D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 627
627.1 Two other environmental hazards are addressed in this Comprehensive Plan. The first, light pollution, has been raised in the past around the Naval Observatory in the northwest quadrant. In some instances, brighter lighting may be desirable to enhance public safety or illuminate civic buildings and monuments. In other instances dark skies are more desirable. Where lighting is required or desired, steps can be taken to use the correct number of lights, coloring, and brightness of lighting for the desired purpose; direct the lighting appropriately; employ energy-efficient lighting devices; and design and install quality lighting that reduces sharp contrast, glare, and halo effects. Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are the second hazard, which can be attributed to communication antennas and electric power facilities. Maintain compliance with all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) siting standards for communication antennas and electric power facilities.
Incorporate prudent avoidance in decisions regarding the approval, location or routing, and intensity of facilities that generate EMF, such as power lines and communication antennas in accordance with FCC guidelines. Such facilities should be located only when and where necessary, based on local service needs, and should be designed using methods to mitigate involuntary public exposure to potential adverse effects.
Consider the joint use and co-location of communication antennas to reduce the number of towers necessary, thereby reducing aesthetic impacts and limiting the area of radiofrequency exposure.
Consistent with the goals of Sustainable DC, maintain regulations for outdoor lighting to reduce light pollution, conserve energy, and reduce impact on wildlife, particularly migratory birds. Particular attention should be given to preventing glare and nighttime light trespass near the Naval Observatory, so that its operational needs are respected.
Work to reduce backlight, uplight, and glare and identify programmatic improvements such as increased education and outreach on light standards and requirements.
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)).