Historic Preservation

It is the mission of the historic preservation program to safeguard the historical and cultural heritage of the City of Frederick, to stabilize and improve property values, to foster civic beauty, to strengthen the local economy and to promote the appreciation of historic sites and districts for the education and welfare of the residents of the City.

Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO)

When sites or structures are designated by the City of Frederick, an Historic Preservation Overlay (HPO) zoning district is applied to the property. This enables the City to regulate the treatment of the exterior of the designated resource including demolition. The Historic Preservation Commission must approve all exterior work in any HPO excluding minor rehabilitation (PDF). 

Historic Preservation Commission

The Historic Preservation Commission has authorized staff to review and approve some rehabilitation work, signs, changes to settings and outdoor features provided the proposed works complies with the guidelines. The Planning Department provides technical assistance and educational and outreach programs related to historic preservation in the City.

Topics of Interest

• NEW: Frederick Historic District National Register Nomination, F-3-39 (2021)
• Frederick Town Historic District Design Guidelines (PDF)
• Historic District Guides- New
  • Contractors (PDF)
  • Merchants (PDF)
  • Residents (PDF)
• Historic Preservation Commission