Section 10-A1012. HP-2.5 HISTORIC LANDSCAPES AND OPEN SPACE

 

1012.1More than almost any other feature, the exceptional width and openness of Washington’s parks and streets define the basic character of the city. These spaces include the major monumental greenswards of the Mall, riverfront and stream valley parks, and the green space of estates, cemeteries, and campuses. Tree-lined streets and landscaped front yards unite many historic neighborhoods, and there are small green oases scattered throughout the city. Some are publicly owned, and others are private. Many provide the setting for historic buildings, creating a balance between the natural and built environment that is a unifying feature of the city. Such settings should be protected and maintained as significant landscapes in their own right or as contributing features of historic landmarks and districts. 1012.1

 

1012.2Policy HP-2.5.1: The Natural Setting of Washington

 

Preserve the historic natural setting of Washington and the views it provides. Preserve and enhance the beauty of the Potomac and Anacostia riverfronts and the system of stream valley parks. Protect the topographic bowl around central Washington and preserve the wooded skyline along its ring of escarpments. Prevent intrusions into the views to and from these escarpments and other major heights throughout the city. 1012.2

 

1012.3Policy HP-2.5.2: Historic Landscapes

 

Preserve the distinguishing qualities of the District’s historic landscapes, both natural and designed. Protect public building and monument grounds, parks and parkway systems, government and institutional campuses, gardens, cemeteries, and other historic landscapes from deterioration and incompatible development. 1012.3

 

1012.4Policy HP-2.5.3: Streetscape Design in Historic Districts

 

Ensure that new public works such as street lights, street furniture, and sidewalks within historic landscapes and historic districts are compatible with the historic context. Emphasize good design whether contemporary or traditional. 1012.4

 

1012.5Policy HP-2.5.4: Landscaped Yards in Public Space

 

Preserve the continuous and open green quality of landscaped front and side yards in public space. Take special care at historic landmarks and in historic districts to protect this public environment from intrusions, whether from excess paving, vehicular access and parking, high walls and fencing, or undue disruption of the natural contours or bermed terraces. 1012.5

 

1012.6Policy HP-2.5.5: Public Campuses

 

Recognize campuses in federal ownership as both historic landscape settings for important government facilities and as open green space for the entire city. Preserve the communal value of these campuses by protecting them from overdevelopment. Balance any new development against the public interest in retaining open green space. 1012.6

 

1012.7Policy HP-2.5.6: Historic Open Space

 

Retain landscaped yards, gardens, estate grounds, and other significant areas of green space associated with historic landmarks whenever possible. If development is permitted, retain sufficient open space to protect the setting of the historic landmark and the integrity of the historic property. In historic districts, strive to maintain shared open space in the interior of blocks while balancing the need to accommodate reasonable expansion of residential buildings. 1012.7

 

1012.8Action HP-2.5.A: Protecting Historic Landscapes

 

Promote the protection of historic landscapes through documentation, specific recognition in official designations, and public education materials. Work cooperatively with federal and city agencies and private landowners to promote the preservation of historic landscapes as integral components of historic landmarks and districts, and to ensure that new construction is compatible with the setting of historic properties. 1012.8

 

1012.9Action HP-2.5.B: Protecting the Natural Escarpment

 

Protect views of and from the natural escarpment around central Washington by working with District and federal land-holders and review agencies to accommodate reasonable demands for new development on major historic campuses like Saint Elizabeths Hospital, the Armed Forces Retirement Home, and McMillan Reservoir in a manner that harmonizes with the natural topography and preserves important vistas over the city. 1012.9

 

1012.10Action HP-2.5.C: Protecting Rights-Of-Way

 

Promote the preservation of original street patterns in historic districts by maintaining public rights-of-way and historic building setbacks. Retain and maintain alleys in historic districts where they are significant components of the historic development pattern. 1012.10

 

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.