NCPC's Submission Guidelines describe the Commission's statutory authority, the content of submissions, submission stages, and the overall coordination and review process of NCPC's project review. Agencies that are subject to plan and project review must submit development proposals in accordance with the process laid out in the Guidelines.
Applicant schedules and attends Pre-Submission Briefing with NCPC staff.
Applicant recieves feedback from NCPC staff to guide project formulation and submission process.
Commission provides input into project alternatives, and the general consistency of the alternatives with NCPC policies.
NEPA: Scoping process initiated
Sec. 106: Consultation initiated
Commission reviews the project for consistency with NCPC plans and policies and planning principles.
NEPA: Draft environmental document issued
Sec. 106: Assessment of Effects issued
Commission confirms the design details developed since Preliminary Review.
NEPA: Decision document complete
Sec. 106: Consultation complete
Coordinating Committee: Project located in Washington, DC are reviewed by Coordinating Committee prior to Commission review. The Coordinating Committee reviews projects during Concept, Preliminary, and Final Reviews.
Referral to Intergovernmental Review: Master plans and projects that do not fall within an approved Master Plan are referred to the appropriate federal, state, and local agency for review. Intergovernmental review occurs during Preliminary Review.
Pre-Submission Briefing Highlights | |
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Required? | Yes. At the discretion of NCPC staff, Pre-Submission Briefings may be conducted via phone or email for small and less complex projects. For particularly large, complex, or long-term projects, additional consultations may be necessary. |
Timing | Briefings occur early in project development (e.g., 0-15 percent design development ), prior to the initiation of NEPA/Section 106, substantial design, or location decisions. |
Submission Content | Applicants are not required to submit any information to NCPC staff prior to Pre-Submission Briefings. However, applicants should be prepared to discuss the subject matter identified above. Any information that can be shared in advance will better prepare NCPC staff for the briefing. |
Concept Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Concept review is required for complex projects. NCPC staff will discuss whether Concept review is required at the Pre-Submission Briefing. |
Timing | Concept Review occurs at the early stages of environmental review and public coordination for the project (e.g., 10-15 percent design development). Concept Review should precede commitments for the acquisition of land to be paid for in whole or in part from federal or District funds. |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | At Concept Review the NEPA Public Scoping process shall have been initiated by the Federal Agency applicant or NCPC for a Non-federal Agency applicant. Alternatively, if the Federal Agency applicant or NCPC is contemplating the use of a CATEX, the initiation of the Public Scoping Process may be deferred until the final decision on use of a CATEX is made. |
NHPA Section 106 | If the applicant has a Section 106 responsibility, the applicant should have initiated the Section 106 consultation process. No other Section 106 documents are due at this time. If only NCPC has a Section 106 responsibility, NCPC will work with the applicant to initiate the consultation process. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please describe why and whether it is forthcoming. |
NCPC's Preliminary Review aligns most closely with the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts' Concept Review.
Preliminary Review Highlights | |
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Timing | Preliminary review occurs after tentative design decisions have been made but well before detailed design work begins (e.g., 25-35 percent design development). Preliminary Review should be completed prior to the issuance of design build contracts. |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | If the applicant has a NEPA responsibility, submit the draft NEPA document (Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)) or the selection of a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) applicable to the project (if not already selected during Concept Review). If only NCPC has a NEPA responsibility, NCPC will work with the applicant to develop this information. |
NHPA Section 106 | If the applicant has a Section 106 responsibility, include the Assessment of Effects for the Section 106 if relevant or documentation of the consultation process. If only NCPC has a Section 106 responsibility, NCPC will work with the applicant to develop this information. |
TMP | A Transportation Management Plan (TMP) is required for any project that will increase employment on a work site to 500 or more employees (existing and new). TMPs are strongly encouraged for projects that will increase employment to 100 or more employees. If a TMP is required, a draft is due at Preliminary Review. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please describe why and whether it is forthcoming. |
Final Review approval expires after five years.
Final Review highlights | |
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Timing | Final Review occurs when the applicant has made all design decisions have been made (including building and landscaping materials) and prior to advertisement and award of construction contracts (e.g., 50-70 percent design development). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. If only NCPC has a NEPA requirement, NCPC will work with the applicant to complete the final NEPA documentation. |
NHPA | If National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106 consultation is required for the project, provide final executed documentation (e.g., Statement of Effects, Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement). |
TMP | A Transportation Management Plan (TMP) is required for any project that will increase employment on a work site to 500 or more employees (existing and new). TMPs are strongly encouraged for projects that will increase employment to 100 or more employees. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please explain why. |
Applicants benefit by maintaining up-to-date, Commission-approved master plans since projects that are included in the master plans do not undergo referral to local/state agencies, which adds 60 days to a project's review process.
Although not required, planning staff from the local host jurisdiction should be consulted at an early phase of development, either separately or at the initial Briefing with NCPC staff.
