NOTICE

What is CHAP?

In 1964, the City of Baltimore established the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). The Commission was established to protect communities and historic structures within the City of Baltimore. The appointed CHAP Commissioners and the preservation staff carefully reviews more than 500 permit applications each year to assure that Baltimore City's CHAP's "Historic Preservation Guidelines" are applied to each case to assure that historic character is preserved. It is then given to local communities to hear residents’ inquiries about work to be completed at their homes. Find out more at: https://chap.baltimorecity.gov 

When was Ashburton established as a CHAP District? 

Ashburton became a Historic CHAP District in December 22, 2011.

What are the benefits to the community? 

1 - To protect the integrity and beauty of the homes in Ashburton

2 - Baltimore City Rehabilitation Tax Credits Property owners have welcomed historic designation in Baltimore City because it provides City, State and Federal rehabilitation tax credits to support reinvestment. Since, 1996, Baltimore City has offered generous local rehabilitation benefits, administered by CHAP. 

Ashburton CHAP Process

The Ashburton Housing & Zoning Committee has oversight of the process to assist with compliance to the rules and regulations set forth within the Ashburton CHAP district. 

To complete work on the following, you must have approval with the Committee for the following on the exterior of your home: 

• Superstructure 
• Roof Deck 
• Paint
• Windows Doors 
• Siding
• Driveway 
• Fence 

The process is as follows: 

Step 1 – Send an email to AshburtonCHAPreview1920@gmail.com to request a hearing. Meeting dates are the first Wednesday of each month.  

Step 2: Along with your email to request a hearing, attach a copy of your existing photos and plan or rendering and your Application to Proceed, (this document can be found at: https://chap.baltimorecity.gov/applications-procedures-guidelines  - filled out in its entirety) to the email for the meeting. The Application to Proceed package can also be picked up at the Baltimore City Planning offices located at 417 E. Fayette Street. Failure to complete the application and attach your images will result in a delay to your application approval.

Step 3 – Within three days you will receive notification of receipt of your request for a meeting and the meeting date for your hearing. 

Step 4 – Written approval will be given within three-five days of the hearing date or earlier

Meetings will be held the first Wednesday of each month. You cannot proceed until you are giving approval from Committee and CHAP offices. 

Step 5 – If your request does not adhere to the guidelines then you can request a hearing to the CHAP Commission for approval.

*Failure to receive approval from the Committee/CHAP may result in a fine and stop work order from Baltimore City. It may also delay your permit from the Permit office of Baltimore City to proceed with your renovation.

Updated: May 3, 2019