D.C. Democratic Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton introduced legislation to curtail federal oversight of land-use decisions in the District of Columbia, continuing her push to expand local authority over the city’s development.
The measure, called the Commission of Fine Arts District of Columbia Home Rule Act, would remove the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts’ (CFA) jurisdiction over the design and review of non-federal property in the District. This includes D.C.-owned sites and specific private properties that currently require federal approval before construction or alterations can be made.
The Commission of Fine Arts was established by Congress in 1910 as a permanent body to advise the federal government on public monuments, national symbols, and the architectural character of the capital. Its creation was influenced by the City Beautiful movement and the Progressive Era’s belief that grand civic spaces could improve American life and counter the adverse effects of industrialization.
Over time, the Commission’s authority has expanded through executive orders and federal statutes. Under presidential directives, the CFA reviews plans for D.C.-owned parks and public buildings. The Shipstead-Luce Act of 1930 grants the Commission approval power over private buildings situated near areas such as the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, and the Potomac waterfront. The Old Georgetown Act of 1950 also requires CFA review for private projects in Georgetown’s historic district.
Norton said the federal government’s involvement in these processes is no longer justified, as it imposes delays and adds costs to both public and private development. She also criticized the fact that the President appoints CFA members, and they are not accountable to D.C. residents.
“Land-use policies are among the most important priorities for state and local jurisdictions,” Norton said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Whether it is the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, the D.C. Zoning Commission, or the National Capital Planning Commission, federal authorities should play no role in D.C.’s local decisions about how to use its own land. Not only is this interference a violation of home rule, it delays and increases costs for public and private development in the District.”
Many people supported Norton’s legislation, with her statement garnering applause emojis in comments and retweets. However, others worry that this bill will be ignored or neglected.
“[The bill] will be added to the pile [and] collect dust,” social media user Madison Crum wrote.
The legislation is the third land-use home-rule bill Norton has put forward this Congress. She has also introduced measures to allow D.C. to appoint all members of the D.C. Zoning Commission and to remove the National Capital Planning Commission’s authority over District-owned real property.
“The federal government, including the CFA, whose members are appointed by the president, should not have any authority over D.C. land-use policies and decisions unrelated to the federal presence,” Norton said. “This bill is an important step to increase home rule for D.C. I urge my colleagues to support it.”
