D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10, r. 10-A904
The escarpments, ridges, hills, plateaus, rivers, and streams of the District of Columbia are major components of the city's identity. This is particularly true in the neighborhoods located on the hills and ridges beyond the L'Enfant city. The terrain creates a variety of views to, from, and in some instances, between significant resources. Views range from panoramic Fort Reno to the more intimate views of forested parks and stream valleys found in many neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River and in Northwest DC. 904.1
In many American cities, natural form has been destroyed through grading, rerouting of rivers, and clear cutting of forests. Not so in Washington. As Map 9.1 indicates, many of the city's most prominent natural features remain intact today and are an important element of the District's skyline. 904.2
Policy UD-1.2.1: Respecting Natural Features in Development
Respect and perpetuate the natural features of Washington's landscape. In low-density, wooded or hilly areas, new construction should preserve natural features rather than altering them to accommodate development. Density in such areas should be limited and setbacks should be provided as needed to protect natural features such as streams and wetlands. Where appropriate, clustering of development should be considered as a way to protect natural resources. 904.3
Policy UD-1.2.2: Protecting the Topographic "Bowl"
Consistent with the Federal Elements of the Comprehensive Plan, maintain the prominence of the topographic bowl formed by lowland and rim features of the L'Enfant city (see text box). This should include preserving the green setting of the Anacostia hills and maintaining the visual prominence of the Florida Avenue escarpment. 904.4
Policy UD-1.2.3: Ridgeline Protection
Protect prominent ridgelines so as to maintain and enhance the District's physical image and horizontal skyline. 904.5
Policy UD-1.2.4: View Protection
Recognize and protect major views in the city, particularly characteristic views of city landmarks, and views from important vantage points. Recognize the importance of views to the quality of life in the city and the identity of Washington and its neighborhoods. 904.6
The Topographic Bowl and City Plan
The historic center of Washington occupies a low-lying "bowl" of river flats formed by the junction of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers. The bowl is surrounded by a ring of hills, ridges, and upland areas.
The flat topography of the area within the original L'Enfant city lends itself to radial boulevards terminating on monuments or far-reaching vistas. Such geometric road patterns would have been less effective on rolling hills. In outlying areas, where the topography is more varied, important landmarks are often closely related to features of the natural setting. The National Cathedral, for example, is sited on one of the highest ridgelines in the District, affording great visibility of the structure from many points in the city and beyond. Similar promontories exist east of the Anacostia River-on sites such as St. Elizabeth's Hospital and along the Fort Circle Parks.
Map 9.1: Prominent Topographic Features of Washington
Action UD-1.2.A: Review of Zoning Designations
Conduct a review of zoning designations in environmentally sensitive areas, including wetlands, riparian areas and upland areas along stream valleys, steep slopes, and areas of soil instability to identify areas where current zoning may permit excessive density, given site constraints. Recommend zoning changes and/or overlay designations as necessary to protect these areas. 904.9
Action UD-1.2.B: Creating View Plane Regulations
Conduct a review of desirable views, creating view plane diagrams, affording analysis of desired possibilities, and developing zoning regulations accordingly.
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-A904