D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1008
1008.1 The treasured image of Washington, DC and its wealth of historic buildings and neighborhoods is matched by few other cities in the United States. These assets include the grand and monumental legacies of the L’Enfant and McMillan Plans, as well as the social story that is embodied in each of the District’s neighborhoods. The natural beauty of Washington, DC is also an inseparable part of the District’s historic image. This is a landscape whose inherent attractiveness made it a place of settlement even before it was the nation’s capital.
1008.2 After two centuries of growth, the image of Washington, DC remains strong and distinctive. The District’s historic urban design, federal institutions, and national monuments largely define this vision, but the District spreads far beyond its monumental core. The District’s business center is endowed with historic commercial architecture and a carefully maintained mid-rise scale. Washington, DC is a mosaic of distinctive neighborhoods that create the setting for the District’s social and cultural life. These aspects of Washington, DC’s heritage also have a role in shaping the capital’s historic image.
Washington, DC’s historic plans and wealth of historic federal buildings, monuments, and precincts are significant to the District and the nation. Of equal importance are the historic landmarks and districts, and heritage of the residents and businesses, contributing to Washington, DC’s image. The District of Columbia takes seriously its stewardship responsibilities to all of these resources and to preserve the fundamental historic character and image of Washington, DC as the District develops.
Protect and enhance the views and vistas, both natural and designed, that are an integral part of Washington, DC’s historic image. Preserve the historic skyline formed by the region’s natural features and topography, and its historically significant buildings and monuments. Avoid intrusions, such as communication antennas and water towers. As the District benefits from new growth, preserve the historic scale and character established by its building height limits, including the 1910 Height of Buildings Act.
Encourage new architectural contributions that complement and enrich the District’s design heritage and historic character.
Recognize the distinctive character of Washington DC’s historic downtown and varied neighborhoods as one of the District’s prime attractions and competitive
strengths. As Washington, DC grows, encourage compatible new development that enlivens downtown and enhances the character and distinction of its neighborhoods.
Control commercial signage to avoid vacant and underused billboards and intrusion upon the District’s monumental grandeur and residential neighborhoods. Support the District’s economic vitality and quality of life through carefully considered policies and regulations for commercial signage in designated entertainment areas.
Transportation infrastructure should be compatible with the character of the Plan of the City of Washington and the District’s historic properties.
See the Urban Design Element for additional policies and actions related to the District’s image and character.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).