Section 10-A218. CREATING SUCCESSFUL NEIGHBORHOODS: GUIDING PRINCIPLES

 

218.18.The residential character of neighborhoods must be protected, maintained and improved. Many District neighborhoods possess social, economic, historic, and physical qualities that make them unique and desirable places in which to live. These qualities can lead to development and redevelopment pressures that threaten the very qualities that make the neighborhoods attractive. These pressures must be controlled through zoning and other means to ensure that neighborhood character is preserved and enhanced. 218.1

 

218.29. Many neighborhoods include commercial and institutional uses that contribute to their character. Neighborhood businesses, retail districts, schools, park and recreational facilities, houses of worship and other public facilities all make our communities more livable. These uses provide strong centers that reinforce neighborhood identity and provide destinations and services for residents. They too must be protected and stabilized. 218.2

 

218.310. The recent housing boom has triggered a crisis of affordability in the city, creating a hardship for many District residents and changing the character of neighborhoods. The preservation of existing affordable housing and the production of new affordable housing both are essential to avoid a deepening of racial and economic divides in the city. Affordable renter-and owner-occupied housing production and preservation is central to the idea of growing more inclusively. 218.3

 

218.411. The District of Columbia contains many buildings and sites that contribute to its identity. Protecting historic resources through preservation laws and other programs is essential to retain the heritage that defines and distinguishes the city. Special efforts should be made to conserve row houses as the defining element of many District neighborhoods, and to restore neighborhood “main streets” through sensitive renovation and updating. 218.4

 

218.512. Each neighborhood is an integral part of a diverse larger community that contributes to the District’s identity. Growing an inclusive city means that all neighborhoods should share in the overall social responsibilities of the community, including housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and accommodating the disabled. 218.5

 

218.613. Enhanced public safety is one of the District’s highest priorities and is vital to the health of our neighborhoods. The District must continue to improve safety and security, and sustain a high level of emergency police, fire, and medical assistance. Moreover, the District must engage in appropriate planning and capital investments to reduce the likelihood and severity of future emergencies. 218.6

 

218.714. Confidence in government begins at the neighborhood level. It is built block-byblock, based on day-to-day relationships and experiences. Meaningful citizen participation and quality, responsive neighborhood services are essential to sustain successful neighborhoods. 218.7

 

218.815. Public input in decisions about land use and development is an essential part of creating successful neighborhoods, from development of the Comprehensive Plan to every facet of its implementation. 218.8

 

218.9Policies and actions to support neighborhoods cut across many Comprehensive Plan topics and appear throughout this document. Wherever they may appear, these policies are underpinned by the common goal of conserving functioning, stable neighborhoods and improving those that need redirection. 218.9

 

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.