Maryland Template in PDF

How to Write Maryland

Filling out the Maryland Project Review Form is a straightforward process, though it requires attention to detail. This form is essential for projects needing review by the Maryland Historical Trust/MDSHPO, especially for those involving state and federal undertakings. The form helps in identifying potential impacts on historic properties. By following a clear set of steps, you can ensure that your submission is complete, aiding in a swift review process.

1. Gather necessary documentation: Before you start filling out the form, collect all required attachments including maps, project descriptions, site plans, photographs, and any previous studies related to the project area.
2. Provide General Project Information (Section A):
   • Indicate whether this submission is new or provides additional information related to a previously submitted project by checking the appropriate box.
   • Fill in the Project Name and County.
   • If applicable, provide the Related Project Log Number.
3. Fill in Primary Contact Information (Section B): Enter the contact name, company/agency, mailing address, city, state, zip code, email, and phone number with extension.
4. Describe the Undertaking (Section C):
   • Attach a map showing the project location and boundaries.
   • List all involved federal and state agencies or programs, providing as much detail as possible about the project/permit/tracking number and the agency/program/permit name.
   • Check the applicable boxes to describe the proposed work, and attach a detailed project description, scope of work, site plans, or drawings.
   • Indicate if the project involves State or Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits or properties subject to an easement.
5. Identification of Historic Properties (Section D):
   • Specify if the project involves properties recognized for their historical significance at any level.
   • If the property has undergone previous studies, describe these and attach any relevant documentation.
   • Attach photographs of the project site and buildings, preferably keyed to a site plan.
   • Provide details on the current and past conditions of the project area, including the construction dates of buildings, if known.
6. Final Steps: Review your form and attachments to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Send the hard copy of the form along with all attachments to the address provided at the beginning of the form: Beth Cole, MHT, 100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032.

After submitting the form, the Maryland Historical Trust will review the information provided. They may reach out for additional information if necessary. Depending on their determination, they will advise on the next steps, which could range from no further action required to modifications needed to avoid adverse effects on historic properties. It’s important to wait for their feedback before proceeding with the project to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations regarding historic properties.

When filling out the Maryland Project Review Form, it's essential to avoid common mistakes to ensure your submission is processed smoothly and efficiently. Here's a breakdown of common errors:

1. Not submitting all required attachments: The form requires specific attachments, including a map showing the project location and boundaries, a detailed project description, scope of work, site plans/drawings, photographs of the project site, and a description of the project area's current and past conditions. Neglecting to include any of these attachments can lead to delays.

2. Overlooking the details in Section C regarding the undertaking: This section asks for an exhaustive list of federal and state agencies/programs involved in the project, as well as a detailed description of the proposed work. Failing to provide comprehensive answers can result in requests for more information, slowing down the review process.

3. Not checking the applicable boxes in the proposed work section: Applicants sometimes forget to check the boxes that apply to their project, such as new construction, demolition, or remodeling/rehabilitation. This omission can cause confusion about the project's scope.

4. Incorrectly assessing the project's impact on historic properties: In Section D, accurately identifying if the property is historic and if previous investigations have been conducted is crucial. Misidentifying or overlooking the historical significance of a property can lead to improper handling of the project review.

5. Inadequate or missing photographs: The form requires photographs of the project site, including all buildings and structures. These images should be clear and preferably keyed to a site plan. Failure to include adequate photography or keying them incorrectly can impede the review process.

6. Omitting contact information or providing incorrect details: Complete and accurate contact information in Section B is critical for any necessary follow-up. Errors or omissions in this section can significantly delay communication and the overall review process.

Avoiding these mistakes can help ensure that your submission is complete, accurate, and processed in a timely manner, facilitating a smoother review by the Maryland Historical Trust.

When navigating the complexities of project planning and compliance in Maryland, particularly when historical sites and properties are involved, several key documents and forms often accompany the Maryland Historical Trust Project Review Form. Each of these plays a crucial role in ensuring that the project adheres to state and federal regulations while preserving Maryland's rich historical legacy.

