| How to Apply for Historic Designation
Historic designation is initiated by application to the Historic Preservation Review Board. The Board simultaneously considers listing in both the DC Inventory of Historic Sites and the National Register of Historic Places.
What kind of property can be designated?
A building, structure, or historic district can be listed on the DC Inventory if it possesses one or more of the following characteristics related to the cultural heritage or development of the national capital or the nation:
- It is the site of a significant event;
- It exemplifies significant social, historical, or physical heritage;
- It exemplifies distinguishing characteristics of architecture;
- It exemplifies the work of a master artist, architect, or craftsman;
- It contains information about historic or prehistoric events;
- In the case of a natural form or setting, it reflects significant patterns of settlement or use of the landscape.
A landmark or historic district must possess sufficient integrity to convey these qualities. Also, sufficient time must have passed to permit professional evaluation of the landmark or historic district.
For a complete listing of designation criteria, consult the HPRB's Rules of Procedure (10 DCMR 26) and the National Register Criteria for Designation. Copies are available from the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) staff.
Who can apply for listing?
The property owner, Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB), a government agency, Advisory Neighborhood Commission, or organization which includes in its by-laws the purpose of promoting historic preservation.
How does one apply for listing?
The initial step is to conduct research and documentation of the historic characteristics of the property. This information is recorded on a standard application form (and computer diskette), which includes a physical description of the property and a statement of its significance. Photographs, maps, and a bibliography are also required.
It is advisable to consult the Historic Preservation Office staff, an architectural historian, or historian about preparation of the application. Application forms and instructions can be obtained from the HPO staff.
Is there an application fee?
The application fee is $100 for a landmark of up to five buildings, and $200 for one of more than five buildings. For historic districts, the fee ranges from $250 to $1000 depending on the number of buildings.
What happens after an application is submitted?
Within 10 days of receipt, the HPO staff reviews the application for completeness. If the form is acceptable, it is officially filed. Thereafter, a proposed historic landmark is protected by law, and no building permits may be issued until the HPRB makes a decision on the application. A proposed historic district is not protected until nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.
How is a decision on the application made?
The Historic Preservation Review Board decides on the application after a public hearing. The HPRB gives notice of the hearing 30 days in advance, and the applicant is required to publish a newspaper notice 30 days in advance.
Prior to the hearing, the HPO staff prepares a written recommendation on the designation of the property. This report is available to the public five days before the hearing. The HPRB considers testimony and evidence presented at the hearing, and after deliberation, makes a decision on whether to list the property in the DC Inventory of Historic Sites.
If the HPRB recommends that a property be nominated to the National Register of Historic Places, HPO staff prepares the nomination form. The State Historic Preservation Officer signs the nomination and submits it to the National Register.
| 
