As of October 1, 2017, the District government has reduced the price for certain types of permits for properties located in a historic district. Projects that require a permit only because they are located in a historic district, pursuant to 12A DCMR §105.2.5, will now be subject to a reduced fee ($36.30) and will use a revised application process.
Prior to this change, projects that required a building permit only because they were located in a historic district were charged the standard permitting rate, which could rise to hundreds of dollars depending upon the scope of the project. The cost for this special permit type is now set at a reduced flat rate of $36.30. The specific construction work listed below are subject to the new reduced fee and revised application process for work in a historic district:
- Brick Pointing
- Repair or replacement of fences, except as deemed an ordinary repair
- Painting of unpainted exterior masonry at a landmark property
- Replacement in kind, of: Roofing and coping, Siding - Gutters and downspouts and fascia, Private sidewalks and driveways, Patios
- Garden storage shed
- Prefabricated pools
- Retaining walls
If the project will contain other construction activity that requires a permit, the above construction activities can be included in a regular building permit application. Standard permitting rates will apply.
https://dcra.dc.gov/historic-permit-review
