Getting permits after the fact

[Anonymous]

I did some renovations to my home in a historic district in DC. I renovated bathrooms but didn’t change the plumbing or placement of anything, and put up a new wall dividing the kitchen and living space, plus general painting and refinishing floors etc. I didn’t get permits but when talking to friends recently who also live in a DC historic district I realized I was supposed to get permits. This is frustrating because I actually called the DC homeowners line and was told I didn’t need permits for the work I was doing, but I guess they didn’t realize my address is in a historic district. My question is what do I do now? Should I get permits after the fact now that everything is done? Is that even possible? Will this unpermitted work make it impossible to sell my house later?

[Anonymous]

What they don't know won't hurt them.
Mums the word
Zip it
Don't snitch on yourself
Loose lips sink ships

[Anonymous]

It seems your change is minimal and I don’t think that will create a problem.
But just call some real estate agents who are active in the neighborhood and ask them the question.

[Anonymous]

Let it go. Many buyers never check for permits. I am someone who would but only if it is a significant reno in which walls were moved and bathroom fixtures changed locations. If I would just see new fixtures and a paint job it would not concern me as a buyer. Keep in mind that your property taxes will go up once you get the permit. That is the actual reason DC wants you to pull permits. And if you did not do anything to the exterior I would not be concerned about being in historic district. You can do whatever you want inside of the property.

[Anonymous]

You’ll be totally fine. Not a word to anyone.

[Anonymous]

No, I wouldn’t do or say anything.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’ll be totally fine. Not a word to anyone.

This.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Ok, that’s what I thought but I just wanted to check. Will not be doing anything.