A historic preservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement that protects a historic property or cultural resource. Under the terms of the easement, the property owner grants a portion of, or interest in the property to an organization whose mission includes historic preservation. Donation of an easement to preserve a certified historic structure or historically important land area qualifies as a charitable contribution for federal income and estate tax purposes.
More than 1,700 properties in the District of Columbia are currently protected through easements held by several nonprofit organizations.