Photo by Cickatoes

In its final set of recommendations on the Height Act, the National Capital Planning Commission allows for taller buildings in some parts of D.C. with a big catch: Congressional review.

Under the NCPC’s recommendations, the Height Act would remain the same inside the L’Enfant City, which “generally includes all areas bounded by Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Florida Avenue and the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers,” to “protect the integrity of the form and character of the nation’s capital.” Outside, D.C. could propose to exceed the limit as long as NCPC and Congress is cool with it.

The limits currently established in the federal Height Act should remain in place unless and until the District completes an update to the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan where targeted area(s) that meet specific planning goals and also do not impact federal interests that are identified. Under this recommendation, building heights in targeted areas may be proposed to exceed the maximums under the federal law; and these may be authorized through the existing Comprehensive Plan process, pending Congressional approval. Should such targeted exceptions be authorized through the Comprehensive Plan, the Height Act would remain in place for all other areas both inside and outside of the L’Enfant City.

An October Council hearing on the Height Act brought out much opposition to the Office of Planning’s proposed changes, which include modifying the formula that determines building height.

The NCPC will meet tomorrow to review the report.