D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1023
1023.1 Investment in historic preservation has been a source of economic development for Washington, DC. Continual investment in the District’s architectural heritage supports stable property values and keeps neighborhoods vibrant for residents and businesses. Historic districts promote healthy and diverse communities by giving residents a voice in guiding new development that respects and enhances the existing neighborhood fabric. Older buildings provide space to incubate new businesses. The quality of life in historic neighborhoods benefits residents and helps to attract newcomers.
1023.2 In recent years, the District’s preservation program has reviewed more than 500 government projects and 5,000 private project applications annually. The magnitude of this effort testifies equally to the extent of ongoing repair and rehabilitation of historic buildings, the value of historic assets as generators of economic activity, and the importance of the HPRB review process in supporting high-quality new development in the District.
1023.3 While historic preservation has supported the revitalization and enhancement of downtown and many neighborhoods in recent decades, the District currently faces a new challenge of providing adequate housing for a population that has increased by more than 100,000 people since the 2010 Census. Some of this housing will need to be provided in Washington, DC’s historic districts, whether existing or new. More study of the relationship between changing neighborhoods, historic preservation, and the cost and availability of housing is needed to support an understanding and consensus about how these new needs can best be managed.
Promote historic preservation as a tool for economic and community development.
Recognize the potential for historic preservation programs to protect and enhance the distinct identity and unique attractions of District neighborhoods.
Use historic preservation programs and incentives to encourage historic preservation as a revitalization strategy for neighborhoods and neighborhood business districts.
Study and evaluate data on the interaction between historic preservation and housing costs and use this information to develop mechanisms to support the District’s housing production goals while preserving its historic character.
Recognize the importance of preserving affordable housing in the District’s existing older and historic buildings. Undertake programs to preserve the supply of subsidized rental units and low-cost market rate units in these buildings.
Maintain grant programs and tax relief measures for low-income homeowners and low-income senior homeowners faced with rising assessments and the cost of maintaining older and historic homes.
Implement preservation development strategies through increased use of proven programs and initiatives sponsored by preservation leaders like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, NPS, and others. Make full use of the programs available through the National Main Street Center, Preserve America, Save America’s Treasures, and other programs and funds designed for the recognition of diverse cultural heritage and the preservation and promotion of historic landmarks and districts.
Implement and promote the District’s targeted homeowner grants through an active program of outreach and public information. Monitor and evaluate the program to assess its effectiveness and to guide the development of other appropriate incentives and assistance programs. Consider expanding the program to income-eligible homeowners residing in any historic landmark or district.
Examine the effects of historic preservation on housing affordability, as documented in existing studies and through analysis of available District data. Consider the findings of these studies and investigate how to manage preservation tools in ways that support housing affordability.
Support initiatives for workforce development in artisan trades and traditional construction crafts that support preservation and repair of historic architecture. Work in partnership with local educational institutions to promote skills in masonry, carpentry, metalwork, glass arts, and other crafts that have contributed to the District’s historic fabric and character.
See the Urban Design Element for additional policies and actions related to development and community identity and the Housing Element for additional policies on conservation and maintenance of existing housing.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).