| Permit Application Materials Required for Review by the Historic Preservation Office
Under the DC Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act (DC Law 2-144), building permit applications affecting the exterior appearance of historic properties must be referred to the Historic Preservation Review Board for consideration. The Board has established requirements governing the type of information that must be submitted in order to enable the Board to conduct its review.
General Requirements
In addition to the materials normally required for a building permit application, the following materials are required for applications affecting historic property (see DCMR Sec. 2608):
- Comprehensive exterior photographs of the building, structure, or site in question;
- In the case of property in a historic district, photographs of the immediate neighborhood; and
- Architectural drawings of sufficient completeness to indicate the exterior design of the building or structure.
Prior to historic review, the permit application must have received zoning approval. The Board may also request any additional information as may be reasonably necessary for a decision or recommendation (DCMR Sec. 2608.4).
Specific Requirements
Photographs must be of good quality, clearly showing the area to be affected by the proposed work. A photograph of the front of the building should always be included, even if the proposed work is at the rear.
Architectural drawings must be drawn to scale, with sufficient clarity and detail to show the character of the work to be performed. Where pertinent, specific information shall also be given to establish the quality of materials proposed. A site plan showing property lines and adjacent structures is also required in the case of additions, fences, and other site alterations.
For conceptual review, zoning approval is not required, and sketch plans or drawings clearly indicating the design are acceptable.
Over-the-Counter Staff Review
In limited circumstances, the Historic Preservation Office staff can clear permit applications without referral to the Board. Such cases include temporary work, in-kind repair or replacement, installation of mechanical equipment, and minor alterations.
Adequate documentation is required for the staff to determine whether a permit application can be processed without referral to the Board. Documentation must include good quality photographs and plans sufficient to determine whether the proposed work may affect the exterior appearance of the property.
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