The Director of Planning is required to review projects that the Department of Buildings (DOB) identifies as within Chinatown. Once an application is reviewed for completeness at DOB, the Plan Review Coordinator will refer the project to the design review staff for Chinatown Design Review. The design review staff consult with the Chinatown Steering Committee.

Review Criteria

Pursuant to Mayor’s Order No. 89-132, dated June 9, 1989, the Director of Planning shall review referred applications on the basis of the following:

• Consistency of the proposed project with the District elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital and the Chinatown Design Guidelines Study Report
• Contribution of building design, including sign and awnings, to the Chinese identity of Chinatown
• Chinese character of public space improvements and the contribution of those improvements to increased pedestrian activity

If your project proposes major new construction for Chinatown, we strongly recommend the owner submit a Chinatown Design Review application and design documents directly to the Office of Planning during the early phases of design prior to submitting construction documents for the DOB permit application process. Considering this option will save time during the approval process.

Attached resources will assist you with understanding the Municipal Regulation and the Chinatown Design Review Application Process.