The distinct characteristics of many of the District's neighborhoods are expressed in their local shopping areas. Neighborhood business districts often reflect the ethnic heritage, building patterns, and architectural and social history of the communities that surround them. They provide places to interact with neighbors, and in many cases, a public domain with active street life and character. 712.1
From an economic development standpoint, the District's neighborhood shopping areas generate property and sales taxes, provide jobs, and meet local needs for goods and services. The economic health of these areas varies widely across the city. In shopping districts that are thriving, the city will promote continued patronage, variety, and quality, while addressing issues such as parking and aesthetics. In shopping districts that are struggling, more strategic decisions must be made, taking into account the long-term viability of each area. A range of solutions-including phasing out obsolete commercial areas in favor of new uses like housing-may be needed to address chronic challenges such as boarded up storefronts, concerns about public safety, and a lack of access to financing. 712.2
The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9 a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A712