green: Land Use

Land Use

The District's Comprehensive Plan conveys that the quality of the life of residents and visitors to the city is inextricably linked to the health of the city's environment. As such, the District considers sustainable development to be a critical feature in guiding future growth. By promoting low impact development, green building, riverfront restoration, transit options, and walkable neighborhoods, among other strategies, Washington aspires to be a leader in environmentally sensitive land use policies.

Facts

With 7,800 acres of parkland, the District has the most park space among the U.S.'s most populous cities.

Land Use Resources

District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan: Developed by the DC Office of Planning, the Comprehensive Plan provides guidance for the future development of the city. The Comprehensive Plan was most recently revised in 2006.

The Anacostia Waterfront Initiative*: This summary by the Office of Planning gives an overview of the plans to create a new Anacostia waterfront. For more information, please visit the Office of Planning's Anacostia Waterfront Initiative.

Capital Space Program: Capital Space is a collaboration between District and federal partners to improve and expand the District's park space.

Center City Action Agenda: The Center City Action Agenda is an effort by the Office of Planning to develop a vision and plan for emerging neighborhoods around the District's traditional downtown. The Agenda's objectives have important implications for promoting sustainability in the District.

Voluntary Clean-Up Program, District Department of the Environment: Provides information on restoring contaminated sites to productive uses.

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