Pre-Submission Briefing Highlights | |
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Required? | A Pre-Submission Briefing is required for all Master Plans. |
Timing | The Pre-Submission Briefing should occur before the draft master plan is developed when the applicant is considering the needs of the agency over the next 20 years; the anticipated growth of the campus/installation; and the location of different uses. |
Submission Content | Applicants are not required to submit any information to NCPC staff prior to Pre-Submission Briefings. However, applicants should be prepared to discuss the topics identified above. Any information that can be shared in advance will better prepare NCPC staff for the briefing. |
Design and location decisions may be relatively finalized at this point as reflected in the "preferred" development scenario of the NEPA analysis.
Draft Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Review of a draft master plan is required. |
Timing | The applicant should submit the draft master plan approximately mid-way through the development process. |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | If applicable, a copy of the draft NEPA document (Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)) is required. |
NHPA | A copy of the Assessment of Effects for the Section 106 consultation process is required. |
TMP | A transportation management plan (TMP) is required for all master plan updates. A draft of the TMP is due for the draft master plan submission. |
Draft Master Plan | A draft master plan is required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. |
Final Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Review of a final master plan is required. |
Timing | The timing of the Final Review should coincide with the adoption of a NEPA document (Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)) and the conclusion of the Section 106 consultation process. |
Application Form | The Application Form is required. |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. |
NHPA Section 106 | A copy of the final executed documentation (Statement of Effects or Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement) for the Section 106 Process is required. |
TMP | A final Transportation Management Plan is required. |
Project Report | A final master plan is required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. |
Pre-Submission Briefing Highlights | |
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Required? | A Pre-Submission Briefing is required. |
Timing | Briefings occur early in project development prior to site selection, design development, and the initiation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)/National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 (NHPA Section 106). |
Submission Content | Applicants are not required to submit any information to NCPC staff prior to Pre-Submission Briefings. However, applicants should be prepared to discuss the subject matter identified above. Any information shared in advance will better prepare NCPC staff for the briefing. |
Concept Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Concept Review of Site Selection is required. |
Timing | Concept Review of Site Selection occurs early in the environmental and historic preservation review, well before making substantive design and location decisions. |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | GSA or NPS should have initiated the public scoping process (which is focused on site selection at this stage). |
NHPA | GSA or NPS should have initiated the consultation process for Section 106. |
Project Report | A project report (which will include a site selection analysis) is required. Click the buttons below for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please describe why and whether it is forthcoming. |
Additional Requirements | In some instances, NCPC may require additional information/work such as models, durability testing, etc. |
Preliminary Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Preliminary Review of Site Selection and Commemorative Design is required. |
Timing | Preliminary Review occurs when a preferred site has been identified and after tentative design decisions have been made but well before detailed design work begins (e.g., 25-35 percent complete development). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | At the time of Preliminary Review, applicant agencies (or NCPC if acting as the lead agency) must have issued or published a draft NEPA document (EA/Draft EIS), and initiated the required public comment period. Provide the draft NEPA document (EA or Draft EIS) with the submission. |
NHPA | The applicant agency (or NCPC if acting as the lead agency) also must have issued its Assessment of Effects for the National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 (Section 106) consultation process. Provide the Assessment of Effects with the submission. |
Project Report | The project report is required. |
Final Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Final Review is required. |
Timing | Final Review occurs when design decisions have been made (including building and landscaping materials) and prior to advertisement and award of construction contracts (e.g., 50-70 percent design development). |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. |
NHPA | Provide a copy of the final executed documentation (e.g. Statement of Effects, memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
Project Report | The project report is required. |
Pre-Submission Briefings, which occur prior to Commission review, provide NCPC staff and the applicant an opportunity to informally discuss the proposed project, identify potential issues, and establish coordination for planning/environmental/historic preservation review stages.
Pre-Submission Briefing Highlights | |
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Required? | A Pre-Submission Briefing is required for antenna submission. |
Timing | Briefings occur early in project development (e.g., 0-15 percent design development), prior to the initiation of NEPA/Section 106, substantial design, or location decisions. |
Submission Content | Applicants are not required to submit any information to NCPC staff prior to Pre-Submission Briefings. However, applicants should be prepared to discuss the subject matter identified above. Any information that can be shared in advance will better prepare NCPC staff for the briefing. |
Preliminary Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Preliminary Review is required. Staff may decide to combine Preliminary and Final Review for antenna projects. |
Timing | Preliminary review occurs after tentative design decisions have been made but well before detailed design work begins (e.g., 25-35 percent design development). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | If the applicant has a NEPA responsibility, submit the draft NEPA document (Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)) or the selection of a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX) applicable to the project. If only NCPC has a NEPA responsibility, NCPC will work with the applicant to develop this information. |
NHPA Section 106 | If the applicant has a Section 106 responsibility, include the Assessment of Effects for the Section 106 if relevant or documentation of the consultation process. If only NCPC has a Section 106 responsibility, NCPC will work with the applicant to develop this information. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please describe why and whether it is forthcoming. |
Final Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Final Review is required. Staff will determine whether the submission will be reviewed as a combined Preliminary and Final Review. |
Timing | The Section 106 review process shall be complete prior to submitting the final proposal to the Commission for review. The NEPA process must be complete prior to submitting the final proposal to the Commission for review. |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. |
NHPA Section 106 | The final executed documentation (e.g. Statement of Effects, Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement) is required. |
Project Report | A project report is required. |
Typically, when a transfer of jurisdiction is a component of a larger development proposal, NCPC recommends that most applicable NCPC and other reviews and approvals, including preliminary and final approvals, zoning changes, PUD approvals, alley closures, etc. be complete/acted upon before any action is taken on a transfer.
