Renovating in a DC historic district: how preservation review works

Many DC rowhouses and older homes sit in historic districts. Preservation review is part of the normal building permit, and most applications are cleared by staff.

By Hawthorne Mason · Published · Sources checked · How we write our guides

Preservation review is part of the building permit

According to the DC Office of Planning, you do not apply separately for preservation approval. Review by the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) is an added step in the regular permit process with the Department of Buildings.

Most projects are cleared by staff

The Office of Planning says more than 95 percent of permit applications that need preservation review are handled through HPO's expedited staff review. Owners are encouraged to ask HPO for a preliminary design consultation before applying.

When the Historic Preservation Review Board is involved

Larger or more visible changes can go to the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). Those projects can use concept review, which gets the board's comments early, before full working drawings. Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and the public can comment at that stage.

Georgetown and other federal review areas

The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts reviews projects in the Georgetown Historic District, on government property, and in the Shipstead-Luce area. If your property is in one of these areas, build that review into your schedule.

Planning a historic-district project

  • Confirm early whether your property is in a historic district or is an individual landmark.
  • Talk to HPO before the design is final, especially for exterior changes, additions, or work visible from the street.
  • Allow time for review in your schedule and in your contractor's.
  • Choose a design team and contractor who have worked through DC preservation review before.

Hawthorne Mason can introduce architects, designers, and contractors with DC historic-district experience. Permitting is handled by the appropriate partners on your project team. Start a project to talk it through.

Sources

  1. DC Office of Planning: Permits and design review
  2. DC Department of Buildings: Overview of the permitting process

This guide is general information, not legal, financial, or construction advice. Rules and prices change; confirm current requirements with the official office and your own professionals. Hawthorne Mason is not a general contractor and does not perform construction work. Found something out of date? See how we write and correct our guides.

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