About
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) provides advice to Howard County agencies, Boards, Commissions, and property owners regarding historic sites and historic districts and is the steward of the historic preservation plan. It determines if exterior changes to a local historic district or historic structure comply with local plans and issues certificates of approval for all exterior changes, such as, new construction, historic building relocation, demolition, repair or alteration of any structure and other changes that impact the appearance of a historic district or site. The Commission also assists with identifying historic resources on sites and provides advice regarding the design of development.
Important News
Are you an architect interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission? More information can be found here: HPC Information
Are you an a resident or property owner in the Lawyers Hill Historic District interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission? More information can be found here: HPC Lawyers Hill Information
May 1, 2025 Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Information
The Commission will conduct their regular May meeting as a virtual meeting May 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm, where the public is invited to speak on the agenda items.
The Historic Preservation Commission meeting on May 1, 2025 at 7:00 pm will be a WebEx meeting only. If you would like to testify, you must pre-register so you can be identified during the WebEx meeting. Please see the "Registering or Joining by Telephone" and “Providing Testimony” tabs for additional instructions.
Minor Alteration Determinations
The Executive Secretary has determined that the following applications are considered minor alterations and do not require a Certificate of Approval from the Commission. Each application will be posted on this website for 5 days.
If any member of the public, or any member of the Historic Preservation Commission, objects to a determination below, please email the Executive Secretary at preservation@howardcountymd.gov within the 5 days of posting. Any application that is subject to an objection will be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission at the next regularly scheduled meeting for which legal advertising obligations have been met. More information on the Minor Alteration Process can be found here: Minor Alterations Code
Current Applications for Minor Alterations and Tax Credit Pre-Approval:
8000 Main Street, Ellicott City - reposted 5/5/2025 due to website error
Application Submissions
The Department has established procedures to streamline the processing of Historic Preservation Commission applications. Please review the Application Submission Procedures to ensure your application is properly submitted and can therefore be reviewed by the Commission.
Additional Information
Meeting Schedule & Application Deadlines
2025 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE

If you have an emergency, please contact Samantha Holmes at 410-313-4428 or preservation@howardcountymd.gov.*
Download printable schedule for 2025
Design Guidelines
Rules of Procedure
View the Commission's Rules of Procedure: Rules of Procedure
Application Forms
The Historic Preservation Commission reviews several types of applications, including applications for Certificates of Approval to make exterior alterations to properties within a local historic district, applications for Historic Property Tax Credits and applications for Advisory Comments to properties under going subdivision or site development plans that contain a historic property.
Past Meetings
2025
Minutes | Decisions and Orders |
Decision and Orders |
Meetings
2024 Meetings
Minutes | Decisions and Orders |
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Previous Years Minutes
Board Members
- Julianne Danna, Chair
- Ellen Flynn Giles, Vice Chair
- Cathy Allen
- Ben Barlow
- Erica Zoren