The Dupont Circle Conservancy…

As a property owner in the Dupont Circle Historic District you have rights and responsibilities that come with living or working, perhaps both, in one of our city’s premier neighborhoods. Designated in 1978, the Dupont Circle Historic District recognizes the architecture and history that make the neighborhood surrounding “the Circle,” with its fountain, benches, and grassy expanses, unique in Washington, DC. Along with citywide groups and other neighborhood organizations, the Dupont Circle Conservancy works to preserve and protect the area’s architecture and history. It does so by reviewing and developing positions on new buildings and additions to existing ones; making its positions known before government agencies and other bodies; and working to inform neighbors about historic preservation. The Conservancy, an all volunteer group, does this for not only the Dupont Circle Historic District, but for adjacent areas of the Greater U Street, Massachusetts Avenue, Sixteenth Street, and Strivers’ Section Historic Districts.

…the Historic Preservation Office…

The Historic Preservation Office (HPO), part of the DC Department of Planning and Economic Development, is responsible for maintaining the integrity of 40-some historic districts consisting of over 24,000 buildings throughout the City of Washington. The HPO staff is a professional one with experts in the fields of administration, archaeology, architecture, architectural history, educational outreach, grant making, historic preservation, planning, and preservation enforcement. Staff is hard-working and brings their knowledge and understanding to bear in processing over 4,000 permit applications a year. If you are contemplating any work, large or not so large, on the exterior of your property, HPO is one of the first places you should contact. Consultations are free. HPO is located at 801 North Capitol St., NE, Suite 3000, Telephone: 202.442.8818. The staff person responsible for the Dupont Circle Historic District is Michael Beidler. He can be reached at michael.beidler@dc.gov, or by telephone at 202.442.8838.

Interior work also requires permits, but unless you live or work in a building the interior of which has been designated historic, those permits may be obtained from the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, 941 North Capitol Street, NE.

…and the Permit Process.

Once you’ve decided on the exterior work that needs to be done, you need to find out if it requires a D.C. permit. Reputable contractors will know and may offer to get the permit for you, for a fee. If you’re a skilled or handy person and plan to do the work yourself, you’ll still need to know whether or not you need a permit. The reasons for getting permits go well beyond generating revenue for the city government. For an historic district, permits help ensure that work done is accomplished in such a way and within such guidelines that it contributes to the retention of the area’s historic character. On another level, proper permit application review and issuance helps ensure your safety and that of your contractor and the general public. The following list indicates the kinds of actions or new and replacement work for which permits ARE REQUIRED:

• Demolition in whole or part of any building. Because the vast majority of buildings in any historic district contribute to its overall significance, demolition without proper approval will diminish its overall character. 10 DCMR (DC Municipal Code), Title 10A, Chapter 3, Section 305, details information on demolition permit requirements and is available online at mailto:www.planning.dc.gov. 

• Additions to existing structures
  
• Replacement doors, particularly those in front
  
• Energy conservation work such as installation of storm windows or solar panels
  
• Replacement or refacing of landings and steps
  
• Making provisions for the disabled
  
• Masonry repairs and repointing

• New building construction 
  
•  Replacement or refacing of porches and steps

• Adding or altering rooftop decks and other roof additions
  
• Adding and removing shutters
  
• Adding or replacing signs
  
• Repair or alteration of walls and foundations
  
• Replacing windows (Standards for Window repair and replacement -- 10DCMR Title 10A, Chapter 23 -- is available online at www.planning.dc.gov.)

•  
  TV dishes are NOT allowed on front elevations of buildings in historic districts.

If you’re planning permanent landscaping features on your property even as replacements for existing worn ones, you will need a permit. PERMITS ARE REQUIRED for such “hardscape” features as:

• Curb cuts and driveways
  
• Decks
  
• Fences
  
• Garages and sheds

• Patios

• Retaining walls
  
• Sidewalks, paths, or paving

HPO has a wealth of informational guidelines on new and replacement construction and other work in historic districts available free at their office or online at mailto:www.planning.dc.gov.

So, what can be done without a permit?

Is there anything you may do to the exterior of your property that doesn’t require a permit? The answer is “Yes.” Repair of existing windows and doors (reglazing, weather stripping, caulking, and paint removal), repair or replacement of non-visible roof elements, landscape planting, and paint color selection and painting do not require a D.C. building permit and are not subject to historic review.