Raze permit applications received by the Historic Preservation Office are profiled in related documents accessible on this page.HPO provides this general public announcement because of the frequent neighborhood interest in raze applications. 

HPO is one of a group of agencies and private utilities that clear raze applications before permits are issued. The HPO clearance of a raze application indicates either that the property is not subject to the historic preservation law, or that the demolition has been approved through the process provided in the preservation law.

HPO endeavors to maintain fair, efficient, and prompt processing of these applications. We routinely clear raze applications that do not involve historic preservation issues. If a raze application may involve a matter of significance to neighborhood planning and development, we may hold the application until the expiration of the official notice period that DCRA is required to give to the affected Advisory Neighborhood Commission.

Anyone interested in the status of the HPO clearance of a raze application may contact us by email. To check the status of a raze application , please check the with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs - the permit status will be listed as "New Application", "Open", "Permit Issued", or Completed. Please contact DCRA at (202)442-4400 for information on a specific raze application.