HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinal Draft - May 22- Historic Guidelines
Design Guidelines for
Historic Structures
Washington County, Maryland
Adopted 202x
ii Historic Structures
Acknowledgements
Historic District Commission:
Gregory Smith, Chair
Lloyd Yavener, Vice Chair
Ann Aldrich
Vernell Doyle
Kourtney Lowery
Michael Lushbaugh
Edith Wallace
Jeffrey A. Cline (BOCC Representative)
Former Historic District Commission
Members:
Robert Bowman II
Thomas G. Clemens
Kurt Cushwa
Michael Gehr
Chris Horst
Sandra D. Izer
Gary W. Rohrer
Charles R. Stewart
Merry Stinson
Christine Toms
Carla Viar
David Wiles
County Staff:
Jill Baker, AICP, Director, Department of Planning & Zoning
Debra Eckard, Administrative Assistant, Department of Planning & Zoning
Meghan Jenkins, GISP, GIS Coordinator/HDC Staff person, Department of Planning & Zoning
Stephen Goodrich, AICP, Former Director, Department of Planning & Zoning
Wyatt Stitely, Comprehensive Planner, Department of Planning & Zoning
Special Acknowledgements:
The Maryland Historical Trust
Preservation Maryland
Washington County Historical Trust (WCHT)
Clear Spring Historical Association (CSHA)
Cover Photos (Clockwise)
Burnside Bridge, Plumb Grove
Mansion, Church of the Brethren,
Antietam Observation Tower
Adopted:
XX, XX, 202X
Design Guidelines iii
Table of Contents
Purpose of the Design Guidelines
Historic District Commission
Certifled Local Government
National Register of Historic Places
and Section 106 Review
HDC Review Areas
Historic Rural Villages (Historic
Communities)
Antietam Overlay
Historic Preservation Overlay
Tax Credits
Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties
What’ Historic?
Signiflcance
Integrity
Application Requirements
Evaluation Process
Demolition
Demolition Permit Evaluation
Demolition Permit Review
Failure to Comply or Willful Disregard
Demolition Permit Application
Requirements
Ordinary Maintenance
A Short History of Washington County
Architectural Styles of Washington County
Vernacular Forms 18th-19th Century
Georgian
Federal
Greek Revival
Italianate/Italian Villa
Second Empire
Queen Anne and Other Victorian Styles
Colonial Revival
Classical Revival
Twentieth Century
Mill Complexes
Common Accessory Structures
Commercial Buildings 1890-1930
Commercial Buildings Post 1930
Gas Stations
Ecclesiastical Architecture
Schoolhouses
Historic Markers
Standards for Review
Standards for Rehabilitation
iv Historic Structures
Guidelines
Setting and Site
Viewsheds
Site and Landscape Design Features
Landforms, Plantings and
Landscapes
Fence and Walls
Circulation Systems
Patios, Decks, and Other Site
Features
Archaeological Resources
Cemeteries
Existing Accessory Buildings
Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings
Building Exteriors
Masonry
Wood
Entrances
Windows
Roofs
Porches
Additions to Historic Buildings
New Construction and Accessory
Buildings
Site and Building Lights
Signs
Solar and Other New Technologies for
Environmental Sustainability
Solar
Green Roofs
Wind Turbines
Hazard Mitigation
Table of Contents (continued)
Design Guidelines v
Rural Villages Inventory
Antietam
Bakersville
Brownsville
Cavetown
Downsville
Fairplay
Gapland
Highfleld
Leitersburg
Mount Lena
Pen Mar
Ringgold
Rohrersville
Sandy Hook
Tilghmanton
Glossary
This page is intentionally left blank
Design Guidelines 1
Purpose of the Design Guidelines
Mong-Linger Farm, Spring House, WA-IV-004
These design guidelines are a set of guiding
principles that establish a basis for the
Historic District Commission’s (HDC)
recommendations, approval, or denial of
applications. The HDC uses these
Guidelines and the Secretary of Interior’s
Standards for the Treatment of Historic
Properties to determine if proposed work is
appropriate for properties that fall under its
review. Maryland Land Use Code S8.101-
8.501 and Article 20 of the Washington
County Zoning Ordinance require the HDC
to base its decisions on these documents.
Conformance with the Secretary’s Standards
is also a condition of the County’s Certifled
Local Government status, a program
administered by the National Park Service
(NPS) and Maryland Historical Trust (MHT),
which is the state’s federally designated
State Historic Preservation Oiffce (SHPO).
These guidelines provide guidance for the
protection and enhancement of signiflcant
historic structures, sites, and districts.
Additionally, the guidelines deflne the
appropriateness of requested exterior
changes to existing historic structures and
the approval of harmonious new
construction within historic districts with
attention to scale, massing, proportion,
materials, and height.
2 Historic Structures
Historic District Commission
The Historic District Commission (HDC) was created in 1986 and its duties and powers
are largely housed in the Zoning Ordinance for Washington County. The HDC is
responsible for reviewing applications which are affected by select Rural Villages in the
County (see Rural Villages Inventory), the Antietam Overlay 1 or Antietam Overlay 2
(AO) zoning districts, and the Historic Preservation (HP) zoning overlay. In addition,
applications affecting properties on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties
(MIHP) are also reviewed. The HDC makes recommendations regarding legislation,
applications for zoning text or map amendments, special exceptions, variances, site
plans, subdivisions or other proposals affecting historic preservation or historic
resources. Other duties of the HDC include:
• Recommend programs and legislation to the Board of County Commissioners and
Planning Commission to encourage historic preservation
• Serve as a clearing house for information, provide educational materials and
information to the public and undertake activities that advance the goals of historic
preservation
• Development of additional duties and standards. For example, criteria to be used in
the review of building permit applications
• Prepare, adopt, publish and amend additional guidelines to provide adequate
review materials for applications including HP and building permits
• Oversee maintenance and updating of the inventory of Washington County Historic
Sites
Bank Barn, Rufus Wilson Complex, WA-V-074
Design Guidelines 3
Certified Local Government
The State of Maryland has a total of 24 counties, of which, eleven are Certifled Local
Governments (CLG) having a special commitment to historic preservation. Washington County
is one of the few western counties designated as a CLG. The County obtained the designation
in August of 1991. While the Certifled Local Government program is a Federal-State-local
partnership administered through Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), it is mentioned here
because the Historic District Commission (HDC) acts as the required qualifled historic
preservation commission for the program.
Beneflts of becoming a CLG include: eligibility to compete for funds to conduct projects that
promote preservation, CLG sub-grant funds, ability to participate in the CLG Educations Set
Aside Program, formal participation in the National Register nomination process, annual
performance evaluations, and priority technical assistance. Being designated as a CLG means
that the County is recognized by the National Park Service as being able to participate in the
national policy of preservation.
National Register of Historic Places and Section 106 Review
The National Register is a tool that is used to document historic resources that are signiflcant to
the Nation and worthy of preservation. The National Register does not have regulatory power
but it does provide a process for additional review for resource impact when Federal or State
funding or permitting is involved in a project. It also provides access to Federal tax credits to
incentivize rehabilitation projects. Because the HDC is a CLG, they are part of the review and
coordination process for National Register nominations in the County.
Section 106, part of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, review occurs when any
Federal or State funding or permitting is involved in a project that affects a National Register
resource or a resource eligible for the National Register. In many cases properties identifled on
the MIHP may trigger at least an initial review for Section 106. Any project which has the
potential to trigger this review should contact the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) prior to
application at the County to ensure the Section 106 process has been initiated. This opens up
a consultation with Federal, State and local government (HDC), as well as the public, about
views and concerns for the project. The review usually results in agreements and plans to
mitigate the impacts on historic resources.
4 Historic Structures
HDC Reviews
Historic Rural Villages (Historic Communities)
The County’s unincorporated Rural Villages are often strongly related to industry,
transportation or migration. The County has a zoning classiflcation of Rural Village; but, it is
important to note that Historic Rural Villages do not always coincide with this zoning
designation. Once an Historic Rural Village is surveyed by MHT or the County, the individual
resources identifled would henceforth have to undergo review by the HDC if any exterior
changes are to be made.
Those properties individually listed on the MIHP within the Rural Village Zoning designation
would also have HDC review of applications. Lastly, new construction in County surveyed
Historic Rural Villages which have been adopted would also be reviewed by the HDC.
Map of the Historic Rural Villages and Antietam Overlay Areas
View Interactive Mapping
Design Guidelines 5
Antietam Overlay
The protection of scenic vistas, especially those associated with small towns and villages, is
important to historic resource protection. Deteriorated vistas can detract from the context of
historic resources and also reduce the goal of immersion that heritage tourism strives to
achieve. Washington County has numerous examples of historic and cultural landscapes, such
as the Rural Villages. Currently, the County has adopted only one land management regulation
speciflcally targeted at preserving the context of the Antietam National Battlefleld. The
Antietam Overlay zoning district protects viewsheds around the Antietam National Battlefleld
and its approaches with additional levels of review.
There are three distinct subareas that are deflned in the Antietam Overlay
zoning district. Overlay Area 1 (AO1) encompasses the Battlefleld proper and a buffer
surrounding the Federally owned land. In this area, the exterior appearance of all uses are
subject to HDC review. Overlay Area 2 (AO2) consists of the approach areas to the Battlefleld
along major transportation corridors. The AO2 area requires applications involving the
exterior appearance of all commercial and non-residential uses, excluding farm structures, to
include HDC review. The flnal area, Overlay Area 3 (AO3), pertains to the Red Hill middle
ground viewshed from the Battlefleld. This area was designated with assistance from the
National Park Service via a technical study entitled “Analysis of the Visible Landscape:
Antietam” published in April 1988. Regulations in this area limit the amount of tree cutting
allowed on speciflc areas of Red Hill. Applications in the AO3 area, unless individually listed on
the MIHP, are not reviewed by the HDC.
Antietam Battlefleld, WA-II-477
6 Historic Structures
Historic Preservation Overlay
The purpose of the Historic Preservation zoning overlay district is to provide a mechanism for
the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic and cultural resources. It is
an overlay zone meant to enhance, not substitute, for the existing zoning designation, that
regulates land use. The presence of the overlay on a property indicates there is a historic or
cultural resource that has signiflcance to the heritage of Washington County. This overlay must
be in place on a property to be eligible for County tax credits. Once in place, the HP Overlay
provides continued opportunities for County tax credits as well as providing review authority
for new construction or modiflcation of existing structures’ exteriors on the property. The HDC
reviews all applications for the HP Overlay and any applications containing HP Overlay. There
are currently more than 40 HP overlay areas within the County. The intention of the Overlay, as
listed in the zoning ordinance, is as follows:
• Safeguard the heritage of Washington County as embodied and refiected 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 accomplishments of the past;
• Strengthen the economy of the County; and
• Promote the preservation and appreciation of historic structures, sites and districts for the
education and welfare of the residents of Washington County.
Tax Credits
One of Washington County’s main tools used to promote historic preservation since 1990 is
the tax credits for the restoration and rehabilitation of exteriors on historic structures. These
credits are applied for prior to work starting, to determine if the property is in the HP Overlay
or Antietam Overlay 1 or 2 zoning areas. If the property is not in an existing area the HP
Overlay must be applied prior to application for the tax credit. This overlay is added through
the rezoning process. Once the property is in an eligible area, credits of up to 10% of the total
amount spent on preservation are available from the County if the owner follows the Secretary
of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. The HDC reviews applications
for tax credits against eligible items in the Zoning Ordinance Section 20.6 or improvements as
described by the US Internal Revenue Service. The owner can also apply for State and Federal
tax credits up to 20% through the Maryland Historical Trust, which is a separate application
process.
Additional Tax Credit
Resources
Secretary of Interior Standards
for the Treatment of Historic
Properties
MHT Tax Credits
County Tax Credit Resources
County Tax Credit Ordinance
County Tax Credit Application
Section 20.6, Washington County
Zoning Ordinance
United States Internal Revenue
Service, Publication 530, Tax In-
formation for Homeowners
Design Guidelines 7
Antietam Iron Works Bridge (SHA W5731), WA-II-033
Map of the Historic Preservation (HP) Zoning Overlays
View Interactive Mapping
8 Historic Structures
Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties
The primary repository for resource identiflcation and documentation is the Maryland
Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP). The Inventory was created by the Maryland Historical
Trust (MHT) shortly after its creation in 1961. The inventory includes the nationally listed
resources mentioned previously as well as those added by State and local efforts. The County,
with grant assistance from the State, has been adding resources to the MIHP since the
1970’s. The County currently does not maintain its own inventory of historic or cultural
resources. The properties fall into the categories of Buildings, Districts, Objects, Sites or
Structures. The HDC reviews impacts to all resource categories listed but primarily reviews
permits and plans affecting buildings on the Inventory.
What’s Historic?
Historic resources have factors which are used to evaluate and prioritize them. Typically, to be
included on the National Register, a resource must be at least 50 years old. Age of the
resource is simply one component to be considered.
Significance
Resources can have local, state or national signiflcance. Typically, there is a period of
signiflcance which can be anywhere from a thousand years to a few days depending on
the events the resource may be associated with. Signiflcance is the importance of a property to
the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering, or culture of a community. Signiflcance is
achieved by association with a set of criteria:
Criteria A That are associated with events that have made a signiflcant contribution
to the broad patterns of our history; or
Criteria B That are associated with the lives of signiflcant persons in our past; or
Criteria C
That embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method
of construction, or that represent the work of a master, or that possess
high artistic values, or that represent a signiflcant and distinguishable en-
tity whose components may lack individual distinction; or
Criteria D That have yielded or may be likely to yield information important in histo-
ry or pre-history.
Design Guidelines 9
Integrity
Integrity relates to the ability of the resource to convey its historical associations or
attributes. Integrity is measured by how closely the location, setting, design, materials and
workmanship, feeling and association remain intact for the resource.
Location
Location is the place where the historic property was constructed or the
place where the historic event occurred.
Setting
Setting is the physical environment of an historic property. It refers to the
historic character of the place in which the property played its historical
role. It involves how, not just where, the property is situated and its
historical relationship to surrounding features and open space.
Design
Design is the combination of elements that create the historic form, plan,
space, structure, and style of a property. This includes such elements as:
organization of space, proportion, scale, technology, ornamentation, and
materials.
Materials
Materials are the physical elements that were combined or deposited
during a particular period of time and in a particular pattern or
conflguration to form an historic property.
Workmanship
Workmanship is the physical evidence of the crafts of a particular culture
or people during any given period in history.
Feeling
Feeling is a property's expression of the aesthetic or historic sense of a
particular period of time.
Association
Association is the direct link between an important historic event or
person and an historic property.
Sign, Rufus Wilson Store, WA-V-074
10 Historic Structures
These guidelines will provide assurance to property owners that their application review will be
based on clear and consistent standards. These guidelines are also designed to be fiexible
and interpreted to accommodate each request as it is measured against the unique
circumstances of each application, existing historic structures, and the proposed activities.
In the event of a confiict between state laws and the County’s ordinances and policies or these
Design Guidelines, the HDC will consult with the County Attorney’s Oiffce.
Application Requirements
The HDC makes prompt and proper decisions to issue a Certiflcate of Appropriateness or
comments in support or not in support of applications when it has suiffcient information to
determine all aspects of a design proposal. The applicant bears the responsibility for ensuring
that all applications are complete and on time.
The following information is determined to be the minimum acceptable to accompany an
application for review by the HDC.
1. Scale drawings and pictures of the existing buildings showing their current condition. *All
photographs must be in color and have excellent clarity; digital format is preferred.
2. A scale drawing of the proposed changes to the existing building or the new construction,
showing all affected sides of the structure. The drawings should identify all new materials
and show the actual design of a treatment rather than descriptions in words alone.
Dimensions should be provided.
3. A scale drawing of the property showing the location of the existing buildings on the site
and the location of the building additions or new construction. The relationship to public
road and other points of access shall also be shown. The relationship of other buildings in
the same or adjacent historic districts should be shown.
4. Suiffcient information to determine the appearance of new exterior materials either in the
form of manufacturer’s publications or samples. Photographs are especially helpful.
The Historic District Commission hosts a public meeting on the flrst Wednesday
of each month. Applicants must submit their detailed application at least ten
(10) business days before the meeting to be included on the agenda.
Design Guidelines 11
5. See demolition section for additional application requirements speciflc to that application
type.
Applications that require HDC reviews resulting in a Certiflcate of Appropriateness that are
approved, approved with conditions or disapproved include:
1. Design review for construction within a Historic Rural Village or Antietam Overlay
2. Design review for construction within a Historic Preservation District
3. Demolition permit review for all structures within a Historic Preservation District or
contributing structures within the Antietam Overlay
4. Determination for the issuance of County property tax credits for properties in the Historic
Preservation District, Antietam Overlay, or National Register District within a municipality
with a Historic District Commission
Applications that require HDC reviews resulting in comments in support or not in support for
the application include:
1. Design review for construction within a Rural Village zoning designation for a property
containing resources on the MIHP
2. Demolition permit applications for structures identifled on the Maryland Inventory of
Historic Properties that are outside the review areas listed above
3. Zoning text, zoning map amendments, special exceptions and variances, site plans, cell
towers, and subdivision applications that affect historic structures or zones
The HDC does not review permit applications for construction under 100 sq ft in the Antietam
Overlay or Rural Village zoning designations. Agricultural building permits also are not
reviewed in those areas. The HDC does not review applications for interior changes but will
provide consultation if requested. The information listed above is speciflc to the application
review of the Historic District Commission. Additional submittal requirements may be
necessary. Applicants should contact the Division of Permits and Inspections to determine
those requirements. All applications, excluding Historic Preservation Tax Credit, are currently
made through the Division of Permits and Inspections.
