Master Plan Submission Requirement

NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION

Master Plan Submission Requirement

AGENCY: National Capital Planning Commission.

ACTION: Final master plan submission requirements.

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SUMMARY: On November 3, 1994, the Commission adopted several amendments

to its Master Plan Submission Requirements, originally approved on

September 6, 1984 and subsequently amended on November 7, 1985. The

Commission's Master Plan Submission Requirements are the basic set of

guidelines used by staff to direct Federal and District of Columbia

agencies in preparing their master plan submissions to the Commission.

The changes to the requirements are primarily designed to incorporate

Administration policy directives and current and emerging planning and

design concerns which the Commission is now emphasizing in working with

agencies preparing master plan submissions. Briefly, Sec. 3.A.1.f. has

been changed to emphasize the need for Federal agencies, as they

prepare their master plans, to take into greater consideration the

Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital's employee parking policies

which are designed to encourage reduced reliance on single-occupant

vehicles. Consequently, the new requirements include a provision

calling for the preparation of a Transportation Management Program for

sites of 100 or more employees.

Sections 3.B.2.c and 3.B.3.a are new sections which are intended to

promote a more consistent treatment and recognition of design issues in

Federal Master Plans throughout the National Capital Region. Amendments

to Sec. 4.A provide for the use of metric standards in master plan maps

and drawings in accordance with Executive Order 12770, Metric Usage in

Federal Government Programs. A new section, sec. 4.E, is meant to

encourage Federal agencies to consider providing their master plan

submissions using some of the current computer-based planning and

design technologies widely available in the market today, such as

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Computer Aided Design (CAD)

packages. Other technical and clarifying changes to the requirements

are included as well.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ronald E. Wilson, Director for Planning, Review & Implementation

Division, National Capital Planning Commission, 801 Pennsylvania

Avenue, NW., Suite 301, Washington, D.C. 20576 or (202)724-0191.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Section 1--Introduction

Section 5(a) of the National Capital Planning Act of 1952, as

amended, (hereinafter ``Planning Act''), provides that each Federal and

District of Columbia agency prior to the preparation of construction

plans originated by such agency for proposed developments and projects

or to commitments for the acquisition of land, to be paid for in whole

or in part from Federal or District funds, shall advise and consult

with the National Capital Planning Commission (hereinafter

``Commission'') in the preparation by the agency of plans and programs

in preliminary and successive stages which affect the Comprehensive

Plan for the National Capital.

A master plan is an integrated series of documents which present in

graphic, narrative, and tabular form the present composition of an

installation and the plan for its orderly and comprehensive long-range

development, generally over a period of 20 years. The Commission has

determined that an approved master plan is a required preliminary stage

of planning prior to agency preparation and submission to the

Commission of site and building plans for individual projects. Master

plans are necessary for installations on which more than one principal

building, structure, or activity is located or is proposed to be

located.

Ordinarily, the Commission will not approve, or recommend favorably

on, project plans for an installation for which there is no approved

master plan unless the agency provides an explanation satisfactory to

the Commission as to the agency's reasons for not submitting a current

master plan, or modification thereto, for the installation.

In accordance with Section 5(b) of the Planning Act, these

requirements shall not apply to the Capitol Grounds or to the planning

for structures within existing military, naval, or Air Force

reservations erected by the Department of Defense during wartime or

national emergency, except that the appropriate defense agency shall

consult with the Commission as to any developments which materially

affect traffic or require [[Page 11683]] coordinated planning of the

surrounding areas.

These requirements are intended to be used in connection with

proposed developments of the Federal and District of Columbia

Governments, including civilian and military installations within the

National Capital Region\1\ (hereinafter ``Region''), except as provided

above. The Commission, as a policy, limits its review of District of

Columbia plans to matters of Federal interests.

\1\``Region'' or ``National Capital Region'' means the District

of Columbia; Montgomery and Prince George's Counties in Maryland;

Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William Counties in

Virginia; and all cities now or hereafter existing in Maryland or

Virginia within the geographic area bounded by the outer boundaries.

