Historical & Architectural Preservation / About 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.
• Operate the National Historic Landmark Edgar Allan Poe House.
• 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 11,000 properties in 31 local historic districts, as well as 156 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 for FY 2011

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

• Launch the Ashburton Historic District designation in partnership with the community
• Attract tourists to Baltimore through the Edgar Allan Poe House National Historic Landmark and related programming. Implement plan for “self-sustainability.”
• Restore the Battle Monument, the nation’s first war memorial dedicated to Baltimore’s fallen heroes of the War of 1812.
• In partnership with the Baltimore National Heritage Area, plan for the “Star Spangled Banner” and War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebration.
• Honor and protect additional historic sites throughout the City with landmark designation.
• Foster continuous investment in Baltimore's neighborhoods through the Historic Restoration and Rehabilitation Tax Credit.
• Provide responsive service to historic neighborhoods and owners of historic property.

Programs

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