• Site Plan/Drawings: A detailed representation of the proposed project site, including the layout of buildings, landscaping, and other relevant features. This visual document is crucial for reviewers to understand the spatial aspects of the project and its potential impact on historic properties.
• Photographs of the Project Site: Current images of the project area and any structures on it provide a visual context for the project's potential effects on historic properties. Photographs should offer a comprehensive view of the area, capturing all significant features and buildings.
• Environmental Assessment Reports: These assessments evaluate the project's impact on the natural environment, including how it might affect historic properties. They help in identifying any environmental constraints that could influence the project's design or implementation.
• Archaeological Surveys: In areas with potential archaeological significance, a survey may be conducted to identify and assess any archaeological resources. This is particularly important for projects that involve ground disturbance. The findings can influence project planning and mitigation strategies.
• Historic Preservation Easement Agreements: If a project involves properties protected by a historic preservation easement, the agreement documents are critical. They outline the conditions and restrictions placed on the property's use and alteration to protect its historic integrity.

Together, these documents and forms provide a comprehensive overview of the proposed project, enabling informed decisions that balance development goals with the preservation of Maryland's heritage. By thorough preparation and submission of these materials, project proponents can streamline the review process and contribute to the thoughtful stewardship of Maryland's historical resources.

The Maryland form is similar to a variety of other documents used in the evaluation and oversight of construction and development projects, particularly those involving historical or environmental considerations. These documents share common goals: ensuring compliance with regulations, preserving historical sites, and assessing environmental impacts. Below, similarities with two specific types of documents are outlined.

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): Both the Maryland Project Review Form and the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are integral to project planning when federal or state actions may significantly affect the environment. They are similar in their need for detailed project descriptions, including:

• Project goals and objectives
• Location specifics, often requiring maps or spatial data
• Descriptions of potential environmental impacts
• Discussions on alternatives to the proposed action
• Identification of involved federal and state agencies

The emphasis on thorough project outlines and the requirement for public and agency input parallels the Maryland form's structure, which also demands detailed submissions for state historical trust review.

Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA): The similarity between the Maryland form and Historical Resources Impact Assessment (HRIA) documents lies in their shared emphasis on preserving cultural heritage. Key similarities include:

• Identifying and evaluating historical properties potentially affected by proposed projects
• Requiring photographs, maps, and detailed descriptions of the site
• Assessment of the project's impacts on identified historical resources
• Proposals for mitigating adverse effects on historical sites

Both documents serve as crucial tools for balancing development and conservation efforts, ensuring that valuable historical sites are considered and protected in the planning process.

When completing the Maryland Historical Trust / MD SHPO Project Review Form, it's crucial to pay close attention to both the required information and the manner of its presentation. Here are four things you should and shouldn't do to ensure your submission accurately reflects the scope and potential impact of your project:

What You Should Do:

• Provide Detailed Information: Ensure all sections of the form are filled out comprehensively. For instance, when describing the undertaking in Section C, attach a detailed project description, scope of work, and site plans/drawings to convey the full extent of the project's impact.
• Include Supporting Documentation: Attach maps, photographs, and any other required documents that can provide the Maryland Historical Trust with clear context and insight into the project area's current condition and historical significance.
• Check Applicability: Carefully review the sections on historic properties and project impact, marking relevant boxes accurately to reflect any involvement with state or federal rehabilitation tax credits, easements, or designation as historic properties.
• Submit a Complete Package: Before sending the form and attachments, review the submission requirements to ensure all necessary components are included, minimizing the risk of delays due to requests for additional information.

What You Shouldn't Do:

• Leave Sections Blank: Avoid submitting the form with incomplete information. If a section does not apply to your project, note it as not applicable (N/A) instead of leaving it blank, to clarify that you have considered all parts of the form.
• Forget to Attach Required Documents: The form often requires specific attachments, such as maps and photographs. Not including these can significantly delay the review process.
• Overlook the Need for Clear, Legible Submissions: Ensure that all attached documents are of high quality and clearly readable. Poor quality submissions can hinder the review process, requiring additional time and possibly leading to misconceptions about the project's impact.
• Underestimate the Importance of Detail in Descriptions: Be specific when describing the project and its potential effects on historic properties. Vague or generic descriptions may not provide the Maryland Historical Trust with enough information to make an informed decision, possibly leading to unnecessary requests for more details.