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The Executive Director of the Commission may extend, modify, or

waive any requirement pertaining to the scope and content of a master

plan on sites where such requirements cannot be met because of the

unique or special character or quality of the installation affect.

Where such extension, modification, or waiver involves contents of the

master plan that may reasonably be expected to address or involve

potential significant off-site impacts, the Executive Director shall

provide notice to potentially affected public agencies and, if

appropriate, provide opportunity for consultation.

Section 2--Use of Master Plan by the Commission and Other Agencies

A master plan is used by the Commission as a basic guide in its

review of and action on:

A. Proposed land acquisitions, changes in land use, and/or

preliminary and final site and building plans for individual

construction and development projects on an installation within the

region, pursuant to Section 5 of the Planning Act;

B. Preliminary and final site and building plans for Federal public

buildings on an installation within the District of Columbia and

District of Columbia Government buildings on an installation within the

central area \2\ of the District of Columbia (as concurrently defined

by the Commission and the Council of the District of Columbia),

pursuant to D.C. Code, 1981 edition, sec. 5432;

\2\The ``Central Area'' of the District of Columbia as currently

defined is that area contained within the boundaries of the Downtown

and Shaw School Urban Renewal Areas.

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C. Proposed dispositions of land pursuant to the Federal Property

and Administrative Services Act of 1949;

D. Annual capital budget proposals of Federal agencies, pursuant to

Office of Management and Budget Circular A-11; and

E. Advance programs of capital improvements of Federal agencies,

pursuant to Section 7(a) of the Planning Act, and multi-year capital

improvements plans for the District of Columbia, pursuant to Section

7(b) of the Planning Act.

A master plan also serves as the basic planning document for

intergovernmental coordination on developments and projects within an

installation.

Section 3--Contents of Master Plan Submission

An installation master plan includes narrative materials and data,

maps and drawings, and presentation materials which describe and

illustrate existing conditions and proposed developments and changes in

conditions on the installation.

A. Narrative Materials and Data. (See Section 4--Form of Submission

of Master Plan for information on alternative methods of submitting

required narrative materials and data.)

1. Master Plan Report. The master plan report shall include the

following:

a. A description and analysis of existing conditions, including

employee, visitor, and resident facilities and needs, with reference to

the existing conditions map;

b. A description of the relationship of the proposed uses on the

installation to the overall missions or responsibilities, functions,

and facilities of the agency or agencies that are proposed to occupy

the site;

c. A list of master planning objectives;

d. A description of the master plan proposals with reference to the

master plan drawings;

e. A summary sheet for easy reference providing the following

information for both existing conditions and long-range projections:

(1) Total acreage, including a breakdown in acreage of land area by

use (for example: office/administrative, training, service);

(2) Total population, including a breakdown by employees and

visitors (by shifts), residents, and students, noting peak arrival and

departure times;

(3) Building floor area;

(4) Total number of parking spaces; and

(5) Any other useful statistics and facts;

f. A description of the relationship of the proposed master plan to

the Comprehensive Plan, in particular the Federal Facilities element's

employee parking policies, and to the sponsoring agency's own agency-

wide, long range plan and program for its installations within the

Region, including the rationale for any aspect of the master plan not

in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan;

g. A description of community participation efforts, including a

description of the efforts of the sponsoring agency to coordinate with

affected citizen groups in the vicinity of the installation, and a

report of citizen views and comments on the submission;

h. A report on individuals, families, and business required to be

relocated by the proposals, if any;

i. An analysis, pursuant to the implementation proposals of the

Federal Employment element of the Comprehensive Plan, of the

availability of affordable housing within reasonable commuting

distances from the affected installation for employees and their

families in cases in which the master plan proposes to change the

location of, or add, 100 or more Federal employees;

j. The status of the sponsoring agency's coordination of its master

planning with the local and state planning agencies and the Council of

Governments, including reference to any existing agreements with such

agencies;

k. A report on the consistency of the proposed master plan or

revised master plan with applicable local, subregional, regional, and

state development plans and policies, including a description of the

rationale of the sponsoring agency in making its determination of

consistency;

l. A historic preservation report which includes: an analysis of

the effects, if any, that the master plan will have on recognized

historic resources both on the installation or in the vicinity; and the

status of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic

Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, if applicable (Compliance must be

completed prior to Commission action.);

m. A description of the predominate design idea, or set of ideas,

which (1) relate the urban design framework and land use proposals

within the master plan and (2) will guide the general design,

character, materials and other aspects of buildings, site improvements

and landscaping on the installation in the future;

n. A Transportation Management Program (TMP) for installations with

100 or more employees (including existing and proposed employees). The

TMP should incorporate the following:

