National Capital Planning Commission – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) adopted the Submission Guidelines Equity Updates on June 6, 2024. Federal and non- Federal agency applicants whose development proposals and plans are subject to statutory mandated Commission plan and project review must submit their proposals to the Commission following a process laid out in the Submission Guidelines. The updates to the Submission Guidelines support the updates to the Introduction Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements. The Submission Guidelines are available online at: https://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/ intro/.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has released a draft of a revised Introduction Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements for public review. The chapter establishes the planning framework for the Comprehensive Plan's Federal Elements to guide agency actions, including review of projects and long-range plans that affect federal buildings, installations, campuses, and master plans in the National Capital Region. The revisions include references to equity considerations. A Notice of a 90-day Public Comment Period and Public Meetings for updates to the Submission Guidelines related to equity is published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register. NCPC will host two public information sessions for the public to learn more about the draft revisions. The draft Introduction Chapter is available online for review at https:// www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/Intro.

This notice announces the membership of the National Capital Planning Commission Senior Executive Service Performance Review Board in accordance with section 4314(c) of Title 5, U.S.C. and 5 CFR 430.311.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) amended the boundary and definition of the Central Employment Area of the 2016 Federal Workplace Element (Element) of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements on March 4, 2021. The amendment includes a federal/District designation of a Central Employment Area, which prioritizes the location of federal workplaces in Washington, DC.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) adopted the Federal Environment Element, Section G of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements on November 5, 2020. The Element establishes policies in Section G to preserve and replace trees that are impacted by development on federal land so they contribute to the sustainability of the National Capital Region's environment. The National Capital Region includes the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in Virginia; and all cities within the boundaries of these counties. Section G of the Element provides the policy framework for Commission actions on plans and projects subject to Commission review.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has adopted revised Submission Guidelines related to tree preservation and replacement on federal development sites. Federal and non-federal agency applicants whose development proposals and plans are subject to statutory mandated Commission plan and project review must submit their proposals to the Commission following a process laid out in the Submission Guidelines. The adopted Submission Guidelines support the adopted revised Federal Environment Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital, Section G: Federal Elements which NCPC also adopted on November 5, 2020.

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) is providing notice of its intention to update and reissue one system of records (System of Records or Systems) currently titled, NCPC-1, Mailing ListsNCPC. The category of records to be adopted include the previously adopted list of Federal, State, and local government officials, neighborhood groups, and private citizens of the National Capital Region desiring information on Commission business and activities. New records incorporated into the System of Records include: Contact information for Commission members and designated alternatives; points of contact for media outlets seeking Commission announcements and press releases; and federal agency contacts for agencies submitting projects for inclusion in the Federal Capital Improvement Plan (FCIP) prepared by NCPC.

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) is providing notice of a new system of records (System of Records or Systems) titled, NCPC-5, General Information Technology Records System. This system consists of information collected in order to provide authorized individuals with access to NCPC information technology resources. Upon adoption the new System of Records will be titled NCPC- 5, General Information Technology Records System.

In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) is providing notice of a new system of records (System of Records or Systems) titled, NCPC-3, Financial System. The categories of records to be adopted include any individual or organization that serves as a creditor to NCPC, including parties for which reimbursable services are performed and employees for expense reimbursements. New records incorporated into the System of Records include: Individual's names; tax identification number, which may be a Social Security Number in certain instances; addresses and other general contact information, such as phone numbers, Facsimile numbers, or email addresses; records of expenses (bills, refund checks, out-of-pocket travel expenses); records of payments; disbursement schedules; monies owed; and electronic financial institution data. Upon adoption the new System of Records will be titled NCPC-3, Financial System.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has released a revision to the Submission Guidelines updating the requirements and criteria for antennas placed on Federal and certain District buildings and lands in the National Capital Region. Federal and District agency applicants who are seeking to place antennas on their property are subject to review by the Commission following a process laid out in the Submission Guidelines. The proposed revisions to the Antenna Submission Guidelines address several deficiencies in the current guidelines, namely: Adding definitions for small cells and temporary antennas; including several new criteria to help protect viewsheds and address multiple antennas on building rooftops; and identifying the review process for temporary and small cell antennas. NCPC will host one virtual meeting for the public to learn more about the revisions in the draft Antenna Submission Guidelines.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has released a draft of the Federal Environment Element, Section G of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements for public review. The Element establishes policies in Section G to preserve and replace trees that are impacted by development on Federal land so they contribute to the sustainability of the National Capital Region's environment. NCPC will host an information session for the public to learn more about the draft policies related to tree replacement in Section G of the Federal Environment Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) adopted the Federal Transportation Element (Element) and Transportation Addendum of the ``Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements'' on July 9, 2020. The Element guides the development and maintenance of a multimodal transportation system that meets the needs of federal workers, residents, and visitors, while improving regional mobility, transportation access, and environmental quality in the National Capital Region. The National Capital Region includes the District of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland; Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in Virginia; and all cities within the boundaries of these counties. The Element provides the policy framework for Commission actions on plans and projects subject to Commission review.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has released a draft of the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements for public review. The element establishes policies to support a regional multimodal transportation system that promotes responsible land use and development and contributes to a high quality of life for residents, workers, and visitors. The draft Transportation Element is available online for review at https://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/transportation.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and the Smithsonian Institution (Smithsonian) have entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) effective December 20, 2018. The MOA details the process the two agencies will follow to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) 42 U.S.C. 4371). NCPC has a NEPA obligation for projects submitted by the Smithsonian to NCPC for review and approval. The Smithsonian is not considered a federal agency for NEPA purposes and has no NEPA obligation. The MOA is required by NCPC's NEPA Regulations (1 CFR part 601) to establish a cooperative working relationship between the parties to ensure NCPC's compliance with NEPA. A copy of the MOA is online at NCPC's website at the following location: https:// www.ncpc.gov/docs/MOA_NCPC_Smithsonian_NEPA_December2018.pdf.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) has released a draft of the Parks and Open Space Element (Element) of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements for public review. The Element articulates policies that protect and enhance the National Capital Region's parks and open space system while providing recreational, ecological, social, and educational benefits for visitors, residents, workers, and future generations. The draft is available online for review at https://www.ncpc.gov/initiatives/ openspace/. Dates and Time: The public comment period closes May 7, 2018. Public Meetings: NCPC will host two open house events for the public to learn more about the Element. The first open house will be on March 21, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The second open house will be April 12, 2018 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The meetings will be held at NCPC (same address as that to which written comments may be addressed below).

