Urban Design and Plan Review

One of NCPC's primary mandates is to protect the beauty and historic fabric of the nation's capital. The Commission accomplishes this important goal by ensuring that the plans it approves meet the highest standards of design and comply with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements. NCPC also reviews District of Columbia public projects, proposed street and alley closings, and Zoning Commission actions, as well as private development in the Pennsylvania Avenue Historic District.

NCPC's Urban Design and Plan Review staff includes architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and an historic preservation officer. NCPC staff members consult closely with submitting agencies to identify potential points of conflict with Commission policy and to resolve them before formal review by the Commission. Staff recommendations and public input inform the discussion of the commissioners, who vote on projects during their monthly meetings.

NCPC's approval authority includes:

• Federal projects in the District of Columbia
• District of Columbia government projects within the Central Area (defined by NCPC and the D.C. City Council to include the Shaw School and Downtown Urban Renewal Areas)
• Commemorative works on land under the jurisdiction of the General Services Administration and the National Park Service within the District of Columbia and environs
• Transfers of jurisdiction over properties within the District of Columbia among or between District and federal government agencies
• The sale of surplus National Park Service land in the District of Columbia

NCPC's advisory authority includes:

• Federal projects in the National Capital Region
• District of Columbia government projects outside the Central Area
• Changes to the Zoning Map and Zoning Regulations of the District of Columbia
• Street and alley closings in the District of Columbia

Each year the Commission reviews about 150 projects. As we guide the development of our nation's capital, we strive for a balance between a beautiful, symbolic capital city and a lively urban center.

All commission decisions on proposed projects dating back to 2003 are available online in the Archive of Commission Actions.