The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) and Historic Preservation Office (HPO) use written design standards and guidelines to review construction affecting historic properties. Design guidelines are intended to establish consistent and understandable principles for ensuring that work on historic properties is appropriate. 

Guidelines by Topic

Building Components

• Door Repair and Replacement
• Window Repair and Replacement
• Walls and Foundations
• Roofs
• Porches and Steps
• Basement Entrances and Windows
• Utility Meters
• Commercial Buildings

Major Construction

• Additions
• Roof Decks and Additions
• New Construction

Technical Issues

• Sustainability
• Accessibility

Landscape

• Public Realm Design Manual
• Streetscape Design Guidelines

Historic District Guidelines

Historic district design guidelines developed for the architectural and urban characteristics of specific neighborhoods.

• Historic District Guidelines

District Regulations and National Standards

The District’s Historic Preservation Regulations give more information about the general use and applicability of design standards and guidelines. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for preservation and rehabilitation, and other NPS guidelines and technical briefs, provide more detailed advice on resolving specific preservation problems.

• Standards and Guidelines