Thinking about a renovation or addition to a Georgetown home and hearing about “historic review”? You are not alone. Georgetown’s charm is protected by clear rules, and understanding them helps you plan with confidence. In this guide, you will learn what triggers review, who reviews your plans, how long it takes, what to prepare, and how it can affect a purchase or sale. Let’s dive in.
What historic review covers
Georgetown’s preservation rules operate at the District level, with federal layers in special cases. The District’s Historic Preservation Office (HPO) offers guidance and staff review, and the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) conducts formal hearings when needed. In Georgetown, the Old Georgetown Board (OGB) focuses on exterior design and streetscape. You often need both preservation approval and a building permit.
- Learn more about the DC program on the Historic Preservation Office page from the DC Office of Planning.
- See the Historic Preservation Review Board overview for board-level review.
- Georgetown projects with exterior work typically go before the Old Georgetown Board.
- Building permits run in parallel through the District’s permitting agency, commonly referred to as DCRA.
Georgetown is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Federal recognition matters when federal funding, permits, or property are involved. If federal agencies are part of your project, the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts may advise on design. Federal designation alone does not restrict private owners unless there is federal involvement. For background, see the National Register of Historic Places resource.
Projects that trigger review
As a rule, exterior work that changes the character or public view of a building in Georgetown requires review. Interior-only work that does not affect the exterior or protected public space is usually outside HPO and OGB scope.
Common triggers include:
- Changes to the front façade, including windows, doors, cornices, and masonry
- Roof decks, rooftop equipment, or additions visible from public streets or alleys
- Rear additions visible from public ways, new construction, or infill
- Partial or full demolition of contributing structures
- Fences, walls, and landscape features in public view
- Porches, stoops, exterior stairs, and access changes
- Storefronts, signage, lighting, and exterior alterations to commercial properties
- Work in public space such as sidewalks or tree pits, often with both OGB and public-space review
- Projects with federal funding, permits, or property that can trigger a federal review path
Minor, in-kind repairs that match existing materials sometimes qualify for staff-level review. Visible additions, demolition, and new construction generally require concept review and a public hearing.
How the process works
Start with a pre-application consult
Early feedback saves time. A brief meeting with HPO or OGB staff helps you confirm what requires review, which documents to prepare, and likely design considerations. Plan 1 to 4 weeks to schedule.
Submit your application
You will submit application materials with photos and drawings. Depending on scope, your project follows one of two paths:
- Staff review for straightforward, in-kind repairs and minor changes.
- Concept review for additions, visible exterior changes, new construction, or demolition.
Concept review often involves multiple rounds, with comments on massing, visibility, materials, and details.
Public hearing and decision
For board reviews, you receive public notice and attend an OGB and sometimes HPRB hearing. The board can approve, approve with conditions, or deny. Conditions may require adjustments to materials, height, or design details. The HPRB page describes the board’s role, and the OGB page lists upcoming meetings.
Permits and inspections
After preservation approval, you submit for building permits with the District’s permitting agency. Permit reviewers may require your preservation approval letter and stamped drawings. Visit DCRA permits and inspections to align your permit package with the approval. Work must match approved plans through final inspection.
Realistic timelines
- Pre-application meeting: about 1 to 4 weeks to schedule
- Staff-level approvals: often 2 to 6 weeks
- Concept review to final approval: commonly 2 to 4 months per round, complex projects can take 6 to 12 months or more
- Building permits: timing varies and can run in parallel once your design direction is set
What to prepare
Strong submissions move faster. Prepare clear, scaled, and comprehensive materials:
- Current condition photographs, wide and detailed
- Site or plot plan with property lines and proposed work
- Existing and proposed elevations, plus sections for any addition
- Floor plans when exterior form changes
- Material samples and product data for windows, roofing, and masonry
- Landscape and hardscape plans for public-facing areas
- A brief statement of work and historic context, especially for demolition or major change
- If you seek historic tax incentives, assemble formal preservation reports and architectural drawings
Planning for buyers and sellers
If you are buying in Georgetown
- Build time into your plan if you want to add a roof deck, change windows, or expand. Concept reviews can take several months.
- Ask for records of past permits and approvals. Unpermitted exterior changes can slow financing or require remediation.
- If you plan major changes, confirm with your lender how potential scope affects appraisal and underwriting.
If you are selling a Georgetown property
- Disclose any preservation easements, pending applications, or unpermitted work.
- If you completed work without approvals, discuss options to cure before listing. Buyers and lenders prefer clean files.
- Consider the market value of approved plans. Some buyers value having approvals in hand even if they do not build immediately.
Costs and incentives
Preservation-grade materials and detailing can increase project costs. For income-producing historic buildings, the Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit provides a 20 percent credit for certified rehabilitation. Owner-occupied residences are generally not eligible for the federal credit. Review eligibility on the National Park Service tax incentives page. Local grants or incentives may change over time, so check with the DC Historic Preservation Office for current offerings.
Avoiding pitfalls
- Do not start exterior work without approvals. Enforcement can include stop-work orders, fines, and required restoration.
- If emergency stabilization is needed to protect safety, document conditions, notify HPO as soon as possible, and obtain permits promptly.
- If you disagree with a board decision, there are appeal paths through District administrative procedures and the courts. Consult an attorney experienced in D.C. preservation for formal appeals.
Georgetown vs. Arlington: know your jurisdiction
Georgetown is in Washington, D.C. If your property is in Arlington County, Virginia, a different program and review board apply. For Arlington guidance, visit the county’s Historic Preservation Program and HALRB. Always confirm jurisdiction before you rely on DC-specific rules or timelines.
How we can help
For four decades, The NTB Group has advised owners and buyers of notable homes across Georgetown and Northwest D.C. You get senior-level guidance on what is feasible, how to stage and present a historic property, and how to plan timelines around approvals and permits. Whether you are preparing a sale or considering a sensitive renovation, we coordinate with experienced architects and contractors so your next move supports both value and stewardship.
Ready to talk through your plans in confidence? Request a private consultation with The NTB Group.
FAQs
Do I need approval to replace windows in Georgetown?
- Yes if they are visible from a public street or alley. In-kind replacements that match existing materials and profiles may qualify for staff-level review. Confirm requirements with HPO or OGB and submit photos and product details.
Can I add a roof deck on a Georgetown rowhouse?
- Roof decks and visible rooftop additions usually require concept review with OGB and possibly HPRB. Visibility, massing, and materials are key issues, and multiple review rounds are common.
What happens if I demolish a portion of a contributing building?
- Demolition is highly scrutinized and may be denied or conditioned. You will need strong documentation and to show alternatives were considered.
How fast can staff-level approvals happen for minor work?
- Straightforward, in-kind repairs often receive approvals in about 2 to 6 weeks, depending on workload and the completeness of your submission.
Do I need preservation approval for interior-only renovations?
- Interior work that does not affect the exterior or protected public spaces is usually outside HPO and OGB scope. If interior changes alter exterior form, review is required.
What are the consequences of unpermitted exterior work in Georgetown?
- Expect possible stop-work orders, fines, and requirements to restore the exterior to an approved condition. Unpermitted work can also complicate sales and financing.
Is there a tax credit for renovating a historic Georgetown home I live in?
- The federal 20 percent Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit generally applies only to income-producing historic buildings. Owner-occupied residences typically do not qualify. Check the National Park Service program details for eligibility.
