The deadline is approaching for individuals and groups to submit proposed amendments to the District of Columbia's Comprehensive Plan, which guides future growth and development in the District. May 26 is the last day of the 60-day "open call" period for amendment proposals and related input on the plan.

The Comprehensive Plan addresses land use, economic development, housing, environmental protection, historic preservation, transportation, and more. The D.C. Office of Planning (OP) is leading the effort to update the plan "to ensure that it remains responsive to the needs of the community."

OP is accepting amendment applications online at amendplandc.dc.gov. The office provides technical assistance and guidance on how to properly structure amendments. Individuals and groups that would like to share a general idea for consideration, rather than apply for a specific amendment, can contact the project team at plandc@dc.gov.

D.C.'s Comprehensive Plan is a 20-year framework originally adopted in 2006 and last amended in 2011. Since then, faster-than-expected growth as well as changing conditions and community priorities have prompted OP to undertake a process for a second round of amendments to ensure that "the Comprehensive Plan reflects the changing conditions and community priorities throughout Washington, D.C."

An interagency review team will provide written justification for why every proposed amendment should or should not be incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan. An evaluation framework sets forth the criteria the team will use to evaluate each proposed amendment.

Anyone wishing to submit an amendment application is encouraged to plan ahead and allot enough time to complete the application form in accordance with the evaluation criteria.