Section 10-A1513. CH-2.3 U.S. CAPITOL PERIMETER

 

1513.1The proximity of Capitol Hill’s residential areas to the U.S. Capitol Complex creates a variety of land use, transportation, and urban design issues. Expansion of the Capitol Complex during the 1900s resulted in the development of large office buildings and expanded federal facilities on former row house blocks. This prompted some of the Hill’s earliest historic preservation initiatives, along with the adoption of a Capitol Interest Overlay Zone that established maximum height and floor area ratio limits in an area extending from the edge of the Capitol Complex east to 6th Street. Currently, the Capitol Interest Overlay zone encompasses a variety of existing land uses, including homes and apartments, hotels, non-profits, offices, restaurants, retail stores, and parks. Long-range plans for the Capitol Complex are articulated in a Master Plan that is prepared and periodically updated by the Architect of the Capitol. 1513.1

 

1513.2The following policies define the District’s position on land use activities in and around the U.S. Capitol area. These policies seek to mitigate the effects of increased security requirements on neighborhood character, limit adverse impacts associated with the Capitol Power Plant, address parking and traffic impacts related to the Capitol complex, improve urban design conditions, and ensure that future land use decisions are consistent with the Architect of the Capitol’s Master Plan. 1513.2

 

1513.3Policy CH-2.3.1: Capitol Master Plan Conformity

 

Ensure that the future development and/or expansion of the United States Capitol grounds conforms with the guidelines set out in the Master Plan of the U.S. Capitol. Any land transferred from the Architect of the Capitol to the District or a private party should likewise be used in a manner that is consistent with the Capitol Master Plan and the Comprehensive Plan. 1513.3

 

1513.4Policy CH-2.3.2: Capitol Area Traffic and Parking

 

Work with the Architect of the Capitol to reduce parking and traffic impacts in areas adjacent to the U.S. Capitol and to address related problems such as tour bus parking and the enforcement of residential permit parking restrictions. 1513.4

 

1513.5Policy CH-2.3.3: Surface Transportation Improvements

 

Improve surface transportation in and around the Capitol Complex in a manner that reduces impacts on Capitol Hill neighborhoods and facilitates access within the area. This could include the use of shuttles between key destinations such as Union Station, the new Capitol Visitors Center, and the Capitol South Metro station. 1513.5

 

1513.6Policy CH-2.3.4: Impacts of Security Measures

 

Encourage the Architect of the Capitol to coordinate all proposed street closings, re-routings, and security measures with District government. 1513.6

 

See the Urban Design Element for additional policies on security and urban design. Please consult the Transportation Element for policies on street closures.

 

1513.7Policy CH-2.3.5: Compatibility of Federal Facilities

 

Work with the Architect of the Capitol to ensure that the development of future federal buildings is compatible with and protects the moderate density residential character of adjacent residential areas. This includes the development of ancillary federal facilities such as child care centers, housing and classroom space for Congressional interns, police facilities, Congressionally-sponsored service institutions, and public works maintenance and storage areas used by the Architect of the Capitol. 1513.7

 

1513.8Policy CH-2.3.6: Capitol Power Plant

 

Ensure that the Capitol Power Plant and Refrigeration Plant are operated in ways that reduce air pollution, noise, and other impacts. Update plans for the power plant as needed to reflect revised Capitol needs and community concerns. 1513.8

 

1513.9Action CH-2.3.A: Streetscape and Signage Improvements

 

Implement streetscape and signage improvements that more clearly define the boundary of the U.S. Capitol Grounds, and distinguish it from adjacent residential and commercial areas. 1513.9

 

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.