Policy on Additions to Houses in Georgetown

The Georgetown Board of Consultants recommends that the Commission adopt a policy and make it known to the public concerning the size of proposed additions to existing houses in the Georgetown Historic District. The Board discussed this policy at its public meeting on 4 March 1986 and during an inspection trip to Georgetown on 11 March 1986.

The Board believes that a new addition should be a subordinate element and not approach doubling the size of a house, nor should that addition noticeably change the existing geometry, nor become the dominate element, nor impinge on the open space of the block, regardless of what zoning may allow. In particular, a small house ought to have a small addition, reflecting the basic needs of the owner/occupant. This could include a new room or porch which would respect the geometry of the original house and not project substantially beyond the rear of the adjacent buildings. The materials should blend with the predominant materials of the block, and visibility from the street should be minimal.

This policy should not be construed as conferring automatic approval on those projects meeting the above criteria. Reviewing each submission on a case by case basis, the Commission may find a particular addition suitable or unsuitable for reasons relevant to the individual property.

Adopted by the Commission of Fine Arts 17 April 1986.