Architectural Review Committee

ARC Reviews for Monday, March 10th, 7:30pm, CP Church:

• 3434 Ashley Terrace, concept / new attic dormer windows
• 3431 34th Street, concept / three-story rear addition
• 3508 Rodman Street, concept / two-story rear addition and new front entry canopy

The District of Columbia's Historic Preservation Law was passed in 1978. It was one of the toughest preservation laws in the country, affording protection not only to individual landmarks but also to historic districts. Finding a balance between what most Americans believe to be their unalienable right to control and benefit from their property and the requirements of communities to comply with historic preservation guidelines, especially in large, urban metropolitan areas like Washington, is a continuing struggle.

Since the creation of the Cleveland Park Historic District more than twenty years ago, neighbors have had a hand in determining how our area would evolve. Thanks to the creation of the Architectural Review Committee. The ARC consists of friends and neighbors who are architects, architectural historians, real estate professionals and representative of the community view.

Here's how the system works (but, first be prepared for a serving of alphabet soup): Virtually all work in DC requires a building permit. When homeowners decide to undertake structural change, they should contact the DC Historic Preservation Office, (HPO) whose signature is required on the building permit application. The HPO staff can help with questions of compatibility, zoning, design and process. They can sign off "over the counter" for minor work such as interior alterations, window and door replacements, and landscape work.

Larger projects, such as additions, must go before the Historic Preservation Review Board. The HPRB solicits input from the Cleveland Park Historical Society's ARC on matters of design and compatibility. The ARC meets the second Monday of the month and may accept the concept as presented, make recommendations for change or reject the project. The HPRB also requests that applicants meet with the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) in order to notify neighbors and the community of the project. The recommendations of the Cleveland Park ARC are advisory only; they do not have the force of law. In our experience, however, HPO is sensitive to the ARC's advice. These projects may also require additional examination and approval by the ANC and the Zoning Commission.

Once the preliminary reviews are complete, the case is scheduled for consideration at the next HPRB meeting, held every fourth Thursday of the month.

This process which may appear daunting, is actually very effective in balancing the demands for change with the need to preserve.