Washington, DC now has 46 designated historic districts. If your home is in one of these districts, you may be restricted in what you can do with the exterior of your home. Almost all exterior work will require a permit. In order to acquire a permit, you will need to demonstrate that the project either maintains or restores original features of the house, or is historically correct for the period of your house and neighborhood.  Almost any change to the exterior of your house or building will require the approval of the DC Historic Preservation Office (DC HPO) in order to obtain a permit. The permit approval process may be quick or lengthy, depending on the nature of the project.

If your property is located in the Old Georgetown Historic District, you must acquire the approval of the Old Georgetown Board before proceeding in the permit application process.   If your property is visible from a Federally held property, you may need the approval of the Commission on Fine Arts.  In addition, if you or a previous owner donated the façade of your home to an historic easement organization,  there may be additional restrictions as to what they will allow.  If an easement is involved, you will need to have the approval of the easement holding organization before applying for a permit and engaging the DC HPO.  

DC historic preservation practices are not always transparent or consistent.  We have conducted an extensive analysis of DC HPO policies and decisions over the past 8 years, and can assist you in project preparation that is consistent with these policies.

Give us a call today (202) 596-1961. We will be glad to discuss any questions you may have about historic preservation laws and your home or building.