Section 10-A2112. NNW-2.2 DUPONT CIRCLE

 

2112.1The general pattern of land use in Dupont Circle is well established. Future development in the area is limited by the area’s designation as an historic district and the application of the Dupont Circle zoning overlay. The area is an attractive residential neighborhood due to its proximity to Downtown, restaurants and shopping, pedestrian-friendly streets, historic architecture, and diverse housing stock. Commercial and residential infill development and renovation are anticipated to continue, creating continued concerns about the displacement of local services by national chains and region serving retail uses, as well as the impacts of commercial uses on parking, public safety, noise, and quality of life. 2112.1

 

2112.2Pedestrian connections between Dupont Circle and adjacent neighborhoods could be stronger than they are today. This is particularly true along P Street west of the Circle, which is an important link to Rock Creek Park and Georgetown. A streetscape plan for the corridor has been prepared but has yet to be implemented. Similarly, 17th Street between P Street and R Street could benefit from streetscape improvements, landscaping, updated street furniture, and other enhancements that create a more attractive public space. 2112.2

 

2112.3Policy NNW-2.2.1: Maintaining Dupont Circle’s Residential Character

 

Maintain the Dupont Circle neighborhood as a primarily residential area and discourage the expansion of commercial uses into currently residential areas. For the purposes of this policy, Dupont Circle shall be defined as the area generally bounded by Rock Creek Park on the west, 15th Street NW on the east, Massachusetts Avenue (east of Connecticut Avenue NW) and N Street (west of Connecticut Avenue) on the south, and Florida Avenue and U Street on the north. This area is shown on Map 21.1. 2112.3

 

2112.4Policy NNW-2.2.2: Dupont Circle Area Policies

 

Use the following standards in evaluating new buildings and alterations in the Dupont Circle area:

 

a.Require a scale of development consistent with the nature and character of the Dupont Circle area in height and bulk;

 

b.Ensure a general compatibility in the scale of new buildings with older low-scale buildings by restricting the maximum permitted height and floor area ratio of the new buildings to that of the underlying zone;

 

c.Preclude demolitions or partial demolitions that would lead to an increase in height and floor area ratio inappropriate to the area;

 

d.Enhance the residential character of the area by maintaining existing residential uses and controlling the scale, location, and density of commercial and residential development; and

 

e.Ensure compatibility of development with the Comprehensive Plan. 2112.4

 

2112.5Policy NNW-2.2.3: Q Street Plaza

 

Maintain the Dupont Circle Q Street Metrorail entrance as a civic plaza that is compatible with the adjacent mixed use neighborhood. Encourage the restoration of storefronts as active retail uses along Connecticut Avenue from Q Street to the Circle. 2112.5

 

2112.6Actions NNW-2.2.A: 17th Street Design Plan

 

Revise and implement the 17th Street NW Design Plan. The Plan calls for streetscape improvements to the entire right-of-way on both sides of the street between P and S Streets and the adjoining, contiguous commercial areas of R, Corcoran, Q, Church, and P Streets, NW. The plan was prepared several years ago and should be updated before it is implemented. 2112.6

 

2112.7Action NNW-2.2.B: P Street Improvements

 

Implement the recommendations of the P Street streetscape study, which calls for improvements to sidewalks, planting strips, vacant sites, and off-street parking. 2112.7

 

2112.8Action NNW-2.2.C: Dupont Circle Overlay Expansion

 

Consider expansion of the Dupont Circle overlay to include the 18th Street commercial area (between S and U Streets) and the south side of U Street between 14th and 18th Street. 2112.8

 

See the Central Washington Element for a discussion of the Lower 16th Street Area.

 

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.