Historic Preservation Review Board

Job description

Total public member: 9

Method of Appointment: Appointed by Mayor, confirmed by Council

Length of Appointment: 3 years

Residency: All appointees must be bona fide District of Columbia residents. In making final selections, geographic diversity is a strongly weighted factor.

Paid board: Yes

Description: The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) is the government body that designates historic property and advises the Mayor on historic preservation matters in the District of Columbia. As the State Review Board, HPRB also helps to implement federal historic preservation programs in the District.

HPRB Functions HPRB preforms specific functions outlined in District and federal historic preservation laws. Its primary duties are to:

• Designate historic landmarks and historic districts;

• Recommend nominations to the National Register of Historic Places;

• Establish procedural rules, design standards, and design guidelines;

• Review proposed construction for compatibility with historic properties;

• Advise the State Historic Preservation Officer on government projects; and

• Facilitate public comment in the preservation planning process. HPRB also advises on the proposed closure of any street in the L'Enfant Plan.

Commission membership: The Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) is composed of professional and citizen members who have demonstrated a competence, interest, or knowledge in historic preservation. A majority of the members are professionals meeting national qualification standards in at least one of four disciplines that must be represented on the Board: history, prehistoric and historic archaeology, architectural history, and architecture. Citizen members from a variety of backgrounds bring additional perspective and expertise to the Board. HPRB includes residents from all parts of the city, and by law, appointments aim toward a membership that reflects the District's demographic diversity.