Section 10-A2507. IM-1.5 PUBLIC INPUT

 

2507.1The District of Columbia is committed to public involvement in local government affairs, particularly those relating to land use decisions. The District has one of the most extensive networks of citizen and civic organizations, neighborhood organizations, advocacy groups and special interest groups in the country. Its 37 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs) provide a unique forum for seeking local input and expressing priorities on a range of land use issues. The Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, and the Council itself provide formalized opportunities for public discourse on land use matters. The advent of the Internet, e-mail, streaming video, and other technologies have made information instantly accessible to thousands of residents, enabling unprecedented levels of participation in community meetings, summits, and forums. 2507.1

 

2507.2There is presently considerable interest in expanding input even further through the creation of a city Planning Commission. A 2003 Assessment of the Comprehensive Plan concluded that the merits of a Planning Commission should be evaluated, in part to improve Comprehensive Plan 2 implementation and accountability. This dialogue has continued to evolve over the past three years. Several options for the Commission’s composition and responsibilities have been proposed; these will be given further consideration after the Comprehensive Plan is adopted. 2507.2

 

2507.3Policy IM-1.5.1: Involvement of Advisory Neighborhood Commission

 

Include the Advisory Neighborhood Commissions and area residents in the review of development to assist the District in responding to resident concerns. Consistent with the statutory requirements of the DC Code, feedback from the ANCs should be given “great weight” as land use recommendations and decisions are made. 2507.3

 

2507.4Policy IM-1.5.2: Promoting Community Involvement

 

Encourage the community to take a more proactive role in planning and development review, and to be involved in Comprehensive Plan development, amendment, and implementation. A variety of means should be used to secure community input, including advisory and technical committees, community workshops, review of draft texts, public forums and hearings, and other means of discussion and communication. 2507.4

 

2507.5Policy IM-1.5.3: Faith Institutions

 

Recognize the importance of faith institutions to neighborhood life in the District, including their role as neighborhood centers, social service providers, and community anchors. Work collaboratively with local faith institutions in neighborhood planning and development initiatives, both to address community needs and to reach residents who might not otherwise participate in local planning initiatives. 2507.5

 

2507.6Policy IM-1.5.4: Transparency in Decision-Making

 

Strongly encourage transparent decision-making in all land use and development matters, making information available and accessible to residents and maintaining open lines of communication with the public as plans are developed. 2507.6

 

2507.7Policy IM-1.5.5: Electronic Media

 

Enhance communication between residents, organizations, and the District by providing access to information through electronic media and other methods. 2507.7

 

2507.8Action IM-1.5.A: Planning Publications

 

Prepare a set of easy-to-understand written and electronic guides to help residents navigate the planning and building processes, comprehend land use planning and zoning regulations, and follow the standards, procedures, and expectations used in local planning activities. 2507.8

 

2507.9Action IM-1.5.B: Planning Commission Feasibility Study

 

Consistent with the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan Assessment of 2003, conduct a Mayorally-commissioned study of the feasibility of creating Soliciting community input during the Comp Plan revision process.2 Planning Commission in the District of Columbia. The report shall be prepared by outside parties and submitted to the Mayor, the Council, and the public within 120 days of the effective date of the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006. The report shall summarize potential models for such a Commission, including its composition, roles, responsibilities, authority, staffing, and relationship to the City Council and other city commissions. 2507.9

 

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.