FAQs • Hagerstown, MD • CivicEngage

My property is located in a historic district and I want to make exterior improvements. Do I need approval from the Historic District Commission?: Yes. All exterior improvements to a building, including fences, must be approved by the Historic District Commission (HDC) before a permit can be released. Applications for HDC review are free and can be submitted to the Planning and Code Administration Office on the third floor of City Hall located at One East Franklin Street. Once your application is received, it will be scheduled for the next available HDC meeting. Depending on location, the proposed project must generally follow either the Downtown Historic Guidelines or the Residential Historic Guidelines.

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Planning

1. How do I apply for a zoning certificate?: You can apply for a zoning certificate in person in the Planning and Code Administration Office on the third floor of City Hall located at One East Franklin Street. The City requires that a Zoning Certificate be obtained before a business/trader's license is obtained from the Washington County Circuit Courthouse and before a business opens within the City limits. There is a filing fee to obtain a zoning certificate. Depending on the prior use, a change of use building permit my be required. Zoning Certificate Information

2. Do I need a permit to replace all or a portion of my fence?: Yes. Fence permits are required for the construction of a new fence or the replacement of any part of an existing fence. You can apply for a fence in person or by mail in the Planning and Code Administration Office on the third floor of City Hall located at One East Franklin Street. Fence permit applications are available on the "Application Forms" webpage. There is a fee associated with a fence permit.
Non-residential fences may also be subject to landscaping requirements in accordance with the Land Management Code. Fences can be no taller than 6 feet in residential zoning districts, 8 feet in commercial zoning districts, and 10 feet in industrial zoning districts. Additional Fence Information

3. My property is located in a historic district and I want to make exterior improvements. Do I need approval from the Historic District Commission?: Yes. All exterior improvements to a building, including fences, must be approved by the Historic District Commission (HDC) before a permit can be released. Applications for HDC review are free and can be submitted to the Planning and Code Administration Office on the third floor of City Hall located at One East Franklin Street. Once your application is received, it will be scheduled for the next available HDC meeting. Depending on location, the proposed project must generally follow either the Downtown Historic Guidelines or the Residential Historic Guidelines.