The Urban Design Element addresses contributions of major plans: The L'Enfant Plan integrates natural geography to create a framework of vistas and axial streets.
The Federal Elements and the District Elements work together to form the complete Comprehensive Plan.
The Transportation Element's parking ratio (parking spaces : employees) reflects the relationship between transit locations and federal workplaces.
Background and Context
Section 4(a) of the National Capital Planning Act of 1952 requires that NCPC prepare and adopt a “comprehensive, consistent, and coordinated plan for the national capital.” The Comprehensive Plan's Federal Elements are the blueprint for the long-term development of the national capital and are the decision-making framework for Commission actions on plans, proposals, and policies submitted for its review. The Federal Elements are shaped by three guiding principles: accommodate federal and national capital activities; reinforce smart growth and sustainable development planning principles; and support local and regional planning and development.
The Commission's comprehensive planning function involves preparing and adopting the Federal Elements, as well as reviewing the District Elements for their impact on federal interests. The District Elements, prepared by the District of Columbia, address traditional city planning issues, such as land use, housing, and economic development, while the Federal Elements address matters related to federal properties and interests in the National Capital Region. Together, NCPC and the District of Columbia share a stewardship commitment to enhance Washington, DC as a great national capital and to plan for its equitable development through inspiring civic architecture, rich landscapes, distinct neighborhoods, vibrant public spaces, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful land-use management.
Key Information
- Federal Elements Prepared by:
National Capital Planning Commission
- Adopted: February 4, 2016
- Effective: April 5, 2016
- District Elements Prepared by:
District of Columbia Office of Planning
- Adopted by DC Council: 2006
- Reviewed by NCPC: 2006
Download Federal Elements
Current
On July 11, 2019 NCPC authorized release of the Federal Workplace Element’s updated draft policies for a 60-day public comment period (comments accepted through Friday, September 13). Two open houses are scheduled for Tuesday, August 6 (6:00-7:30 pm) and Wednesday, August 7 (10:30-noon). A link to the draft element is below. The District of Columbia Office of Planning is currently updating the District Elements. A link to the update process is in Related Resources, below.
Federal Elements
Introduction
Overview of the Comprehensive Plan's vision and guiding principles, roles and responsibilities, and the capital's planning legacy.
Action Plan
Specific projects to advance the plan's vision, implement policies, and guide future growth and development.
Urban Design
Promote quality design and development, and reinforce the region's unique role as the nation's capital. Create a welcoming and livable environment for people.
Urban Design Technical Addendum
Support policies within the Urban Design Element, including background, planning approaches, and explanatory graphics.
Federal Workplace
Locate the federal workforce in a way that enhances the efficiency, productivity, value, and public image of the federal government; strengthen the NCR's economic well-being; and emphasize Washington, DC as the seat of the federal government.
Federal Workplace
Emphasize Washington as the seat of the federal government; plan for the location of federal workplaces; promote protection of resource; and provide sustainable and healthy work environments. Updated and released in July 2019 for public comment.
Foreign Missions & International Organizations
Plan a secure and welcoming environment for the location of diplomatic and international activities in Washington, DC while remaining sensitive to the character and use patterns of the city's neighborhoods.
Transportation
Support the development and maintenance of a multimodal transportation system that meets the needs of federal workers, residents, and visitors, while improving regional mobility, transportation access, and environmental quality.
Federal Environment
Preserve and enhance the quality of the region's natural resources to ensure that their benefits are available for future generations to enjoy.
Historic Preservation
Preserve, protect, and rehabilitate historic properties and promote design and development that is respectful of the guiding principles of historic plans and the symbolic character of the capital's setting.
Visitors & Commemoration
Provide a positive and memorable experience for all visitors in a way that showcases the institutions of American culture and democracy, supports planning goals, and enhances visitor activities.
Parks & Open Space
Protect and enhance the National Capital Region’s parks and open space system–for recreation; as commemorative and symbolic space; as social, civic, and celebratory space; and to provide environmental and educational benefits.
