OOG-2024-003 OMA Advisory Opinion on DC Zoning Commission

On May 8, 2025, Director Allen issued Advisory Opinion #OOG-2024-003 opining that the District of Columbia Zoning Commission's practice of holding stand-alone closed sessions violates the Open Meetings Act because its practice provides inadequate notice of the Zoning Commission's closed meetings and is inconsistent with the protocol that public bodies must follow to lawfully enter closed/executive sessions as set forth in D.C. Official Code § 2-575(c). The Advisory Opinion instructs that the Director of Open Government issues advisory opinions, with directives for corrective action, in lieu of seeking relief in D.C. Superior Court, pursuant to 3 DCMR § 10406.3.

On October 21, 2025, Director Allen issued a letter providing an update on the Office of Open Government's (OOG) efforts to ensure that the Zoning Commission operates in compliance with the OMA. After a thorough review of the Zoning Commission's meetings and operations since the issuance of the May 8, 2025, advisory opinion, the Director determined that the Zoning Commission is currently conducting its meetings in accordance with the requirements of the OMA.