HPA No. 2014-518 (In re. 1922 Belmont Road NW)

HPA Number: 2014-518 (number on document is incorrect)
Case Name: In the Matter of: 1922 Belmont Road NW
Location of Property: 1922 Belmont Road NW; Square 2539, Lot 266
Date of Decision: December 18, 2014
Type of Case/Type of Permit Sought: Request for hearing
Disposition: Denied
Subject Matter(s): Mayor' Agent - Jurisdiction; Consistent with Purposes of the Act

Summary of Decision:

An individual, Larry Gondelman, requested that the Mayor's Agent hold a hearing to review a recent decision by the Historic Preservation Review Board ("HRPB") allowing a property owner to add a roof addition and rear deck to a rowhouse in the Kalorama Triangle Historic Distict. The Mayor's Agent denied the request for a hearing.

Mayor's Agent - Jurisdiction:

In cases where the HPRB has approved the granting of a permit to alter a contributing building, the role of the Mayor's Agent is very limited. The Mayor's Agent should hold a public hearing only when a request demonstrates a palpable error of law or such a clear error of judgment as to amount to an abuse of discretion. See also In the Matter of 2225 California St., NW , H.P.A. 11-472 (February 24, 2013).

Consistent with Purposes of the Act:

Questions pertaining to whether actions are consistent with the purposes of the D.C. Historic District and Historic Landmark Protection Act depend on the expert judgment of the Historic Preservation Review Board.

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