A DC Petition Against Rear Addition Restrictions

• April 26th 2017

by Nena Perry-Brown

Just over a week ago, the Zoning Commission amended its regulations to limit matter-of-right extensions off the back of DC resiences. Now, a developer has started a petition in hopes that zoning officials will reconsider.

In its current form, the zoning code amendment will bar property owners in R-2, R-3, R-13, R-17, R-20, and RF zones from constructing rear additions that extend more than 10 feet past the farthest measure of the rear wall of an adjoining property. Any extensions beyond that measure would require a special exception from the Board of Zoning Adjustment.

The petition by C and S Development asserts that such a restriction would discourage homeowners from expanding their homes or purchasing homes that need updating and would also limit developers’ ability to convert single-family houses into flats to accommodate the city’s growing population. The petition states that the amendment was made without adequate public input, so implementation should be delayed while the matter is reopened for consideration.

As of this article’s publication, the petition has 51 signatures out of a desired 100. The petition will be submitted to Commission Chairperson Anthony Hood upon closure; it is unclear whether the Commissioner would give weight to the petition or reopen the pertinent case.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/petitioning_against_rear_addition_restrictions/12496.