Renovate Your Home
DRC Homeowner Incentive Grant Program
NEXT ROUND PENDING RELEASE WINTER, 2011 - Stay Tuned for Details!
This matching grant program is all about encouraging homeowners to reinvest in our community and make improvements that the whole world can see: when you improve your home's exterior, your neighbors' home values also benefit, and it inspires them to make their own home improvements...and that, in turn, is great news for you and for Dundalk!
Renovations under this program must enhance the home's historic character, must incorporate sustainable renovation materials and equipment where appropriate, and must look great!
Generally, grant funds are disbursed in 2-3 payments, at the beginning, middle, and end of the project. All proposed renovations must be approved by the DRC and by the Maryland Historic Trust PRIOR to starting any work. Specific details of this next grant round are subject to change until they are released. If you wish to be notified with further details when the grant funds become available, please email Amy Menzer at amy@dundalkusa.org.
Historic Tax Credits
If you own a home or commercial property in Dundalk’s National Register Historic District, consider applying for State and County Historic Tax Credits.
Please note: Historic Tax Credits are NOT a program administered by the DRC, you must contact the government agencies listed below directly. The information provided here is subject to change and should be verified with the State and County when you apply!
One of the key elements in the successful revitalization of Baltimore City neighborhoods like Mt. Vernon, Reservoir Hill, Butchers Hill, and Patterson Park has been the extensive use by homeowners and developers of historic tax credits to help fund high-quality renovations. Dundalk has yet to make the most of these tax credits, and now there are both State and County credits you can tap.
Who is Eligible?
Dundalk’s National Register Historic District, established in 1983, includes the stucco houses in the “Ships” streets and some in St. Helena, and parts of our Main Street commercial area. Residential and commercial buildings in this district are eligible for County and State historic tax credits, as are designated historic landmarks.
What Kinds of Renovations Are Eligible?
With both the County and State programs, it is important to note: 1) there are restrictions on the kinds of renovation work eligible, and 2) you MUST apply and gain approval for your proposed renovations before you begin any work!
The goal of the historic tax credits is enhancing historic character (which the “Ships” streets certainly have). Eligible exterior expenses typically include roofs, windows, stone and brick work, stucco, wood siding or shingles, and lead paint removal. Eligible interior expenses include structural fortification, lead paint removal, heating and air conditioning, electrical, and plumbing work.
Alas, renovations to functional kitchens and bathrooms (however dingy or outdated they may be!) are usually not eligible as part of the credit, nor are additions.
What Are the Financial Benefits?
The County residential credit is calculated as 20 percent of eligible renovation expenses, with a project minimum of $1,000. The credit is applied against your 
property tax bill, and can be carried forward for 10 years. So, if you spent $40,000 on eligible renovations, you’d get an $8,000 tax credit. If your annual County property tax bill is $1,000, you’d see the benefit of the credit over the next 8 years, during which you’d pay no County property taxes.
The State homeowner credit is also 20 percent of eligible renovation expenses. It is applied differently, however: upon completion of your renovations and certification by the State, the credit is counted against any State taxes you owe, with the balance sent to you as a check.
Commercial Properties are handled separately under both programs but also receive substantial benefits.
To Learn More About Historic Tax Credits:
Map of Dundalk's National Register Historic District Boundaries (PDF) - legible street names on this one help you tell whether you qualify...BUT if you apply for Historic Tax Credits you must submit THIS map with your application to the State.
Baltimore County Historic Tax Credits: http://www.co.ba.md.us/Agencies/planning/historic_preservation/taxcredit_faq.html
or contact Karin Brown, Baltimore County Planning Office, 410 887-3495.
Maryland Historic Tax Credits:
http://www.marylandhistoricaltrust.net/taxcr.html or contact Maryland Historical Trust, 410 514-7620.
