The Permit Process

Virtually all work in the District of Columbia requires a building permit. In historic districts, such as Cleveland Park, the permit application must be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) to ensure consistency with historic district guidelines and compatible with historic character of the neighborhood. Most minor projects can be approved "over-the-counter" by the HPO staff. More complex projects such as large additions and new construction require the review of the CPHS ARC, the ANC, and the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB).

Drawing by the late John Wiebenson

Minor Projects

Minor projects that can be approved "over-the-counter" staff include: All interior work, Front porch repairs, Window repair and replacement, Repairing walks and driveways, Minor rear alterations and porches, Building or replacing retaining walls.

For these types of projects, you'll need to fill out a building permit application, which can be downloaded from DCRA.dc.gov and bring 4 sets of plans and one set of comprehensive printed photographs of your house to the HPO (no photos are necessary for interior work). If your submission is complete and the work is consistent with historic district guidelines, the HPO review could take as little as 15 minutes. If the materials are not complete or if further research or a site visit is necessary, the review could take a few days.

After the HPO staff approves your project, you can take the signed permit application and stamped drawings to the permit office at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Homeowners are entitled to use the Homeowner Center for an expedited review.

Major Projects

Major projects that must be reviewed by the HPRB at a public hearing include: Additions, New construction, Major exterior alterations, and Curb cuts for driveways.

Before filing for and HPRB hearing, please visit the HPO to discuss your project. This can save you time and expense in having your architectural drawings are prepared. Based on their experience, the HPO staff can make suggestions on compatibility and let you know what is likely to get HPRB approval and what might need adjustment before taking it to the HPRB.

To file for HPRB review, you'll need to take the photographs and two sets of drawings to DCRA and file for either a conceptual or permit review depending on the complexity of the project and staff input. The project will receive a case number and will be scheduled for the next available HPRB hearing date.

Other Reviews

Since the HPRB values community input on designs and is required to consider the views of the Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC), you will need to schedule a meeting with ANC3C. It is also strongly recommended that you seek input from the Cleveland Park Historical Society. Their Architectural Review Committee has a wealth of knowledge about the neighborhood's architecture and development and their comments can be helpful in refining your design.

Contact Information

Architectural Review Board (ARC) of the Cleveland Park Historical Society
ARC@clevelandparkhistoricalsociety.org

ANC3C
email ANC3C

Historic Preservation Office
801 North Capitol Street, NE - 3rd floor
202-442-8800
Hours are Monday-Friday 9 - 5
Visit Planning.DC.gov/HPO for HPRB design guidelines, HPRB schedule, Inventory of historic sites, Community historical information, and more.

Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs
941 North Capitol Street, NE - 2nd floor
202-442-4400
Hours are Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 8:30 - 4:15, Thursdays 8:30 - 8:00, and Saturdays: 9:00 - 1:00
Visit DCRA.DC.gov for Permit applications, Building code information, Zoning information, and more.