(1) A description of existing and projected peak hour traffic by

mode, with indicated points of entrance and exit, the number of

existing and proposed bicycle spaces, as well as transit routes and

stops and pedestrian [[Page 11684]] facilities serving the

installation, both on-site and in the nearby area; and a summary of

existing and proposed parking by type of assignment (official cars,

vanpools, carpools, single-occupant vehicles, handicapped persons,

visitors, etc.);

(2) A description of the Federal agency's existing strategies for

assisting employee's commute to work;

(3) Stated goals and objectives for the TMP, such as trip

reduction, mode split changes, or vehicle occupancy rate increases;

(4) An evaluation of projected transportation impacts resulting

from master plan development and description of potential TMP

mitigation measures;

(5) A description of the process for monitoring and evaluating the

achievement of goals and objectives and adjusting TMP strategies, as

needed; and

(6) A summary of the relationship of the TMP provisions to

transportation management and air quality requirements of local, state

and regional agencies, including provisions for working cooperatively

with affected agencies to address those requirements.

For installations where future site tenants are undetermined, TMP

information should be developed to the extent feasible at the time of

the initial preparation of the Master Plan, with supplementary

information to be developed when tenants are established.

o. A description of proposed energy conservation strategies and

policies related to the siting and design of new buildings, the

retrofitting of existing structures, the use of transportation

facilities, and the consumption of renewable energy resources for the

purpose of complying with Federal energy efficiency objectives;

p. Water quality management strategies and policies for controlling

the impacts of any on-site discharges to natural drainage ways or to

adjacent streams or wetlands and, in conjunction with the stormwater

management plan required pursuant to Section 3.B.3.e. for controlling

erosion and sedimentation and other non-point sources of pollution; and

q. A staging program reflecting the graphic staging plan required

pursuant to Section 3.B.3.F., that indicates in narrative and/or

tabular form the proposed sequence of development over the period

covered by the master plan.

In cases in which information in the Master Plan Report is fully

provided in the required environmental documentation, it need not be

repeated in the Master Plan Report.

2. Environmental Document. The environmental document prepared by

the sponsoring agency pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act

of 1969, as amended, and Council on Environmental Quality Regulations

shall be a part of the master plan submission. The document shall be an

environmental impact statement, if required pursuant to Section

102(2)(C) of NEPA. If an EIS is not required, an environmental

assessment shall be submitted. The environmental document should be

prepared in consultation with the Commission, pursuant to Section S.C.

of these requirements and the Commission's Environmental Policies and

Procedures.

B. Maps and Drawings. (See Section 4--Form of Submission of Master

Plan for information on alternative methods of submitting required maps

and drawings.)

1. Vicinity Map. The vicinity map shall show the location of the

installation in relation to well-known features of the surrounding

community within at least one mile from the installation, such as major

transportation facilities, natural features, and public facilities.

Existing land uses and zoning shall be shown on the map for the area

surrounding the installation. Where adopted local and/or state plans

propose changes in surrounding transportation facilities, land use, or

zoning, the proposed changes shall be shown on the vicinity map. If the

proposed changes cannot be clearly depicted on a vicinity map in

combination with existing conditions, a separate vicinity map showing

the installation in relation to planned surrounding conditions shall be

provided.