Submission Highlights | |
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Required? | The submission of all transfers of jurisdiction within Washington, D.C. is required. |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. |
NHPA Section 106 | The final executed documentation (e.g. Statement of Effects, Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement) is required. |
Project Report | The project report should provide an overview of the transfer of jurisdiction and address the requirements. |
Pre-Submission Briefings are required for all projects. At the discretion of staff, Pre-Submission Briefings may be conducted via phone or email for small and less complex projects. For particularly large, complex, or long-term projects, additional consultations may be necessary.
Pre-Submission Briefing Highlights | |
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Required? | Yes. At the discretion of NCPC staff, Pre-Submission Briefings may be conducted via phone or email for small and less complex projects. For particularly large, complex, or long-term projects, additional consultations may be necessary. |
Timing | Briefings occur early in project development (e.g., 0-15 percent design development), prior to the initiation of NEPA/Section 106, substantial design, or location decisions. |
Submission Content | Applicants are not required to submit any information to NCPC staff prior to Pre-Submission Briefings. However, applicants should be prepared to discuss the subject matter identified above. Any information that can be shared in advance will better prepare NCPC staff for the briefing. |
Concept review may be recommended for complex projects. NCPC staff will discuss whether Concept review is necessary at the Pre-Submission Briefing.
Concept Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Concept review may be recommended for complex projects. NCPC staff will discuss whether Concept review is necessary at the Pre-Submission Briefing. |
Timing | Concept Review occurs at the early stages of environmental review and public coordination for the project (e.g., 10-25 percent design development). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | Indicate whether the applicant will apply a Categorical Exclusion or perform an Environmental Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The applicant must have initiated the public scoping process if it is pursuing an EA or EIS. |
NHPA Section 106 | The applicant must have initiated the consultation process. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please describe why and whether it is forthcoming. |
Preliminary Review is required for all projects.
Preliminary Review Highlights | |
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Required? | Preliminary Review is required for all projects. NCPC staff may decide to combine Preliminary and Final Review for less complex projects. |
Timing | Unless the applicant is applying a Categorical Exclusion (CATEX), provide the draft NEPA document - Environmental Assessment (EA)/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. If only NCPC has a NEPA requirement, NCPC will work with the applicant to complete the final NEPA documentation. |
NHPA Section 106 | Provide the Assessment of Effects for the Section 106 consultation process. |
TMP | A Transportation Management Plan (TMP) is required for any project that will increase employment on a work site to 500 or more employees (existing and new). TMPs are strongly encouraged for projects that will increase employment to 100 or more employees. If a TMP is required, a draft is due at Preliminary Review. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please describe why and whether it is forthcoming. |
Final Review approval expires after five years.
Final Review highlights | |
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Required? | Final Review is required for all projects. |
Timing | Final Review occurs when the applicant has made all design decisions (including building and landscaping materials) and prior to advertisement and award of construction contracts (e.g., 50-70 percent design development). |
Application Form | The application form is required. |
NEPA | Provide a copy of the final NEPA documentation (Categorical Exclusion determination, Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement) and the related Finding of No Significant Impact or Record of Decision. Refer to NCPC’s NEPA regulations for more information. Note: the MOA for Section 106 must be signed before a FONSI/ROD is issued. |
NHPA | Provide final executed documentation (e.g., Statement of Effects, Memorandum of Agreement or Programmatic Agreement). |
TMP | A Transportation Management Plan (TMP) is required for any project that will increase employment on a work site to 500 or more employees (existing and new). TMPs are strongly encouraged for projects that will increase employment to 100 or more employees. |
Project Report | Required. Click the "Report Requirements" button for what is required in the report. If the information is not available, please explain why. |
NCPC staff must confirm if a project is an exception. This occurs during the Pre-Submission Briefing.
The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's planning agency for the National Capital Region.
The 12-member Commission meets monthly to adopt, approve, or provide advice on plans and projects that impact the nation's capital and surrounding areas.