Section 11-X600. DESIGN REVIEW PURPOSE

600.1 The purpose of the design review process is to:

(a) Allow for special projects to be approved by the Zoning Commission after a public hearing and a finding of no adverse impact;

(b) Recognize that some areas of the District of Columbia warrant special attention due to particular or unique characteristics of an area or project;

(c) Permit some projects to voluntarily submit themselves for design review under this chapter in exchange for flexibility because the project is superior in design but does not need extra density;

(d) Promote high-quality, contextual design; and

(e) Provide for flexibility in building bulk control, design, and site placement without an increase in density or a map amendment.

600.2 The design review process is intended to be shorter and less intensive than the PUD process and allow less deviation from matter-of-right zone standards.

600.3 A comprehensive public review by the Zoning Commission of the specific development proposal is required in order to evaluate the design of the project in proportion to the design flexibility requested.

600.4 While providing for greater flexibility in planning and design than may be possible under matter-of-right zoning procedures, the design review process shall not be used to circumvent the intent and purposes of the Zoning Regulations, or to result in action that is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan.

600.5 A map amendment or an increase in density shall not be permitted as part of a design review application.

 

authority

§ 1 of the Zoning Act of 1938, approved June 20, 1938 (52 Stat. 797, as amended; D.C. Official Code § 6-641.01 (2012 Repl.)).

source

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447, 3454 (March 4, 2016 – Part 2).