Section 10-A916. UD-4 MAKING GREAT DESIGN MATTER

 

916.1The final section of the Urban Design Element includes program recommendations relating to urban design. The focus is on the expanded use of design guidelines and design review procedures to improve architectural quality in the city. 916.1

 

916.2Currently, the level of design review varies from one part of the District to the next. In the heart of the city, new projects undergo extraordinary scrutiny-the design of monuments, museums, and federal buildings is even the subject of Congressional debate. The US Commission of Fine Arts is charged with reviewing the design of all public buildings, and private buildings adjacent to public buildings and grounds of major importance. Since the passage of the Shipstead-Luce Act in 1930, the CFA has had the authority to review construction which fronts or abuts the grounds of the US Capitol and White House, the Downtown portion of Pennsylvania Avenue, the Southwest waterfront, and most of the National Park Service lands. The National Capital Planning Commission, likewise, evaluates the design of projects affecting the federal interest and may require modifications to improve architectural character and quality. NCPC reviews District of Columbia public projects (such as schools) and all projects on federal lands, and provides “in-lieu of zoning” review for public projects in the city center. 916.2

 

916.3 Architectural excellence at the ARC (Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus) on Mississippi Avenue SE. The District of Columbia government’s design review programs have traditionally been oriented to historic districts. Illustrative design guidelines have been prepared for historic districts, addressing windows, doors, roofs, foundations, walls, porches, steps, landscaping, and many other aspects of building and site design. As described in the Historic Preservation Element, the Historic Preservation Office and/or the Historic Preservation Review Board review thousands of permit applications for exterior alterations, additions, and new construction each year. The result is a high level of design integrity, which in turn has contributed to the value and economic importance of Washington’s historic districts. 916.3 

 

916.4In much of the city, however, design review requirements are minimal. Many projects are approved with a simple building permit, without an appraisal of their design impacts. The design of larger projects is routinely considered by the Zoning Commission, but in many cases without formal guidelines. Similarly, the city’s 37 Advisory Neighborhood Commissions weigh in on the design of many large-scale projects and public space permits, often suggesting changes that are incorporated by applicants. However, the process is ad hoc and the level of input varies from one ANC to the next. A more systematic and balanced approach to design review across the city would be helpful. 916.4

 

916.5While the following policies do not recommend mandatory design review in all parts of the city, they do suggest a higher level of review than is occurring today. This is especially important in parts of the city where a large amount of infill development may take place in the next 20 years, including neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. Increases in public outreach, education, and design assistance will be needed as design review initiatives expand. Staff resources will also need to increase, to avoid delays in permit processing and ensure programs are properly administered and enforced. All policies should be implemented following consultation with affected communities. 916.5

 

916.6Policy UD-4.1.1: Design Guidelines

 

Develop illustrated design guidelines for selected residential areas and commercial districts addressing such architectural aspects as facade design, building texture and materials, lighting, detail, signage, and building to street relationship. Design guidelines should allow for flexibility and creativity, and in most cases should be performance-oriented rather than based on rigid standards. 916.6

 

916.7Policy UD-4.1.2: Design Review

 

Support expanded design review programs in the District, with a priority on areas not currently protected by historic district designation. 916.7

 

916.8Policy UD-4.1.3: Design Assistance

 

Encourage the use of technical assistance programs to educate and inform the public about design guidelines and to promote higher quality design. 916.8

 

916.9Policy UD-4.1.4: Creating A Design Culture

 

Create an enhanced design culture in Washington through educational programs, museum exhibitions, design competitions, and school curricula. Pursue collaborations with the National Building Museum, the American Institute of Architects, and other professional design organizations to promote a broader public discourse on major urban design issues. 916.9

 

916.10Policy UD-4.1.5: Small Area Plans

 

Integrate urban design considerations into small area plans. Consider the use of illustrative design guidelines and place-specific urban design standards as part of these plans. 916.10

 

916.11Action UD-4.1.A: DC Urban Design Agenda

 

Prepare an “Urban Design Agenda” for the District of Columbia that articulates and illustrates citywide design principles for the city and its neighborhoods. 916.11

 

916.12Action UD-4.1.B: Expanding Design Review

 

Conduct an exploratory study on the expansion of design review requirements to areas beyond the city’s historic districts. The study should examine alternative approaches to carrying out design review requirements, including the use of advisory design review boards, and expansion of planning staff to carry out administrative reviews. 916.12

 

916.13Action UD-4.1.C: Review of Zoning Requirements

 

Adjust the processes and requirements for planned unit developments, site plans in the R-5-A zone districts, and large tract reviews in order to strengthen design amenities and promote higher design quality. 916.13

 

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.