What Is The Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital (The Comp Plan) is a document that guides planning and development in and around Washington. The Comp Plan is a unified plan comprised of two components – the Federal and District Elements.
The Federal Elements are prepared by the National Capital Planning Commission, and provide a policy framework for the federal government in managing its operations and activity in the National Capital Region.
Last updated in 2004, the Federal Elements included:
- Transportation
- Federal Workplace: Location, Impact and Community
- Parks and Open Space
- Federal Environment
- Foreign Missions and International Organizations
- Visitors
- Preservation and Historic Features
The District Elements are developed by the District of Columbia government and address traditional city planning issues such as land-use, housing, and economic development.
View the District Elements of the Comp Plan >>
Updating The Comp Plan
The Comp Plan is a living document that benefits from regular updates. NCPC and its partner agencies are currently reviewing the policies established in the Federal Elements of the Comp Plan to ensure that they remain effective and support the most recent planning initiatives.
Additionally, the policies are being evaluated for their alignment with the goals of Executive Order 13514 “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance” and supporting policy guidelines.
This update will also include the addition of a new Urban Design element – which is intended to support recent work in improving federal building design and perimeter security, activating public spaces, and defining the role of federal buildings and land in supporting the character of the national capital region.
Related Materials
Commission Action on amendments to the District Elements (January 2011)
Live chat on Greater Greater Washington:
Federal Transportation Elements (Nov. 16, 2010)
Comprehensive Plan Update Video
Live chat on DCMud:
NCPC’s Comprehensive Plan (July 22, 2010)
Activating Federal Places Publication
Activating Federal Places Video
GSA Good Neighbor Program
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Establishing Urban Design Policies
The National Capital Planning Commission is developing a new urban design element for the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital that will establish policies designed to make federal public spaces, campuses and buildings more livable, functional, and sustainable, and we'd like your help.
Learn more about this new initiative and share your thoughts online »
Current Federal Elements
Introduction [PDF 1.5MB]
Federal Workplace [PDF 1.6MB]
Policies for the location of federal facilities and coordination with local authorities to maximize the positive effect on the immediate surroundings and the region as a whole.
Foreign Missions and International Organizations [PDF 1.3MB]
Policies to guide the location of facilities belonging to foreign governments and international organizations and ensure that their development is compatible with adjacent neighborhood uses.
Transportation [PDF 1.5MB]
Policies to promote a multi-modal regional transportation system and transit-oriented development to improve mobility and air quality throughout the region.
Parks and Open Space [PDF 2.3MB]
Policies to uphold the symbolic, recreational, social, and ecological value of national capital parks, waterfronts, and other open spaces.
Federal Environment [PDF 1.1MB]
Policies for conducting federal activities and managing properties to preserve, protect, and enhance the quality of the region’s natural resources.
Preservation and Historic Features
[PDF 2.2MB]
Policies to uphold the image and identity of the capital that respects the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans and maintains the symbolic, historic character of the capital’s setting, buildings, and places.
Visitors [PDF 1.2MB]
Policies to showcase the nation’s civic and cultural institutions and ensure that visitors have an enjoyable, educational experience.
Action Plan and Definitions [PDF 235KB]
Map of Key Locations [PDF 331KB]
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