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The government uses zoning ordinances, building height limits, safety codes, and historic preservation laws to influence the design of buildings. But those regulations can’t generally outlaw an eyesore or maintain the character of a neighborhood.

DC has a comprehensive master plan for the whole city. Part of that includes zoning ordinances which specify rules for land use, density, and parking. Plus, building heights in DC are constrained by the 1910 Height of Buildings Act passed by Congress. But often, DC zoning ordinances set height limits even lower. However, the act is currently under consideration by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and the DC Office of Planning. After studying the issue, the Office of Planning found that only a…

Two unit properties in Washington, DC used to be a hassle. But now the mayor of DC, Vincent Gray, is encouraging population density by making it easier for homeowners to create two unit properties. This is all part of the mayor’s Sustainable DC Plan released this month. The proposal aims to make DC “the healthiest, greenest, and most livable” city in the country over the next two decades.

By 2032, the plan targets to add 250,000 new residents to the DC population. Where are all of these people going to live? Right now, DC has approximately 300,000 residential units, which includes houses, condos, cooperatives, and apartments. 

In order to allow for the influx of new residents, Action 1.4 of the Built Environment section of the Sustainable DC Plan aims…