Photo by Cickatoes

As the National Capital Planning Commission prepares to vote on its final recommendations on possible changes to the Height Act, the D.C. Council introduced a resolution today condemning any amendments to the 1910 law.

Council Chair Phil Mendelson, an ex officio member of the NCPC, and 11 Councilmembers co-introduced the bill. Only Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) did not.

In the resolution, Mendelson cites an October Council hearing where the majority of witness were against any changes.

“There may be need to revise the Height Act, but such legislative action should wait, be carefully limited to need demonstrated by thorough analysis, be informed by a clear follow (not precede) prescriptions of a new, well-vetted Comprehensive Plan,” the resolution states. “The District’s skyline is a unique and distinguishing feature that promotes human scale as well as highlights national and local landmarks. The Height Act has not only distinguished the District from all other major U.S. cities, but it has enabled a legacy that should be continued. Loss of that legacy can never be recovered.”

NCPC has proposed giving the city the ability to propose changes the the Height Act outside of the L’Enfant City, which “generally includes all areas bounded by Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, Florida Avenue and the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers.” The changes would go through the Comprehensive Plan process, then would have to be approved by the Council, NCPC and Congress.

Sense of the Council Against Amending the 1910 Height Act Resolution of 2013