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Heights & Views

An unmistakable skyline and unobstructed views to civic symbols are fundamental to Washington’s image and experience. The 1910 federal Height of Buildings Act plays a central role in shaping the city’s character. It regulates building height based upon the width of the street the building faces, generally capped at 130 feet on commercial streets. The capital city’s legacy plans prioritized strong view corridors and view sheds, further defined in NCPC’s Urban Design Element. Together, NCPC’s project review, urban design studies, and policy development continue to reinforce the significance of heights and views in our nation’s capital.

Highlight: Height Master Plan

At the 2012 request of the Committee of Oversight and Government Reform Chairman, NCPC and the District of Columbia Office of Planning conducted a joint Height Master Plan to explore the impact of strategic changes to the federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910.

The plan explored potential strategic changes to the Height Act that could protect national interests, including views to and from iconic institutions and civic features, and meet important long-term development goals.

The Commission released the plan following a year-long study with extensive community engagement and technical studies. It reaffirmed the importance of the Height Act, and noted the potential for significant adverse impacts to national resources from increasing building heights, particularly within the L’Enfant City. There may be long-term opportunities for strategic changes in areas outside of the L'Enfant City where there are fewer federal interests. Congress later enacted only minor changes to the Act, for penthouses.

Height Master Plan Final Report

NCPC Key Guidance

Height of Buildings Act (1910)

This federal law imposes maximum heights on buildings within Washington, DC based upon the width of the street, to a maximum height of 130 feet (commercial streets) and 90 feet (residential streets), and 160 feet for parts of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW. The Act is implemented through the District of Columbia’s Zoning Regulations for private property and through NCPC’s review of development proposals on federal property.

Federal Urban Design Element

This element, adopted in 2016, promotes quality design and development in the region that reinforces its unique role as the nation's capital and creates a welcoming and livable environment for people.

Overhead Wires Law (1888)

Congress passed a law in September 15, 1888 that prohibited overhead wires in certain parts of Washington, DC. The law is still observed and enforced to this day.