Did you remember?
Check for State or Feder-
al Funding/Permitting
and apply to MHT if
needed
Check for MIHP or HDC
Review Area Information
Check building permit or
plan requirements
Check additional HDC
application requirements
based on review type
Review the Design
Guidelines for the work
proposed
12 Historic Structures
Evaluation Process
The Commission shall consider only exterior features of a structure that would affect the
historic, archeological, or architectural signiflcance of the site or structure, any portion of which
is visible or intended to be visible from a public way. It does not consider any interior
arrangements, although interior changes may still be subject to building permit procedures.
The Commission renders a decision on a completed application within 45 days of receipt of
the completed application. Failure to act within the specifled time period shall be considered
an approval of the application by the Commission. The 45-day review period may be extended
upon agreement by the Commission and the applicant.
1. The application shall be approved by the Commission if it is consistent with the following
criteria:
A. The proposal does not substantially alter the exterior features of the structure.
B. The proposal is compatible in character and nature with the historical, cultural,
architectural, or archeological features of the site, structure, or district and would not be
detrimental to achievement of the purposes of Article 20 of the County Zoning
Ordinance.
C. The proposal would enhance or aid in the protection, preservation and public or private
utilization of the site or structure, in a manner compatible with its historical,
archeological, architectural, or cultural value.
D. The proposal is necessary so that unsafe conditions or health hazards are remedied.
E. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for
Rehabilitating Historic Buildings and subsequent revisions are to be used as guidance
only and are not to be considered mandatory.
2. In reviewing the plans for any such construction or change, the Commission shall give
consideration to and not disapprove an application except with respect to the factors
specifled below.
1. The historic or architectural value and signiflcance of the site or structure and its
relationship to the historic or architectural value and signiflcance of the surrounding
area.
2. The relationship of the exterior architectural features of the structure to the remainder of
the structure and to the surrounding area.
Design Guidelines 13
3. The general compatibility of exterior design, scale, proportion, arrangement, texture,
and materials proposed to be used.
4. Any other factors, including aesthetic factors, that the Commission deems to be
pertinent.
3. The Commission shall be strict in its judgment of plans for those structures, sites, or districts
deemed to be valuable according to studies performed for districts of historic or
architectural value. The Commission shall be lenient in its judgment of plans involving new
construction, unless such plans would seriously impair the historic or architectural value of
surrounding structures.
For Rural Villages, additional review criteria for applications are listed in Section 5D.5
Architectural Review of the Zoning Ordinance and include:
1. The exterior appearance of existing structures in the Rural Village, including materials,
style, arrangement of doors and windows, mass, height and number of stories, roof style
and pitch, proportion.
2. Building Size and Orientation
3. Landscaping
4. Signage
5. Lighting
6. Setbacks
7. Accessory structures
Click to View Document
14 Historic Structures
Demolition
Washington County encourages the retention of signiflcant buildings, structures, sites, objects,
or other historic resources within the County. Given the irreversible nature of demolition, full
deliberation of all alternatives before action is essential.
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #31— Mothballing of Historical Buildings
Demolition Permit Evaluation
In considering a request for a Certiflcate of Appropriateness or comment to demolish a
structure, the Commission will weigh the criteria listed in the Evaluation Process previously
discussed.
Demolition Permit Review
Demolition review is a legal tool that provides the Historic District Commission with the means
to ensure that potentially signiflcant buildings and structures are not demolished without
notice and review. This process creates a safety net for historic resources to ensure that
buildings and structures worthy of preservation are not inadvertently demolished.
Demolition review does not always prevent the demolition of historically signiflcant buildings
or structures. Rather, as the name suggests, it allows for review of applications for demolition
permits for a speciflc period to assess a building’s historical signiflcance.
If the applicant or the HDC requests additional guidance regarding the property to determine
signiflcance or documentation status, the Maryland Historical Trust may be contacted to assess
a to-be-demolished structure. The Maryland Historical Trust does not have a formal role in
regulating or reviewing local demolitions but will act as a technical resource as needed.
Failure to Comply or Willful Disregard
Failure to comply or disregarding these policies will result in applicable flnes being
administered.
The Historic District Commission will review demolition permits for structures
400 square feet or greater or if partial demolition is proposed in coordination
with new construction or additions. Reviewable structures are on the Maryland
Inventory of Historic Properties (MIHP), within the Historic Preservation Zoning
Overlay, Antietam Overlay 1 or 2 or are greater than 50 years old in a Historic
Rural Village.
Design Guidelines 15
Demolition Permit Application Requirements
The following demolition permit application requirements are in addition to the Application
Requirements listed previously for the Historic District Commission. Demolition permits that
involve multiple structures, such as a farmstead or site, should include documentation that will
enable full review of all involved structures.
The demolition permit number, provided after permit application with Division of Permits and
Inspections, must accompany the demolition application materials listed below. Materials for
HDC review may be submitted digitally to the Department of Planning & Zoning at
askplanning@washco-md.net once the permit application has been flled. Applicants may be
required to provide additional materials to other reviewing agencies.
A. Written description and history of the building or structure to be demolished.
B. Detailed drawings, such as construction or trim details.
C. Floor plan for each fioor level, drawn to approximate scale or fully dimensioned.
D. Applicant’s plan for the recycling of waste generated.
E. A report analyzing the demolition alternatives and mitigation (listed in descending order of
preference) as to their feasibility. The report shall consist of thorough, deliberative analyses
of each of the alternatives, explaining why each alternative is or is not feasible. Additional
photographs should be provided in support of the analysis. In cases where a permit may
involve multiple structures, each structure must have its alternatives documented.
F. A site plan illustrating any proposed development or introduction of plantings following
demolition (if applicable).
The HDC highly encourages the early review and involvement of the Maryland Historical Trust
(MHT), using their Project Review Form. The instances where MHT should be consulted include
buildings, sites, and projects that involve State or Federal funding or may require state or
federal permits; for example, a state highways entrance permit. This review will ensure that the
Section 106 process, if needed, is at least started before the HDC reviews a demolition permit.
This process allows for greater consulting party input.
The HDC may request additional information from the applicant following the review and
discussion of the application. Additional information ensures that the structure has been fully
documented before a Certiflcate of Appropriateness or support of a demolition permit occurs.
This documentation could include supporting documents from licensed professionals such as
an architect, engineer, or restoration specialists.
Demolition Alternatives
Redesigning the project to avoid
any impact to the structure or its
setting;
Incorporating the structures into
the overall design of the project;
Converting the structure into an-
other use (adaptive reuse);
Relocating the structure on the
property;
Relocating the structure to anoth-
er property;
Demolition Mitigation
Documenting the structure as a
whole and its individual architec-
tural features in photographs,
drawings, and/or text. This docu-
mentation should follow the
Standards and Guidelines for
Architectural and Historical Inves-
tigations in Maryland and be
completed by a professional as
listed in those Standards;
Salvaging from the structure his-
torically signiflcant architectural
features and building materials.
Preferred Less Preferred
16 Historic Structures
Not in Support
If HDC is not in support of the
permit, the permit and all review
information will be forwarded to
the Planning Commission to be
scheduled at their next available
meeting date for their determina-
tion of support. Planning Com-
mission may provide additional
alternatives to the applicant that
are available from the subdivision
or site plan perspective to mini-
mize impacts to historic re-
sources.
HDC Meeting Process
for demo (HDC and Ap-
plicant)
HDC discusses provided applica-
tion information and any quali-
fled professional documentation
with the applicant. Demolition
alternative information will be
reviewed extensively. Note: No
public comment is taken. This is
not a hearing.
HDC Recommendation
HDC will make motion in support
or not in support of the demoli-
tion permit.
Support
If the HDC supports the demoli-
tion permit, a letter stating sup-
port will be attached to the appli-
cation with reasoning and the
application will need no further
HDC review.
Review Process for demo
(HDC)
Complete demolition permit ap-
plications will be distributed for
review by the HDC at next meet-
ing date. Permit is shared with
additional interested historic
partnerships for comment. If MHT
Project Review is applicable re-
view will not be scheduled until
MHT initial review is complete.
Initial Process for demo
(Applicant)
Open Maryland Historical Trust
(MHT) Project Review if applica-
ble
Consider demolition alternatives
and gather documentation which
supports those alternatives’ feasi-
bility
Apply for demolition permit with
Division of Permits and Inspec-
tions AFTER any applicable Site
Plan, Grading or Subdivision re-
view is completed.
Supply required documents and
demolition permit speciflc re-
quired documents to HDC Staff
at time of demolition permit ap-
plication.
Design Guidelines 17
Ordinary Maintenance
Maintenance of all structures, historic or otherwise, is strongly encouraged. Routine
maintenance of buildings in the historic preservation zone, rural villages, or properties listed
on the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties may not require review or approval by the
Historic District Commission, a Certiflcate of Appropriateness, or a building permit. However, it
is strongly recommended that the customer reach out to the Historic District Commission prior
to starting work if there are questions regarding a project on a historic structure. The Historic
District Commission is a resource for proper treatments and can assist in determining if the
changes are within the scope of ordinary maintenance. Ordinary or routine maintenance is
work that does not alter the exterior features of a Historic Site or contributing structure. Key
exterior features, including roof materials, doors, windows, moldings, are discussed later in
detail in these guidelines.
Ordinary maintenance can include activities to prevent or correct deterioration, decay. or
damage to a structure or any part thereof as long as repairs or replacement are of like material
and design. Nothing in these guidelines shall be construed to prevent ordinary maintenance
or repair that does not involve a change of design, material, or of the outward appearance of a
building.
While the repair of an individual pane of glass in a window may be considered maintenance,
the restoration of windows, or other exterior elements, as part of an overall home
improvement project may be considered for tax credits. The HDC reviews applications for tax
credits against eligible items in the Zoning Ordinance Section 20.6 or improvements as
described by the US Internal Revenue Service. It is important to reach out to the HDC or staff
to determine if a project may qualify for tax credits.
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #3— Improving Energy Eiffciency in Historic Buildings
Preservation Brief #39—Holding the Line: Controlling Unwanted Moisture in Historic Buildings
Preservation Brief #47—Maintaining the Exterior of Small and Medium Size Historic Buildings
Publication 530, Tax Information for Homeowners, United States Internal Revenue Service
Washington County Zoning Ordinance, Section 20.6
18 Historic Structures
A Short History of Washington County
The flrst European settlers who arrived in Lord Baltimore’s colony of Maryland in 1634 were
mostly English Catholics. It took another 100 years before the flrst land patent was issued in
what is now Washington County. While some of those applying for the earliest patents in our
county were of English descent, it was the German Protestants emigrating south out of
Pennsylvania who would have the greatest impact on the landscape and architecture. Settlers
such as Jonathan Hager, Hagerstown’s namesake, and other skilled Germans decidedly had
the largest impact of transforming a wilderness landscape into neat, productive farms and
towns. The architecture in both their homes and agricultural buildings refiects their Dutch,
German, Swiss, Italian, Bohemian, and English heritage. With the farming of vast acreages,
surviving outbuildings and deed references provide evidence that large landowners in the
County owned slaves or indentured servants to tend to their land. As a result, there are
examples of institutional buildings such as schools to support the African American community
as well as vernacular structures which were later homes to the freed.
As the transportation routes of the rivers, canals, and roads to the area improved, an even
larger mix of ethnic groups came to the area. The legacy of these settlers and their
descendants is a diverse accumulation of architectural styles and construction methods that
make Washington County a unique and special place. The German’s fondness for usage of
the most readily available building material, native limestone, is refiected in the stone houses,
barns, and bridges that are still evident in our community. Surviving also, are the English brick
and log structures. Along the National Road and the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, many high-
style, large, brick and frame buildings appeared, refiecting the flnancial prosperity there.
Other humbler structures were built elsewhere, representing the more common agricultural
settlements. Fortunately, many of the older buildings of our early days remain. The purpose of
these Guidelines is to assist those who wish to preserve and restore these deflning aspects of
our culture.
Design Guidelines 19
Sunshine Hill, WA-VI--013
Old Forge Farm, Surveyor’s Last Shift, WA-I-054 Valentia, WA-I-231
Stone Hill, WA-II-403
Photo Credit (All Photos): WCHT
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Design Guidelines 21
Whether magniflcently restored or lovingly
maintained, the historic properties that dot
Washington County’s rural roads and rolling
hills are flne adornments in the rich tapestry
comprising Maryland’s diverse history.
Washington County contains examples of a
wide variety of eighteenth, nineteenth, and
early-twentieth-century residential and
commercial architecture, including Federal,
Greek Revival, Italianate, Second Empire,
Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and
Neoclassical Revival styles.
Very rarely are buildings academic, textbook
examples of their particular style; rather most
are vernacular interpretations of high-style
architecture. The original design includes
numerous modiflcations. Through their
decorative detailing, these vernacular
buildings refiect the infiuences of popular
styles.
The character-deflning elements that deflne a
building’s style are particularly important to
preserve and should receive special
consideration in planning for maintenance or
rehabilitation e.g. siding, windows, doors
and roofs. The following descriptions and
illustrations provide an introduction to the
historical background and distinguishing
features of the architectural styles commonly
represented throughout Washington County.
Architectural Styles of Washington County
Keewaydin, Mt. Angelwood, WA-IV-089 Photo Credit: WCHT
22 Historic Structures
The term vernacular (or folk) architecture generally refers to buildings not planned by an
architect but based upon regional traditions, the materials at hand, and some expedience.
Vernacular Forms 18th—19th Century
The earliest houses in Washington County do not flt easily into any particular category, but
they can be grouped by several identifying features that refiect the changes in eighteenth and
nineteenth-century rural domestic architecture.
Character-Defining Elements
1730 to 1760
• Stone, log, or log-encased clapboard
over a rough-stone foundation
• Constructed over a spring
• 1 to 1 ½ or 2 stories
• Steeply pitched roofs
• Large central chimneys
• Very small window openings
• Batten doors
• Puncheon logs and rocks as insulation
between the basement and flrst fioor
1760 to 1790
• Stone, log, or log-encased clapboard
over a stone foundation
• Usually 2 stories
• Jack arches over windows
• Gable-end chimneys
• More reflned cut stones, quoined corners
• Mid-century structures refiect a variety of
styles, dependent on the ethnicity of the
builder
Kammerer House, WA-I-013 David’s Friendship, WA-I-388
Design Guidelines 23
1790 to 1820
• Stone, brick, clapboard
• One to two stories
• Often with two front doors
• Segmented arches above windows
• Gable-end chimneys
1820 to 1860
• Stone, brick, clapboard
• One to two stories
• Plain lintel above windows
Scratch Ankle Farm, WA-II-084 Brightwood, WA-I-216
Photo Credits: WCHT and Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties
(MIHP), Maryland Historical Trust
24 Historic Structures
Georgian – 1720 to 1840
Georgian architecture developed in England out of the Classical Revival which dominated
Europe during the Renaissance and Enlightenment. The Georgian style’s name comes from
the successive rulers of Great Britain, King George I through King George IV, who ruled
England while Georgian architecture was popular. Georgian architecture became unpopular in
the United States at the time of the Revolutionary War as American architects wished to
separate their style from British infiuence.
• Simple 1-2 story box, 2 rooms deep, using strict symmetrical arrangements
• Panel front door centered, topped with rectangular windows (in door or as a transom) and
capped with an elaborate crown/entablature supported by decorative pilasters
• Cornice embellished with decorative moldings, usually dentil work
• Multi-pane windows are never paired, and fenestrations are arranged symmetrically
(whether vertical or horizontal), usually 5 across
• Roof: 40% are side gabled; 25% gambrel; 25% hipped
• Chimneys on both sides of the home
• A portico in the middle of the roof with a window in the middle is more common with post-
Georgian styles
• Small 6-paned sash windows and/or dormer windows in the upper fioors, primarily used for
servants’ quarters.
• Larger windows with 9 or 12 panes on the main fioors
Design Guidelines 25
Daniel Donnelly House, WA-II-417
Photo Credit: Paula Stoner Dickey, MIHP
Ditto Knolls, WA-II-093
Photo Credit: WCHT
Hitt-Cost House, WA-II-252
Photo Credit: WCHT
26 Historic Structures
Federal – 1780 to 1840
Houses of the Federal period, constructed
during the flrst years of the new republic,
retained the general form of their Georgian
predecessors, but were characterized by
more delicate decorative detailing that often
incorporated elements derived from early
Greek and Roman design.
• Fanlight over door (almost always
rounded, rarely squared), sidelights
• Classical/Greek detailing of entryway,
Palladian windows, balustrades, oval/
circular
• Rooms in some high-style examples
• Fenestration is symmetrical as Georgian
style.
• Double-hung sash windows for flrst time
(Georgian also) Woburn Manor, WA-II-458
Ferry Hill, WA-II-035 Rose Hill, WA-I-374
Photo Credits: WCHT
Design Guidelines 27
Greek Revival – circa
1830 to 1860
The Greek Revival style spread rapidly across
America between 1830 and 1850. Two
factors helped increase the style’s popularity.
Archaeological excavations during this
period increased public awareness of ancient
Greece, and citizens of the new American
republic sympathized with modern Greece’s
involvement in its war for independence
(1821-30).