2. Inventory Maps. The following inventory maps shall be prepared

from a common base map which depicts existing physical conditions on

the installation, with the coverage of the map extending beyond the

boundaries of the installation in all directions for at least one city

block in urban areas and \1/4\ mile in suburban and rural areas:

a. Existing land use map. The existing land use map shall indicate

by appropriate categories the allocation of land uses on the

installation. This allocation should also be provided in tabular form

on the existing land use map. (An itemized list of suggested land use

categories is available from the Commission staff.)

b. Existing conditions map. The existing conditions map shall

include the following:

(1) Internal road system, entrance and exist locations, with

existing peak hour traffic counts, the number of existing parking

spaces for each site, building, and facility, and public transit routes

and stops. (This information may be shown on a separate map entitled

``Existing Circulation Map'', if desired.);

(2) All existing buildings, structures, and other manmade

improvements, indicating the use and height of principal buildings and

structures;

(3) Properties and districts listed in the National Register of

Historic Places or on local historical registers;

(4) Existing wooded areas, watercourses, ultimate 100 year flood

plains, wetlands, and other significant natural areas and features;

(5) Existing typography of the installation at a contour interval

that clearly indicates the configuration of the land (generally at not

less than five-foot intervals);

(6) Major utilities; and

(7) If the installation is located within the State of Maryland,

areas of critical concern to the State of Maryland as identified by the

Maryland Department of State Planning, as well as officially designated

coastal zone areas and ``primary management areas'' and ``woodland

buffers'' along the Patuxent River within the region, as defined in the

Patuxent River Policy Plan, Maryland Department of State Planning.

c. Existing Urban Design Framework Diagram. The existing urban

design framework diagram shall include the following:

(1) Significant natural and man-made features, such as distinctive

building groupings or alignments, important formal or informal

landscape compositions, special views and vistas, special streets,

scenic routes, gateways or edges, etc., noting the role such elements

serve in either unifying the installation, manifesting its overall form

or precincts therein, or contributing to or reinforcing a larger urban

design context such as the National Capital's urban design framework or

other Federal interest; and

(2) Intrusions, barriers, gaps or other disparate conditions

affecting the integrity of the urban design qualities identified above.

3. Master Plan Proposals. The following maps illustrating the

master plan proposals shall be prepared from a common base map which

depicts future physical conditions to be achieved on the installation

through the master plan, with the coverage of the map extending beyond

the boundaries of the installation as required on the inventory base

map:

a. Urban Design Framework Diagram. The urban design framework

diagram should precede and be more diagrammatic than the maps listed

below. The framework diagram shall graphically indicate the retention,

[[Page 11685]] enhancement or modification of the inventoried urban

design features and the broad urban design principles and development

controls which, together, serve to support and strengthen the intended

form and character of the installation.

b. Land Use Plan. The land use plan shall indicate by appropriate

categories the proposed general land use of all land within the

installation.

c. Circulation Plan. The circulation plan shall indicate at least

the following:

(1) The proposed internal road system of the installation

incorporating existing-to-remain and proposed roads and showing the

functional classification of all roads;

(2) Existing-to-remain and proposed ingress and egress points

serving the installation and their relationship to the existing,

programmed, and planned roads immediately adjacent to the facility;

(3) Existing-to-remain and proposed off-street parking facilities

showing the number of existing or estimated parking spaces for each

separate facility;

(4) The proposed pedestrian circulation system, incorporating

existing features to remain;

(5) The proposed public transportation system showing the routes

and stops serving the installation; and

(6) Proposed bicycle paths, if any, incorporating existing features

to remain.

d. Site Development Plan. This site development plan shall indicate

the general location and use of all existing to-remain and proposed

buildings and structures, the general order magnitude of building scale

and orientation, and other site improvements such as landscaping. This

site development plan shall be accompanied by two site development

cross sections. These sections shall be cut through the center of the

site at approximately 90 percent to each other to show the topography

of the site, buildings, structures and landscape elements. On large

installations with low intensity development, the cross sections may be

limited to areas of major building concentrations.

e. Landscape Plan. Ideally, the landscape plan should be presented

as a separate plan. It may be incorporated in the site development plan

if the combined plan satisfies all content requirements and is clearly

readable. The landscape plan is not intended to present precise

landscaping proposals but rather to indicate the general landscaping

concepts to be achieved in future projects. The landscape plan, shall

indicate at least the following:

(1) Wooded areas, including those to be retained and cleared, and,

in urbanized sites, the general location of all existing trees one foot

or more in diameter to be retained or removed;

