For several historic districts, especially those recently designated, the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) has adopted design guidelines tailored to the building types and conditions of the district. The guidelines also include a brief historical overview of the district.
- Anacostia Historic District
- Bloomingdale Historic District
- Colony Hill Historic District
- Connecticut Avenue Development Guidelines
- Emerald Street Historic District
- Foxhall Village Historic District
- George Washington University/Old West End Historic District
- Kingman Park Historic District
- Meridian Hill Historic District
- Union Market Terminal Historic District
Community Historic District Design Guidelines
Several community organizations have developed historic district design guidelines for their own neighborhoods. Although not officially adopted by HPRB, these guidelines provide sound advice and describe the principles that guide preservation review by the respective organizations.
- Capitol Hill Historic District
- Cleveland Park Historic District
- Design Guidelines for Cleveland Park's Commercial Corridor - Cleveland Park Historical Society
- Massachusetts Avenue Historic District
- Mount Pleasant Historic District
- Woodley Park Historic District