William Scharf, Chairman of the National Capital Planning Commission, stated on Thursday that he believes the federal Height of Buildings Act does not apply to President Donald Trump’s proposed 250-foot triumphal arch in Washington, D.C. Scharf, who was appointed by Trump, acknowledged that the commission has traditionally interpreted the law as applicable to federal projects but concluded that it may not apply in this case. He requested a formal legal justification from Trump’s team before the commission votes on the project.
During a commission meeting, Scharf expressed the need for clarity regarding the legal implications of the project, which is part of an initiative to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Thirty witnesses were scheduled to testify about the arch, with some expressing concerns that its size would obstruct historic views between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. Ed Stierli from the National Parks Conservation Association highlighted the potential impact on the solemnity of the area, stating that the arch could disrupt the experience of visitors transitioning between the memorial and the cemetery.
The proposed arch would stand between 166 and 190 feet tall, reaching 250 feet with a 60-foot central statue and gold eagles. Scharf referenced historical precedents where projects exceeded height limits, questioning the commission's interpretation of the law. He noted two instances from 1932 where projects bypassed the Height of Buildings Act without congressional waivers.