• Low-pitched gable, hipped or shed roof;
gable may face front
• Portico or recessed entrance; pilasters,
square posts, or classical columns
• Entrance with transom and sidelights
• Broad frieze below cornice, sometimes
with rectangular attic windows
• Trim incorporates geometrical forms,
“bull’s eye” and foliated motifs Plumb Grove Mansion, WA-V-015
28 Historic Structures
Italianate/Italian
Villa – circa 1830 to
1880
The Italianate style developed as part of the
Picturesque movement which was a reaction
against classical formality. The style has two
basic forms. Italianate buildings based on
Renaissance models are rectangular in plan
with symmetrical façades, whereas the
“Italian Village” type is based on the designs
of rural farmhouses in Italy and are
characterized by an asymmetrical L-shaped
or T-shaped fioor plan with a tall tower.
• Low-pitched gable or hipped roof
(attached buildings may have shed roofs)
• Eave cornice with decorative brackets
• Walls are given a smooth flnish; flnely
coursed brickwork with narrow mortar
joints is typical; cut stone and stucco were
also used
• Enriched detailing such as string courses
and quoins
• Tall, narrow windows, often with round-
arched heads
• Windows may have elaborate frames,
hoods, bracketed lintels, or pediments
• Porch or arcade may span the façade, or a
small portico may deflne the entrance
Streetscape in Williamsport, WA-WIL-025, WA-WIL-026 & WA-WIL-027
Design Guidelines 29
Second Empire – circa
1860 to 1890
The Second Empire style is most readily
recognized by the characteristic mansard
roof; a hipped roof of double pitch. The
lower slopes of the roof, just above the
building walls, are steeply pitched to create a
usable upper story lighted by dormer
windows. This roof form is named for the
seventeenth-century French architect
François Mansart. The style became popular
in France during the Second Empire (1852-
70) and spread to the United States in the
1860’s.
• Generally symmetrical, rectangular in plan
and 2 ½ stories high
• May have a projecting entrance mansard
roof, usually covered in slate; sometimes
slates of various shapes and colors are
used to create intricate patterns
• Lower slopes of roof may be straight,
convex, or concave; windows may be
topped with semicircular or segmental
arches and often have bold molded
heads
Rufus Wilson Complex, WA-V-074
30 Historic Structures
Queen Anne and
other Victorian
Styles – circa 1880-
1910
The Queen Anne style is derived from
medieval English architectural forms.
• Asymmetrical plan and massing
• Variety of surface treatments, textures,
and colors
• Elaborate decorative trim, shingles and
brickwork
• Irregular roof line with multiple steep
gables
• Conical-roofed tower at corner
• Façade may have various projecting bays
• Row houses often have second-story oriel
windows
• Porch may span façade, sometimes wraps
around corner of building
• Double-hung windows often have
multiple small lights in upper sash;
sometimes forming a border around a
single large pane. These small lights may
be either clear or include colored stained-
glass windows and transoms
Eby House, WA-I-328
Design Guidelines 31
Colonial Revival – circa 1876-1920
The American Centennial of 1876 prompted a revival of interest in the nation’s heritage. As a
result, architects began to study the building forms and detailing of the Colonial period. The
return to these historical precedents was partly a reaction against the unrestrained exuberance
that characterized Victorian era design. Colonial Revival buildings often combine turn-of-the-
century building forms with decorative elements derived from eighteenth-century architecture.
This detailing is often over-scaled and sometimes incorporates features of the Queen Anne
style, whose period of popularity overlapped that of the Colonial Revival.
• Generally symmetrical façade, 2 or 2-1/2 story height
• Gabled, hipped or gambrel roof form
• Masonry or frame construction
• Brick may be laid in Flemish bond pattern
• Frame buildings covered with wood siding in bevel proflle, or with wood shingles
• Multi-pane sash windows
• Porches may have heavy tapered columns and balustrades with square or turned balusters
• Entrance located in the center of the façade, with transom and sidelights
Classical Revival – circa 1900-1920
Developed in America in the flrst quarter of the twentieth century, this style was popular for
public and commercial buildings; its monumentality was frequently used in the construction of
bank buildings. The Neoclassical Revival employed features from Greek antiquity such as Ionic
and Corinthian columns and pedimented porticoes to embellish balanced, regular
compositions. Wall surfaces were smooth and often were flnished in flne materials such as
marble.
• Classical Greek and Roman architectural elements: columns, round arches, heavy
entablatures, often with elaborate detail
• Symmetry in plans, use of wings or corner pavilions
• Used for government and civic buildings; common for banks
WA-II-385, Shepherdstown Pike,
Sharpsburg
WA-HAN-055, West Main St., Hancock
32 Historic Structures
Twentieth Century 1900-1950
The modern styles of architecture are a result of America’s efforts to design inexpensive
housing that was eye-pleasing and functional, but could be built quickly to keep up with the
fast-paced effects of the industrial revolution. Builders stopped constructing elaborate
Victorian styles in favor of homes that were compact, economical, and informal.
A predominant architectural style of Washington County in the twentieth century, the American
Foursquare, is known by a variety of terms. These include box house, a cube, a double cube,
or a square type American house. The style flrst appeared about 1890 and remained popular
well into the 1930s. The American Foursquare lent itself to endless variations and flnish details
by individual buyers.
Bungalows, often associated with the Craftsman Style, are characteristically smaller houses.
These structures were predominantly built after 1905. Construction of the style began in
California, the state where the architects most associated with the Craftsman style, Greene and
Green, were based. This style of house was frequently found in pattern books for purchase.
Some were even offered as complete packages including materials to be built on site.
Ranch style houses, also known as the American ranch, California ranch, rambler, or rancher, is
another of the domestic architectural styles that has now aged suiffciently to have become of
interest. First built in the 1920s, the ranch style was extremely popular among the booming
post-war middle class of the 1940s to 1970s. The ranch house is noted for its long, close-to-
the-ground proflle, and minimal use of exterior and interior decoration.
Design Guidelines 33
Foursquare
• Simple fioor plan
• Boxy, cubic shape
• Full width front porch with columnar
supports and wide stairs
• Offset front entry in an otherwise
symmetrical façade
• 2 to 2 ½ stories
• Pyramidal, hipped roof, often with
wide eaves
• Large central dormer
• Large single light windows in front,
otherwise double hung
• Incorporated design elements from
other contemporaneous styles, but
usually in simple applications
Bungalow
• Low-pitched, gabled roof (front, side
or cross gabled roof)
• Wide overhanging eaves
• Exposed rafters under eaves
• Decorative brackets (knee braces or
corbels)
• Front corner porches under roofiine
• Tapered or squared columns
supporting roof or porch
• 4 over 1 or 6 over 1 sash windows
• Hand-crafted stone or woodwork
Ranch Style
• Single story
• Horizontal, rambling layout: long,
narrow and low to the ground
• Rectangular, L-shaped or U-shaped
design
• Open fioor plans
• Low pitched roofiines with wide
eaves, often hipped or gabled
• Attached garage or carports
• Large windows and sliding glass
doors
Maugansville, WA-I-804 Bungalow, 1400 Block of Sharpsburg
Pike, Hagerstown Ranch, Benny Drive, Hagerstown
34 Historic Structures
Mill Complexes
Washington County has a rich history in agriculture and forestry. These industries required
local mills to process timber and grain products into commodities for locals. Many larger
creeks in the County, such as Beaver Creek and Antietam Creek, provided the water power
necessary for locals to construct the dams, races, and sluice boxes that ensured those waters
were harnessed effectively. There are mills scattered along waterways throughout the County.
Early mills were of log construction. Remaining mills are predominantly limestone construction.
The mills contain additional features such as water wheels and milling machinery including
millstones. Support buildings associated with storage of the raw or processed materials are
common. The homes of the operators or owners are also part of the complex. Communities
frequently sprang up directly adjacent to these complexes. Many mills are associated with early
large landowners of the County. There are approximately 50 sites associated with mills on the
Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties in the County.
• Masonry exterior
• 2-4 stories
• Built into the bank of water source
• Rectangular shape for Mill
• Gable roof
• Wood shingle or metal roof
• Windows along all façades of varying fenestration
• Support buildings
• Stream engineering including races, sluices and dams
Design Guidelines 35
Doub’s Mill; Newcomer’s Mill, WA-II-090
Photo Credit: WCHT
Rose’s Mill, Pleasant Grove Mills, WA-I-413
36 Historic Structures
Common Accessory Structures—Pre 1930
Many structures within the County are part of a complex of buildings, all of which contribute to
the history of the County and site. These structures create a historic landscape. They are often
of similar construction to the main structure on the property, but they could have been built
before or after the main structure depending on the development of the complex.
Bank Barn
These 2-story structures are built into a hill or bank with the lower level being equipped for
housing animals while the upper levels are used for storage. The second fioor is often
extended, or cantilevered, over the flrst providing shelter for animals. Columns or posts may
support the overhangs. Barns can be constructed of masonry or wood. The narrow-end side
walls are frequently brick or stone with openings for ventilation. The openings form a
decorative pattern. In some cases the barn may include distinctive paint colors such as red or
white. Sign painters used the large exterior wall spaces for design advertisements. Cupolas
and weather vanes are often present in varying number and conflgurations.
Spring House
These structures are typically single story or two story masonry construction. They are varying
sizes in the County from small 1-room buildings to larger multi room buildings. They were built
over a spring on the farm complex and were used for the protection of the water source and
for refrigeration. Location of the house and barn in relation to the spring would be an
important component in the landscape of the complex. They were often distanced from animal
husbandry buildings to protect the water source.
Bank Barn at WA-II-286 Mong-Linger Farm, Spring House, WA-IV-004
Design Guidelines 37
Summer Kitchen
These single-story structures were usually built directly behind a main house in a building
complex. They were constructed of various materials including log and stone, but generally
had a large stone flreplace on the narrow-end side wall. They had 1 to 2 bays of windows with
a single entry door. Summer kitchens were for cooking and canning during the summer
months to keep the heat from the flreplace out of the main house. In some cases these
structures are now attached to the main structure of the complex through enclosure or
breezeways.
Smokehouse
These were typically single-story structures of masonry (stone or brick). Structures could also
be made from frame, log or a combination. Gabled roofs were predominant, but there are
examples of pyramidal roofs in the County. These were used for the preparation and
preservation of food. To contain the smoke being used for preservation, they would typically
have a single door with no chimney or windows . Hardware for hanging or laying meats to dry
may still be present in the structures. They were usually sited near the house and may have
been close to the summer kitchen.
Stone wall and Stone Fence - 1750-1850
Stone walls in the County are typically cut stone laid with mortar and topped with either
angular or fiat stone. These are prominent features around ecclesiastical sites. Often visible
from the right-of-way and adding to the rural landscape are stone fences, which are fleldstone,
typically fiat, laid without mortar. They are frequently found along property lines or dividing
pasture and croplands in the rural areas. Each of these are often several courses in height
making them at least 3 feet high.
Stone Fence along Dam #4 Rd, WA-II-275 Stone Walls at St Marks , WA-II-024
Summer Kitchen-Plumb Grove,
WA-V-015
Photo Credit: CSHA
Smokehouse, Oak Springs Farm,
WA-V-093
Photo Credit: CSHA
38 Historic Structures
Commercial Buildings – 1890 to 1930
Commercial buildings dating from 1890 to 1930 are distinguished by large windows arranged
in groups on their façades. Developed in Chicago in the 1890s, this style drew upon the
structural innovation of steel-frame construction, which enabled much larger window openings
than were possible with traditional bearing wall masonry. Beginning in the 1870s, molded,
glazed terra cotta became a popular substitute for carved stone. It was used extensively to
flnish commercial building façades in the early twentieth century. Terra cotta was popular at
this time because it could be used to mimic much costlier stone such as marble and granite.
• Vertical emphasis, typically 2-4 stories in height
• Flat roofs
• Masonry wall surfaces
• Three-part windows or projecting bay windows
• Decorative cornices
• Steel and beam construction
• Ground fioor storefronts
Commercial Buildings – Post 1930
Art deco
• Sharp edge, linear appearance
• Smooth wall surface usually stucco
• Geometric forms, zigzags and chevrons or stylized motifs on the façade
• Low relief decorative panels
• Towers and vertical elements
• Strips of windows with decorative panels
• Stepped or set back front façade
• Fluting around doors and windows
Williamsport Barbershop, WA-WIL-020
Professional Arts Building
WA-HAG-057
Design Guidelines 39
Gas Stations—Post
1910
• Varied exterior materials including frame,
rusticated concrete block, and stucco
• Historicized roofs, matching borrowed
architectural style or fiat roofs with very
low slope
• Borrowed architectural styles to blend to
surrounding neighborhood
• Box-Type Stations, which can be in the Art
Moderne style
• Multi-use, structures that can include
convenience store, restaurants or car
repair garages attached
• Service bays
• Attached or detached canopies being fiat
or stylized
• Gas pumps that could be covered by
canopies directly adjacent to structure or
very close to a road right-of-way
• Signage indicating name or services
• Associated outbuildings (e.g., car washes,
garages, storage sheds)
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #46—The Preservation and
Reuse of Historic Gas Stations
Himes General Store, Weverton Road, WA-III-031
Gas Station, Southeast corner of Wilson Blvd. and S. Potomac St., Hagerstown
40 Historic Structures
Beard’s Church, WA-I-056
Tolson’s Chapel, WA-II-202
Ecclesiastical
Architecture
Ecclesiastical architecture was dramatically
infiuenced by English architect James Barr’s
Anglican Church Architecture. It was flrst
published in 1842 and was dedicated to the
Oxford Society for Promoting the Study of
Gothic Architecture. A second edition
followed in 1843, and a third, in 1846 .
• Simple one storied, gable roofed
structures
• Masonry structure walls
• Gothic or Romanesque revival
architectural characteristics including
pointed arch windows, which may include
tracery and doors with transoms
• Single or double entrance doors
• Steeples, towers with bells
• Varied sash conflgurations but may
include decorative stained glass in
multiple bays
• Outbuildings, adjacent cemeteries, and
structures such as stone walls may
contribute to landscape and be similarly
styled
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, WA-III-012
Manor Church of the Brethren, WA-II-
170
Design Guidelines 41
Schoolhouses
Early twentieth century schoolhouses in
Washington County tended to be one room,
single-story structures. The exterior materials
of the school houses varied with wood, brick
and stone being common. The building
shape is usually rectangular or square and
often includes a gable end roof with
prominent front entrances. Several bays of
windows allowed adequate lighting of the
classroom. The buildings may also include a
bell or belfry top. There are many surviving
school houses in the County that have been
repurposed into uses such as community
buildings, museums, or commercial
businesses.
Historic Markers
Washington County is bordered on the north by one of the most famous boundaries in the
United States, the Mason-Dixon Line. Settling a property dispute between the Penns of
Pennsylvania and the Calverts of Maryland, these mile markers were decorated and placed at
one mile intervals along what is now the northern State Line of Maryland. These markers are
large blocks of limestone with engravings on each State’s side. The historical signiflcance of
these mile markers and the line they mark spans from colonial times through the Civil War.
The National Road, or Old National Pike as it’s also known, has historical markers along the
north side of its length. The State of Maryland owns the stones as they reside in the right-of-
way. The flrst stone was placed at the Baltimore Courthouse; they continue along the route
throughout the County at one mile intervals. These are much smaller than the Mason-Dixon
markers. They are engraved on the side facing the road indicating the distance to “B” or
Baltimore. These stones are also varying in their material. Some are limestone; some are
quartzite. These stones and other historic markers are often on the National Register and
should never be moved, stabilized, or otherwise altered without the express consent and
supervision of the Maryland Historical Trust.
Wilson School, WA-V-007
National Road Mile Marker, WA-II-728
42 Historic Structures
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Design Guidelines 43
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for
the Treatment of Historic Properties with
Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating,
Restoring & Reconstructing Historic Buildings
provides an explanation of treatments for
historic properties and their respective
standards and guidelines. The Standards
were originally developed in 1976 and have
had subsequent updates. The HDC will use
the most recent edition published by the
National Park Service in conjunction with the
Washington County Historic Guidelines for
review. The Standards were originally
developed to ensure that properties
receiving federal funding or federal tax
beneflts have a consistent review. They are
written to apply to a wide variety of resource
types and have found wide use at the
Federal, State and Local levels as a basis for
design guidelines.
Standards for Review
Barn at the Dennis Farm, WA-V-025 Photo Credit: CSHA
44 Historic Structures
Four treatment types are described in the Secretary of Interiors (SOI) Standards: Preservation,
Restoration, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation.
Preservation is the maintenance and repair of existing historic materials or preservation of the
structure in its current form with little or no replacement or new addition.
Restoration aims to return a building to a speciflc time period, acknowledging the need to
remove changes since that time and recreate previous aspects that have been removed.
Reconstruction re-creates vanished or non-surviving portions of a property for interpretive
purposes.
While these three treatments may be applied at the owner’s request during HDC review, The
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation are the basis of the Washington
County Historic Design Guidelines.
Standards for Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is deflned by the SOI as the act or process of making possible an eiffcient
compatible use for a property through repair, alterations, and additions, while preserving
those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values (36 CFR
68.2(b)). The Standards are as follows:
1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal
change to its distinctive materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships.
2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of
distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that
characterize a property will be avoided.
3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes
that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or
elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken.
4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic signiflcance in their own right will be
retained and preserved.
5. Distinctive materials, features, flnishes, and construction techniques or examples of
craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.
Design Guidelines 45
6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of
deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the
old in design, color, texture and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing
features will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest
means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used.
8. Archeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must
be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken.
9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic
materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work
will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials,
features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property
and its environment.
