The Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee (PYDAC) was created in 2004 pursuant to Section 5-0010 of the Zoning Ordinance by Ordinance No. 4370. In 2010, TA#10-0002 was approved expanding the authority of PYDAC to review preliminary development applications in North Potomac Yard for consistency with the North Potomac Yard Urban Design Standards (2010). Given the proximity of North Potomac Yard to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, the composition of PYDAC was increased to ten members to include a design representative from the National Park Service. The text amendment was codified in Section 5-610 of the zoning ordinance in addition to the membership requirements, authority and responsibilities of PYDAC.

On October 13, 2018, City Council adopted Ordinance 5161 to include an additional member representing civic associations within Potomac Yard. The PYDAC is appointed by City Council and consists of 11 members who serve staggered 2-year terms. The role of the Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee is to review development plans for compliance with the Design Guidelines and Standards of Potomac Yard. Applications are brought to PYDAC as needed and are discussed at public meetings.  The Committee will provide comments to applicants and staff to guide proposals and ultimately make written recommendations to the Planning Commission and City Council.

PYDAC Members

• Nancy Appleby, Chair - Potomac Yard Area Representative
• Melissa Kuennen, Vice Chair - Professional in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Urban Design
• Peter Bahm - Potomac East Representative
• Sonia Herman - Potomac West Representative
• Daniel Roth - Representative of Civic Association in Potomac Yard
• Sean Sweeney - Potomac West Representative
• Joyce Williams - Potomac Yard Area Representative
• Vacant - Business Community Representative
• Vacant - Professional in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Urban Design
• Vacant - Potomac East Representative
• Vacant - National Park Service

• Potomac Yard/Potomac Greens Small Area Plan
• Potomac Yard Urban Design Guidelines (2012)
• North Potomac Yard Small Area Plan (2017)
• North Potomac Yard Urban Design Standards (2010)
• North Potomac Yard Common Elements Guide (2022)
• North Potomac Yard Innovation District Design Excellence Prerequisites and Criteria Overlay (2020) 
• PYDAC FY2024 Annual Report

Contact Dirk Geratz, Principal Planner, Department of Planning and Zoning, at 703.746.3815 or Abigail Harwell, Urban Planner, at 703.746.3802.