The Georgetown Historic District, created in 1950, was the first historic district in Washington and the sixth in the United States. Georgetown is listed in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and National Register of Historic Places. It is also a designated National Historic Landmark, the highest level of recognition conferred by the US government on privately owned properties of significant historic value.
The Old Georgetown Act of 1950 gave the US Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) the responsibility to review most exterior construction in the neighborhood. It also authorized CFA to appoint an advisory board to assist with these reviews. The Old Georgetown Board (OGB) fulfills this function.
Because the Georgetown Historic District predates the DC historic preservation law, there are different review procedures for most exterior work permits issued in Georgetown.