Once a Tenleytown Parking Lot Always a Tenleytown Parking Lot?
✉️ Want to forward this article? Click here.
![Once a Tenleytown Parking Lot Always a Tenleytown Parking Lot?: Figure 1](https://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2018/04/4926wisconsin-rear550.jpg)
While UrbanTurf usually features planned developments in their early stages, today we take a look at an application that would actually preempt any new developments at a site in upper NW.
The owners of the parking lot at 4926 Wisconsin Avenue NW (map) are applying for a special exception that would enable it to continue being used as a parking lot — into perpetuity.
The 27-vehicle lot is separated by an alley from a one- and two-story commercial strip fronting Wisconsin Avenue midway between Friendship Heights and Tenleytown Metro stations. In 2011, the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) granted a special exception to the site for use as a parking lot for a period of seven years; the same special exception had also been granted for a seven-year period in 2004. The site has operated as a parking lot since 1989.
When the previous approvals were granted, the site was zoned as R-2, supporting semi-detached residential development and protecting the location from additional density. Now, following the 2016 zoning revisions, the site is zoned MU-4, making it a prime location for by-right, moderate density mixed-use development of up to five stories.
story continues below
loading...story continues above
The application identifies the lot as important for monthly parkers and retail or service providers. The burden of proof cites the following logic to support its request for a special exception:
The Board of Zoning Adjustment may waive the location restriction (must be within the same lot as the structure served) for accessory vehicle parking spaces if the Board determines that it is not practical to locate the spaces in accordance with such restrictions and the location of such parking spaces “on another lot would result in more efficient use of land, better design or landscaping, safer ingress or egress, and less adverse impact on neighboring properties."
Arguably, however, a larger mixed-use development would be a more efficient use of land and could potentially replace all lost parking below-grade. In light of the recent conversation over whether Ward 2 is pulling its weight in allowing for more development, it will be interesting to see how the BZA rules on this matter.
See other articles related to: board of zoning adjustment, friendship heights, parking, parking lot, tenleytown, wisconsin avenue, zoning
This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/once-a-tenleytown-parking-lot-always-a-tenleytown-parking-lot/13844.
Most Popular... This Week • Last 30 Days • Ever
![Buying with Friends: What You Should Know](https://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2010/05/home_value.jpg)
Here are some precautions to take before buying real estate with a buddy.... read »
![$10 Million McLean Home Of Former Nationals Star Stephen Strasburg Finds a Buyer](https://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2024/09/resized/VAFX2180246_45_0_image_560x420.jpg)
The six-bedroom home listed for just south of $10 million back in June went under con... read »
![16-Story, 325-Unit Building Pitched For Arlington's Wilson Boulevard](https://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2024/09/resized/2500-wilson-1_image_560x420.jpg)
The new project will take the place of an obsolete office building in Courthouse.... read »
![Mayor Bowser Announces First Office-To-Residential Projects To Receive Tax Abatements](https://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2024/09/resized/1625-mass-1_image_560x420.jpg)
The three office-to-residential conversion projects have been conditionally awarded t... read »
![500 Apartments, Live/Work Units And A Park: The New Plans Coming To St. Elizabeths](https://assets.urbanturf.com/dc/images/blog/2024/09/resized/parcel-6-park_image_560x420.jpg)
The plans for one of the final parcels at DC's St. Elizabeth's East campus are beginn... read »
- Buying with Friends: What You Should Know
- $10 Million McLean Home Of Former Nationals Star Stephen Strasburg Finds a Buyer
- 16-Story, 325-Unit Building Pitched For Arlington's Wilson Boulevard
- Mayor Bowser Announces First Office-To-Residential Projects To Receive Tax Abatements
- 500 Apartments, Live/Work Units And A Park: The New Plans Coming To St. Elizabeths
DC Real Estate Guides
Short guides to navigating the DC-area real estate market
We've collected all our helpful guides for buying, selling and renting in and around Washington, DC in one place. Start browsing below!
First-Timer Primers
Intro guides for first-time home buyers
Unique Spaces
Awesome and unusual real estate from across the DC Metro