D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-C2308

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 10-C2308 - WINDOW REPLACEMENT: CONTRIBUTING BUILDINGS IN HISTORIC DISTRICTS (SMALL BUILDINGS)

2308.1

For the purposes of these standards, a "small building" in a historic district shall be defined as a building of four stories or less, unless the building has a street frontage of one hundred (100) feet or more on any single street.

2308.2

Principal Facades

(a) If historic windows cannot reasonably be restored, replacement windows shall be approved if they reasonably match the historic windows in all respects-configuration, method of operation, profile, dimensions, material, and finish. A stricter standard of reasonableness shall be applied to special windows.

(b) Variations in profile shall be permitted if these variations do not significantly affect visual characteristics of the historic window. In evaluating "significant" effect, factors to be considered shall be the age of the building, its architectural quality, and the extent of diminution in the total glazed area of the sash. Exact replication of profiles may be required if warranted by the significance of the historic building.

(c) With respect to matching of materials, it shall be understood that a wood historic window shall be replaced in wood, but not necessarily of the same species. A metal historic window shall be replaced with metal but not necessarily of the same metal. Exact replication of materials may be required if warranted by the significance of the building.

(d) The color of replacement windows should be historically appropriate or compatible with the character of the building.

(e) In buildings other than one- or two-family dwellings, where the historic windows are simple one-over-one, straight-headed, double hung sash with non-contoured and unornamented frames, flexibility may be applied to allow replacement in a different material.

(f) Alteration of window openings shall generally require approval by the Board. For basement openings not visible from a street or public open space, or only marginally visible, the staff may approve alterations that do not compromise historic or architectural characteristics.

2308.3

Secondary Elevations

(a) If existing windows are visible from a street or public open space, a permit shall be issued if replacement windows reasonably match the historic windows in terms of configuration, method of operation, profile, and dimensions, and provided that they do not replace special windows. Matching the material and finish is encouraged but not required.

(b) If existing windows are not visible from a street or public open space, a permit shall be issued if replacement windows reasonably match the historic windows in terms of method of operation and dimensions, and provided that they do not replace special windows. Flexibility is allowed in the choice of configuration, profile, material, and finish.

(c) Alteration of window openings is discouraged, but some flexibility may be applied.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-C2308

Notice of Final Rulemaking published at 51 DCR 7447 (July 30, 2004)