Main Takeaways from DC’s Newly Updated Zoning Code

accessorydwellingunitRendering of an accessory dwelling unit in Cleveland Park
Photo credit: Urban Turf

In January 2016, the DC Zoning Commission approved the first revisions to the district’s zoning code since 1958. The Zoning Regulations of 2016 (or ZR-16) took effect in September and is set to have major impacts on how the city continues to develop.

One significant change to the code centers on parking requirements. While parking requirements still exist under ZR-16, they have been simplified and, in many cases, reduced. For example, parking requirements have been eliminated in most downtown zones and cut by 50% for mixed-use or commercial buildings elsewhere if they are within a certain distance of mass transit. With less required parking, new developments could benefit from reduced construction costs.

In addition to expanding the city’s downtown zones, ZR-16 has created new zones known as special purpose zones. These are designed to promote large-site development and include areas such as Southeast Federal Center, Union Station North, and St. Elizabeths East Campus.

Another major change to the code addresses the need for additional housing in certain residential zones. Basements, garages, and carriage houses in neighborhoods where they were previously prohibited for residential use may now be converted into residential space, or accessory dwelling units. An example of this is happening in Cleveland Park, where the Historic Preservation Review Board unanimously approved the first accessory dwelling unit in an historic district since the new code took effect. According to the DC Office of Planning, accessory dwelling units will provide additional housing to residential zones without drastically changing the density of these neighborhoods.

ZR-16 was a much-needed change to an outdated zoning code. The new regulations seek to better align with DC’s development patterns as the city continues to grow.

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