10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a
manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic
property and its environment would be unimpaired.
These Standards are the underlying basis of the SOI guidelines which provide explanations
that are applicable to a wide range of projects. The County’s Design Guidelines are meant to
supplement and further provide local examples.
46 Historic Structures
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Design Guidelines 47
Guidelines
These Design Guidelines are made available
to assist owners of historic buildings in
understanding how historic preservation
policies affect their plans to maintain,
preserve, or enhance their properties. The
information provided is intended to assist
with planning and implementing projects in a
way that is mindful of the historic nature of
both the property being reviewed and its
surroundings.
If appropriate, the Historic District
Commission may reference speciflc
treatment guidelines from The Secretary of
the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation that
may not be listed in this document either due
to summarization or update to the Secretary’s
documentation. References to appropriate
documentation will be made in any
Certiflcate of Appropriateness that is issued.
It is recommended that the Guidelines
included be consulted before application
with the appropriate County agency or
before applying for a Certiflcate of
Appropriateness with the Historic District
Commission.
Gum Tree Farm, WA-II-371
48 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
These guidelines acknowledge that buildings have been and will be altered over time. They
are not meant to discourage change but rather to encourage compatible and sensitive change
to the site and existing buildings. It is important to note that the Commission is flrst and
foremost a resource and can provide consultation regarding proposed changes before work
has begun or applications for permits have been made. In fact, this is preferred, especially in
cases where Local, State, or Federal tax credits may be sought.
Several key themes to the guidelines should be considered no matter the topic discussed.
They include:
1. Identify, retain, and preserve features that are important in deflning the overall historic
character of the building or site. If repair or replacement is necessary, use materials that
match the original as closely as possible. The Commission can help to identify key site and
building features, which is the flrst priority before standards and guidelines can be applied.
2. Protect and Maintain features by practicing routine maintenance and ensuring site
protection through documentation of the resource and consideration of resource details
such as proper drainage around the site and its resources.
3. Repair or replace damaged or missing units using materials that match the original as
closely as possible. If a feature is missing, it should be replaced based on documentary or
photographic evidence. If no evidence of the design of the feature exists, a new design
compatible with similar details existing on the building or site as well as the overall
character of the building or site should be used.
Setting and Site
One of the seven considerations for resource integrity for National Register consideration is
setting. Setting is the large scale physical environment of a historic property. The setting
extends beyond the features directly on a parcel and can involve the greater surrounding
landscape. The relationship of buildings to each other, setbacks, fence patterns, views,
circulation systems, and landscaping all contribute to the setting. The building site consists of
a historic building or buildings, structures, and associated landscape features and their
relationship within a designed or legally-deflned parcel of land. A site may be signiflcant in its
own right or because of its association with the historic building or buildings. The Zoning
Ordinance has an additional deflnition for the term site, which includes the physical as well as
the visual elements. (Washington County, Maryland, 2021, p. 190)
Design Guidelines 49
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Viewsheds
The views to and from historic resources, districts, or rural communities contribute signiflcantly
to their character. Viewsheds can be large in scale, such as the viewshed around the Antietam
National Battlefleld or smaller such as the view from a window or flxed point around a historic
structure. The Zoning Ordinance has measures in place, such as the Antietam Overlay and
Historic Preservation Overlay, which offer protection to viewsheds around identifled resources.
But it’s important to acknowledge the varying scale of viewsheds and impact their integrity can
have on the context of the resources in the County.
Site and Landscape Design Features
Landforms, Plantings, and Landscapes
Landforms include, but are not limited to, terraces, berms, and grading on a site. Trees,
hedgerows, shrubs, cultivated flelds, and formal and informal gardens are among the historic
plantings and landscapes that are important historic features in Washington County. Along
with landforms and features, they provide some of the greatest impact on the setting for many
of the historic resources in the County. Unlike most materials used in historic buildings and
structures, plantings and landscapes are subject to change from season to season and from
year to year. Mature plantings often set the context of both public and private spaces in
historic structures.
Fences and Walls
Throughout the County a variety of fences and walls mark property boundaries, conflning
livestock, protecting crop flelds, and providing security and privacy. The materials and
construction range from metal to stone to wood; however, stacked or mortared limestone or
wood are the most common. Stylistically, the design of fences and walls is often related to the
principal structures on the property. Distinctive gates and corner posts are also distinguishing
features of many historic fences and walls.
Manor Church of the Brethren,
WA-II-170
Looking North toward WA-II-184
50 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Circulation Systems (Driveways, Walkways, and Parking Areas)
Circulation systems serve the purpose of allowing movement of pedestrians and vehicles into
and around historic resources. The materials, extent, and pattern of these systems can vary
dramatically between urban, suburban, and rural settings. More urban or suburban settings
tend to include short, straight, paved concrete or asphalt driveways. Sidewalks and walkways
are variable in material, as well, but usually parallel the streets and are separated from private
walks by a step or change in grade. Buildings in these areas are typically facing the street.
Parking areas are either on-street or in asphalt parking lots. The more rural systems tend to
include long, curved driveways with a gravel base. The rural systems also sometimes include
gateposts fianking the entry to the drive and trees to either side of the driveway. Walkways
constructed of gravel, concrete, brick, or stone are still found in the rural area often linking
formal or informal parking areas, gardens, or entrances to the building.
Guidelines For Existing Setting and Site
1. Features should not be moved or relocated, nor should circulation routes be interrupted.
2. Spatial relationships between buildings on sites should be maintained.
3. If possible, intrusions into viewsheds should be removed or masked with appropriate
vegetation.
4. Existing plantings should be maintained by fertilizing, pruning, treating for disease, or in
other appropriate ways. If replacement due to deterioration or disease is necessary, it
should be a plant of similar size and texture. Use of native species of plants is encouraged
when appropriate. Invasive species should be avoided or removed if possible. The
Commission recommends referencing the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
(MDDNR) or United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) invasive species information
when considering changes to plants.
5. Maintain major patterns of vegetation in working landscapes.
6. Any changes made to features surrounding a historic resource should be compatible with
the existing. An archaeological assessment should be done before making any changes.
7. Disturbance to the earth and terrain should be minimized, especially around building
foundations.
8. Maintain proper site drainage to prevent water damage.
9. See also Key Themes. (p.48)
Walkway, Plumb Grove, WA-V-015
Design Guidelines 51
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Guidelines for Proposed Setting and Site
The guidelines for existing site details should be consulted in addition to those below.
1. Select new plantings and design changes to landscapes adjacent to historic properties to
be compatible with the existing. Locate new plantings so that they maintain or enhance the
property’s historic character and its context.
2. Consideration as to whether, at maturity, plantings will affect building systems, such as
gutters, foundations, should be given in design.
3. The location of new site features, including fences, walls, parking, should be compatible
with the overall character of the historic resource and its landscape. Review of the
proposed design will include materials, height, conflguration, scale, and details.
4. Consider screening parking areas or other added site features when appropriate and
feasible.
5. Existing historic circulation patterns should be considered foremost in the design and the
location of new parking areas. They should not be within the primary viewshed of a historic
resource or landscape.
6. Access points for vehicles or pedestrians to parking areas should minimize impacts on the
historic landscape and its rhythm through use of rear parking and alley access where
feasible.
7. See also Key Themes. (p.48)
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #36—Protecting Cultural Landscapes: Planning, Treatment and Management
of Historic Landscapes
Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and Guidelines for
the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes
MD DNR Invasive Species Information—https://dnr.maryland.gov/Invasives
USDA Invasive Species Information—https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/
52 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Patios, Decks, and Other Site Features
Patios, decks, and other site features such as pools or ponds are a common feature on many
historic properties throughout the County, although they may not be historic in nature. In many
cases, patios, paved outdoor areas adjoining the structure, are more appropriate for historic
structures than a deck. Decks, horizontal wood plank construction adjoining the structure, are
more appropriate and common in the County on late-twentieth-century historic structures.
Many of the County’s identifled resources are nineteenth century or earlier making decks less
appropriate. These site features are also often tied to the circulation network of the overall site.
Water features such as pools or ponds may contribute to the historic setting of the site or have
been added to extend the living space on the property.
Guidelines for Patios, Decks and Other Site Features
1. Damage to the principal structure and/or obstruction of its character-deflning features by
the change or addition of site features should be minimized.
2. New features should be sited to avoid demolition of contributing structures.
3. Changes to the existing design or the design of new patios, decks, and other site features
should be compatible with the form, scale, proportions, materials, and details of the
principal building.
4. Locate new patios, decks, and other new site features so that the existing signiflcant visual
and spatial characteristics of the historic resource are maintained. This guideline often
means avoiding siting of these features on the primary façade.
5. Locate new patios, decks, and other site features so that signiflcant viewsheds are
maintained or enhanced. Screening should be used to minimize impacts to the landscape.
6. See also Key Themes. (p.48)
Deck, Oak Springs Farm, WA-V-093
Photo Credit: CSHA
Design Guidelines 53
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Archaeological Resources
It is common for the County to have sites that are solely archaeological in nature, but most
historic sites also have some information that can be gathered through archaeological
investigations. Archaeology is the study of human life in the past through the analysis of
material remains. Study areas may be at varying levels of visibility on a site. The artifacts could
be anything from tools to decorative pieces. Archaeological resources help to bridge a
knowledge gap about the use of a property that can occur between written and oral history.
Archaeological assessments can have several phases. Phase I typically involves examining site
records, interviewing local historians as well as maps, aerial photography, or deeds. Shovel
tests or sampling may occur. The main goal of this phase is to determine if resources are
present. Phase II involves subsurface site work through test areas to further identify the extent
and gather suiffcient information to determine if the site is National Register eligible. More
extensive research will also occur at this phase. Phase III involves recovery and mitigation of the
resources. Phases I and II should provide areas to avoid so that Phase III would be limited if
even necessary.
Guidelines for Archaeological Resources
1. Professional archaeological assessments should be made before any ground disturbing
projects take place. Projects that exceed twenty thousand square feet of disturbance are
especially encouraged to complete a Phase I assessment. This area of disturbance
coincides with other required County reviews such as grading and forest mitigation.
Assessments are recommended early in the design process.
2. To the extent feasible with other state and local regulations, ground disturbance should be
minimized for areas that have not had full archaeological assessments completed.
3. Locate new construction so that archaeological resources are not disturbed.
4. If protecting archaeological resources during construction is not feasible, conduct
archaeology and recordation using best practices before construction begins.
5. If locating the new construction so that archaeological resources are not disturbed is not
feasible, protect the resources during construction using best practices.
6. See also Key Themes. (p.48)
Additional Resources:
Standards and Guidelines for Archeological Investigations in Maryland– MHT
Investigations at the Saylor House,
WA-I-132
Photo Credit: WCHT
Artifact cleaning
Photo Credit: Pixabay, JamesDeMers
54 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Cemeteries
Cemeteries are also important sources of information about the history of Washington County.
Family plots on private rural properties are not uncommon. Larger cemeteries, such as those
associated with churches or private entities, are also prevalent. Regardless of the scale, these
cemeteries are sites containing features that contribute to the cultural landscape, and they
should be preserved. The State of Maryland has protections in place for the disturbance of
human remains that extends to the burial grounds of the remains. Should human remains be
discovered accidentally, the law requires notifying the County States Attorney. Features of
importance in the cemetery may include the gravestones, fences, gates, circulation paths, and
landscaping.
If cleaning or repairs to markers, gravestones, or memorials are needed, the material should
flrst be identifled, and conditions should be documented. Some surfaces may be too delicate
for cleaning. Cleaning should be performed using the gentlest means possible, and chemical
cleaners should not be used before consulting a masonry conservator.
If a citizen is unsure of the status of a cemetery within the County’s records, the Department of
Planning & Zoning should be contacted to determine if it is identifled for planning purposes.
Guidelines for Cemeteries
1. Gravestones, fences, gateways, and other signiflcant features of cemeteries should be
retained and preserved.
2. Leaning, loose, or toppled gravestones should be stabilized, righted, and re-anchored
using techniques and tools appropriate to the type of historic stone comprising the marker.
3. Deteriorated fences, gateways, and other signiflcant features of cemeteries should be
repaired using the same materials or materials that are like the original in scale, texture,
design, and color.
4. Weeds and overgrown landscape materials should be controlled.
5. Fertilizers, biocides, and heavy landscaping equipment that may damage markers,
headstones and memorials should be avoided.
6. See also Key Themes. (p.48)
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #48—Preserving Grave Markers in Historic Cemeteries
Washington County Cemeteries Story Map—Washington County GIS Page
Cemetery, Manor Church of the
Brethren, WA-II-170
Design Guidelines 55
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Existing Accessory Buildings
Accessory buildings are those that support the use of the main building on the same parcel of
land. In rural areas, the buildings had a variety of domestic and agricultural uses. Storage
sheds, garages, kitchens, wells, and privies were located near the main house. Barns and other
agricultural structures were distanced from the residential uses, but remained grouped for
agricultural production. Many accessory buildings are signiflcant or contribute to the overall
building site due to their own unique characteristics. Agricultural buildings as deflned in the
zoning ordinance are not reviewed by the Commission. Other accessory buildings in more
urban settings may include those listed above with the addition of more mixed uses such as a
commercial gas station sharing the property with a single family home. Often the structures are
located to the rear of the primary building and may not be visible from a right-of-way but they
still contribute to the overall site.
Guidelines for Existing Accessory Buildings
1. Accessory buildings that signiflcantly contribute to the principal structure or are signiflcant
should be retained, well-maintained, and preserved, including their siting, orientation,
design, scale, materials of construction, and detailing. Adaptive reuse of these structures to
enable continued utility of the structure is encouraged when necessary.
2. Deteriorated accessory buildings, and their distinctive features and details, should be
repaired if necessary, using the same materials or ones that are similar in scale, form,
texture, and color. Ordinary maintenance is encouraged.
3. Those that are deteriorated beyond repair may be replaced with new ones that should
resemble the original in siting, scale, proportion, fenestration, materials, and color as
closely as possible.
4. Fading, painted, historic mural signs – “ghost signs” – on the exterior of the structure should
be left as found.
5. See also Key Themes. (p.48)
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #20—The Preservation of Historic Barns
Outbuilding, WA,-III-020
Smokehouse, Oak Springs Farm,
WA-V-093
Photo Credit: CSHA
56 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings
As mentioned previously, rehabilitation is deflned by the Secretary of the Interior (SOI) as the
act or process of making possible an eiffcient compatible use for a property through repair,
alterations, and additions, while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical,
cultural, or architectural values (36 CFR 68.2(b)). This standard treatment is the most widely
applicable in the County and, therefore, the accepted reference for the Commission.
At this time the Commission is tasked only with reviewing the exterior of existing buildings,
additions, or new construction within areas of review. The SOI Standards and Guidelines also
address building interiors, and the Commission encourages their use. The focus of the
following sections will be exterior elements of historic structures, or those elements
contributing to the character of the site.
Building Exteriors
Building exteriors are comprised of the walls, roofs, windows, doors, projections, porches, and
foundations. These elements include additional features that can have both functional and
decorative details. Many buildings in the County combine materials for the exterior walls or are
constructed with decorative façades. The combination can be a design choice or relate the
story of the building’s changes over time. These variations also mean that many of the
structures do not fall into a single architectural style. For that reason, architectural style should
not be the only consideration in applying a treatment and guidelines to a property. It is
important also to identify and document a historic building through its use of design
principles:
1. Massing refers to the general shape of a building in terms of its depth, width, and height.
“A building’s massing is derived from the articulation of its façade through the use of
dormers, towers, bays, porches, steps and other projections. These projections signiflcantly
contribute to the character of the building and, in town, the character of a street.” (Calvert
County, 2001)
2. Scale refers to the size of the building in relation to adjacent structures or of individual
elements to each other and often in relation to an average-sized human being. Most
buildings in the rural area of the County are human scaled meaning they are designed to
be comfortable for an average person. There are more monumental buildings of a grander
scale in the County, such as the Courthouse.
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3. “Proportion is the relative dimension of elements of a building to each other and to its
overall façade. Often proportions are expressed as mathematical ratios, drawn from the
architectural theories of ancient Greece and Renaissance Italy. For example, many historic
buildings designed in the Classical Revival style use mathematical proportions to locate
and size windows, doors, columns, cornices and other building elements.” (Calvert County,
2001)
4. Rhythm is “the spacing and repetition of building façade elements, such as windows, doors,
belt courses and the like. The space between freestanding buildings in towns, setbacks
from roadways, as well as the height of roofs, cornices, towers and other roof projections
establishes the rhythm of a street.” (Calvert County, 2001)
Several key themes to the guidelines should be considered no matter the topic discussed and
they include:
1. Identify, retain, and preserve features that are important in deflning the overall historic
character of the building or site. If repair or replacement is necessary, use materials that
match the original as closely as possible. The HDC can help to identify key site and building
features. This step is the flrst priority before standards and guidelines can be applied.
2. Protect and maintain features by practicing routine maintenance and ensuring site
protection through documentation of the resource and consideration of details such as
proper drainage around the site and its resources.
3. Repair or replace damaged or missing units using materials that match the original as
closely as possible. If a feature is missing, it should be replaced based on documentary or
photographic evidence. If no evidence of the feature’s design exists, a new design
compatible with similar details existing on the building or site as well as the overall
character of the building or site should be used.
