District Of Columbia § 6-1101 - Declaration and purposes.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 6-1101 — Declaration and purposes., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6-1101. Declaration and purposes.
6-1101It is hereby declared as a matter of public policy that the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of properties of historical, cultural, and esthetic merit are in the interests of the health, prosperity, and welfare of the people of the District of Columbia. Therefore, this subchapter is intended to:
Effect and accomplish the protection, enhancement, and perpetuation of improvements and landscape features of landmarks and districts which represent distinctive elements of the city’s cultural, social, economic, political, and architectural history;
Safeguard the city’s historic, aesthetic and cultural heritage, as embodied and reflected in such landmarks and districts;
Foster civic pride in the accomplishments of the past;
Protect and enhance the city’s attraction to visitors and the support and stimulus to the economy thereby provided; and
Promote the use of landmarks and historic districts for the education, pleasure, and welfare of the people of the District of Columbia.
It is further declared that the purposes of this subchapter are:
With respect to properties in historic districts:
To retain and enhance those properties which contribute to the character of the historic district and to encourage their adaptation for current use;
To assure that alterations of existing structures are compatible with the character of the historic district; and
To assure that new construction and subdivision of lots in an historic district are compatible with the character of the historic district;
With respect to historic landmarks:
To retain and enhance historic landmarks in the District of Columbia and to encourage their adaptation for current use; and
To encourage the restoration of historic landmarks[; and]
With respect to archaeological sites designated as historic landmarks or contributing properties within historic districts:
To protect historic and prehistoric archaeological sites from irreparable loss or destruction; and
To encourage the retrieval of archaeological information and artifacts when the destruction of an archaeological site is necessary in the public interest.
Annotations
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 6-1101
What does D.C. Code § 6-1101 cover?
Section 6-1101 ("Declaration and purposes.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 6-1101?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 6-1101" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 6-1101 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.