Historic District Commission

2026 HDC Filing Dates***Starting July 1, 2025, the City will not charge application fees for Historic District Commission Certificates of Approval on RESIDENTIAL properties but there will be a $50.00 fee for COMMERCIAL properties, however, Residential properties will be charged a $25.00 fee if their application is incomplete (missing any required documentation, photos, plats, etc). Fees can be paid after applying through the online e-permits portal or with a check mailed to the Department of Economic and Community Development at 8103 Sandy Spring Road Laurel, Maryland 20707.

Meetings

• Usually meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month either virtually or in-person
• At 6:00pm
• Location for in person meetings:
  • Joseph R. Robison Laurel Municipal Center                                                                                    8103 Sandy Spring Road                                                                                                            Laurel, MD  20707

Note: We are currently holding hybrid meetings, virtual through Zoom or in-person.                                     

View the 2026 schedule here: 2026 HDC Filing Dates

The Public is welcome and encouraged to attend, but will need to sign up to speak. View meeting information here. Please double check the deadline  and meeting dates or with our staff, if you have a  application you would like to submit for the next Historic District Commission meeting.

How To Apply and What You Need

1. Go to https://md-laurel.civicplus.com/1536/How-to-Apply-for-a-Change-to-Structure-o
2. Under 'How to Apply' click the epermits link (you will be redirected to a new page)
3. Once redirected click on 'Apply'
4. If the work will be In-Kind (SAME color, SAME style, SAME material as existing) type HDC Residential- Staff Approval in the search bar, If the work will not be In-Kind ( CHANGE of structure, CHANGE of material, CHANGE of color, etc.) type HDC Residential- Regular Application in the search bar.
5. Click 'Apply'
6. Create an account to complete your application please remember to provide the following documents:

 What you will need to submit:

• Current photo of property, front full view
• Current photo of where the proposed work will be done 
• Current Materials photo (Showing Style, Color, Material Type, Measurements)
• Proposed Materials photo (Showing Style, Color, Material Type, Measurements)
• Plat of Property, unless you are only changing the aesthetics of the property such as a color change, change of windows, roof, shutters or signage for Commercial properties .

Agendas and Minutes

View the Meeting Agendas and Minutes page for information on how to access current and archived meeting documents.

Overview

The Historic District Commission (HDC) was established in 1975 to promote the preservation of Laurel's historic sites and buildings in order to safeguard the heritage of the City's built environment. The Commission's authority is derived from the Land Use Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and Article I, Division 13 of the City of Laurel Unified Land Development Code. To that end, the Commission is empowered to hold public hearings for the purpose of reviewing architectural and design elements for buildings in the Historic District and granting certificates of approval in accordance with the City of Laurel Historic District Commission Design Guidelines (Art. I, Div. 14, City of Laurel Land Development Code.

Roles of the Commission and Staff

The Commission reviews plans for all exterior alterations to buildings in the historic district, including changes or additions to the rear of the property. If the plans are approved, then the applicant may apply for a building permit. The Commission also sponsors historic site surveys and publications. The staff reviews applications and advises the Commission on matters related to zoning codes and design guidelines. The staff also assists property owners in preparing their applications and administers the Certified Local Government program for the Commission.