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #16: The Use of Substitute Materials on Historic Building Exteriors
Preservation Brief #17: Architectural Character—Identifying the Visual Aspects of Historic
Buildings as an Aid to Preserving their Character
Preservation Brief #32: Making Historic Properties Accessible
Preservation Brief #37: Appropriate Methods for Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic
Housing
Preservation Brief #47: Maintaining the Exterior of Small and Medium Size Historic Buildings
58 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Masonry Exteriors
Brick, concrete block, and stone are common building materials for historic buildings in
Washington County, either for entire walls and chimneys or for foundations. Masonry can also
be found in brackets, railings, cornices, window architraves, door pediments, steps, and
columns. Aside from the masonry itself, the tooling, bonding patterns, coatings, and color are
all important to deflning the building.
Bricks either handmade or machine made have varying degrees of durability. Brick is used in
the construction of structural walls through a process of laying courses of brick in a pattern to
achieve a bond. Running bond, Common bond, English bond, and Flemish bond are all found
in structures in Washington County. The name of the bond describes the header (short end of
the brick) and the stretcher (long end of brick) pattern.
Concrete block was being produced by the early twentieth century. It was an inexpensive
building material that could be molded into shapes that resembled more traditional materials.
Concrete block was used for building foundations and other utilitarian structures such as
barns, milk houses, and garages. Rusticated concrete block structures are also prevalent.
(Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects for Frederick County, 2021)
Stone is a very common construction material in the County. Many structures utilize fleldstone
or rubble which has routed edges or an irregular shape. Quarried stone is used in structures
that tend to have cut straight edges and may be referred to as Ashlar.
Guidelines for Masonry Exteriors
1. If a masonry wall has historically been painted, it should continue to be painted, ideally in
colors that are sympathetic to its historic color scheme. Remove paint from historically
painted walls only in preparation for repainting. Avoid painting historically unpainted
masonry walls.
2. If cleaning a masonry wall is appropriate, it should be
undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Typically,
this means using water, detergent, and brushes. Power
washing, chemical cleaning, or more aggressive
methods should be used only if the gentlest means does
not work.
Flemish
Common/American
Stretcher
Header
Stretcher
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3. Re-pointed mortar joints should match the original in size, depth, proflle, color,
composition, and flnishing detail. The type of mortar joint used contributes to the
character of a masonry wall. Examples of mortar joints include struck, concave, weathered,
raked, fiush, vee, or extruded. Avoid the use of incompatible mortar and retain material and
composition when possible. “Mortars for repointing should be softer or more permeable
than the masonry units and no harder or more impermeable than the historic mortar to
prevent damage to the masonry units.” (Preservation Brief #2: Re-pointing Mortar Joints in
Historic Masonry Buildings)
4. Applying waterproof coatings to masonry walls can cause moisture to be trapped inside a
masonry cavity. Waterproof coatings should be applied only after careful consideration and
professional consultation.
5. See also Key Themes. (p.57)
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #1: Assessing Cleaning and Water-Repellent Treatments for Historic
Masonry Buildings
Preservation Brief #2: Re-pointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings
Preservation Brief #6: Dangers of Abrasive Cleaning to Historic Buildings
Preservation Brief #7: The Preservation of Historic Glazed Terra-cotta
Preservation Brief #38: Removing Graiffti from Historic Masonry
Rubble
Cut (Ashlar)
Mortar Joint Types
1. Struck
2. Concave
3. Weathered
4. Raked
5. Flush
6. Vee
7. Extruded
60 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Wood Exteriors
Aside from being used as structural elements in the form of a log or frame walls in dwellings,
wood is also the most common exterior wall treatment of historic buildings. Cornices, brackets,
entablatures, shutters, columns, window architraves, doorway pediments, and balustrades are
just some of the wood exterior character-deflning features. The types of wood siding over the
different structural bases in the County includes drop siding, clapboard, shingle, and v-
groove. The material thickness and reveal should also be considered for sidings.
Guidelines For Wood Exteriors
1. Removal of exterior siding on a log structure for maintenance should be minimized. Log
structures that were previously sided should be resided with an appropriate siding to avoid
deterioration.
2. Remove paint only when there is surface deterioration; inspect painted surfaces regularly to
ensure wood or paint is not damaged.
3. Remove paint only to the next sound layer using the gentlest means possible and do not
leave surfaces exposed. Properly prepare painted surfaces to receive a new coat of paint
that is compatible.
4. Repair minor deterioration using an appropriate wood consolidant. If the deterioration is
severe, replace only the affected areas with wood that matches the original in size and
proflle.
5. See also Key Themes. (p. 57)
Additional Resources:
Preservation Brief #8 - Aluminum and Vinyl Siding on Historic Buildings: The Appropriateness
of Substitute Materials for Resurfacing Historic Wood Frame Buildings
Preservation Brief #10 – Exterior Paint Problems on Historic Woodwork
Preservation Brief #26 - The Preservation and Repair of Historic Log Buildings
Siding Profile
1. V-Groove
2. Clapboard
3. Drop (German)
4. Shingle
5. Board and Batten
Design Guidelines 61
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Photo Credit: David Angel on Unsplash
Photo Credit: Bruno Mira on Unsplash Photo Credit :Alejandro Molina García on Uns-
plash
Siding Photos
1. V-Groove
2. Clapboard
3. Drop (German)
4. Shingle
5. Board and Batten
Photo Credit: Wokandapix on Pixabay
Rufus Wilson Store, WA-V-074
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Entrances
The variation in architectural styles in the County, within both commercial and residential
buildings, means there is an equal variety of entrances and entrance locations on the façades.
Entrances are often the focal point of the primary façade on a building, and the location of that
entrance is key to a building’s character. Some historic homes originally housing a single
family, may also have 2 entrances on the primary façade. This double entrance has led to some
of these structures being converted to 2-family dwellings. Aside from the actual door, which is
typically of wood or metal construction, the entrance to a structure has many other
components that are equally important. Surrounds, frames, sills, transoms, fanlights, and
sidelights of doors are all key elements of an entrance.
Guidelines for Entrances
1. It is not recommended that secondary façades have entrance changes in size, shape or
location if such changes detract or confuse the primary entrance of the structure.
2. If a new opening is required, it should be on a secondary façade and not visible from the
public right-of-way.
3. Weatherstripping and caulking to improve energy eiffciency are acceptable.
4. Screen doors are usually appropriate on residential and sometimes appropriate on
commercial buildings. On primary façades, screen doors should be constructed of wood or
a material that is appropriate for the building and should not detract or fully cover the entry
door. Secondary façades may have metal screen/storm doors, but use of careful installation
should ensure minimized damage to the opening.
5. See also Key Themes. (p.57)
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, WA-III-012
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Windows
While windows can be decorative focal points in the exterior of historic structures, a majority
serve additional functional purposes. Windows provide a source of light to building interiors as
well as a method of ventilation. These openings weigh heavily into the design principles
discussed earlier, and changes to the conflguration of windows individually or within the façade
can drastically affect the integrity of the historic structure. Typical window casing and sash
materials include either wood or metal. The shape of the windows varies across the many
architectural styles represented in the County and the function of the window or building.
Residential structures typically have wood windows; commercial structures may have either
metal or wood windows.
The portion of a window that is most noticeable is often the sash. This includes the frame, any
muntins, and the variable glazing (glass) conflguration. Windows can have flxed, double or
single hung, Jalousie, or casement functionality to the sashes to name a few. Historic windows
are often described by referring to the number of panes in each portion of the sash. For
example a window may be six over six double hung. This means there are 6 individual panes of
glass separated by muntins, or other material, in both the upper sash and lower sash. It also
means that both sashes can be opened independently.
Historically the technique for glass making allowed only for smaller pieces of glass, which were
very expensive or highly taxed. If a historic wood window includes a larger number of smaller
glass panes this could be an indication that the window is older than a window with a lower
number of larger panes. Likewise some older vernacular structures may have smaller window
openings allowing for less cost in glazing.
Aside from the openings themselves, there can be associated elements such as shutters,
awnings, or storm windows. Shutters would be functional, providing privacy, protection from
light, and airfiow. They often have associated hardware, such as shutter dogs, which are both
integral to function as well as being a decorative element. Storm windows and screens may
exist as part of the design of a historic structure depending on the age, use, and architectural
style of the building.
Many wood cased windows in historic homes can be repaired and weatherized to perform
equal to or better than alternative material replacement windows such as vinyl double pane
windows. It is important to remember that many historic windows have been in use for over
100 years in some of the County’s historic structures, while the life expectancy of a modern
replacement window is only a quarter of that time.
Fanlight window
Rose Hill Entrance, WA-I-374
Photo Credit: WCHT
64 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Guidelines for Windows
1. Preserve the position, number, and arrangement of historic windows in a building wall.
2. Openings should not be resized or enclosed on primary façades.
3. Wood windows on primary façades should not be replaced with windows constructed of
alternative materials such as metal or vinyl. When replacing windows on a secondary
façade, the HDC should be consulted to determine the appropriate design and material of
the replacements.
4. Inappropriately designed, non-original windows should be replaced with appropriately
designed ones based on documentary or photographic evidence. If no such evidence
exists, the design of the replacement should be compatible with the character of the façade
in which it is located.
5. Shutters and their hardware should not be replaced with new materials. Whether
operational or not, they should be sized to appear to cover the window if closed.
6. Existing or replacement storm windows and screens should match as closely as possible
the historic windows in size, proflles of sash and frame, color, and other character-deflning
features. In cases where exterior storm windows were not used historically, interior storm
windows may be considered. Clear glass should be used for glazing all storm windows.
7. See also Key Themes. (p.57)
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows
Preservation Brief #13: The Repair and Thermal Upgrading of Historic Steel Windows
City of Hagerstown | YouTube | How to Repair a Historic Window Part I
City of Hagerstown | YouTube| How to Repair a Historic Window Part II
Historic Windows and Energy Eiffciency by Sarah Donahue Wolff, Preservation North Carolina
Fixed Pane
Single Hung
Double Hung
Casement
Jalousie
Design Guidelines 65
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1.Glazing
2.Muntin
3.Sash
4.Sill
5.Stile
6.Rail
7.Trim
8.Jamb
9.Apron/Trim
10. Lintel and Keystone
11. Shutter
12. Shutter Dog
Window Pane
Configuration
1. 9 over 6
2. 6 over 6
3. 4 over 4
4. 2 over 2
5. 2 over 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
66 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Roofs
A structure’s roof is one of the principal components of construction design. A roof can be
considered a system comprised of framing, rooflng material, fiashing, and drainage
components such as gutters and downspouts. The roof shape is a deflning characteristic and
typically falls into one of three categories: gabled, hipped, or fiat. The roof shape is then
further delineated by its slope, which can be low (less than 30 degrees) or steep (greater than
45 degrees). Architectural styles often have pronounced differences in the roof shape and
pitch and can have their own subtype of roof such as the Mansard roof for a Second Empire
building. Framing of the roof is typically wood construction and can vary in conflguration
based on the roof shape.
Rooflng materials provide more than just a watertight covering. They add color and texture to
a roof, which over time can become character-deflning features. Four main material types are
found in rooflng throughout the County: organic material such as wood shingles; mineral,
such as slate/stone and tile; metals such as sheeting or corrugated paneling; and tar/asphalt.
The junction where the roof meets the wall may have some deflning architectural features as
well, including cornice, eaves, decorative brackets, fascia details, are bargeboards. Roofs may
be interrupted by dormers or chimneys whose material and shape can vary based on age of
the structure and the architectural style. Features such as weather vanes, cupolas, cresting,
parapets, balustrades, flnials, and many other style-speciflc details occur on roofs and
contribute to the architectural style of the structures.
Gutters and downspouts are common but historically were not always used. For many
structures they are essential to ensure a lasting roof and foundation. Half-round gutters,
typically steel or copper, are more common and appropriate on Pre-1950s structures.
Downspouts of a similar material and rounded shape are also more appropriate for those eras.
Modern gutter designs such as the K-style gutter can be detrimental both in function and the
way they are attached to historic structures, which were not designed with that shape in mind.
Ribbed downspouts often placed in conjunction with K-Style gutter are more appropriate and
predominant on Post-1950s architecture.
All components of the roof should be regularly inspected to ensure a functional system.
Gabled
Hipped
Gambrel
Mansard
Flat
Shed
Design Guidelines 67
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Guidelines For Roofs
1. Avoid altering the roof pitch and shape.
2. Exposed roof rafters and soiffts should not be cut back.
3. The size, color, refiectivity, reveal, and material of rooflng and fiashing should be
maintained through repair. If replacement is necessary, rooflng materials should have
similar characteristics.
4. Missing or severely damaged towers, dormers, flnials, cresting, chimneys and other
character-deflning roof elements should be replaced based on documentary or
photographic evidence. If no evidence of the appearance of the element exists, a new
element should be designed to be compatible with the overall character of the building.
5. New skylights, mechanical and service-related equipment or pipes, chimneys or other
projections, including solar panels should be located so that they are not visible from a
public right-of-way. If able, roof mounting of mechanical equipment and solar panels
should be avoided. If ground mounted these systems should still not be visible from the
public right-of-way.
6. Existing dormers should not be resized or have architectural features diminished.
7. See also Key Themes. (p.57)
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #4 – Rooflng for Historic Buildings
Preservation Brief #19 - The Repair and Replacement of Historic Wooden Shingle Roofs
Preservation Brief #29 - The Repair, Replacement, and Maintenance of Historic Slate Roofs
Preservation Brief #30 - The Preservation and Repair of Historic Clay Tile Roofs
K-style Gutter Profile
Half-round Gutter Profile
Antietam (Sharpsburg) Train Station,
WA-II-378
68 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Porches
Aside from their aesthetics across the many architectural styles, porches also offer several
functional beneflts to a historic structure and its occupants. Porches serve as extensions to
living spaces, protect the entrance from weather, and shade the windows to allow cooling of
the structure. The location of porches can be on any façade of the building and typically are
covered with a roof. They may exist only in the area directly around the entrance or extend the
entire length of a façade, at times wrapping around to secondary façades, depending on the
architectural style of the home. Those along a primary façade may be more elaborate in their
character-deflning details. Two-story porches occur frequently along the secondary façades
with a few examples along primary façades mainly in municipalities. Porches in the County are
typically constructed of wood with structural systems of brick or stone. Porches can be original
to the structure or can be additions later and still have equal importance to the character of the
building. The design principles discussed earlier, such as scale, weigh heavily into the
construction of the porch and its deflning features. Aside from those elements, the other
character-deflning features of a porch can include, structural components of the deck and roof,
roof railing, balustrade, entablature, decking, steps, and columns.
Porches should be regularly cleaned of debris, such as leaves, that can cause water to sit
against the surface and cause decay. Also if the horizontal space of a porch is used for
decorative displays or storage, it is important that the surface has airfiow to avoid
condensation or water sitting on the wood surfaces.
Guidelines For Porches
1. Porch support structures should be inspected regularly to ensure they are not sagging,
crumbling or separating from the structure or the rest of the porch. If necessary,
stabilization and repair should be undertaken to ensure that the rest of the structure
remains intact.
2. Carpet can trap water on wood porches causing decay of painted surfaces or rot of wood,
and carpet should not be installed
3. Avoid enclosing a porch. If the porch is not visible from a public right-of-way, it may be
enclosed if the change does not signiflcantly alter the original character of the porch.
4. See also Wood Exteriors (p.60) for more guidelines and the Key Themes (p.57)
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #45 – Preserving Historic Wooden Porches
Design Guidelines 69
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Brick Farmstead, Yavener, WA-III-020
Photo Credit: Lloyd Yavener
Main St., Rohrersville, WA-III-143
Early 20th Century Farmhouse, WA-II-410
70 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Additions to Historic Buildings
When a proposed new use of a historic building cannot be fully met by altering the existing
interior space, an addition to a historic building may be required. Additions must carefully
consider the previously discussed design principles of Massing, Scale, Proportion, and Rhythm
involved with the existing historic building and/or its historic landscape. In regard to these
principles, the addition’s impact on the historic building itself, the adjacent contributing
properties or buildings, and, if applicable, the impact on the historic landscape will all be
considerations during review.
Guidelines for Additions
1. Damage to the original structure and/or obstruction of its character-deflning features by an
addition should be minimized.
2. Additions should be designed in a way that new construction is differentiated from the
existing historic building but should respect the design and character-deflning features of
the existing historic structure. Additions should also be sited to avoid demolition of
contributing structures.
3. New additions should be located on a non-primary façade with minimal visibility from the
public right-of-way and should be subordinate to the historic structure.
4. The roof shape of an addition should be compatible with that of the historic building to
which it is attached.
5. Existing setbacks, landscaping, or site grading should be preserved when siting an addition
if those characteristics contribute to the historic building or its landscape.
6. Rooftop additions should generally be avoided on buildings less than three stories and
should be minimally visible from the streetscape by being setback from the primary
elevation. Rooftop additions of more than one story should be avoided where feasible.
7. The addition of dormers to historic structures should occur only on secondary façades and
not be visible from the public right-of-way when feasible. The dormer addition should be
subordinate to the existing roof form.
8. See also Archaeological Resources—Setting and Site (p.50) and Key Themes. (p.57)
Additional Resources
Section 5D.5 – Architectural Review – Washington County Zoning Ordinance
Preservation Brief #14 – New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: Preservation Concerns
Design Guidelines 71
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New Construction and Accessory Buildings
In some cases, it may be appropriate for new construction adjacent to an existing historic
structure or within a historic landscape such as a Historic Rural Village. New construction must
carefully consider the previously discussed design principles of Massing, Scale, Proportion and
Rhythm involved between it and existing historic buildings or landscapes. In regard to these
principles, the new construction’s impact on the adjacent contributing properties or buildings
and the impact on the historic landscape will all be considerations during review. The new
construction should enhance or aid in the protection, preservation and public/private
utilization of the property. The Zoning Ordinance states “the Commission shall be lenient in its
judgement of plans involving new construction, unless such plans would seriously impair the
historic or architectural value of surrounding structures or the surrounding area. (Washington
County, Maryland, 2021)” Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties documentation for
properties and landscapes in review areas will be consulted to ensure new construction and
accessory buildings are compatible.
