation zoning overlay.
Nineteen are privately owned and almost
all of those are residential properties. A
' - L' small handful of properties were added
I�I61 � �,��ii voluntarily at the owner's request after the
zone guidelines were amended and pro-
• vided with significant protective author-
ity Another 18 are bridges, the majority being stone arch bridges
in government ownership. The remaining 6 sites are also publicly
owned and of a park or open space nature such as the C & 0 Canal,
Washington Monument and the like.
AntietamOverlay
The purpose of the Antietam Overlay District is to provide
mechanisms for the protection of significant historic structures and
land areas by requiring development and land subdivision to occur
in a manner that
• Preserves the existing quality of the viewshed of the Anti-
etam Battlefield, and
• Ensures that development of certain lands adjacent to
the major roads which provide public access to the An-
tietam Battlefield (i.e., Maryland Routes 34 and 65) is
compatible with the agricultural and historic character of
the area. The "AO" District is an overlay zone meant to
enhance, not substitute for the existing underlying zoning
designation which regulates land use.
The Antietam Overlay District is comprised of three sub -
districts: The Battlefield Buffer (AO -1), the Approach Zones (AO -
2), and the Red Hill Area (AO -3). Lands zoned AO -1 (Battlefield
Buffer) and AO -3 (Red Hill Area) are situated within the Battle-
field Foreground and Red Hill Middleground, respectively, of the
Antietam Viewshed, as determined by the National Park Service
Washington County Historic Districts
Map 56
Data Sources:
U. S. Census Bureau
MD Office of Planning
MD State Highway Administration
Washington County Planning Dept
k: This map 4 prepared far the isle purpose
of mustraWg the Cumpa Mm Nu
It should not to used for other puspoxs
Inrommtbnshosmon this map was compost
from causes orsghaalmains usated sodt+ J°
sugar to dw:ge as source data dmnges.
e\posq\eom.\mvalaynpr
NKea
Euclidian Zones
Overlay Zones
AO1
AO2
AO3
Areas
zone
acres
sq. mi.
AO -1
3,504
5.47
AO -2
925
1.45
AO -3
536
.84
Comprehensive Plan
for
Washington County,
Maryland
2002
4
Prepared by the
05 1 Mlles Washington County
Planning Department
4-23-21 Geographic Information System
76
Red Hill from the Antietam Battlefield.. A
viewshed worth preserving.
Rockland, circa 1800, is located on the
Sharpsburg Pike. It is eligible for, but at
present not on, the National Register of
Historic Places,
and documented in its April 1988 techni-
cal study entitled Analysis of the Visible
Landscape: Antietam. The boundaries
of the AO -1 and AO -3 zones conform to
property boundaries except where man-
made or natural features provide suitable
boundaries.
Lands zoned AO -2 (Approach
Zones) are situated within 1000 feet of the
centerline of certain road segments, and
do not necessarily conform to property
boundaries. The length of the AO -2 (Ap-
proach Zones) are as shown on the zoning maps.
Scenic view sheds and vistas of Red Hill from the Antietam
Battlefield are protected in part by the Antietam Overlay Zones
identified in the County Zoning Ordinance. Roadway approach
zones along highways near the Battlefield are also mapped in the
Ordinance. In these areas, a proposed activity that requires a build-
ing permit is subject to review of the Historic District Commission
of Washington County.
In 1989 Washington County created a zoning designation
known as the Antietam Overlay zone, similar in effect, intent and
mechanics to the Historic Preservation zone. The zone was created
in response to the perception that the southern portion of Washing-
ton County and especially the area around Sharpsburg and the An -
:field was in imminent
rampant development.
a Overlay text and map
were adopted in 1989
-d density reduction ef-
:ted.
\ntietam Overlay has
egories tied to distinct
areas with different
protection. The AO -1
known as the Battle -
:one, which includes all
irivate lands within the
Washington County Historic Districts
77
legislative boundary of the Antietam National Battlefield,
over 3500 acres. Permits for construction of new residen-
tial, commercial or industrial uses must be reviewed by
the Historic District Commission using the same design
guidelines employed in the Historic Preservation zone
to insure compatibility with the historic appearance of
the area. The AO -2 zone, also known as the Approach
Zone, requires the same construction permit review for
non-residential construction. These "approach" zones are
designed to present an appropriate appearance to visitors
arriving in the historic battlefield area via several major highways.
They radiate from the edge of the AO -1 zone along major highway
routes that provide access to the area. They extend 1000' on either
side of the highway.
The final portion of the trilogy is the AO -3 or Red Hill zone.
It is intended to regulate and limit the removal of tree cover on Red
Hill, which provides the background for views from a significant
portion of the Battlefield park. It is designed to retain as much for-
est coverage as possible when development occurs. It is meant to
enhance the visitor's experience at Antietam by providing a histori-
cally correct viewshed.
Together, the three Antietam Overlay zoning designations
cover over 4,000 acres of 190 south central Washington County.
Of the hundreds of existing dwelling units in the AO -1 and AO -2
zones, 35 are currently identified in existing inventory materials.
Two are listed in the National Register of Historic Places [need a
map of the three zones].
National Register of Historic. Places Properties
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of
the Nation's cultural resources worthy of preservation. The deter-
mination is a cooperative process that includes nomination by own-
ers or other interested parties and a multi step evaluation against
national standards including experts and National, State and local
government officials and substantial opportunity for public input.
