Bill > B26-0008

This bill amends the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978 to prevent the Historic Preservation Review Board from reducing housing capacity during its review of new construction projects. Specifically, the bill prohibits the board from finding a proposed construction project "incompatible" if that finding would result in a reduction of floor area ratio, residential square footage, or dwelling unit density below what is currently permitted by zoning regulations or previously granted by the Zoning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustment. The bill removes "height" as a factor in defining historic preservation considerations and aims to protect existing housing potential when reviewing proposed developments in historic districts. This change is intended to balance historic preservation goals with housing needs by ensuring that preservation reviews cannot arbitrarily limit the number of housing units or density of a proposed project. The bill will take effect after mayoral approval, a 30-day congressional review period, and publication in the District of Columbia Register.

https://lims.dccouncil.gov/Legislation/B26-0008