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How D.C.'s Height Limit Has Shaped The Capital

Published May 30, 2014 at 12:24 PM CDT

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One of Washington, D.C.’s signatures is its low buildings and wide, sunny streets. It’s one of the things many residents love about the city, and that often strikes first-time visitors.

There’s a popular conception about why the buildings are so low: that a law says they either can’t be taller than the Capitol or the Washington Monument.

But that’s a myth. In reality, the height limit has to do with the building height-street width relationship.

Here & Now’s Jeremy Hobson talks to Lucy Kempf of the National Capital Planning Commission about the history of the building height limit, and how it’s shaped the look and feel of the city.

How D.C. could look if the height restriction changes

Guest

Lucy Kempf, senior urban planner at the National Capital Planning Commission.

This view from the observation level of Washington National Cathedral, looking toward the Capitol, shows D.C.'s characteristically low skyline compared to other large cities -- with the exception of the Washington Monument. (Mr. TinDC/Flickr)

Digital model of allowable building elevations if the maximum height went up to 160 feet (about 14 stories). (Background modeling images prepared by the District of Columbia Office of Planning)