In Maryland, listing results in multiple benefits that assist in pre-
serving historic resources such as:
• Recognition that a property is of significance to the Nation,
as an impressive example of a type of rural
summer residence that reflects the eclectic
melding of several distinctive architectural
styles popular in the early 20th century. In
particular, the styles represented by this
building include the Craftsman/Bungalow,
American Foursquare, the Late Victorian
Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival styles.
Built c. 1906 as a summer "cottage" by a
wealthy urbanite from Baltimore, the natural
stone and cedar shingle construction blends
well into the mountain landscape
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
78
e State or the Community.
Consideration in the Planning for Federal,
derally or state funded, licensed and assisted
Eligibility for federal and Maryland tax ben -
Consideration in the decision to issue sur-
ce coal mining permits.
Eligibility to apply for federal and state
•ants and low interest loans
National Register listing can govern
the treatment of a structure, insuring com-
patible rehabilitation and design of new addi-
tions through the use of nationally and pro-
fessionally accepted Secretary of the Interiors
Standards for Rehabilitation when those changes are financed or
require permits from federal or state agencies. Contrary to popular
belief the National Register does not regulate land use or provide
the ultimate protection against inappropriate changes or demolition
of historic sites when private funds are used.
In addition to the prestige of formal acknowledgment that
a site bears significance in American history, architecture, archeol-
ogy, engineering and culture, the Register is a tool to assist federal
and state agencies in using taxpayer funds wisely. Listing creates
a mechanism to insure that federal and state governments do not
spend public resources in ways that negatively impact historic re-
sources that have value to or benefits for the general public. Listing
carries no County land use regulations.
Washington County's first listings in the National Register
79
of Historic Places occurred in 1966
when the Antietam National Bat-
tlefield and the C&O Canal were
entered. The most recent listings of
the private property known as Hills,
Dales and the Vineyard and a histor-
ic district within the town of Funk-
stown in 2000 brings the County's
National Register listings to a total of
eighty-four. Nineteen of the Nation-
al Register sites are within the City
of Hagerstown and six of those are
multiple property districts. Also in-
cluded in the total is one site each in
the municipalities of Boonsboro and
Sharpsburg. Washington County and its Historic District Com-
mission is now an official participant in the nomination and review
process by virtue of its Certified Local Government responsibili-
ties and privileges. (see appendix for listing of current Washington
County National Register of Historic Places Properties.)
Contributing structures identified within a incorporated
towns on the National Register of Historic Places are eligible for
tax credits without having to apply individually. These structures
were identified during the application process. Determination of
whether a specific structure is identified as "contributing" or "non-
contributing" may be found on the original application. A copy of
the structure determination may be found at each town hall or from
the National Register of Historic Places.
Williamsport is an incorprated town listed on
the National Register of Historic Places. The
historic structures identified as contributing
structures are eligible for Federal, State, and
Local tax credits.
Guidelines for Historic Preservation
80
Fur "! • ( 4
In September of 1776, Washington County officially became the first county in the newly
declared United States of America to be named for the Commander -in -Chief, General George Wash-
ington. Although many town
Listed on the National Register
Subject to Review?
Hagerstown City Park Historic Dis-
trict
July, 5, 1990
Yes - Hagerstown Preservation
Commission
Hagerstown City Historic District
February 2, 1994
Yes - Hagerstown Preservation
Commission
Hagerstown Commercial Core His-
toric District
January, 17, 1983
Yes - Hagerstown Preservation
Commission
Oak Hill District
September 18, 1987
Yes - Hagerstown Preservation
Commission
Potomac —Broadway Historic District
December 12, 1990
Yes - Hagerstown Preservation
Commission
South Prospect Street District
October 1, 1979
Yes - Hagerstown Preservation
Commission
Town of Boonsboro
December 23, 2005
No
Town of Clear Spring
Eligible
Town of Funkstown, circa 1769
September 8, 2000
No
Town of Hancock
Eligible
Town of Keedysville
October 26, 2001
No
Town of Sharpsburg, 1739
December 24, 2008
No
Town of Smithsburg
Eligible
Town of Williamsport , 1767
October 26, 2001 .
No
Washington County Historic Districts
BOARD OF APPEALS Appeal No: AP2012-008
WASHINGTON COUNTY, MARYLAND Parcel No: 01421019100000 �J
Zoning: RURAL VILLAGE
Filed: 03/02/2012
Hearing:
Location of Property: 25440 HIGHFIELD ROAD CA
Description of Appeal:
VARIANCE FROM MINIMUM 8 -FT RIGHT SIDE YARD SETBACK TO 2 -FT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION
OF A POLE BUILDING
Property Owner: BROWN ROBERT E
25440 HIGHFIELD RD
CASCADE, MD 21719
Phone Number: 301-988-4828
Appellant: BROWN ROBERT E
25440 HIGHFIELD ROAD
CASCADE, MD 21719
Phone Number:
Appellant's present legal interest in above property:
Owner: Y Lessee: Contract to Rent/Lease:
Contract to Purchase: Other:
Previous Petition/Appeal Docket No(s):
Applicable Ordinance Sections: SECTION 5D3 (a)
Reason for Hardship: TOPOGRAPHY
If Appeal of Ruling, Date of Ruling...:
Ruling Official/Agency.......................:
Existing Use: DETACHED GARAGE
Proposed Use: LARGER POLE BUILDING
Previous Use Ceased For At Least 6 Months? Date Ceased:
Area Devoted to Non -Conforming Use - Existing:
Proposed:
I hereby affirm that all of the statements and Information contained i. or filed with this appeal are true and
correct.
Signature of App Ilant(s)
Sworn to and subscribed before me th1sJ2Vk± day of j 1 f 7_ ,LA
My Commission Expires:
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Notar Public
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