(2) The general location and extent of all proposed landscaping

within the installation; and

(3) Existing-to-remain and proposed topography of the installation

at a contour interval that clearly shows the relationship of the

proposed changes to the existing topography.

f. Stormwater Management Plan. The stormwater management plan shall

indicate the location and size of natural drainage ways, storm sewer

line and outfalls, infiltration devices, retention and detention ponds,

storm drainage outfalls, and any other mitigation measures to control

storm water runoff on the installation, including measures required by

state or local law, with back-up computations.

g. Staging Plan. The staging plan shall graphically illustrate the

proposed sequence of development over the projected period covered by

the master plan in five-year development stages. Projects to be

developed in the initial five-year stage shall accord with the

sponsoring agency's proposed capital improvements program submitted

annually to the Commission under Section 7(a) of the Planning Act and

described in the Commission's Federal Capital Improvements Program for

the National Capital Region.

C. Presentation Materials.

1. Models. Models should be submitted with master plans for sites

on which significant concentrations of new buildings programs are

proposed to show the topography of the site and illustrate the site

development, circulation, and landscape proposals. A joint

determination will be made between the sponsoring agency and Commission

staff regarding the need for a model. Where a model is needed,

buildings may be shown in massing forms without depiction of

architectural style or details. Models will be returned to the

sponsoring agencies following action by the Commission.

2. Photographs. Sponsoring agencies shall submit photographs to aid

in the review and evaluation of proposed mater plans. Where possible,

photographs shall include both direct overhead and oblique aerial

views, eye level panoramic views, and views of special features of the

installation.

Section 4--Form of Submission of Master Plan

A. Map Scales. Maps should preferably be at a scale of 1:1000, or

alternatively 1:2000 in the case of large installations that cannot be

depicted on a single sheet at the larger scale. In the case of an

unusually large Federal installation, sectionalized maps at either

scale would be preferred together with an overall composite map of the

entire installation at a scale appropriate to its size. Sponsoring

agencies, in accordance with Executive Order 12770, ``Metric Usage in

Federal Government Programs'', at the earliest feasible time, should

submit their maps and drawings in metric units.

B. Presentation and record map sheet sizes. Presentation and record

maps should be at a standardized sheet size, whenever possible.

Individual sheets should be a maximum of 34 by 44 inches, in order to

be compatible with the Commission's microfilm program.

C. Reduced size maps. The master plan maps shall also be reduced to

page size for incorporation in the master plan submission. The reduced

size maps may be incorporated in the Master Plan Report required in

Section 3.A.l. If incorporated in the Master Plan Report, the reduced

size maps may be of a size compatible with the format of the report

selected by the sponsoring agency. If submitted separately from the

Master Plan Report, the reduced size maps shall be of a page size no

larger than 8\1/2\'' x 14''.

D. Numbers of copies of maps and other documents. The numbers of

copies of maps and other documents to be submitted vary according to

jurisdiction and the related referral requirements that must be met by

the Commission. (See Sections 5.F. and 8.). Copies of full size maps

and other required master plan documents shall be submitted according

to the following schedule:

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Jurisdiction Number of sets

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For installations within the 13 complete sets of maps and

District of Columbia requiring supporting documents.

regional review.

For installations in Maryland 16 complete sets of maps and

requiring regional review. supporting documents.

For installations in Virginia 16 complete sets of maps and

requiring regional review. supporting documents.

For installations in the District 3 complete sets of maps and

of Columbia, Maryland or Virginia supporting documents.

not requiring regional review.

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E. Electronic Data Submissions. Sponsoring agencies may provide

their master plan submissions (maps and narrative) electronically.

Agencies are encouraged to contact the staff to coordinate the

procedures for electronic submissions.

Section 5--Master Plan Coordination and Review Process

The following steps are involved in the coordination and review of

a master plan prior to and during its preparation by a sponsoring

agency and following its submission to the Commission.

A. Informal consultation with the Commission staff. An informal

consultation session with the Commission staff should be held by a

sponsoring agency prior to initiating the preparation of a proposed

master plan or a significant modification to an existing master plan.

