Section 10-A1010. HP-2.3 THE HISTORIC PLAN OF WASHINGTON

 

1010.1The Plan of the City of Washington drawn by Pierre L’Enfant in 1791 has served as an enduring symbol and armature for growth of the national capital. More than two centuries of public and private building construction have given shape to the plan. Great civic works and public art have embellished it. After its first hundred years, the plan was reinvigorated according to City Beautiful principles in the McMillan Plan of 1901. Regulated building heights and mandated design review by agencies like the Commission of Fine Arts further supported its enhancement and embellishment. 1010.1

 

1010.2The design principles of the Plan informed the platting of streets and parks in new neighborhoods as the city expanded beyond its initial boundaries. Despite alterations and intrusions, it still serves as the basis for the Legacy Plan adopted in 1997 by the National Capital Planning Commission for the 21st Century. 1010.2

 

1010.3Policy HP-2.3.1: The Plan of the City of Washington

 

Preserve the defining features of the L’Enfant and McMillan plans for Washington. Work jointly with federal agencies to maintain the public squares, circles, and major reservations as landscaped open spaces that provide a means to experience the legacy of the city plan. Preserve the historic pattern of streets and associated minor reservations, and protect these historic rights-of-way from incompatible incursions and intrusions. 1010.3

 

1010.4Policy HP-2.3.2: Historic Image of the City

 

Protect and enhance the views and vistas, both natural and designed, which are an integral part of Washington’s historic image. Preserve the historic skyline formed by the region’s natural features and topography and its historically significant buildings and monuments from intrusions such as communication antennas and water towers. Preserve the horizontal character of the national capital through enforcement of the 1910 Height of Buildings Act. 1010.4

 

1010.5Policy HP-2.3.3: Spatial Character of L’Enfant Plan Streets

 

Protect the generous open space and reciprocal views of the L’Enfant Plan streets, avenues, and reservations. Protect the integrity and form of the L’Enfant system of streets and reservations from inappropriate new buildings and physical incursions. Support public and private efforts to provide and maintain street trees to help frame axial views and reinforce the city’s historic landscape character. 1010.5

 

1010.6Policy HP-2.3.4: Public Space Design in the L’Enfant Plan

 

Reinforce the historic importance and continuity of the streets as public thoroughfares through sensitive design of sidewalks and roadways. Avoid inappropriate traffic channelization, obtrusive signage and security features, and other physical intrusions that obscure the character of the historic street network. Work jointly with federal agencies to preserve the historic statuary and other civic embellishments of the L’Enfant Plan parks, and where appropriate extend this tradition with new civic art and landscape enhancements of the public reservations. 1010.6

 

1010.7Policy HP-2.3.5: Enhancing Washington’s Urban Design Legacy

 

Adhere to the design principles of the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans in any improvements or alterations to the city street plan. Where the character of the historic plan has been damaged by intrusions and disruptions, promote restoration of the plan through coordinated redevelopment and improvement of the transportation network and public space. 1010.7

 

1010.8Action HP-2.3.A: Review of Alterations to the Historic City Plan

 

Ensure early consultation with the Historic Preservation Review Board and other preservation officials whenever master plans or proposed redevelopment projects envision alterations to the features of the historic city plan. 1010.8

 

1010.9Action HP-2.3.B: Review of Public Improvements

 

Ensure an appropriate level of consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer before undertaking the design and construction of public space improvements in the L’Enfant Plan area and the public parks of the McMillan Plan. 1010.9

 

See the Urban Design Element for additional policies and actions on historic plans for the District of Columbia.

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.