Index: docs/CodingStandards.rst
===================================================================
--- docs/CodingStandards.rst
+++ docs/CodingStandards.rst
@@ -494,8 +494,8 @@
 This is one of many contentious issues in coding standards, but it is not up for
 debate.
 
-Use Spaces Instead of Tabs
-^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
+Whitespace
+^^^^^^^^^^
 
 In all cases, prefer spaces to tabs in source files.  People have different
 preferred indentation levels, and different styles of indentation that they
@@ -509,6 +509,10 @@
 of indentation.  Also, do not reindent a whole source file: it makes for
 incredible diffs that are absolutely worthless.
 
+Do not commit changes that include trailing whitespace. Some common editors will
+automatically remove trailing whitespace when saving a file which causes
+unrelated changes to appear in diffs and commits.
+
 Indent Code Consistently
 ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 
Index: docs/DeveloperPolicy.rst
===================================================================
--- docs/DeveloperPolicy.rst
+++ docs/DeveloperPolicy.rst
@@ -392,6 +392,21 @@
 encouraged to review other peoples' patches as well, but you aren't required
 to do so.
 
+Commits with No Functional Change
+---------------------------------
+
+It may be permissible to commit changes without prior review when the changes
+have no semantic impact on the code if the changes being made are obvious and
+not invasive. For instance, removing trailing whitespace from a line, fixing a
+line ending to be consistent with the rest of the file, fixing a typo, code
+formatting, etc. Such changes should be highly localized and the commit message
+should clearly state that the commit is not intended to change functionality,
+usually by stating it is :ref:`NFC <nfc>`.
+
+However, do not commit sweeping NFC changes across numerous files without
+getting prior code review, because the amount of churn may outweigh the benefit
+of the proposed changes.
+
 .. _discuss the change/gather consensus:
 
 Making a Major Change
Index: docs/Lexicon.rst
===================================================================
--- docs/Lexicon.rst
+++ docs/Lexicon.rst
@@ -185,6 +185,7 @@
 
 N
 -
+.. _nfc:
 
 **NFC**
   "No functional change". Used in a commit message to indicate that a patch