Request Easement Review
Easements protect the historic features of your property. If you would like to make changes to your easement property, you must contact the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) for review and approval before beginning work.
When you need MHT review
Generally, you must request approval for all construction, repairs, alterations, demolitions, maintenance, and ground disturbances on the easement property, including, but not limited to:
- Exterior alterations such as roof, wall, window, or door changes
- Additions, new construction, or demolition
- Site work like grading, paving, trenching, excavation, or landscape alterations
- Installation of solar panels, HVAC systems, or other mechanical equipment
- Interior work if the easement includes interior protections
If you’re not sure whether your project requires approval, contact MHT before starting any work.
If changes to your property require other approvals (for example, from a local historic preservation commission), MHT strongly recommends that you begin the easement review and approval process first.
Easement review & approval
- Review your easement agreement. We strongly encourage reaching out to MHT staff before submitting an application. Easement documents may be technical, and staff can help you navigate these details in your agreement.
- Prepare your request by sending an application - PDF - 414.87 KB via email or the mail that includes:
- A clear description of the issues and proposed work
- Current color photographs of the affected areas
- Drawings, plans, or renderings (if available)
- Product or material information
- MHT's Easement Committee will review your proposal for compliance with your easement agreement and consistency with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to make a recommendation to MHT's director. Staff may ask for more details or schedule a site visit.
- You will receive a written response, which will outline what is approved and any conditions. Keep this for your records. Do not begin work until you receive written approval. If the application is not approved, the response will include the reasons why and how the work can be brought into compliance (if applicable).
Typical review timelines
The timeline for review is determined by the specific Deed of Easement, with most requiring a decision within 45 to 90 days.
Emergency requests are expedited when possible.
Easement documents
Common easement review questions
The "Archaeological Clause" in most deeds prohibits any activity that disturbs the ground surface or subsurface without prior approval from MHT's director. This includes grading, trenching, and even deep plowing or landscaping/plantings.
Inspections are conducted by MHT staff to ensure the property is being maintained according to the agreement. The inspector only needs to see areas protected by the easement. If your specific deed protects the interior of the building, you must be present to allow the inspector inside.
No. While the inspector can provide technical advice, only the Easement Committee can recommend work for approval, and only the MHT Director has the final authority to sign off on your project.
If an inspector finds unapproved work, they will ask you to explain when and why the work was done. The Easement Committee will then review the changes to determine if they meet preservation standards or if they need to be corrected.
Please note the funding source (such as a grant or tax credit) on your application. This helps us coordinate reviews with other departments so you don't have to navigate multiple approval processes alone.