Washington, DC Historic Preservation: Historic-Cultural Monuments (2026)
Key Facts
- Permitting authority
- Mayor, via Historic Preservation Review Board referral
- Hearing deadline
- 120 days after Review Board referral
- Permit standard
- Public interest or unreasonable economic hardship
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $1,000/day or 90 days jail
- Enforcement
- Historic Preservation Office
Summary
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.
(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, or that failure to issue a permit will result in unreasonable economic hardship to the owner.
Full Breakdown
The Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act requires the Mayor to publish notice in the D.C. Register and refer demolition applications to the Historic Preservation Review Board. After a public hearing held within 120 days, the Mayor may issue a demolition permit only upon finding it necessary in the public interest or that denial would cause unreasonable economic hardship to the owner. Owners claiming hardship must submit financial affidavits at least 20 days before the hearing. The Historic Preservation Office enforces the subchapter.
Violations & Fines
Willful violation is a criminal offense: a fine up to $1,000 per day the violation continues, imprisonment up to 90 days, or both, prosecuted by the Attorney General; violators must also restore the structure to its prior appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I demolish a D.C. historic landmark?
What happens if I demolish without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia historic preservation overview
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