NCPC to Study Relaxing D.C. Building Height Limits

In response to a formal request from Congress, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has agreed to study potential changes to D.C.'s Height of Buildings Act of 1910, a step that could result in the eventual change of the controversial law.

1 minute read

November 8, 2012, 2:00 PM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Acting on a request by House Government Reform and Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) to "help Congress and local leaders evaluate the case for expanding existing boundaries for vertical growth," the NCPC has agreed to commence a study of the law that has produced Washington D.C.'s iconic low-rise character, reports Ben Pershing. Debates flare up periodically about the potential modification of the Height of Buildings Act of 1910 [PDF],
which generally restricts buildings to a maximum height of 130 feet on commercial streets and 90 feet on residential streets.

As Pershing notes, opponents of the current height limitations argue that they have, "limited the city's tax base and
potential growth in areas like downtown, which is attracting more
workers and residents with little room to expand." Proponents see value in the city's  "much-praised skyline, with unobstructed views of monuments and other significant landmarks," and argue that the law encourages infill development and disperses growth. 

At Greater Greater Washington, David Alpert has compiled a more extensive list of the arguments for, and against, modifying the Act. 

 

Thursday, November 8, 2012 in The Washington Post

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight