604. DESIGN REVIEW STANDARDS

DESIGN REVIEW STANDARDS 604.1 The Zoning Commission will evaluate and approve or disapprove a design review application subject to this chapter according to the standards of this section and for Mandatory Design Reviews subject to this chapter according to the standards stated in the provisions that require Zoning Commission review. For Mandatory Design Review, the application must also meet the requirements of the provisions that mandated Zoning Commission approval. The applicant shall have the burden of proof to justify the granting of the application according to these standards. The applicant shall not be relieved of the responsibility of proving the case by a preponderance of the evidence, even if no evidence or arguments are presented in opposition to the case. The Zoning Commission shall find that the proposed design review development is not inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan and with other adopted public policies and active programs related to the subject site. The Zoning Commission shall find that the proposed design review development will not tend to affect adversely the use of neighboring property and meets the general special exception criteria of Subtitle X, Chapter 9. The Zoning Commission shall review the urban design of the site and the building for the following criteria: Street frontages are designed to be safe, comfortable, and encourage pedestrian activity, including: Multiple pedestrian entrances for large developments; Direct driveway or garage access to the street is discouraged; Commercial ground floors contain active uses with clear, inviting windows; Blank facades are prevented or minimized; and Wide sidewalks are provided; Public gathering spaces and open spaces are encouraged, especially in the following situations: Where neighborhood open space is lacking; Near transit stations or hubs; and When they can enhance existing parks and the waterfront; New development respects the historic character of Washington’s neighborhoods, including: Developments near the District’s major boulevards and public spaces should reinforce the existing urban form; Infill development should respect, though need not imitate, the continuity of neighborhood architectural character; and Development should respect and protect key landscape vistas and axial views of landmarks and important places; Buildings strive for attractive and inspired façade design, including: Reinforce the pedestrian realm with elevated detailing and design of first (1st) and second (2nd) stories; and Incorporate contextual and quality building materials and fenestration; Sites are designed with sustainable landscaping; and Sites are developed to promote connectivity both internally and with surrounding neighborhoods, including: Pedestrian pathways through developments increase mobility and link neighborhoods to transit; The development incorporates transit and bicycle facilities and amenities; Streets, easements, and open spaces are designed to be safe and pedestrian friendly; Large sites are integrated into the surrounding community through street and pedestrian connections; and Waterfront development contains high quality trail and shoreline design as well as ensuring access and view corridors to the waterfront. The Zoning Commission shall find that the criteria of Subtitle X § 604.7 are met in a way that is superior to any matter-of-right development possible on the site. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447, 3454 (March 4, 2016 – Part 2); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 22 (January 6, 2017); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 65 DCR 11927 (October 26, 2018); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 70 DCR 011297 (August 25, 2023). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Zoning Regulations of 2016: General Procedures 11-X DCMR § 604