• By Steve Morgan
• April 20, 2023

Resource Guide: NCPC Plan Review

One of NCPC’s core activities is to review federal plans and projects, a responsibility established with the National Capital Planning Act of 1952. NCPC’s review role is unique: federal properties are not subject to local land use controls elsewhere in the United States. Congress authorized NCPC to have approval or advisory authority over most federal plans and projects in the National Capital Region, recognizing the large federal landholdings and the need for orderly development.

NCPC’s review of plans and projects include master plans; building, site, and park projects; commemorative works; foreign missions; and transfers of jurisdiction. NCPC has prepared a resource guide to assist applicant agencies in understanding the review process.

The review process is conducted in phases which depend on the type of project. Phases for a typical project include:

• Pre-Submission Briefing – gives applicants vital information and feedback from the staff.
• Concept Review – gives the Commission its first look at the project and provides comments to the applicants.
• Preliminary Review – a more detailed look at the project to ensure it is consistent with NCPC policies and planning principles.
• Final Review – the Commission confirms the design details developed since the preliminary review.

There are other phases and other types of review depending on the type of project it is. The best path for success is to consult with NCPC’s staff early and get a pre-submission briefing.

The resource guide provides valuable information to understand the responsibilities, authorities, and processes that are involved in reviewing plans and projects in the National Capital Region. NCPC encourages applicants to use the guide to better understand the review process when preparing their plans and submissions.

Resource Guide