Other Plans

CapitalSpace

Extending the Legacy

Monumental Core
Framework Plan

Memorials and Museums
Master Plan


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Comprehensive Plan

Visitors & Commemoration Element

The Comp Plan's Visitors & Commemoration Element is being revised to highlight the federal government’s role in supporting the visitor experience in the National Capital Region and on Washington, DC as a symbol to the nation.

The revised policies also focus more on sustainability and various forms of transportation for visitors to the city and region. A new section includes policies that reflect NCPC’s recent research on commemoration, specifically work included in the Memorial Trends and Practice in Washington, DC report.

These new policies reinforce the Commemorative Works Act and acknowledge NCPC’s objective for memorials to not only create a commemorative destination but also to provide activated public space for adjacent communities.

Full Visitors & Commemoration Element Narrative and Policies (Updated) [PDF 6.3 MB]

Proposed Draft Visitors & Commemoration Element Updated Policies (Clean Version) [PDF 566 KB]

Proposed Draft Visitors & Commemoration Element Updated Policies (Marked Up Version with Changes) [PDF 236 KB]

NCPC is seeking public comment on this updated element through March 15, 2013.

Use our online feedback form to share your thoughts about the Visitors & Commemoration Element »

Public Forum

NCPC will host a public forum on the draft element on Wednesday, February 20 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Come learn about the element, NCPC’s recent Memorial Trends and Practice in Washington, DC report, and provide us your feedback.

 

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

 

Establishing Urban Design Policies

The National Capital Planning Commission has released the draft of the new urban design element for the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. This element will establish policies designed to make federal public spaces, campuses and buildings more livable, functional, and sustainable.

Draft Federal Urban Design Element Narrative and Policies
[PDF 64KB]

Draft Federal Urban Design Element
Policies Only

[PDF 26KB]

Updated Preservation and Historic Features Element

At the November 1, 2012 meeting, NCPC also released the updates to the Preservation and Historic Features Element.

Full Preservation and Historic Features Element (Updated)
[PDF 73KB]

Preservation and Historic Features Element Policies
(Clean Version)
[PDF 26KB]

Preservation and Historic Features Element Policies
(Marked Up Version with Changes)
[PDF 42KB]

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]