Washington DC

Washington DC is in a double exclusion zone.  This means that full-service FM is not available in either band.

On Band 5, this is due to WMDE, Dover, DE.

On Band 6, it is due to WPVI, Philadelphia, PA and WKBS-TV, Altoona, PA. 

WDCN-LD is a Channel 6 LPTV station in Fairfax, VA that is operating an FM6 service, La Nueva 87.7.  WDCN-LD would be displaced and a Class C3 commercial allotment may be created on 87.7 at Fairfax, VA with restrictions to protect WPVI and WKBS. 

In Band 5, there will be some LPFM availability in the Virginia suburbs as long as protection is provided to WMDE.

In Band 6, there will be more widespread LPFM availability including opportunities for LP-250 in the District.  All stations have to protect the WPVI and WKBS primary operations as well as the primary Class C3 allotment possible for 87.7.  

In many cases, a study will be required to demonstrate that the LPFM station will not place a prohibiting contour into the TV station's service area.  In some cases, this may involve a directional antenna, which is more costly due to the need for proof of performance on the antenna and surveyor verification of the installation.

Allotments within 40 miles of Washington DC

84.1 A Linton Hall, VA (reduced power)
84.9 A Aquia Harbor, VA (reduced power)
86.1 A Quantico Station, VA (reduced power)
86.5 A Gainesville, VA (reduced power)

Potential LPFM stations within 15 miles of Washington DC

82.5 Washington-NoMa 20002
82.7 Aspen Hill 20906
82.9 Washington-Lincoln Heights 20019
83.1 Silver Spring MD 20903
Franconia VA 22310
83.3 Washington-Hillcrest 20020
83.5 Potomac MD 20854
83.7 Washington-Congress Heights 20032
83.9 Upper Marlboro MD 20772
Wheaton MD 20902
84.1 Glenn Dale MD 20769
84.3 Colesville MD 20904
District Heights MD 20747
84.5 Washington-Columbia Heights 20009
Springfield VA 22153
84.7 Lanhan MD 20706
Rockville MD 20852
84.9 Burtonsville MD 20866
85.1 Capital Heights MD 20743
West Bethesda MD 20817
85.3 Bowie MD 20720
85.5 Fort Washington MD 20744
Silver Spring MD 20901
85.7 Arlington VA 22204
85.9 Adelphi MD 20783
86.3 Landover MD 20785
86.5 Beltsville MD 20705
86.7 Rockville MD 20853
Temple Hills MD 20748
86.9 Alexandria VA 22304
87.1 Washington-Brightwood Park 20011
Clinton MD 20735
87.3 Annandale VA 22003

Allotments in Band 6 are further restricted as to protect WPVI and WKBS and may require directional antennas or reduced power.  LPFM in Band 6 will be available as shown above but contour studies and in some cases, directional antennas may be required to protect WPVI and WKBS.