Washington DC Historic Preservation Design Guidelines
Considering the purchase of an historic home in Washington DC? Here’s a guide to the Historic Preservation rules for homes in your neighborhood.
DC Historic Preservation Guidelines
Whether you’re updating a historic DC home or purchasing one, understanding historic preservation protections and restrictions is important.
Check your home’s historic district status
Learn about historic preservation rules
Approval required for changes
Many DC Neighborhoods have their own guidelines, so be sure to check the rules for yours. Not sure if your home is a historic building? Check your address on this interactive map.
Guidelines By Type
ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC BUILDINGS
The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and tenants in historic structures to maintain, preserve, and enhance additions to their property, or create new ones.
BASEMENT ENTRANCES & WINDOWS
The Historic Preservation Office has developed guidelines for Basement Entrances and Basement Windows on Historic Properties.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and tenants in historic structures to enhance energy conservation on their property.
LANDSCAPING & SECONDARY FEATURES
The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and tenants in historic structures to maintain, preserve, and enhance the landscaping, landscape features, and secondary buildings on their property.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
New Construction in Historic Districts: The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and builders to design new buildings in historic districts.
PORCHES & STEPS
The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and tenants in historic structures to maintain, preserve, and enhance porches and steps on their property.
ROOFS
Roofs on Historic Buildings The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and tenants in historic structures to maintain, preserve, and enhance the roofs on their property.
UTILITY METERS
The Historic Preservation Office has developed draft guidelines for placement of utility meters on landmarks and properties located within historic districts. The guidelines were formally approved by the Historic Preservation Review Board on May 3, 2012.
WALLS & FOUNDATIONS
The Historic Preservation Office assists owners and tenants in historic structures to maintain, preserve, and enhance the walls and foundations on their property.
WINDOW REPAIR & REPLACEMENT
Window Repair and Replacement: Preservation and Design Guidelines: In October 2011, The Historic Preservation Review Board approved an updated guidance for window repair and replacement for historic structures in the District of Columbia.
Uncovering Your Historic Home’s History
Learning About & Preserving Your Historic Home’s History:
Resources & Sources