In 2007, through a grant from the Maryland Historical Trust, MAHDC revived its long dormant Circuit Rider initiative. The goal of this initiative is to provide information, technical assistance, and best practices to historic preservation commissions across the state. In 2007 and 2008, MAHDC staff conducted ten on-site assessments each year. As part of the assessment, our staff performs a comprehensive review of the local ordinance, rules of procedure, guidelines, and past meeting minutes. After attending a public hearing, staff then prepares an analysis of the commission's program based on all this information in order to identify best practices for sharing among Maryland commissions, and to make recommendations for improving the way they do business. In 2007, the following communities participated in the program: Annapolis, Baltimore County, Cambridge, Calvert County, Hagerstown, Laytonsville, Port Deposit, Salisbury, Snow Hill, and Sykesville.

Last year MAHDC’s past circuit rider Susan West Montgomery racked up countless miles on her Passat Wagon traveling the Maryland countryside to review ten new community programs. Those communities are East New Market, Easton, Frostburg, Gaithersburg, Laurel, St. Mary’s County, St. Michaels, Talbot County, Washington Grove, and Westminister.

Here are a few examples of ‘best practices’ Susan included in her 2008 final report that are worth sharing:

1. The most effective commissions were those where the chairman set a strong, authoritative tone to the proceedings usually by beginning with a recitation of the pledge of allegiance, calling for a group swearing in, and reading a well crafted opening statement which states the qualifications of the commission and the procedures by which it will operate. Chairman who then follow a set format for the hearing of each case were able to ensure a fair and complete consideration.
2. Commissions can encourage the submission of complete applications by providing a checklist of items that should be included in the application depending on what work is being proposed. I.e. for landscape features: a site plan with plat and tree types; description of grading to be undertaken, if planned. Or, for siding requests: existing condition, width, lap, color, texture, type of material, method of application.
3. Clear and complete application forms go a long way toward ensuring clear and complete applications.
4. An occasional survey of historic district property owners can aid the commission in improving its operations and understanding owners perceptions regarding the value of historic district designation and its challenges. (Washington Grove).
5. Many commissions have developed a step-by-step guide to the application and review process. A flow chart can serve as a visual aid in explaining the process. (Gaithersburg)

This year the grant was revised to include five visits to communities who have yet to participate in the program, just as we have done in the past, but to also allow for five visits to 'veteran' commissions who are seeking site-specific training tailored to the commission's particular needs. Topics may include issues such as enforcement, use of design guidelines, and public relations. Cumberland, Denton, Berlin, Port Deposit, Frostburg and Howard County are participating in the 2009 program. For more information, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Members can download the Circuit Rider Annual Reports here.  Please note - download links are active for registered members after logging into the site. 

Download the 2007 MAHDC Circuit Rider Report - PDF Format

Download the 2008 MAHDC Circuit Rider Report - PDF Format