Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP)

In 1964, the City established the Commission for Historical and Architectural Preservation (CHAP). (Article 6 of the Baltimore City Code). CHAP's mission is to enhance and promote the culture and economy of Baltimore through the preservation of buildings, structures, sites and neighborhoods that have aesthetic, historic, and architectural value. The Commission (a City board appointed by the Mayor) and its staff are located within the Department of Planning.

CHAP's Responsibilities:

• Designate Baltimore City’s historic districts and landmarks.
• Review plans for landmarks and buildings in historic districts.
• Provide technical assistance and historical information to the public.
• Administer the Baltimore City Historic Restoration & Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
• Conserve and maintain City-owned outdoor sculpture and monuments.
• Conduct historic resource surveys.
• Comply with Federal law to provide preservation recommendations for federal and state funded projects.
• Integrate historic preservation recommendations into City and neighborhood plans.
• Administer permit review authority for over 12,000 properties in 33 local historic districts, as well as 182 local landmarks.

Mission

The CHAP Mission is to enhance and promote the culture and economy of Baltimore through the preservation of buildings, structures, sites and neighborhoods, that have aesthetic, historic and architectural value.

Goals

CHAP goals include preserving historic architecture and monuments; reclaiming broken neighborhoods; preventing demolition by neglect; and integrating our City's past into its future.

Programs

• Survey & Designation of districts and landmarks
• Permit and plans review
• Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit
• Baltimore City Heritage Area
• Monument Restoration
• Technical assistance & research for neighborhoods and public

• Board Information

• Membership

• Meetings

Board Information

Membership