CAG Participating in Office of Planning Re-write of Zoning Ordinances

As one of Mayor Fenty’s first year initiatives, the Office of Planning has launched a massive re-write of the half-century old zoning ordinance, which manages the physical development and permitted uses of properties. It’s an historic opportunity to literally shape the city’s future, and your help is needed.

DC’s zoning ordinance, approved in 1958, is now the second oldest of any major US city. Since the 50’s, the ordinance has been piled with amendment upon amendment in a struggle to keep it relevant to modern technology and best practices; the potential inconsistencies and unintended consequences are legion.

The re-write process has begun with 20 working groups (composed of interested citizens, no previous experience needed) reviewing such wide-ranging subject areas as Retail Strategy, Campus/Institutional Uses, Sustainability (never envisioned in the 1958 ordinance!), Arts & Culture, Historic Preservation, Parks/Open Space and, for the really hardcore, Height, Density or PUDs (Planned Unit Developments). Working groups meet 4 to 6 times to hammer out recommendations. Afterwards, recommendations for each subject area will be reviewed by the Zoning Review Task Force (selected by the Mayor) and then forwarded on to the Zoning Commission for a public hearing.

The working groups are well underway, and the work is fascinating. The Parking and Loading working group, for example, struggles to reconcile parking demands with increasing traffic congestion. The Historic Structures group wrestles with maintaining the integrity of residential neighborhoods. The Office of Planning has no easy task, and input is essential.

To stay informed or to sign up as a participant in one or more working groups, go to www.dczoningupdate.org or contact CAG for more information.

- Louise Brodnitz