If you are planning ANY exterior work on your property, you must receive approval prior to the beginning of work. This includes work such as repainting doors/trim, repointing of bricks, replacing windows/roofs with the same/similar style/material, and work to restore any part of the exterior to the original. It also includes any changes to the design, material, color or outward appearance. Failure to do so may result in fines or the attachment of a lien on the property by Baltimore City.
Both the Otterbein Community Association (OCA)’s Architectural Review Committee (ARC) and the City’s Historical and Architectural Preservation Commission (CHAP) must approve the work. In some cases, homeowners must obtain a permit prior to sending the application to CHAP. For information on permits, go to https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/pi/e-permits
To guide you as to what is acceptable or not, there are three publications – The OCA Covenants, the Guidelines for Exterior Restoration –Otterbein Homestead Area, and the FAQs on Exterior Work:
Guidelines for Exterior Restoration
Applying for approval for work to the exterior of the home involves the following steps:
- Complete the Application for Notice to Proceed form online and save as a PDF.
- E-mail the completed application to the following: The OCA ARC, Joe Levy () and Sarah Cummings () and to the CHAP representative, Tyriq Charleus ()
- Subject to approval, the ARC then notifies both the homeowner and CHAP via email.
- CHAP then has final approval. Once approved, CHAP will email the approved Application for Notice to Proceed to the homeowner and the ARC and apprise the homeowner if a permit is required. This notice should be displayed on the front window while the renovation is being completed.
As you plan your exterior work (front/rear/sides if end of group), please adhere to this process. And remember to allow some time for review/approval before the work begins. We’re here to help. Reach out to us as early as possible. We want the process to be smooth and efficient.