Section 10-A108. HOW TO USE THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

 

108.1This document has been designed for use by elected officials, District government, residents, businesses and developers, and others with an interest in the future of the District of Columbia. The fact that so many different users will consult the Comprehensive Plan shapes the way information is presented. Although it is a legal document, the Comprehensive Plan has been written in “plain English” to make it more accessible. Key issues are described with data to make the purpose of policies more apparent. Graphics, maps, photos, and charts have been used to illustrate major points and improve the legibility of the text. Text boxes are used to present background information. The Comprehensive Plan is organized to eliminate the duplication of policies and actions that made the previous plan difficult to use. Cross references are used to direct the reader to other relevant and related policies and actions within the document. 108.1

 

108.2This Comprehensive Plan has been written to be an effective resource for those who seek general information on how the District may change over the next 20 years, as well as those who want or need to understand how the city plans to respond to particular issues and problems. As the District’s primary planning document, the Comprehensive Plan is of particular interest to elected officials (who must adopt it and fund its implementation) as well as agency heads who must bring other plans in line with it. 108.2

 

108.3The Comprehensive Plan’s Generalized Policy Map and Future Land Use Map are incorporated as part of the document and provide the foundation for land use decision-making and zoning. Both maps are described in detail in the Framework Element. These maps appear as poster-sized foldouts. They are supplemented by numerous smaller maps that appear throughout the text. 108.3

 

108.4At the heart of the Comprehensive Plan are a series of goal, policy, and action statements:

 

•Goals describe ideal future conditions for a particular topic such as housing or transportation. Following the Framework Element, each of the citywide elements begins with a single goal statement.

 

•Policies provide guidance to the District as it makes decisions relating to each goal. This document contains hundreds of policies, each preceded by a title that indicates the subject being addressed.

 

•Actions identify the specific steps to be taken by the District to implement the policies. These are prioritized and assigned to District agencies in the Implementation Element. 108.4

 

108.5The policies and actions of the Comprehensive Plan are principally intended to guide the decisions of District government. Continuous and ongoing consultation with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions, residents, community organizations, businesses, institutions, and property owners is essential as these policies and actions are carried out. 108.5

 

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.