Office of Planning staff briefed the Zoning Commission on the development guidelines and framework for Connecticut Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue and explained how those planning studies will be translated into zoning text.

Joel Lawson and Maxine Brown Roberts summarized the planning background, citing the 2019 housing equity report and the Rock Creek West roadmap as the basis for targeting increased housing and affordable housing along the corridors. OP described a broad engagement strategy that included pop‑ups, focus groups, ANC coordination and neighborhood events and said a record of outputs was posted on the project website. OP told the commission that many guideline elements, including dimensional rules such as setbacks and massing, will be incorporated directly into the proposed zoning rather than being only advisory.

Commissioners asked whether specific guideline dimensions would be written into the zoning; OP confirmed that the zones would include requirements (setbacks, heights and form elements) rather than merely referencing the guidelines. Commissioner Wright noted the importance of coordinating with Historic Preservation staff given the presence of historic districts on parts of Connecticut Avenue. OP said HPRB staff had been involved in developing the guidelines and that the zoning text will be drafted to avoid conflicts with preservation review.