| Historic Preservation Procedures
We provide individual assistance to any person applying for a DC building permit affecting historic property. Under the city's preservation law, the Historic Preservation Review Board must determine the appropriateness of changes to historic landmarks and historic districts.
Building permit applications are filed at the Permit Processing Division, 1100 4th Street, SW, Second Floor. The Board meets on the fourth Thursday of each month, and the filing deadline is the fourth Thursday of the previous month. Although decisions rest with the Board, the staff makes recommendations on all cases, and can advise applicants about the Board's standards. Based on our familiarity with similar cases, we can assist in developing a project that will meet the Board's approval. You are also encouraged to consult the Board's written Design Guidelines, which are available free of charge.
To facilitate reviews, each of the city's historic districts is assigned to a professional staff member. For a specific project, you should consult with the staff member assigned to your neighborhood. Other staff members can answer any general questions you may have.
In limited instances where minor work is involved, the staff can clear permit applications without referral to the Board. If you have adequate documentation, the staff member assigned to your neighborhood can determine whether the application can be cleared "over the counter."
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