Historic Preservation in Washington, DC (2026)
1 verified historic preservation rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Historic-Cultural Monuments
In Washington, D.C., no one may demolish a designated historic landmark or a building in a historic district without a Mayor-issued permit, granted only when the project serves the public interest or the owner would otherwise face unreasonable economic hardship.
Washington DC Historic Landmark Demolition Rules
Significant RestrictionsD.C. Code § 6-1104(a), (e)
(a) Before the Mayor may issue a permit to demolish an historic landmark or a building or structure in an historic district, the Mayor shall review the permit application in accordance with this section and place notice of the application in the District of Columbia Register. ... (e) No permit shall be issued unless the Mayor finds that issuance of the permit is necessary in the public interest...