Easement Program FAQs
Find answers below to common questions about the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) Easement Program. This guide covers everything from the initial application process to maintaining your historic property.
If you have a specific question about your property’s deed or a project you are planning, we encourage you to contact the Easement Administrator directly.
Starting the Easement Process (Conveyance)
We acquire them through private donations, state or federal funding requirements, or property transfers.
Because each deed is customized to the property, we recommend allowing at least one year for the process.
You must provide a Title Insurance Policy, a Property and Judgment (P&J) Report, a legal property description, and a scaled site plan.
You must maintain a Property (Hazard) Insurance Policy that lists MHT as "additionally insured."
Yes. Corporations and organizations must provide a Corporate Resolution authorizing the easement and name the person authorized to sign the deed.
Taxes and Financial Incentives
MHT and the IRS have different eligibility rules. For example, MHT may accept a property "eligible for" the National Register, while the IRS usually requires the listing process to be further along. Always consult a tax professional.
No. MHT does not charge a fee to review your Change/Alteration application.
The Project Review Process
The property owner or an authorized contact. Long-term tenants must provide written approval from the owner.
Most deeds require a decision within 45 days, but the "clock" only starts once the application is considered "complete."
The Easement Committee (a team of experts) reviews your project and makes a recommendation, but the MHT Director makes the final decision.
These are not open public meetings. However, for complex projects, you may request to attend in your cover letter.
Yes. If an application is denied, you may appeal to the MHT Board of Trustees.
Inspections and Monitoring
We aim to inspect properties every 3–5 years, depending on staffing.
Only if your easement specifically protects the interior. In those cases, the owner must be present.
All easements grant MHT the right to enter the property with reasonable notice to ensure compliance with the deed.
Please contact us before the sale. We encourage an inspection before you settle to confirm the property is in good standing for the new buyer.
Managing Your Property
Most easements prohibit grading, excavation, or plowing deeper than 12 inches without prior approval. This includes new plantings or landscaping.
To meet program or tax rules, the historic area must be accessible to the public. The level of access is tailored to your property, and you must complete a public access form each year.
Director approvals are valid for six months. If your project is delayed, you must request an extension in writing before the deadline.
MHT does not maintain a list of contractors. We recommend the Maryland Historic Restoration Contractor Directory or Preservation Maryland’s provider list.
Specific Project Guidance
MHT requires you to repair and maintain historic windows first. MHT staff—not the owner—determines if a window is too damaged to repair.
Even "routine" repointing requires approval to ensure the correct mortar formula is used. Using the wrong mortar (like Portland cement) can permanently damage historic brick.
If you have existing vinyl siding, you are not forced to remove it. However, if you replace it, we encourage returning to the original material rather than using new synthetic materials.
If a new shed is located within the easement boundaries, it must be reviewed by the Committee even if the easement only covers the exterior of the house.