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on September 20, 2017. The document issued New Privacy Act Regulations.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) rescinds its current Environmental and Historic Preservation Policies and Procedures (2004 Policies) and hereby adopts new rules governing NCPC's implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) is correcting a final rule that appeared in the Federal Register on September 20, 2017. The document issued FOIA regulations with changes necessitated by the FOIA Improvement Act of 2016 (Pub. L. 114-185).

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) hereby adopts new Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations. NCPC must comply with the requirements of FOIA when it process requests for Information submitted pursuant to FOIA.

The current United States Code or its supplement requires each agency to establish, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Office of Personnel Management, one or more Performance Review Boards (PRB) to review, evaluate and make a final recommendation on performance appraisals assigned to individual members of the agency's Senior Executive Service (SES). The PRB established for the National Capital Planning Commission also makes recommendations to the agency head regarding SES performance awards, rank awards and bonuses. The current United States Code or its supplement also requires that notice of appointment of Performance Review Board members be published in the Federal Register. The following persons have been appointed to serve as members of the Performance Review Board for the National Capital Planning Commission: Vicki Barber, Mary John, Paige Cottinghamstreater, and Christopher J. Roscetti from October 23, 2017 to October 22, 2019.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) proposes to adopt new regulations governing NCPC's implementation of the Privacy Act, as amended and the privacy provisions of the E- Government Act of 2002. NCPC must comply with the requirements of the Privacy Act and the privacy provisions of the E-Government Act of 2002 for records maintained on individuals and personal information stored as a hard copy or electronically.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) proposes to adopt new Submission Guidelines. The proposed Submission guidelines are available for public comment as of the date of this notice.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC or Commission) has released a draft of updated Submission Guidelines (Submission Guidelines). Federal and non-federal agency applicants whose development proposals are subject to statutory mandated Commission plan and project review must submit their proposals to the Commission following a process laid out in the Submission Guidelines. The Submission Guidelines describe the content of submissions, the submission stages, and the coordination and review process governing submissions. While the Submission Guidelines are critical to the Commission's ability to carry out its planning and review authorities, they have not been updated since October 3, 1991. As such, NCPC staff prepared recommendations to update the Submission Guidelines to ensure they are clear, consistent with agency policy and easily accessible to applicants. The proposed Guidelines accomplish three primary objectives: (1) Create clear, accessible, and efficient guidelines that are responsive to applicant needs; (2) Align NCPC's review stages and National Environmental Policy Act requirements with those of applicant agencies to save time and resources in the planning process; and (3) Allow staff to exempt from Commission review certain minor projects based on specific criteria where there is no federal interest. The draft Submission Guidelines offered for public comment are available online at www.ncpc.gov. Dates and Time: The public comment period closes on June 26, 2017. Public meetings to discuss the draft submission Guidelines will be held on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 25, 2017 from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Both meetings will be held at the National Capital Planning Commission, 401 9th Street NW., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004.

Pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1970, as amended and implemented by the Council on Environmental, and in accordance with the Environmental Policies and Procedures adopted by the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the NCPC announces its intent along with the Smithsonian Institution (SI), and in cooperation with the National Park Service (NPS), to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS will provide a full and fair discussion of the potential environmental impacts resulting from implementation of SI's South Mall Campus Master Plan. NCPC will act as lead federal agency for NEPA compliance and SI is the project owner, sponsoring the preparation of the EIS. Although SI is not a ``federal agency'' within the meaning of NEPA and CEQ Regulations, SI works with federal agencies on NEPA compliance when, as here, an SI project requires federal agency approval. The South Mall Campus Master Plan (Master Plan) will evaluate opportunities to: Better align Smithsonian facilities on the South Mall Campus with SI's mission; increase public access to the museums and gardens; replace and upgrade aging building systems; upgrade security systems campus wide; rehabilitate and restore historic buildings; provide seismic retrofitting; consolidate and upgrade loading functions; enhance public space; and increase the visitor services provided in the area. The Master Plan will revitalize the South Mall Campus by interconnecting programs and services both above- and below- grade; and, by improving physical access for all through enhanced circulation, way finding, and program visibility. These improvements will provide visitors and staff with facilities, amenities, and educational experiences expected of a world class institution.

The National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), the Planning Commission for the Federal Government within the National Capital Region, intends to release for public comment a draft new Federal Urban Design Element of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements. The Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital: Federal Elements addresses matters relating to Federal Properties and Federal Interests in the National Capital Region, and provides a decision-making framework for actions the NCPC takes on specific plans and proposals submitted by Federal government agencies for the NCPC review required by law. The new Federal Urban Design Element provides policies that will guide the design and management of federal buildings and properties so as to enhance their adjacent public realm. It will also provide a framework for federal actions related to enhancing the overall character of the District of Columbia and the National Capital Region. All interested parties are invited to submit written comment. The draft Federal Urban Design Element will be available online at https://www.ncpc.gov/urbandesign not later than May 8, 2015. Printed copies are available upon request from the contact person noted below.