Historic Area Work Pemit (HAWP) APPLICATION AND REVIEW PROCESS
A HAWP is required when making substantive changes to the exterior of a Historic Site. Check with your local historic district. Substantive changes include the construction of additions and the removal or replacement of character-defining architectural elements such as windows, doors, porches, steps, and shutters and other decorative features. The demolition of all, or part, of a building requires a Historic Area Work Permit (HAWP). A HAWP is not required for interior work or for ordinary maintenance, which includes minor repairs using like materials and design, minor landscaping, and painting of non-masonry surfaces using the same or substantially the same color.
A HAWP approval does not eliminate the need for a building permit issued by the county's Department of Permitting Services.
Historic Area Work Permits (HAWP) must be applied for electronically via Apply Online.
There is no fee for HAWPs.
The Historic Preservation Commission reviews your HAWP application packet and is required to schedule a hearing before the Historic Committee within 45 days of receipt of your application. Please use this link to the Historic Preservation Committee webpage for more information - https://montgomeryplanning.org/planning/historic/historic-area-work-permits/
Yes, if your project involves work that would require a DPS permit. HPC must approve your construction plans and those approved plans must be submitted with your DPS building permit application. If your project involves only cosmetic changes to your property and DPS permit is usually not necessary.