Guidelines for New Construction and Accessory Buildings
1. New construction should be sited to avoid demolition of contributing structures.
2. The design of new construction or new accessory buildings should be compatible with the
form, height, scale, proportions, materials and details of the adjacent contributing
structures or landscapes.
3. Consideration of the ratio of built versus open space of the site or the adjacent landscape
should be given.
4. Existing setbacks, landscaping or site grading of adjacent historic resources should be
preserved when siting new construction if those characteristics contribute to the historic site
or its landscape. This includes circulation routes, fences, walls, and yards, etc.
5. Locate new construction and new accessory buildings so that the existing signiflcant visual
and special characteristics of the property are maintained.
6. Locate new construction and new accessory buildings so that signiflcant viewsheds are
maintained or enhanced.
7. See also Key Themes. (p. 57)
72 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Site and Building Lights
Found on both commercial and residential sites and buildings, historic exterior lighting flxtures
can vary greatly in the County. Some flxtures can be found attached to the structure, whereas
others may be freestanding poles or site lights. Although lighting is regulated in the County’s
Zoning Ordinance in Division X Section 22, this regulation should not be interpreted to mean
flxtures contributing to the historic character of the building cannot be retained or repurposed.
In cases where new lighting is proposed in areas of Commission review, the lighting
regulations as well as the character of lighting in the site or historic landscape will be
considered.
Guidelines for Site and Building Lights
1. Limit the level of illumination to be suiffcient to perform the needed lighting task or to meet
ordinance requirements.
2. If additional lighting is needed, supplemental lighting, rather than removal of the original
flxture is recommended. That lighting should be subordinate to the historic lighting in
placement, scale, design, and illumination.
3. Meeting glare and illumination requirements from the Zoning Ordinance should be
attempted by adapting the historic lighting flxture while maintaining its original appearance
where feasible.
4. Do not install site lighting, such as faux historic street lights, that conveys a false sense of
history.
5. If new light flxtures are necessary, use a contemporary design or simplifled historic lighting
design that is compatible with placement, design, materials, and quality of lighting on
adjacent historic buildings.
6. Scale new site-lighting flxtures to the building. These flxtures should be subordinate to
adjacent historic structures.
7. Use low, shielded flxtures with down-lighting or light bollards within landscaping to
illuminate pedestrian walkways if needed.
8. Do not provide greater illumination in parking areas than at building entrances or for
pedestrian walkways.
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9. Do not use site lighting that is brighter than historic building lighting.
10. Locate and install light flxtures so they may be removed without signiflcant damage to
historic building fabric. For example, on masonry, attach to the flxture in masonry joints.
11. Do not install lighting conduits, junction boxes, and wires on primary building façades.
12. See also Key Themes. (p. 57)
Rose Hill Entrance, WA-I-374
Photo Credit: WCHT
Beard’s Church, WA-I-056
Robert Claggett Farm, WA-III-036
Williamsport Town Hall, WA-WIL-018
Street Lighting in Williamsport, WA-WIL-025
& WA-WIL-026
74 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Signs
The HDC reviews prospective new signs that require a permit within the Antietam Overlay
(AO1 or AO2) leading into and out of Sharpsburg. The setting and site of the Town of
Sharpsburg as well as the adjacent Antietam National Battlefleld are protected by this
additional review of the signage. Once a sign permit is applied for, the Commission will
consider the sign shape, size, positioning, colors, materials, size, illumination, and lettering
following key concepts of the architectural review outlined in Section 5D.5 Architectural
Review of the Zoning Ordinance. It is important to note that the review by the Commission is in
addition to the requirements for signs under Division II – Signs and Division X – Lighting of the
Zoning Ordinance. The guidelines for signs may also apply to properties that have the Historic
Preservation Overlay or are within a Historic Rural Village. For all other properties that may be
older than 50 years and contain or propose a sign, these guidelines can be a helpful resource.
“Signs are everywhere. And everywhere they play an important role in human activity.” (US
National Park Service, 2021) In the County, signs serve many purposes, but the main purpose
is to identify the historic site or the business within it. Other signs that can be historic or
provide historic context in the County include billboards, murals, historical markers, waypoints,
and barn advertisements. Signs may be attached to the buildings, painted directly onto the
building, or be freestanding. All convey information about the current or past history and
provide context to the site or district. In many cases, the placement or relationship of signs can
contribute to the streetscape of a historic landscape. Signs can be both symbolic or object
based in nature as well as text based historically. Many times commercial buildings include a
hierarchy of signage rather than a singular sign. This hierarchy includes primary signage that is
typically the main business name, secondary signage that may convey additional information
about a business and is subordinate in size to the primary signage, and iconic signage that is
subordinate to the primary signage, but creates visual interest at a pedestrian level. Iconic
signage is often three dimensional and projecting. All levels of this hierarchy would be
reviewed by the Commission.
Most commonly, signs were constructed of wood. Pre-nineteenth-century signs were
commonly fiat signs conveying information through symbols or lettering. If the signs were
hanging or projecting, they were often attached to a wrought iron bracket. Signs could also be
shaped in many ways including rectangular, plaques, shields, or ovals. The shape would be
dependent on where and how the sign was attached. Other sign materials, including brass, tin,
cast iron, steel and enamel, were available in the late nineteenth century. Awnings were also
used for sign placement. In the twentieth century the prevalence of electricity heralded new
innovations in the signage of properties. This additional power meant that lighting and even
1.
2.
3.
1. Primary Signage
2. Secondary Signage
3. Iconic Signage
Mediary Masonic Temple, Williamsport,
WA-WIL-020
Design Guidelines 75
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movement within the signs became more prevalent. Neon gas was also frequently used in the
twentieth century allowing use of color, light, and shapes combined for signs.
Equally as important as the material of the sign is the lettering used. Lettering typically falls into
three main categories: Serif, Non-Serif and Script. A serif in typography is a small line or stroke
regularly attached to the end of larger stroke in a letter. Examples of typefaces that contain
serifs are Times New Roman, Garamond, and Georgia. Non-serif or sans serif simply means the
letters do not have that extra stroke. Examples of these typefaces are Arial, Calibri, or
Helvetica. Script typefaces are extremely varied in their elaborateness; most closely resemble
the fiuidity of handwriting. Typically serif typefaces would be seen on signs until the late
nineteenth century to early twentieth century. After that point, signs would more commonly
have non-serif or mixed typefaces. After the 1920s, the use of solely non-serif typeface was
most common. Although script lettering may, for some, convey a sense of history, it was rarely
used in signage because it is diiffcult to read.
While the Commission does not review the exterior color or paint of historic buildings, the
review of colors or paint does occur for signage. Modern choices for paint are extremely varied
in both composition and color. Oil based paint types are the most common on historic
structures and signs. In order to provide color, the paint pigments were often added to a white
lead-base pigment. Exterior colors were not as varied until the late nineteenth century and
post-Civil- War era when paint became more mass produced and readymade rather than
mixed as needed onsite with pigments. It is important to understand the composition of an
existing painted sign as it can contain many levels of paint over time. The main purpose of a
sign, to convey information, means that colors would typically be contrasting. Dark bases of
grays, blacks, and red oxide based browns would be common with contrasting white lettering.
Signs would typically complement a building if attached but may not have matched exterior
colors of the main building. Gold leaf used for lettering or accenting graphic objects was more
common in the nineteenth century and again, contrasting with the background color.
For the vast majority of signs in the Commissions areas of review, externally illuminated signs
are the most appropriate. Internally lit signs are not appropriate in the Antietam Overlay but
may be appropriate elsewhere in the County based on the sign type and historic setting.
Again, lighting and sign lighting are addressed in the Zoning Ordinance under Division X,
which should be consulted prior to permit application.
Times New Roman
Calibri
Script MT Bold
76 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Guidelines for Signs
1. Signs should be sited on or around a historic building so as not to obscure or damage
architectural features or detract from the historic landscape.
2. Signage on or around a historic building should be subordinate to the building’s
architecture and not overpower the building.
3. Signs should coordinate in size, location, and placement within the building, with adjacent
buildings or the surrounding historic landscape’s examples.
4. Historic buildings should limit primary and iconic signage to one per business where
feasible with secondary signage used to convey additional information in order to minimize
visual clutter.
5. Primary storefront signs should be mounted fiush on the signboard where feasible and
appropriate.
6. Projecting blade signs should be mounted perpendicular to the façade with ample
clearance for pedestrians and should not be used in conjunction with iconic-shaped
projecting signage.
7. Illumination of signs should be external. Internally lit signs are not appropriate for most
historic areas under Commission review including the Antietam Overlay, Historic
Preservation Overlay, and the Historic Rural Villages.
8. Secondary signage including window signs should be subordinate to primary signage and
should take up 20 percent or less of each windows area.
9. Awning signage should have lettering limited to the awning face when feasible; that
lettering should be incidental in appearance.
10. The colors used on a sign should be complementary to the building and historic landscape
and appropriate to the historic context.
11. Limit the number of colors used for painting signage to the smallest number possible.
12. Lettering of signs should be appropriate to the size of the sign. The lettering style should
attempt to be correct to the period of the building or the business type.
13. Signs should not appear out of scale with the building to which they are attached or are
positioned near. They should not overpower adjacent structures or monopolize the
streetscape.
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14. Primary signage should be shaped simply with rectangular signage being appropriate for
most applications. Secondary and iconic signage may vary more in shape and composition.
15. Signs should be crafted using high-quality materials and flnishes that complement the
durable materials found on historic buildings.
16. Maintain existing historic signs where feasible or integrate them into the adaptive reuse
design.
17. Preserve historic painted wall signs by leaving them exposed and unrestored unless
severely deteriorated to avoid confusion over the age of the building or sign.
18. Use ground-mounted signs for rural businesses that fall within review areas. Signs should
follow Site and Building Lighting guidelines as well as other listed Sign guidelines and
should be scaled dependent to the structure size and adjacent historic landscape.
19. See also Key Themes. (p. 57)
Additional Resources
Preservation Brief #25 – The Preservation of Historic Signs
Division II – Signs – Zoning Ordinance
Division X – Lighting – Zoning Ordinance
See also Design Guidelines “Site and Building Lighting”
Rufus Wilson Complex, WA-V-074
Cushwa Coal Building, Williamsport, WA-WIL-033
Kretzer’s Market/Nutter’s, WA-II-542
78 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Solar and Other New Technologies for
Environmental Sustainability
The Historic District Commission will review permits and site plans for the installation of solar
on individual resources as well as the review of SEGS or solar energy generating systems that
may affect the historic character of a resource or the historic landscape. Green roofs and wind
turbines may also be applied for and require Commission review. The Commission
encourages the protection of the historic landscape and structure while reducing the visual
impacts of solar panels and other new technologies from public rights-of-way. Guiding the
Commission in their review are the SOI Standards 2, 5, 8, 9, and 10 as listed earlier in this
document.
Solar*
Different types of solar installations may be reviewed, including roof mounted or freestanding
solar systems. The use of solar on sites in order of preferred placement (most to least
preferred) is as follows:
1. Community Solar Arrays— These are generally off-site arrays where energy is generated and
the hardware is either leased or purchased by the customer in order to receive an energy
credit.
2. Freestanding Solar Arrays – These are generally placed away from a historic building and
are often pole mounted. They allow for minimal impact to the historic resource when sited
appropriately. Archaeological investigations may be necessary depending on the history of
the site.
3. Roof Mounted Solar Systems on Accessory Structures or non-contributing buildings – This
method minimizes impact to the primary historic resource by locating solar away from the
main resource.
4. Roof Mounted Solar Systems on Non-Historic Additions of the Main dwelling or building –
In this instance, the systems should be located on secondary elevations to minimize
visibility from the public right-of-way.
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5. Roof Mounted Solar Systems on Historic buildings – If all other options are not feasible the
owner can consider this location. Primary elevations visible from the public right-of-way
should still be avoided. Buildings that have character-deflning roof shapes or materials are
highly encouraged to explore the other preferrable locations to preserve the character of
the structure.
Installation Guidance for Solar
Freestanding Solar Systems should
1. Be screened from the public right-of-way to the greatest extent possible.
2. Have a suitable scale for the district and the setting.
Traditional Roof-Mounted Solar Panels should
1. Have a low-proflle.
2. Be mounted less than or equal to six inches above the surface of the roof (to the face of the
panel).
3. Be consistent with the existing slope of the supporting roof.
4. Set solar panels back from the edges and ridge of the roof.
5. Place any conduits for connections to electrical meters on the inside of the building or on a
secondary elevation.
6. Locate conduits, inverters, storage units, or other hardware associated with the panels on
the interior or on secondary elevations with limited visibility from the public rights-of-way.
7. Blend with the surrounding features of the historic resource with respect to color of the
panel, support racks, and conduits.
8. Be arranged in an organized conflguration and avoid disjointed and multi-roof solutions.
This may require the relocation of modern vents, and, pipes.
Additional Resources (Citation)
*Montgomery County Historic Preservation Commission Policy Guidance #20-01: Solar
Technology
Installing Solar Panels and Meeting the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards (National Park
Service, Technical Preservation Services)
Section 4.25 and 4.26 Solar Energy Generating Systems — Zoning Ordinance
80 Historic Structures
Themes: Identify Retain Preserve
Green Roofs
Green roofs are layers of vegetation planted over a waterprooflng system that is installed on a
fiat or slightly sloped roof. Three main categories of green roofs are extensive, intensive, and
semi-intensive. These have varying levels of plant and support materials involved and thus
require different structural loads to function. Green roofs should not have visual, physical
impacts on the building’s historic character. When proposed on existing historic structures, the
Commission will review current guidance of the National Park Service.
Additional Resources
Green Roofs – (National Park Service, Technical Preservation Services)
Wind Turbines
Although wind mills may be found in the rural landscape of the County, more modern wind
turbines are less prevalent. Current guidance from the SOI recommends planning for the
introduction of small wind turbines to follow guidelines for new construction. If a more
industrial scale project is proposed, the Commission will review its impacts on the site and
cultural landscape as appropriate.
Additional Resources
National Park Service - Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes
Washington County Design Guidelines – New Construction and Accessory Buildings
Section 4.24 Small Wind Energy Systems —Zoning Ordinance
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Hazard Mitigation—Flooding, Storms, or Fire
The Commission highly encourages property owners to take photographs of their structure to
establish a baseline documentation, as well as to take pictures whenever major work is
completed. This includes both interior and exterior photos of work to the structure. To mitigate
risks of fiooding and flre, the Commission also recommends regular building maintenance and
ensuring adequate insurance on the structure and any work being completed.
The County has historic resources that may be affected by fioodplain activity and storm events.
The Commission encourages property owners who have questions regarding fiooding or a
property’s susceptibility to fiooding to contact the County’s Floodplain Manager.
As long as a historic building maintains its continued designation as a historic structure, a
historic structure located within a FEMA designated special fiood hazard area is not subject to
the strict adherence to the requirements of substantial damage/improvement fioodplain
regulations. Rather, the historic building should be made to be more resilient to fiooding risk
to the most extent practical and in a manner that will preserve its historic character. The
County’s adopted building code may have additional or modifled requirements and necessary
determinations for historic structures in a fioodplain.
