A First Look at Washington, D.C.'s New Zoning Code

The D.C. Zoning Commission last week approved a new zoning code for the nation's capital. The new code will go into effect in September.

1 minute read

January 21, 2016, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


"Last week, the D.C. Zoning Commission quietly approved an overhaul of the existing zoning code," according to an article by Martin Austermuhle, "bringing to an end proceedings that began in 2007, spanning three mayoral administrations and involving hundreds of residents and stakeholders in dozens upon dozens of public meetings."

After setting the context for the process to create the new zoning code (the city's old code was created in 1958, though changes made since then made the code confusing, according to some observers), the article digs into the significant changes included in the new zoning code. Austermuhle notes the following provisions in the new code: more permissive use of accessory dwelling units, lower parking requirements, more corner stores in residential neighborhoods, and multiple other use designation changes around the city.

The article concludes by digging into the causes behind the zoning code updates long, laborious process. 

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 in WAMU

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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