Georgetown Home Renovation: A Planning Guide

Renovation Facts for Georgetown Homeowners

In Georgetown, the Old Georgetown Act requires that plans for exterior work visible from a public street be reviewed by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts before the District issues a permit.

Federal review

Under the Old Georgetown Act of 1950, plans for work in Georgetown go to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts before D.C. issues the permit. The Commission reports on exterior architectural features, height, appearance, color and the texture of exterior materials that are subject to public view from a public highway.Source: U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Old Georgetown Act (Public Law 81-808)

Who reviews

The Commission may appoint a board of three architects, the Old Georgetown Board, to advise it on submitted plans. If the Commission does not report within 45 days, its approval is assumed.Source: U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Old Georgetown Act (Public Law 81-808)

How to file

Georgetown applications for Commission of Fine Arts review are emailed to the D.C. Historic Preservation Office.Source: D.C. Office of Planning, Historic Preservation Review Process for Property Owners

Boundaries

Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway on the east, Archbold Parkway on the west, the Potomac River on the south, and Dumbarton Oaks Park, Whitehaven Street, Whitehaven Parkway, 35th Street and Reservoir Road on the north.Source: U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Old Georgetown Act (Public Law 81-808)

Housing

In ZIP code 20007 (Georgetown, Burleith and the Palisades), 49% of owner-occupied homes are single-family attached houses and 23% are detached; half of owner-occupied homes were built in 1939 or earlier and 74% before 1960. Median home value $1,292,400.Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2020-2024 5-year (tables B25003, B25032, B25036, B25077), our sums by ZIP code

Read November 5, 2026.

What the Rules Mean for Your Georgetown Renovation

The Old Georgetown Act adds a federal review step to the standard D.C. permitting process. Before the city approves your project, your plans must be submitted to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts if they involve exterior changes visible from the street. The Commission is advised by the Old Georgetown Board, a panel of three architects who review your project's height, materials, color, and appearance. This process, managed through the D.C. Historic Preservation Office, is designed to maintain the neighborhood's character. Careful architectural planning is needed to ensure your design gets approval.

The housing stock presents its own considerations. In the 20007 ZIP code, which covers Georgetown, Burleith, and the Palisades, about half of the owner-occupied homes were built in 1939 or earlier. Nearly half are attached single-family rowhouses. Renovating these properties often means working with historic structures, compact layouts, and outdated electrical or plumbing systems. A design-build process, where design and construction are managed together, can be an effective way to address unforeseen issues common in older homes and ensure the project stays on track.

A successful renovation in Georgetown begins with a plan that respects both your goals and the federal review standards. As a general contractor serving the D.C. area, we can help you develop a project that fits the neighborhood's historic context. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, finishing a basement, or planning a whole-home renovation, our process begins with a free, itemized estimate. This helps you create a realistic budget that accounts for the specific design, materials, and construction requirements of renovating an older home.

Georgetown Home Renovation and Remodeling Projects

Where we work in Georgetown

Georgetown east and west of Wisconsin Avenue, Burleith and the streets between the Potomac and Reservoir Road.

ZIP codes 20007.

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