Additional Resources
Washington County Historic Resources Map (Floodplain included)
Preservation Brief #35 – Understanding Old Buildings: The Process of Architectural
Investigation
Preservation Brief #43: The Preparation and Use of Historic Structure Reports
Preservation Brief #50: Lightning Protection for Historic Structures
SOI Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic Buildings - 2021
National Park Service SOI - Guidelines on Flood Adaptation for Rehabilitating Historic
Buildings Video
Maryland Historic Trust – Flood Mitigation Guide (June 2018)
FEMA 386-6 - Integrating Historic Property and Cultural Resource Considerations Into Hazard
Mitigation Planning State and Local Mitigation Planning How-To Guide (May 2005)
82 Historic Structures
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Design Guidelines 83
Antietam
Bakersville
Brownsville
Cavetown
Downsville
Fairplay
Gapland
Highfleld
Leitersburg
Mount Lena
Pen Mar
Ringgold
Rohrersville
Sandy Hook
Tilghmanton
Furnace, Antietam Ironworks, WA-II-031
Rural Villages Inventory
84 Historic Structures
Antietam Historic Rural Village
The Antietam Village Historic District is signiflcant as the site of substantial iron-working
enterprise that spanned the period from the colonial years through much of the nineteenth
century. Although company records from the various Antietam Corporations have never been
found, numerous references to the Antietam works exist in general local and regional history
books, in histories of iron in the colonies, and in some primary documents from the
Revolutionary period. With reference to the Revolutionary War era, the district was home to
one of the operations conducted by the Hughes Brothers, who were major suppliers of
weaponry to the Continental forces. In addition to the signiflcance of the district for its
industrial associations, the Antietam Village Historic District is also signiflcant as a rural western
Maryland village containing vernacular architecture dating from the late eighteenth century
into the early years of the twentieth century.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 85
Inventory Number
II-031, II-032, II-033
National Register
Yes
Contributing Structures
27/30
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1763-1930
Significance
Architecture and Industry
Maryland Historical Trust Antietam File
86 Historic Structures
Bakersville Historic Rural Village
Bakersville represents the type of a small crossroads, rural postal village that developed in
Washington County in the second quarter of the nineteenth century, to meet the needs of area
farm families. It is named for Elias Baker, Sr. (1785-1863), who was Bakersville's flrst postmaster
and the owner of the store around which the tiny hamlet developed. Its small collection of
buildings include two interesting antebellum vernacular buildings, as well as a church and
three postbellum houses whose designs were inspired by nationally popular building styles.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Recommendations
NEW CONSTRUCTION No Actions
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 87
Inventory Number
II-276
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
6/8
Survey Status
Completed 2010
Period of Significance
1823-1900
Significance
Architecture, Commerce, and Exploration/
Settlement
Maryland Historical Trust Bakersville File
88 Historic Structures
Brownsville Historic Rural Village
The Brownsville Historic District is historically signiflcant for its association with early settlement
and community development in Washington County. First settled in the late eighteenth-
century and established as a postal village in 1833, the community grew up around the tannery
established by John Brown (1792-1888) in the 1830s. By the second half of the nineteenth
century Brownsville had developed into a small but locally important market and
manufacturing center. The community is typical of the myriad of towns and villages that
emerged in Washington County and elsewhere in response to improved transportation
networks. Brownsville's initial development coincides with the opening of the nearby
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal in the 1830s. Its later expansion followed the extension of the
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad to Brownsville in 1867. The Brownsville Historic District also
achieves signiflcance for its architecture. The town's collection of nineteenth and early
twentieth century architectural resources nicely illustrates the transition away from regional
vernacular building traditions at the turn of the twentieth century in favor of nationally popular
building.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Recommendations
NEW CONSTRUCTION No Actions
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 89
Inventory Number
III-009
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
24/28
Survey Status
Completed 2010
Period of Significance
1824-1925
Significance
Architecture, Commerce, Settlement, Military
and Transportation
Maryland Historical Trust Brownsville File
90 Historic Structures
Cavetown Historic Rural Village
The Cavetown Historic District is signiflcant under National Register Criterion C for
architecture, containing a contiguous collection of locally-signiflcant properties whose designs
refiect many of the popular modes prevalent in western Maryland from the 1820s through the
1930s. The Cavetown Historic District's properties refiect primarily vernacular design in the
rural reaches of western Maryland throughout the Period of Signiflcance, which begins c. 1820,
spans the dates of construction of the district's earliest extant buildings, and ends c. 1950, the
approximate date of construction of the latest of the district's historic resources. With respect
to Criterion C, the district contains locally-distinctive examples of vernacular architecture that,
although executed without reference to formal design tenets, represent the manifestation of
local building traditions in this section of Washington County. The district also contains a
limited number of examples of formal styles including the Federal and Gothic Revival. The
Cavetown Historic District clearly retains its historic rural character along with the physical
integrity necessary to refiect its appearance during its Period of Signiflcance.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 91
Inventory Number
IV-014
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
59/69
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1820-1950
Significance
Architecture
Maryland Historical Trust Cavetown File
92 Historic Structures
Downsville Historic Rural Village
The village of Downsville is signiflcant locally and potentially eligible under National Register
Criterion A as an example of nineteenth century rural community development in Washington
County, Maryland. Downsville began developing in the mid nineteenth century at a crossing of
two old roads. Both roads led to important towns in Washington County, one to the county
seat of Hagerstown and the other to Williamsport on the Potomac River. After 1835,
Williamsport became a major C&O Canal depot, and the south end of the old road to
Hagerstown terminated at the C&O Canal Dam #4. As traiffc along the roads increased, the
small village developed around the Charles Downs' store and, eventually included two
churches, a school, and a growing number of shops and residences. The village remained
relatively unchanged into the middle of the twentieth century, with the exception of the
addition of automobile-related commercial buildings and some modem domestic inflll.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Recommendations
NEW CONSTRUCTION No Actions
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 93
Inventory Number
II-273
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
36/42
Survey Status
Completed 2008
Period of Significance
1852-1958
Significance
Community Planning and Development,
Transportation and Military
Maryland Historical Trust Downsville File
94 Historic Structures
Fairplay Historic Rural Village
The Fairplay Historic District is signiflcant under National Register Criterion C, for architecture,
as a small, rural, western Maryland hamlet containing a locally-signiflcant collection of
generally residential architecture built between c. 1830 and 1900. The buildings within the
district represent a variety of traditional and formal design styles. Some are of log construction,
which is itself a signiflcant design characteristic, while others represent mid to late nineteenth
century vernacular residential design; a small number of buildings in the district refiect formal
architectural antecedents. The settlement of Fairplay is located within Washington County
Election District 12, at the junction of three rural roadways, and it developed due to its location
at this intersection. Spielman Road enters the district from the west and leads eastward out of
the district to intersect with the Sharpsburg Pike at the Tilghmanton settlement, about two
miles distant.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 95
Inventory Number
II-277
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
22/26
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1830-1900
Significance
Architecture
Maryland Historical Trust Fairplay File
96 Historic Structures
Gapland Historic Rural Village
Gapland is an important example of a turn-of-the century railroad town in the Pleasant Valley
region of Washington County, Maryland. When the Washington County Railroad was at its
peak, the town also experienced growth and economic stability. The Baltimore & Ohio
Railroad brought people, jobs, and material goods to Gapland and allowed the rural farming
community to develop an identity as a town. Gapland's growth in the early twentieth century is
refiected in the concentration of popular turn-of-the century architectural forms expressed in
the houses along Gapland Road. Although Gapland Station (a.k.a. Clagett's Station) building is
no longer standing, evidence of the rail line and its impact on the town remain. As the
popularity of rail travel declined, so too did the town of Gapland. Even with the growth of
automobile transit, Gapland has remained a small, but important rural village.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Recommendations
NEW CONSTRUCTION No Actions
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 97
Inventory Number
III-039
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
33/60
Survey Status
Completed 2010
Period of Significance
1800-1940
Significance
Architecture, Exploration/Settlement, Social
History and Transportation
Maryland Historical Trust Gapland File
98 Historic Structures
Highfield Historic Rural Village
The Highfleld/Cascade Historic District is of particular signiflcance to Washington County and
to western Maryland as the tangible refiection of technological advance (namely, the
development of the railroad) upon the growth of recreational and leisure activities, evidenced
in the predominating character of the documented area as a resort community. The Period of
Signiflcance for the district begins c. 1890 and ends c. 1940, dates that span the approximate
dates of construction of the area's historic resources and encompass the formative years of
popularity of the area as a summer resort. The district consists of small and medium-scale
domestic architecture executed in several of the architectural styles popular during the Period
of Signiflcance, including Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, Dutch Colonial Revival, and
Bungalow.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 99
Inventory Number
IV-057
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
60/60
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1890-1940
Significance
Architecture
Maryland Historical Trust Highfleld File
100 Historic Structures
Leitersburg Historic Rural Village
The Leitersburg Historic District is signiflcant under National Register Criterion A for its
association with the development of commerce and transportation in Washington County and
the surrounding region in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Leitersburg was
founded in 1815 by Andrew Leiter after the 1807 Greencastle-Baltimore Road was constructed
to intersect the Nicholson's Gap Road on his property. The town developed with many hotels
and commercial establishments to serve travelers on the two roads. The town also served as an
exchange point between the many mills and distilleries located on the nearby Antietam Creek.
The village continued to prosper when nine miles of the Nicholson's Gap Road was rebuilt as
the Leitersburg Turnpike in 1847.
The Leitersburg Historic District derives additional signiflcance under National Register
Criterion C as a well-preserved example of a type of crossroads community, which
characterized the region in the nineteenth century, and for its variety of historic architecture.
Leitersburg's town plan, comprising a public square at the intersection of two major
thoroughfares, typifled communities in southern Pennsylvania and adjacent Maryland during
the period. The village comprises a cohesive collection of architectural resources refiecting a
wide variety of vernacular types and popular expressions dating from the early nineteenth
century through the early twentieth century. The majority of early buildings were of log
construction.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 101
Inventory Number
I-146
National Register
Yes
Contributing Structures
155/227
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1815-1926
Significance
Community Planning & Development,
Architecture, Commerce, and Transportation
Maryland Historical Trust Leitersburg File
102 Historic Structures
Mount Lena Historic Rural Village
Mt. Lena likely had its beginning in the late-eighteenth-century when Orr's Tavern was located
on the road at the base of South Mountain. Much of the land on which the village developed
was owned by the Hughes brothers, who operated the nearby Mt. Aetna Iron Furnace,
requiring large amounts of timber land for charcoal. Mt. Lena was a village of laborers,
probably beginning with the furnace and charcoal burners, as well as working at nearby mills
and farms. In the 1880s the road became the Beaver Creek and South Mountain Turnpike, and
in 1904, Mt. Lena was made a station stop along the Hagerstown & Myersville Railway, part of
an extended line from Frederick to Hagerstown. U.S. Route 40, started in 1936, put an end to
the railway by 1938, but was not flnished over South Mountain until after WWII, about 1946.
With U.S. Route 40, Mt. Lena became a bypassed roadside village, and its growth all but
ended. By 1946, the route over South Mountain through Orr's Gap, along which Mt. Lena
developed and was eventually bypassed, had seen at least four incarnations as road, turnpike,
highway, and electric railway.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Recommendations
NEW CONSTRUCTION No Actions
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 103
Inventory Number
II-166
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
42/78
Survey Status
Completed 2008
Period of Significance
1790-1946
Significance
Community Planning and Development and
Transportation
Maryland Historical Trust Mount Lena File
104 Historic Structures
Pen Mar Historic Rural Village
The Pen Mar Historic District has been documented with reference to National Register Criteria
A and C. With reference to Criterion A, the area is signiflcant under entertainment/ recreation,
as a distinctive western Maryland Blue Ridge Mountain summer resort community dating from
the last quarter of the nineteenth century. The district is particularly signiflcant to the history of
Washington County and western Maryland, because its existence refiects the infiuence of
technological advances upon leisure life throughout the Period of Signiflcance. Under
Criterion C, with respect to architecture, the district derives its signiflcance from its position as
a locally-distinctive collection of summer homes and cottages built between the late
nineteenth century and the flrst third of the twentieth century, generally vernacular in character,
with only a scattering of residences executed in any formal design. The Period of Signiflcance
begins in 1877 when the Western Maryland Railroad began the construction of the
recreational facilities at Pen Mar Park, which is no longer extant and was located across Pen
Mar Road northwest of the district. The Period of Signiflcance ends in 1943 when the railroad
dismantled the remnants of their park and the community settled into its present purely
residential character.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 105
Inventory Number
IV-019
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
53/66
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1878-1943
Significance
Architecture and Entertainment/Recreation
Maryland Historical Trust Pen Mar File
106 Historic Structures
Ringgold Historic Rural Village
The Ringgold Historic District is signiflcant under National Register Criterion C for Architecture,
containing a contiguous collection of locally-signiflcant properties that refiect both popular
styles of design prevalent in western Maryland from the 1820s through the 1920s and
vernacular architecture representative of local building traditions in the area. The majority of
properties in the Ringgold Historic District refiect primarily vernacular design in the rural
reaches of western Maryland throughout the Period of Signiflcance, which begins in 1825
when pioneer settler John Creager erected a log house in the area (not extant), spans the
dates of construction of the district's earliest extant buildings, and ends c. 1920, the
approximate date of construction of the latest of the district's historic resources. The district
contains locally-distinctive examples of vernacular architecture that, although executed without
reference to formal design tenets, represent the manifestation of local building traditions in
this section of Washington County . The district contains only limited examples of formal styles
including the Federal, Gothic Revival, Italianate, Bungalow, Colonial Revival, and American
Foursquare.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 107
Inventory Number
IV-007
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
42/46
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1825-1920
Significance
Architecture
Maryland Historical Trust Ringgold File
108 Historic Structures
Rohrersville Historic Rural Village
Located in southern Washington County, Maryland, Rohrersville was settled in the 1820s and
initially developed in response to Washington County's strong agricultural economy, its
location along an early wagon road and major transportation route, and a marble works
industry. The village's mid-nineteenth-century development was infiuenced by the arrival of the
railroad in 1867. By 1920 much of the extant village had been erected. Aside from the loss of
its commercial character and limited alterations to its building stock, Rohrersville retains its mid
nineteenth to early-twentieth-century architecture that portrays the cultural and historical
trends of the time. Rohrersville is signiflcant as an excellent example of a rural historic village in
Washington County refiective of the prosperity of the surrounding agricultural region, the
marble industry that supported it, and the eighteenth and nineteenth-century transportation
systems that made the community viable.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 109
Inventory Number
III-025
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
42/42
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1815-1930
Significance
Architecture, Economics, Social/Education/
Cultural and Transportation
Maryland Historical Trust Rohrersville File
110 Historic Structures
Sandy Hook Historic Rural Village
The village of Sandy Hook is signiflcant for its association with nineteenth century
transportation trends as well as for events before and during the Civil War. As a rural village
along a major transportation corridor, Sandy Hook is not as large and prosperous as other
towns adjacent to the C&O Canal and B&O railroad; however, the village functioned as a
necessary part of the transportation network and maintains its character as a nineteenth
century rural village. The village was also incidentally involved in major events before and
during the Civil War. Sandy Hook retains integrity of location, setting, feeling, and association.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 111
Inventory Number
III-032
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
31/47
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1800-1954
Significance
Architecture, Military and Transportation
Maryland Historical Trust Sandy Hook File
112 Historic Structures
Tilghmanton Historic Rural Village
The Tilghmanton Historic District is documented with reference to National Register Criterion
C, for architecture, as a reasonably intact and visually cohesive mid nineteenth century rural
western Maryland village. The district contains a grouping of modest vernacular homes
refiecting the traditions and design preferences of working-class settlers along the Hagerstown
-Sharpsburg Pike during the years between c. 1830 and the early years of the twentieth
century. Included within the district's inventory of historic resources are log homes that
represent the earliest settlement architecture of the village, a collection of modest vernacular
homes built without reference to any architectural style, two Federal-style houses, four
residences executed in the Colonial Revival and Dutch Colonial Revived style, one early
commercial building representing the limited and strictly local mercantile life of the hamlet,
and one early twentieth-century schoolhouse. The village of Tilghmanton was named for Col.
Frisby (also spelled "Frisbi") Tilghman (1774-1847), who, as a young man, came to Washington
County late in the eighteenth century from Maryland's eastern shore. Tilghman's own
residence, "Rockland" (WA-II-102), is located approximately one mile north of the settlement
that bears his name.
- Description excerpted from Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties’ File
HDC ACTIONS IN THIS RURAL VILLAGE
CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURES Approval/Denial
NEW CONSTRUCTION Recommendations
INDIVIDUAL LISTINGS Recommendations
DEMOLITION Recommendations
Design Guidelines 113
Inventory Number
II-152
National Register
No
Contributing Structures
82/110
Survey Status
Adopted 2005
Period of Significance
1830-1930
Significance
Architecture
Maryland Historical Trust Tilghmanton File
This page is intentionally left blank
Middlekauff-Wiles Farm and Cemetery, WA-V-086
Glossary
ii Historic Structures
Accessory Structure
Structures that support the use of the
main building on the same parcel of land.
Adaptive Reuse
Rehabilitation of a historic structure for
use other than its original purpose, such
as a residence converted into an oiffce.
Also called adaptive use.
Addition
A portion of a structure built after the
original structure was completed.
Additions may be historic or non-historic.
Alteration
The act or process which changes one or
more of the exterior architectural features
of a designated structure.
Antietam Overlay
A zoning overlay designed to protect the
view shed of the Red Hill Area and the
approaches to Antietam Battlefleld.
Appropriate
See Compatible/Compatibility
Architrave
The lintel or beam that rests on the
capitals of columns
Art Moderne
An architectural style, post 1930's with
simple geometry and a curving low form.
Characteristics include: long horizontal
lines with rounded corners; fiat roofs with
no eaves; windows which wraparound the
structure; and window shape may be
porthole or glass block.
Articulation
The manner in which various features are
designed and arranged on a building
elevation.
Awning
A secondary covering attached to the
exterior wall of a building, providing
shade and protection from the elements
around doors, windows, and other
openings. May be retractable or
stationary.
Baluster
One of a series of short vertical members
used to support a stair or porch handrail,
forming a balustrade
Balustrade
An entire rail system, with top rail and
balusters.
Bargeboard
A board placed on the verge or incline of
a roof gable end to conceal the rafter end
and provide ornamentation; also called a
vergeboard.
Design Guidelines iii
Bay
The portion of a façade between columns
or piers providing regular division of a
façade, usually marked by windows or
doors.
Board and Batten, Siding
A siding and paneling style that uses
narrow strips of wood placed over the
joints of wide boards for a geometric,
layered effect.
Bollard
A short post used to divert traiffc from an
area or road.
Bracket
A projecting support placed under an
architectural overhang such as a roof
cornice or eave
Brick
A single building unit typically made of
flred or sun-dried clay, used in masonry
construction and laid in courses known as
bonds.
Brick Bond
The pattern in which a bricklayer
articulates the brick and mortar design of
a wall, using the stretcher (the long,
narrow side) and header (the short side)
of the brick.
Casement Window
A window with one or two sashes which
are hinged at the sides and usually open
outward.
Certificate of Appropriateness
A certiflcate issued by the Historic District
Commission indicating review and
authorization of plans for alteration,
construction, demolition or relocation of a
landmark, or property, structure, site or
object within a district.