There are several misconceptions about the Maryland Project Review Form used for requesting comments from the Maryland Historical Trust/MDSHPO on state and federal undertakings. Understanding these misconceptions can facilitate smoother interactions with the Trust and ensure that projects comply with preservation standards and regulations.

• One common misconception is that the form is only necessary for projects involving construction. In reality, the form is required for a wide range of undertakings, not just new construction, but also demolition, remodeling, rehabilitation, and even projects that may involve state or federal rehabilitation tax credits or properties subject to an easement held by the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT), Maryland Environmental Trust (MET), or another entity.

• Many people believe that submitting the form is a lengthy and complicated process. However, the form itself is straightforward and designed to gather essential information about the project, including general project information, primary contact information, a description of the undertaking, and any involvement of federal and state agencies or programs.

• Another misconception is that the project review is only concerned with the physical impact on historic properties. While the physical impact is a significant concern, the review process also considers the project's visual and environmental impacts on historic properties and their surroundings.

• There is also a belief that if a property is not listed in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as historic by a local government, it is not of interest to the MHT. This is not accurate; the MHT is concerned with all properties within the area of potential effect, including those included in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties and those not previously investigated for historical significance.

• Some assume that once the form is submitted, the review process is out of their hands and that they cannot engage further with the MHT. It is beneficial to maintain open communication with the MHT throughout the review process, especially if the project undergoes changes or if additional information is requested.

• A common misconception is that the determination made by the MHT at the end of the review is final and cannot be contested. While the MHT's determinations are authoritative, they are also subject to appeal processes or the provision of additional information that may affect the review outcome.

• Last but not least, many mistakenly believe that they will receive immediate feedback upon submitting the form. The review process can take time, as it involves thorough consideration of the potential impacts on historic properties, and the MHT often requests additional information before making a determination.

Addressing these misconceptions and having a clear understanding of the Maryland Project Review Form and the process can help ensure that projects proceed smoothly while preserving Maryland's historical and cultural heritage.

When engaging with the Maryland Historical Trust (MHT) through the use of the Project Review Form, it's crucial to consider several key aspects to ensure a seamless and effective process. Here are five important takeaways for anyone preparing to submit this form:

• Complete Documentation: Submitting a hard copy of the Project Review Form along with all pertinent attachments is mandatory. These attachments include maps, project descriptions, scopes of work, site plans, drawings, and photographs. Ensuring comprehensive documentation from the outset can facilitate a more efficient review process.
• Detailed Project Information: The form necessitates detailed descriptions of the project, including the type of work (e.g., new construction, demolition, remodeling/rehabilitation), involvement of federal and state agencies/programs, and any use of state or federal rehabilitation tax credits. This detailed information supports MHT in making informed decisions regarding the project's impact on historic properties.
• Historic Properties: Identifying whether the project involves properties designated as historic by local government, listed in the National Register, or included in the Maryland Inventory of Historic Properties is crucial. Details regarding previous archeological, architectural, or historical investigations of the subject property should also be provided, as this information plays a significant role in the review process.
• MHT Review and Determination: After reviewing the submitted information, MHT will make an initial determination that may range from finding no historic properties affected to identifying adverse effects on historic properties. Understanding the potential outcomes of this review can better prepare applicants for next steps or additional information requests.
• Engage Early: Engaging with MHT early, especially before finalizing project plans, can provide valuable insights and potentially avert any adverse impacts on historic properties. Early engagement can lead to a more streamlined review process and facilitate proactive adjustments to project plans if necessary./li>

Adhering to these guidelines when filling out and submitting the Maryland Project Review Form not only aids in preserving the state's historical and cultural heritage but also ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations.