CHAP Permits 101

What is CHAP?:

CHAP stands for Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation

 

When is a CHAP Permit/Authorization Required?:

1. If you own property in one of the over 33 Baltimore City historic districts and would like to make exterior renovations (even ones which do not require a permit), you may need to gain CHAP approval prior to starting your project in order to avoid facing penalties.

   • Please note that you will need to gain CHAP approval before the city will review your permit application.

2. Examples of minor work which require CHAP Authorization:

   • Removal of insignificant or incompatible minor alterations;

   • Roof, cornice, gutter, or downspout repair work;

   • Construction of insignificant or clearly compatible minor additions or alterations;

   • Window replacements that meet the following requirements: - On elevations easily seen by the public, window replacements that duplicate the proportion, profile, light configuration, material, and overall appearance of the historic windows;

     • On elevations not easily seen by the public, window replacements that are appropriate in general appearance to the historic windows.

   • New window or door openings on elevations not easily seen by the public;

   • Removal of non-historic window or door openings and installation of appropriate infill;

   • Installation of appropriate siding materials, rear decks, roof decks not obtrusive as easily seen by the public, roofing, skylights, air conditioning equipment that is suitably screened or unobtrusive, inconspicuous plumbing and exhaust vents, antennas and satellite dishes, front and rear yard fences, retaining walls, and awnings and canopies; or

   • New signs appropriate in design, scale, and placement, and consistent with the character of the building and historic district.

3. Examples of major work which require CHAP authorization:

   • Construction of additions that significantly change the massing, or scale, or appearance of a structure;

   • Removal of significant architectural features; and

   • Significant changes to the primary shape, roof form, window and door patterns, and exterior materials.