At such a session, a joint determination will be made as to whether

there are any unique or special characteristics of the affected

installation which necessitate modification of any requirements

respecting the master plan submission. A joint determination will also

be made as to whether, because of special characteristics of an

installation or proposed developments to be accommodated by a master

plan, there is a need for a presentation of any type to the Commission

prior to the preparation and submission of the master plan. The session

will also be used to plan for early consultation with other

organizations as part of the intergovernmental review process.

B. Early consultation and discussion of proposed master plan with

other affected government agencies. After it has been contacted by a

sponsoring Federal agency concerning the initiation of planning for an

installation in the region, the Commission, as appropriate, will

contact the planning agency, intergovernmental review official, chief

administrative officer, and responsible elected official of the

affected local government(s) and the affected area and state

clearinghouse(s) about the work involved and the anticipated schedule

for submission of the proposed master plan or revised master plan to

the Commission. Where appropriate, the Commission will arrange a

meeting of concerned agencies and officials with the agency sponsoring

the master planning work to discuss that work, prior to any submission

to the Commission.

The purpose of this step is to give local, regional, and state

agencies an opportunity to learn about proposed Federal plans being

developed in the region and permit early identification of possible

questions, issues and concerns. This step in the process has been

established in accordance with the Commission's ``Procedures for

Intergovernmental Cooperation in Federal Planning in the National

Capital Region.'' Although this step applies as a requirement only to

sponsoring Federal agencies, the Commission will, upon request of an

affected District of Columbia agency preparing a master plan for an

installation outside the District of Columbia within the region,

arrange similar early consultation with the affected local, regional,

and state agencies and officials.

C. Determination of appropriate environmental document for the

proposed master plan. Master plan submissions must include appropriate

environmental documentation, pursuant to Section 3.A.2. of these

requirements and the Commission's Environmental Policies and

Procedures.

The sponsoring agency should consult with the Commission at the

earliest possible time in its master planning to determine whether

projects covered by the master plan will require Commission approval

thereby requiring Commission participation with the sponsoring agency

in determining the appropriate environmental document for the master

plan.

The environmental determination of the sponsoring agency must be

made, and the environmental document submitted, in accordance with the

Commission's Environmental Policies and Procedures. The required

consultation regarding environmental documentation may occur in the

initial informal consultation by the sponsoring agency with the

Commission staff.

D. Submission of the proposed master plan to the Commission for

review and action. The sponsoring agency shall submit the master plan

in accordance with established monthly deadlines, which are available

from the Commission.

E. Commission initiation of procedures for compliance with Section

106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, if

applicable. Master plan submissions must include a historic

preservation report, pursuant to Section 3.A.1.1. of these

requirements. If Section 106 of the Act is applicable, the sponsoring

agency shall complete compliance therewith prior to Commission action.

Upon receipt of a master plan submission from the District of

Columbia Government for one of its installations within the central

area of the District of Columbia, the Executive Director of the

Commission will determine whether the master plan is subject to the

provisions of Section 106. If he so determines, the Executive Director

will initiate procedures for compliance. Compliance will be completed

prior to Commission action on the proposed master plan.

F. Referral where appropriate, of the proposed master plan to the

responsible local, regional and state agencies. Upon receipt of a

master plan, the Commission will refer the plan to the affected local

planning agency and regional and state clearinghouse for review and

comment. The master plan will in turn also be referred by the regional

clearinghouse (the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments) to

the designated intergovernmental review official of the affected

jurisdiction for review and comment.

G. Resolution of planning issues, if any, between local and Federal

agencies. Upon the identification of planning issues raised by a

proposed master plan, the Commission staff in conjunction with the

staff of the Council of Governments, will work with the affected local,

regional or state agencies and the Federal agency to resolve such

issues in accordance with ``Procedures for Resolving Planning Issues

That May Arise Between Local and Federal Agencies in the National

Capital Region'' adopted by the Commission on November 18, 1982, and

the Commission's Procedures for Intergovernmental Cooperation in

Federal Planning in the National Capital Region. [[Page 11687]]

H. Referral, where appropriate, of the proposed master plan to the

Commission's Coordinating Committee. Upon receipt of a master plan for

a Federal or District of Columbia installation in the District of

Columbia, the Commission will refer the master plan to its Coordinating

Committee, pursuant to Section 2(d) of the Planning Act, for review and

coordination. The committee is composed of representatives of Federal

and District of Columbia agencies involved in planning and development

activities. The master plan will also be referred to the Council of

Governments and the designated intergovernmental review official of the

District of Columbia.

