2506. IM-1.5 PUBLIC INPUT

2506 IM-1.5 PUBLIC INPUT 2506.1 Washington, DC is committed to public involvement in local government affairs, particularly those relating to land use decisions. The District has one of the most extensive networks of resident and civic organizations, neighborhood organizations, advocacy groups, and special interest groups in the country. Its 40 ANCs provide a unique forum for seeking local input and expressing priorities on a range of land use issues. The Zoning Commission, Board of Zoning Adjustment, and the D.C. Council itself provide formalized opportunities for public discourse on land use matters. The internet, e-mail, social media, and other technologies have made information instantly accessible to thousands of residents, enabling unprecedented levels of participation in community meetings, summits, and forums. 2506.2 Policy IM-1.5.1 Equitable Public Participation Throughout the Comprehensive Plan, policies and actions describe various planning activities. District-led planning activities shall provide meaningful, accessible, and equitable opportunities for public participation early and throughout these planning activities. Planning activities led by other federal, regional, non-profit, or private entities will be encouraged to follow this policy guidance. Public outreach and engagement tools and practices should be developed appropriate to the needs of the communities included in the study, reflecting the geographic area, scale, and type of planning study. Partner with and involve the community in developing plans and studies, including the comprehensive plan, small area plans, and other District-sponsored plans. Use virtual public engagement options to expand public participation opportunities. To promote full, transparent, and equitable participation, public engagement must be undertaken that enables low-income households, communities of color, older adults, and individuals with disabilities to participate fully and equitably, recognizing potential disparities in access to information and technology, availability of time and resources, and other issues. 2506.3 Policy IM-1.5.2: ANC Involvement Include ANCs and area residents in the review of development to assist the District in responding to resident concerns. Consistent with requirements of District Code, ANC issues and concerns, as embodied in resolutions, should be given great weight as land use decisions are made. 2506.4 Policy IM-1.5.3: Promoting Community Involvement Encourage the community to take a more proactive role in planning and development review, and to be involved in Comprehensive Plan development, amendment, and implementation. A variety of means should be used to secure community input, including advisory and technical committees, community workshops, review of draft texts, public forums and hearings, and other means of discussion and communication. 2506.5 Policy IM-1.5.4: Faith-Based Institutions Recognize the importance of faith-based institutions to neighborhood life in Washington, DC, including their role as neighborhood centers, social service providers, and community anchors. Work collaboratively with local faith-based institutions in neighborhood planning and development initiatives to address community needs, and to reach residents who might not otherwise participate in local planning initiatives. Encourage partnerships with faith-based institutions to develop affordable housing and community services. 2506.6 Policy IM-1.5.5: Transparency in Decision-Making Strongly encourage transparent decision-making in all land use and development matters, making information available and accessible to residents, and maintaining open lines of communication with the public as plans are developed. 2506.7 Policy IM-1.5.6: Electronic Media Enhance communication between residents, organizations, and the District government by providing access to information through electronic media and other methods. 2506.8 Policy: IM-1.5.7: Language Access Consistent with the District’s Language Access Act, provide equal access and participatory opportunities for District residents who cannot (or have limited capacity to) speak, read, or write English in planning processes and initiatives. 2506.9 Action IM-1.5.A: Planning Publications Continue the development of easy-to-understand written and electronic guides to help residents navigate the planning and building processes, comprehend land use planning and zoning regulations, and follow the standards, procedures, and expectations used in local planning activities. SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Comprehensive Plan 10-A DCMR § 2506