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The Federal Planning Agency for America's Capital
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Legislative Authorities

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) is an independent executive agency charged with oversight of the development of federal property within the National Capital Region. Its fundamental authority derives from the National Capital Planning Act of 1952, as amended. This legislation created the National Capital Planning Commission as it exists today. While the National Capital Planning Act defines and authorizes NCPC’s core mission, other authorities serve as the basis for additional Commission activities.

Capper-Cramton Act

Capper-Cramton Act

(Act of May 29, 1930, Pub. L. No.72-284, 46 Stat 482 (May 29, 1930), as amended by the Act of August 8, 1946, Pub. L. No. 79-699, 60 Stat. 960 (1946), as amended by The National Capital Planning Act, Pub. L. No.82-592, sec. 10, 66 Stat. 781, 791 (July 19, 1952), as amended by Act of August 21, 1958, Pub. L. No. 85-707, 72 Stat. 705 (1958)).

The Capper-Cramton Act authorized

  • the acquisition of land with federal funds for the George Washington Memorial Parkway on both sides of the Potomac River.
  • the acquisition of certain enumerated stream valleys in Maryland and Virginia for park purposes with all land acquired to be titled in the name of the individual states or a designated park authority
  • NCPC to enter into agreements with Maryland or Virginia to flesh out the financial, development and management terms for the acquired lands.
  • acquisition of land in Washington, DC for park, parkway and playground development.

Today, NCPC’s Capper-Cramton authority applies only in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties, Maryland for those designated stream valley parks acquired with Capper-Cramton funds and placed under the jurisdiction of the Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). It also extends to review of changes to land used on the Maryland side of the Potomac for parkway use. Based on an agreement with M-NCPPC, the Commission’s authority over these lands extends to approval of development plans, changes to development plans, and changes in use from parkland to non-parkland use.

The National Capital Planning Commission is the federal government's planning agency for the National Capital Region.

The 12-member Commission meets monthly to adopt, approve, or provide advice on plans and projects that impact the nation's capital and surrounding areas.

401 9th Street, NW
Suite 500N
Washington DC 20004
Phone: (202) 482-7200
Email: info@ncpc.gov
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