I. Review and preparation of recommendations by the Commission

staff. Following the receipt of comments from other organizations and

the Coordinating Committee, where appropriate, the staff will prepare

recommendations for action by the Commission on the master plan. The

staff recommendations will be provided to the Commission and made

available to the sponsoring agency and the general public approximately

one week in advance of the schedule Commission review and action on the

plan.

J. Notification to the public and public participation in

Commission review. In accordance with the Commission's ``Revised

Procedures for Public Participation'', organizations in the vicinity of

an installation will receive a notice titled ``Tentative Agenda Items''

indicating the tentative schedule for the Commission's review of a

master plan submission. Organizations or individuals may submit written

comments for consideration by the Executive Director of the Commission

in the preparation of staff recommendations. In addition, organizations

or individuals may appear before the Commission to comment on a master

plan submission and/or to comment on the Commission staff's

recommendations on the submission.

K. Review and action by the Commission. The Commission will review

the master plan submission at a scheduled meeting. The sponsoring

agency will be notified by the staff of the schedule for Commission

review, and the staff will coordinate with the agency concerning a

presentation of the submission to the Commission.

L. Official notification of Commission action on the master plan.

Notification of the Commission action on the master plan will be

provided by letter to the sponsoring agency immediately following such

action.

Section 6--Time Period for Review

Master plans for installations for which a referral to local,

regional, and state agencies is required will be subject to a review

period of approximately 90 days, whenever possible, 60 days of which

will be devoted to review by the agencies receiving the referral. A

sponsoring agency may request a reduction of 30 days of this review

period from the Executive Director of the Commission is special and

unusual circumstances warrant, but every effort should be made to

comply with the 90-day review.

Section 7--Presubmission Requirements

As noted in Section 5.A. at the time of initial informal

consultation on the proposed preparation of a master plan, the

sponsoring agency and Commission staff will determine whether, because

of special characteristics of an installation or the developments being

considered for that installation, there is a need for any type of

presentation to the Commission prior to the preparation and submission

of the master plan. In some cases a presentation for information

purposes may be appropriate to provide an opportunity for the

Commission to become familiar at an early stage with an evolving

development proposal.

In other cases, the submission of site boundaries, a development

program, and development concepts may be required to obtain Commission

views and action on an acquisition proposal pursuant to Section 5(a) of

the Planning Act prior to the expenditure of funds for the preparation

of a master plan. Where land is already under the jurisdiction of the

sponsoring agency, the submission of development concepts to obtain

Commission views on a particular proposal in advance of the preparation

of a master plan may also be appropriate under certain circumstances.

In cases where a presubmission of some form or a presentation is

determined to be required or warranted, the contents will be determined

through consultation by the sponsoring agency with the Commission

staff.

Section 8--Amendments or Modifications to Master Plans

The process outlined above also applies to proposed modifications

or revisions to master plans that have been previously approved by the

Commission. Once a master plan has been approved, regional review of

subsequent proposed modifications or revisions will be required only

where the Executive Director of the Commission, in consultation with

the sponsoring agency and affected local jurisdiction(s), determines

that: (1) A major change in the character or intensity of an existing

use is proposed, or (2) the proposed modifications or revisions would

significantly change the off-site impact of the Federal activities and

uses carried out within the site.

Section 9--Review and Updating of Master Plans

Agencies are encouraged to review master plans on a periodic basis

to insure that both inventory material and development proposals are

current. Such reviews should be conducted at least every five years.

Sponsoring agencies should advise the Commission of the results of such

reviews and provide to the Commission proposed schedules for the

updating of master plans of a five-year cycle when updating is

determined to be needed.

Robert E. Gresham,

Deputy Executive Director.

[FR Doc. 95-5160 Filed 3-1-95; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 7502-02-M