Section 10-A1214. EDU -3.3 COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, AND NEIGHBORHOODS

 

1214.1The growth of colleges and universities, while supported by the city, has generated concerns in some Washington neighborhoods. Most of the universities have limited land area for expansion, and are located immediately adjacent to residential neighborhoods. Neighborhood concerns relate to impacts such as traffic and parking, and to broader issues about the changing character of communities where universities are located or expanding. 1214.1

 

1214.2The Zoning Regulations require the preparation of campus plans showing the location, height, and bulk of present and future improvements for all colleges located in residential zone districts. In addition to serving as physical site plans, the campus plans set Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits for the campus as a whole, and in some cases establish enrollment and employment caps. Campus plans are subject to approval by the Zoning Commission. 1214.2

 

1214.3The campus plan requirement provides a formalized process for community input on a range of growth-related issues. They are an important tool to proactively address issues that may be of concern to the neighborhood and limit campus expansion into residential areas. However, most of the city’s colleges and universities are engaged in ongoing discussions with the communities around them. Frequently raised issues include the need for student housing, the loss of historic buildings, the compatibility of proposed campus structures with nearby residential areas, and the loss of taxable land associated with university growth. Campus plans have responded to these concerns in a number of ways, such as increasing building intensity on-site to avoid the need for land acquisition, development of new dormitories, and implementation of numerous programs to manage parking, traffic, noise, and other environmental impacts. 1214.3

 

1214.4Looking forward, the development of satellite campuses is strongly encouraged to relieve growth pressure around existing campuses. In addition to accommodating university growth, satellite campuses can provide new job and educational opportunities for District residents and help revitalize local shopping districts. Continued efforts to improve the campus planning process and promote an open dialogue between the colleges and the neighborhoods around should be strongly supported. 1214.4

 

1214.5Policy EDU-3.3.1: Satellite Campuses

 

Promote the development of satellite campuses to accommodate university growth, relieve growth pressure on neighborhoods adjacent to existing campuses, spur economic development and revitalization in neighborhoods lagging in market activity, and create additional lifelong learning opportunities for DC residents. 1214.5

 

1214.6Policy EDU-3.3.2: Balancing University Growth and Neighborhood Needs

 

Encourage the growth and development of local colleges and universities in a manner that recognizes the role these institutions play in contributing to the District’s character, culture, economy, and is also consistent with and supports community improvement and neighborhood conservation objectives. Discourage university actions that would adversely affect the character or quality of life in surrounding residential areas. 1214.6

 

1214.7Policy EDU-3.3.3: Campus Plan Requirements

 

Continue to require campus plans for colleges and universities located in residential and mixed use zone districts. These plans should be prepared by the institutions themselves, subject to District review and approval, and should address issues raised by the surrounding communities. Each campus plan should include provisions that ensure that the institution is not likely to become objectionable to neighboring property because of noise, traffic, number of students, or other similar conditions. 1214.7

 

1214.8Policy EDU-3.3.4: Student Housing

 

Encourage the provision of on-campus student housing in order to reduce college and university impacts on the housing stock in adjacent neighborhoods. Consider measures to address the demand for student housing generated by non-District institutions with local branches. 1214.8

 

1214.9Policy EDU-3.3.5: Transportation Impacts of Colleges and Universities

 

Support ongoing efforts by colleges and universities to mitigate their traffic and parking impacts by promoting ridesharing, carpooling, shuttle service, bicycling, and other transportation demand management measures. The provision of adequate on-site parking for institutional uses also should be encouraged. 1214.9

 

1214.10Action EDU-3.3.A: University-Community Task Force

 

Establish a Task Force comprised of college and university representatives, neighborhood representatives, local businesses, and other non-university community stakeholders to address a range of physical planning issues relating to college and university growth and operation. Among other topics, the Task Force should address community concerns regarding the enforcement of campus plans and monitoring procedures, university concerns regarding enrollment and employment caps, the regulation of non-District based colleges with expanding local facilities, and possible amendments to the zoning regulations as they relate to campus plans and higher education facilities. 1214.10

 

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.