Relevant dates and timing for 3101 Albemarle are shown in bold.
Planning
- Applicant begins the process with the Office of Planning (OP) and other relevant District agencies (in this case the Historic Preservation Office (HPO)) to work through the elements of the proposed project including: site plan, zoning relief, amenities, suitability with Comprehensive Plan, materials, building scale, initial community response, and other details. [September 2016-present]
- At the same time, applicant initiates a dialogue with the closest neighbors, the broader community and the ANC, presenting the plan, discussing amenities, listening and responding to concerns and suggestions. PUD planning is an iterative process during which the plans evolve in response to both city officials and the community and happens over a period of many months. [September 2016-present]
Notice and Filing
- As plans near completion, at least 45 days in advance of filing, applicant mails a Notice of Intent to file the application to 200-foot neighbors and the ANC. [June 2017]
- Applicant makes best effort to present plans at an ANC meeting during this 45-day period. [September 2017]
- Applicant files application with the Office of Zoning (OZ), certifying that copy has already been sent to the ANC and OP [expected October 2017]
Review and Setdown
- OZ reviews application for completeness. Once complete, application is available online through OZ website IZIS [within ten days after application is filed]
- OZ refers application to OP to prepare a setdown report. OP makes a recommendation as to whether the application should be scheduled “set down” for a public zoning hearing.
- OZ refers application to ANC for consideration at public meeting. ANC votes on recommendation regarding setdown [ANC will have 30 days to respond]
- At a regularly scheduled meeting, the Zoning Commission (ZC) will consider whether or not to schedule a hearing. [At least 35 days after the application is filed. Timing is dependent on the ZC’s caseload]
- The ZC will take one of the following actions:
- Schedule the application for a hearing;
- Continue the setdown to permit the applicant to provide further information or modify its design;
- Dismiss the application because of a technical or procedural defect or to allow for needed modifications to be made; or
- Deny the application on its merits.
Zoning Commission Hearing
- Assuming a hearing is scheduled, notice will be published in the DC Register and notification sent to the ANC, 200-foot neighbors, OP and others at least 40 days in advance.
- ANC will take final action at a public meeting prior to the hearing. Its report will be given great weight. [Report must be submitted 7 days prior to hearing]
- Hearing includes presentation by the applicant, testimony from OP and other District agencies, the ANC, community groups, and any individuals who wish to testify (see below).
- People or entities with “Party Status” may also present witnesses, cross-examine witnesses, file pleadings and proposed orders, among other things. [See How to Participate #5, for more information]
- Zoning Commission takes “Proposed Action” following the hearing and the Draft Order is published in the DC Register
How to Participate in the PUD Process
Community participation and opinion is a critical component of PUDs from the earliest planning stage all the way through the Zoning Commission hearing. Here’s what you can do:
- Attend ANC and other community meetings about the PUD. Ask questions and voice your opinion. Contact Naomi Rutenberg and your SMD Commissioner to ask to be invited to meetings and to receive updates.
- Write to the ANC. For 3101 Albemarle, write to Naomi Rutenberg at [email protected]. Copy the other commissioners so they’ll be fully informed. Email addresses can be found at anc3f.com/about.
- Write to the Office of Planning. Neighborhood opinion is very important to OP in preparing its report. Address comments to Joel Lawson, Associate Director of Development Review at [email protected] with a copy to Steve Calllcott, Deputy Preservation Officer at [email protected].
- Testify at the hearing. Anyone may do so.
- Apply for “Party Status”. While anyone may testify, those with party status have additional standing. The applicant and the ANC automatically receive party status. Neighbors within 200 feet of the property are considered “uniquely affected” and often apply for party status. To qualify otherwise, you must show that you would likely be “more significantly, distinctively, or uniquely affected” by the project than other members of the general public. Learn more including how to apply: dcoz.dc.gov/page/party-status-request. You must apply within 45 days of the hearing.