Overview

The Town of Washington was designated a National Historic District in 1977 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Washington is also a Louisiana Certified Cultural District and a Lagniappe Community, with Main Street designation anticipated by April 2027. These significant designations open the door to numerous opportunities for the town, including the availability of grant funding and other resources only available to such communities. 

In order to ensure the integrity of our Historic District and the valuable economic opportunities unique to historic downtown areas, the Town of Washington has established a Historic Commission and ordinances which govern buildings and construction projects within the Historic District. 

The Historic Commission consists of five mayor-appointed residents, who consider applications for approval of all exterior building and construction projects within the Historic District. The Historic District ordinances and regulations do not apply to interior construction projects (though other building codes and permit requirements may apply).

Anyone undertaking a building or construction project is encouraged to review the Historic Ordinances to ensure the project conforms to standards and to determine whether a certificate of appropriateness is needed before construction may begin. 

CLICK HERE for Historic Ordinances

CLICK HERE for Map of Historic District

Check out the FAQs below for answers to common questions regarding Historic District laws, regulations, and procedures. 

Procedure for Application for Certificate of Appropriateness (for large projects and demolition)

The owner of any property within the Historic District must apply for a Certificate of Appropriateness before construction, relocation, or demolition of any building, residential or commercial, within the Historic District. Certificates of Appropriateness are required for the alteration or addition to any existing structure within the Historic District. Certificates of Appropriateness are required for fences, signs, and floodlights. For landscaping work, proof of necessity may be required before large trees or shrubs may be removed.

No Certificate of Appropriateness is required for regular maintenance and/or repairs when there are NO changes to the materials, sizes, utilities, windows and doors, or structure of the property. However, if there are any changes to the existing, a Certificate of Appropriateness is required.

No Certificate of Appropriateness is required for unenclosed garden structures such as arbors, trellises, partial fences, and open-sided gazebos. However, the following SHALL require a Certificate of Appropriateness:

• Structures larger than five hundred (500) square feet in area

• Enclosed sheds, storage buildings, and carports regardless of square footage

• Property boundary fences located along the property lines

Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness which do not qualify as Small Projects shall be considered by the Historic Commission in accordance with the Guidelines and Procedures.

CLICK HERE for Guidelines and Procedures

Procedure for Small Projects

“Small Projects” consist of less than 500 square feet with no electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or major structural work and with no permanent occupants.

The commission chairperson may poll the full commission by phone or email when the work involved meets the requirements of a “small project.” The commission may give a decision within seven (7) working days without a regular meeting.

These “small projects” still require an application, including any drawings, photographs, or written description necessary to evaluate the project. Incomplete applications, or those with inadequate documentation to sufficiently evaluate the project, will be placed on the next regular monthly meeting agenda. The chairperson will preview “small project” applications and will have the option of declining the seven-day process if he or she deems the project to be of such intricacy or scope that it should be reviewed by the full commission.

Forms

CLICK HERE for Application for Certificate of Appropriateness

FAQ

Submit questions to washingtonhistoricdistrict@gmail.com.

• Isn’t my building permit enough?

  • NO. A Certificate of Appropriateness is needed in addition to your building permit if your project is in the Historic District. Contact Town Hall at 337-826-3626 to obtain an application.

• How long will it take to get approval from the Historic Commission?

  • The Historic Commission strives to address all applications as soon as possible. If your project is a small project (less than 500 sq. ft. without plumbing/electric, installation of signs, fencing, lighting) expect a response within two, but no later than seven, days. If your project is a large project (additions, construction, demolition, etc.), the Commission is required to hold a public meeting, providing 24 hour notice. Upon submission of your application, the Commission will reach out to you to schedule the public meeting before your application can be approved.

• What happens if I don’t get approval from the Historic Commission?

  • The Historic Commission will work with you to bring your project into compliance with the applicable ordinance and guidelines. 

• What sort of restrictions apply to my Historic District property?

  • For details about requirements and guidelines, request a copy of the Historic Ordinance and Historic Commission Guidelines by emailing washingtonhistoriccommission@gmail.com.

• Do I need approval to install signage, fencing, and lighting?

  • Yes. A Certificate of Appropriateness is needed to install signage, fencing, and lighting. 

• Can I place temporary signs in the Historic District?

  • NO! The Historic Ordinance prohibits exterior temporary signs of a promotional nature, except that real estate signs and political advertisement and non-profit signs of less than two feet by two feet. All other signs require approval from the Historic Commission.