Restricting Floodplain Development in the Nation's Capital

The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment has read the writing on the wall.

1 minute read

January 19, 2020, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Lincoln Memorial

LouieLea / Shutterstock

"A DC agency is considering changes to the city's floodplain regulations which would restrict construction in areas expected to be underwater in 2100," reports Nena Perry-Brown.

Namely, the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) "may amend its Flood Hazard Rules to expand the agency's purview over DC's floodplain, covering the 500-year floodplain rather than just the 100-year," according to Perry-Brown.

Those initial steps could all be prelude for an eventual decision by the DOEE to restrict development within the high tide mark—areas that are expected to be underwater by 2100.

"DOEE's proposed changes were included as part of a zoning application the Office of Planning (OP) filed to remove use prohibitions within the 100-year floodplain from the zoning code," adds Perry-Brown.

Monday, January 6, 2020 in Urban Turf

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Rendering of proposed housing development on former Desert Pines golf course in East Las Vegas, Nevada.

Las Vegas Golf Course to Become Over 1,000 Units of Affordable Housing

The project is part of an initiative to build affordable housing on shuttered golf courses.

November 20, 2024 - KTNV

Low close-up of busy city crosswalk in Vienna, Austria.

Planning for True Transportation Affordability: Beyond Common Misconceptions

Transportation affordability is important but often misunderstood, resulting in misguided solutions. New research helps identify ways to provide true affordability for economic freedom, opportunity and happiness.

November 21, 2024 - Todd Litman

Car parked at EV charging station in parking lot in Carlsbad, California.

California Governor Vows to Protect EV Credits

If the federal government eliminates the tax credit for electric vehicles, the governor will need legislative support to restart a state-level incentive program.

3 hours ago - The Hill

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

5 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

7 hours ago - StreetsBlog NYC

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.