(Washington, DC) –-The Office of Planning, in coordination with the Office of Zoning, will be soon be initiating a two-year public process to update and rewrite the DC Zoning Regulations, which have not been comprehensively rewritten since 1958.

"After more than four years in the works, our new Comprehensive Plan is now in effect,” said Harriet Tregoning, director of the Office of Planning. “Now it is our job to make sure our zoning regulations match the new land use polices spelled out in this very important document.”

The Zoning Commission is interested in hearing views from the public on whether the regulations should be completely overhauled or simply amended; what specific sections are effective, ineffective or in need of special study; and best practices used in other jurisdictions. The roundtables will not focus on any specific development project and participants should avoid discussion of individual cases.

These meetings will be the first of many opportunities to participate in the potential rewrite of the zoning regulations and for the public to discuss issues relating to the existing zoning ordinance and any suggestions for proposed revisions. Members of the public are encouraged to participate at all phases of the process.

This process will begin with two roundtable meetings before the Zoning Commission on Thursday, June 21, 2007, and Thursday, July 12, 2007, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm, at 441 4th Street, NW Room 220, Washington, DC, 20001.  

Individuals or organizations who would like to address the Commission should contact the Office of Zoning at (202) 727-6311. Any individual may sign up to speak for up to three minutes. Organizations may speak for up to five minutes. Participants are encouraged to submit a written copy of their testimony in case there is not ample time.

Questions regarding the rewrite process should be directed to Travis Parker at (202) 741-5243 or Jennifer Steingasser at (202) 442-8808.