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Commissiong for History and Architectural Preseravation (CHAP)
DISCLAIMER:The information on this page must not be considered as officially
representing CHAP policy or guidelines. For complete and accurate information regarding CHAP and
Hunting Ridge, contact CHAP directly at:
CHAP's information and contact page for Hunting Ridge.
About CHAP
In 2003 on a block-by-block basis, Hunting Ridge voted to join the list of communities in Baltimore City that are
to be preserved as a historic district. Several block decided against this move.
Here is a map of the historic district boundary for Hunting Ridge.
How can a neighborhood built mostly in the 1930s and 40s
be considered historic? The key word is "preserve." CHAP's goal is to preserve each
neighborhood's character and architectural style.
Informally put: if you like how the neighborhood looks now, how about some guidelines and
regulations that ensure it stays that way, even decades from now? In a worse-case
scenario, CHAP is designed to absolutely prevent the "tear down" concept where existing homes
are torn down and replaced with much larger yet character-lacking new houses.
This peace of mind does not come without complication. Home repair and renovation in a CHAP neighborhood
means an additional permit (a CHAP permit - usually $15 to $50) when applying for a standard city permit. And there are
certain guidelines on what types of materials to use in your building or renovation.
CHAP does not apply to the inside of your home, and as long as the construction or renovation you
are planning is not visible from the street, CHAP doesn't apply to your backyard either.
The general rule of thumb is that you replace "like with like," so that a wooden siding is replaced
with a wooden siding, and not vinyl or plastic. In many cases there are brands or styles made
with synthetic materials that CHAP allows. CHAP does not keep a list of approved brands and models
so as not to promote one product over another.
There doesn't seem to be a unifying and clearly written list of what is and is not allowed under
CHAP. CHAP will often defer to each neighborhood's Design Review Board on such matters, weighing in
only to ensure the general concepts are adhered to.
What does CHAP mean to a Hunting Ridge homeowner?
When you are planning any renovation or addition, during your permit process, the City's building permit office
will require that you get a CHAP permit before applying for the regular City permit.
The form for the CHAP permit can be downloaded here. This form looks very simple to fill out, and doesn't seem to
require much information, however.....
HELPFUL TIP! - Save yourself the hassle of repeat trips to the permit office by
compiling as much information as you can ahead of time. In addition to any blue print that may be required, pictures of the
existing site are helpful; so are material samples, swatches, and product brochures. Before going down to their office,
you may find it helpful to directly contact the CHAP representative (phone number listed on the CHAP page linked above).
The CHAP staff is generally very helpful and guiding you through the process. Often you can get both CHAP and City permits in the same visit.
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