Certified Local Government
The Certifled Local Government program
recognizes counties and municipalities
that have made a special commitment to
preservation. This commitment includes,
but is not limited to, establishing a
qualifled historic preservation
commission to designate and review
historic properties.
Character
The qualities and attributes of any
structure, site, street or district.
Character-Defining Features
Speciflc features of a structure, site, street,
or district that contribute to its
signiflcance and designation, and that
help deflne the distinctive character of the
structure, site, street, or district.
Clapboard, siding
Horizontal wooden boards, thinner at the
top edge, which are overlapped to
provide a weatherproof exterior wall
surface.
iv Historic Structures
Column
A circular or square vertical structural
member. Many times columns fall into
one of flve classical orders: Tuscan, Doric,
Ionic, Corinthian and Composite.
Compatible/Compatibility
The ability of alterations and new designs
to be located in or near historic properties
and districts without adverse effect. Some
elements affecting design compatibility
include location, height, scale, mass and
bulk of structures; building materials;
architectural details; circulation and
access; landscaping; and parking
impacts. Compatibility refers to the
sensitivity of development proposals in
maintaining the character and context of
historic properties and districts. (also
appropriate)
Configuration
The arrangement of elements and details
on a building or structure that help to
deflne the character.
Consolidant
In wood or other surfaces, this is used to
stabilize deteriorated surfaces by
protecting and making them flrm again.
Construction
The act of adding an addition to an
existing building or structure, or the
erection of a new principle or accessory
building or structure on a lot or property.
Contemporary
Refiecting characteristics of the current
period. Contemporary denotes
characteristics that illustrate that a
building, structure, or detail was
constructed in the present or recent past.
Context
The setting in which a historic element,
site, structure, street or district exists.
Contributing
A structure , feature or property within a
historic district or on the site of a historic
landmark property that was built during
the Period of Signiflcance for the district
or designated property and can be
recognized as being from that period
(meaning they retain integrity).
Corbels
In masonry, a projection, or one of a
series of projections, each stepped
progressively farther forward with height
and articulating a cornice or supporting
an overhanging member.
Corinthian
A classical order of architecture,
characterized by fiuted columns and
elaborate capitals decorated with a fioral
motif, often an acanthus leaf.
Cornice
A projecting element that tops a wall.
Design Guidelines v
Cupola
A small, often dome-like structure on top
of a building. Often used to provide light
and air below, and usually crowns a larger
roof or dome.
Cresting
A decorated ornamental flnish along the
top of a wall or roof often made of
ornamental metal.
Dam
A barrier constructed to hold back water
and raise its level, forming a reservoir
used to generate power.
Deck
A fiat surface that forms the main outside
fioor of a porch or balcony.
Demolition
The razing of a building, structure, or site
in part or in total.
Demolition by Neglect
Allowing a building to fall into such a
state of disrepair that it becomes
necessary or desirable to demolish it.
Property owners have been accused of
permitting demolition by neglect on
purpose, in order to save on rehabilitation
costs.
Dentils
A row of small tooth-like blocks in a
classical cornice.
Doric
A classical order of architecture,
characterized by simplicity of design.
Typically Doric columns have no base, are
not fiuted and feature a smooth capital
that fiares out from the column base to
meet a square abacus.
Dormer
A roofed structure that contains one or
more windows and projects from a
sloped roof.
Double-Hung Window
A window with two sashes, one sliding
vertically over the other.
Drop, Siding
A siding type prevalent in the nineteenth
century with production at lumber mills.
The siding has a Dutch inspired swoop at
the top and a hidden rabbet to allow self
spacing.
Eave
The edge of a roof that projects beyond
the face of a wall.
Ecclesiastical
Relating to the church or its clergy
Elevation
Any one of the external face or façades of
a building.
Entablature
A horizontal, continuous lintel on a
classical building supported by columns
or a wall, comprising the architrave, frieze,
and cornice
vi Historic Structures
Façade
The exterior front wall of a building,
usually the most ornate or articulated
elevation.
Fanlights
A semi-circular window usually over a
door with radiating muntins suggesting a
fan.
Fascia
A fiat horizontal member of molding;
forms the trim of a fiat roof or pitched
roof; also part of a classical entablature.
Fence
An artiflcially constructed barrier, typically
of wood, metal or other material or
combination of materials to enclose,
screen or separate areas.
Fenestration
The arrangement of windows on a
building
Finial
A projecting decorative element, usually
of metal, at the top of a roof turret or
gable.
Fixed Pane, Window
A window that is non-operational. These
can sometimes be called picture windows
and do not have operable hardware.
Their main purpose is to allow light.
Flashing
Thin metal sheets used to prevent
moisture inflltration at joints of roof planes
and between the roof and vertical
surfaces.
Flat, Roof
A roof which is almost completely
horizontal. Often found on commercial
architecture and concealed with a
parapet.
Form
The shape and structure of a building.
Foundation
The lowest exposed portion of the
building wall, which supports the
structure above.
Frieze
The part of an entablature between the
architrave and the cornice
Gabled, Roof
A triangular shaped roof formed by two
intersecting roof planes; also the
triangular shaped wall at the end of the
roof.
Gambrel, Roof
A type of gable roof with two slopes on
each side, the upper being less steep
than the lower.
Ghost Sign
A historic painted wall sign.
Design Guidelines vii
Glazing
Part of a window, wall, or door that is
made up of glass. Also known as lights.
Header
Upper horizontal framing member of a
window or door.
Hipped, Roof
A roof with all four sides sloping
downwards towards the walls the
structure
Historic Advisory Committee (HAC)
A committee created in 1967 which,
today focuses on listing and reviewing
updates to the historic resources in the
County as well as sponsor the John Frey
Historic Preservation Award.
Historic District Commission (HDC)
A commission created to administer
permit review within historic zoning
designations.
Historic Preservation Zoning (HP Overlay)
A zoning overlay that was originally
adopted in 1973 and amended in 1986
with a text and map amendment that
focused the district to keep exterior
appearances of buildings intact.
Ionic
A classical order of architecture
characterized by the use of volutes on the
capital and fiuted columns supported by
a base with an egg-and-dart motif.
In-Kind
Replacement of a building element to
match the original in material, size,
proflle, texture, and color.
Integrity
The ability of a structure or district to
convey its historic and architectural
signiflcance.
Jack Arch
A fiat, structural element in masonry
construction that provides support at an
opening, similar to a lintel, but
constructed of smaller, individual pieces.
Also knows as a fiat arch.
Jalousie Window
A jalousie window or louvre window is a
window composed of parallel glass,
acrylic, or wooden louvres set in a frame.
The louvres are joined onto a track so that
they may be tilted open and shut in
unison to control airfiow, usually by
turning a crank.
Jamb
The side framing member of a door or
window.
Landmark
A property, structure, site or object
designated as a “landmark” that has a
high degree of historic, cultural,
architectural or archaeological
signiflcance. All such designations include
the lot(s) of record associated with the
structure or object designated as a
landmark.
viii Historic Structures
Landscape
The totality of the built or human
infiuenced habitat experienced at any one
place. Dominant features are topography,
plant cover, buildings or other structures
and their patterns.
Lintel
The horizontal top member of a window,
door or other opening.
Maintain
To keep in a state of preservation or
repair to avoid deterioration of historic
materials and features.
Mansard (Mansart), Roof
A roof with a double slope on all four
sides, with the lower slope being almost
vertical and the upper almost horizontal.
Maryland Historical Trust (MHT)
The state agency dedicated to preserving
and interpreting the legacy of Maryland's
past. Through research, conservation and
education, the Maryland Historical Trust
assists the people of Maryland in
understanding their historical and cultural
heritage. MHT is the State Historic
Preservation Oiffce for the State of
Maryland. (see also State Historic
Preservation Oiffce)
Masonry
Construction of brick, stone, or other
material requiring mortar and
construction by a mason.
Mass
The overall size, height, shape and
composition of the exterior of volumes of
a building, especially when the structure
has major and minor elements. (Also
called Massing)
Molding
A continuous decorative band, often
serving as a decorative device; often
decorative with a variety of contours or
outlines, and typically covering the joint
formed where two surfaces or material
types meet
Mortar
A mixture of sand, lime, cement and
water, used as a binding agent in masonry
construction.
Mothballing
To stop using a structure but keep it in
good condition through proper
preparation for disuse so that it can be
readily used again in the future
Mullion
A vertical element separating windows,
doors, or panels set in a series.
Muntins
A secondary framing member to divide
and hold the panes of glass in a multi-
light window or glass door.
Design Guidelines ix
New Construction
Construction which is characterized by the
introduction of new elements, sites,
buildings or structures or additions to
existing buildings and structures.
Non-Contributing
A structure, feature or property within a
historic district or on the site of a historic
landmark property that does not support
or add to the historic and architectural
signiflcance of a designated property or
historic district.
Oriel (window)
A form of bay window which protrudes
from the main wall of a building but does
not reach to the ground. Supported by
corbels, brackets, or similar cantilevers, an
oriel window is most commonly found
projecting from an upper fioor but is also
sometimes used on the ground fioor.
Orientation
The relationship of a structure to the
compass points or a site feature; may
refer to the direction a façade faces, such
as the south elevation, or the direction of
a main axis, as in an east-west orientation.
Ornamentation
Applied embellishment in various styles
that is a distinguishing characteristic of
buildings. Ornamentation often occurs on
entablatures, columns, and the tops of
buildings and around entryways and
windows, especially in the form of
moldings.
Outbuilding
A small, secondary building separated
from the main building.
Palladian Window
A palladian window is a large window
divided in three parts: a central sash that
is arched at the top and two sashes on
each side of it that are smaller than the
central sash; the smaller sashes are
rectangular, topped with fiat lintels
Parapet
A low wall at the edge of a roof, balcony,
or deck.
Pediment
A triangular crowning element forming
the gable of a roof; any similar triangular
element used over windows, doors, etc.
Period of Significance
The time period during which an historic
landmark or historic district gained its
architectural, historical, and/or
geographical importance. Typically, the
period of signiflcance covers a longer
period of time than a structure’s, in order
to encompass the period during which
the district developed.
Pilasters
A square pillar attached, but projecting
from a wall, resembling a classical
column.
x Historic Structures
Porch
A structure attached to a building to
shelter an entrance.
Portico
A roofed space, open or partly enclosed,
forming the entrance and centerpiece of
the façade of a building, often with a
column and pediment.
Primary Façade
The main building face; the sides of a
building that are street-facing.
Projecting Sign
A sign attached perpendicular to the wall
of a building. Also called blade sign.
Proportion
The relationship of the size, shape, and
location of one building element to all the
other elements; each architectural style
typically has its own rules of proportion.
Puncheon
A short post, especially one used for
supporting the roof
Quoins
A series of raised stone, bricks, or wood
panels ornamenting the outside of a wall
corner
Race, dam
A narrow channel or watercourse, which
water fiows through for the purpose of
turning a waterwheel
Rail, window
A horizontal piece of the window sash
Reconstruction
The act or process of reassembling,
reproducing or replacing by new
construction, the form, detail and
appearance of the property and its setting
as it appeared at a particular period of
time by means of the removal of later
work, or by the replacement of missing
earlier work, or by reuse of the original
materials.
Rehabilitation
The act or process of returning a building,
object, site or structure to a state of utility
through repair, remodeling, or alteration.
Rehabilitation projects make possible an
eiffcient contemporary use while
preserving those portions or features of
the building, object, site or structure, that
are signiflcant to its historical,
architectural and geographical value.
Relocation
Any change of the location of a building,
object or structure in its present setting or
to another setting.
Design Guidelines xi
Repair
Use of measures to stabilize, consolidate,
or conserve existing materials and
features
Restoration
The act or process of accurately
recovering the form and details of a
building, object, site or structure, and its
setting as it appeared at a particular
period of time by means of the removal of
later work, or by the replacements of
missing earlier work.
Retain
To keep secure and intact. Retain
describes the act of keeping an element,
detail or structure, and providing a level
of repair to aid in the preservation of
elements, sites and structures.
Rhythm
Regular occurrence of elements or
features, such as spacing between
buildings.
Right-Of-Way
Public land that has been granted an
easement, such as for utilities, or reserved
for transportation purposes. Can include
pedestrian traiffc, vehicular traiffc, canals,
railway traiffc, oil and gas pipeline, etc.
Rusticated
Roughening of stonework or concrete
blocks to give greater articulation to each
block.
Sash
The movable framework holding the glass
in a window
Scale
Proportional elements that demonstrate
the size, materials and style of buildings.
The proportions of the elements of a
building to one another and the whole,
and to adjacent buildings.
Screening
Any landscaping or structure such as
walls, landscaped berms, and hedges,
used to conceal or reduce the negative
visual and audio impacts of certain land
uses or activities from streets or adjacent
development.
Secondary Structure
A smaller or lesser structure associated
with a primary structure on a property.
Also called an accessory structure.
Secretary of Interior (SOI)
A branch of the National Park Service
which oversees the use and conservation
of federal lands. The SOI also developed
standards commonly used by property
owners, architects and governments to
make deicsions about the appropriate
treatment of historic properties.
xii Historic Structures
Section 106
Refers to Section 106 of the National
Historic Preservation Act of 1966, which
requires State and Federal agencies to
take into account the effects of their
proposed activities or activities they
permit on properties included, or eligible
for inclusion, in the National Register of
Historic Places.
Setbacks
The distance a structure is located from
the street, other public way, or property
line. Setback can also refer to the distance
between structures on one or multiple
lots.
Setting
The sum of attributes of a locality,
neighborhood or property that deflnes its
character.
Sheathing
An exterior covering of boards or other
surface applied to the frame of the
structure.
Shed, roof
A pitched roof with a single plane rising
from one wall to the opposite wall. This
type of roof can be found on outbuildings
as the sole roof type or also be found in
combination with other roof types as part
of dormers or porches.
Shingles, Roof
A rooflng material
Shingles, Siding
A variable width, length, and thickness of
re-sawed lumber where the wood is split
along the grain rather than sawing. This
siding was popular on Queen Anne style
homes as a decorative element of varying
patterns.
Shutter
A usually movable cover or screen for a
window or door that limits light and
weather through the opening
Shutter Dog
A piece of hardware attached to the
exterior wall which holds a shutter open
and fiush to the structure when the shutter
is not in use. These can be highly
decorative.
Sidelights
A vertical area of flxed glass on either side
of a door or window.
Siding
The exterior wall covering or sheathing of
a structure.
Sign
A sign is an object or device or part
thereof situated outdoors or indoors
which is used to identify or advertise a
business.
Sill
The horizontal, usually projecting, lower
lip of a window or door.
Design Guidelines xiii
Single-Hung, Window
A window with a single movable sash that
slides up from the bottom while the stop
sash stays stationary
Siting
The placement of a building, structure, or
object on a site in relation to natural
features, boundaries, and other parts of
the built environment.
Sluice Box, Dam
A sliding gate or other device for
controlling the fiow of water
Spalling
The chipping or fiaking of a masonry
surface often due to moisture or
weathering.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
An oiffcial within each state appointed by
the governor to administer the state
historic preservation program and carry
out certain responsibilities relating to
federal undertakings within the state. In
Maryland this is the Maryland Historical
Trust. See also Maryland Historical Trust
Stile, window
A vertical edge piece of the window sash
Style
A type of architecture distinguished by
special characteristics of structure and
ornament and often related in time; also a
general quality of a distinctive manner.
Terrace
A relatively level paved or planted area
adjoining a building
Transom
A horizontal window opening over a door
or window
Trim
The decorative framing of openings and
other features on a façade.
Tuscan
A classical order of architecture,
characterized by simplicity of design.
Similar to the Doric Order with the
exception that Tuscan columns are
supported by a base with an egg-and-
dart motif, like that of the Ionic Order.
Valley
The intersection of two sloping roof
surfaces.
Veneer
A thin layer of material used as decorative
facing that is not load bearing.
Vernacular
A regional form or adaptation of an
architectural style. Often utilitarian in
nature and stylistically infiuenced by High-
Style architecture.
V-Groove, Siding
Variable width (6-10inches) siding which
is installed horizontally with a rabbeted
bottom allowing self spacing with the
preceding course, leaving a slight "v"
pattern between the courses.
xiv Historic Structures
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Design Guidelines xv
Citations:
Calvert County, M. H. (2001, October). Historic District Design Guidelines. Retrieved from Cal-
vert County Maryland: https://www.calvertcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/256/
HDGuidelines?bidId=
Montgomery County Maryland. (2021, 12 29). Solar Panel Interactive Guide. Retrieved from
Montgomery County Planning: https://montgomeryplanning.org/wp-content/
uploads/2021/12/Solar-Panel-Interactive.pdf
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects for Frederick County. (2021, October 12). https://
www.frederickcountymd.gov/. Retrieved from Frederick County, Maryland Design
Guidelines: https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/315/Historic-
Preservation-Commission-Design-Guidelines
U.S. Department of the Interior, N. P. (2017). The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the
Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for Preserving, Rehabilitating, Restoring
and Reconstructing Historic Buildings. Washington, D.C.: Technical Preservation Ser-
vices.
US National Park Service. (2021, 12 28). Brief 25: The Preservation of Historic Signs. Retrieved
from nps.gov: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/25-signs.htm
Washington County, Maryland. (2021, 12 22). Washington County Zoning Ordinance. Re-
trieved from Local Legal Materials: https://www.washco-md.net/wp-content/uploads/
county-attny-Zoning-Ord.pdf#page=200