Zoning Regulation Rewrite

Home » What We Do » Zoning » Zoning Regulation Rewrite

Zoning Regulation Rewrite

Office of Planning initiated a three year public effort in 2008 to review, revise and rewrite sections of the District’s Zoning Code, found in Title 11 of the DC Municipal Regulations. The District of Columbia Zoning Commission is holding a series hearings on the recommendations for each of the subject areas; and, testimony submitted by Committee of 100 members to the Zoning Commission is presented below by subject area. Upon completion of the hearings, the Office of Planning and Office of Zoning in collaboration with the Office of the Attorney General will codify the language preliminarily approved by the Zoning Commission into a final cohesive zoning document.

A Zoning Task Force was established to work in an advisory capacity with the Office of Planning on the rewrite. Five Committee of 100 members were appointed to the Task Force by the Mayor and Members of Council. Committee members’ efforts on the Task Force have included pressing the Office of Planning to present zoning rule changes that will simplify the Zoning Code without compromising the regulations that have guided and established the District’s built character; and, questioning in testimony before the Zoning Commission whether proposed changes conflict with Comprehensive Plan policies.

Documents

C100 20Mar24 Committee Of 100 Comments On Zoning Case No 22-25 - Final: March 20, 2024, Shelly Repp
C100 Comment on Zoning Proposed Rules (Case No. 22-25)
C100 Comments Zoning Commission Case No 23-02 Opposing U Street Upzoning: June 23, 2023, Shelly Repp
The C100 appears in opposition to this application submitted by the Office of Planning. The upzoning would be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan’s Mid-City Area Element and would deal a serious blow to the principle of adapting infill development to the surrounding neighborhood. Simply put, there need to be guardrails placed on any development of this site.
C100 Comments Zoning Commission Case No 22-36 Opposing Takoma Park Metro Development: June 23, 2023, Laura Richards
The C100 appears in opposition to this application because of its patent noncompliance with the Comprehensive Plan and with the associated Rock Creek East Area Plan and the Takoma Central District Plan. Approval of this application in its current form will deal a serious blow to the principle of adapting infill development to the surrounding neighborhood. The proposed multi-family building at the Takoma Metro Station simply is too tall for the location.
C100 Testimony Zoning Commission Case No 19-06: July 19, 2019, Stephen A. Hansen
The C100 opposes the proposed text amendment to Subtitle X on FAR aggregation in a Design Review case. C100 wishes to reemphasize, the phrase “aggregation of FAR” never entered into discussions of the Design Review Process at Task Force meetings or hearings before the Zoning Commission, and the proposed text amendments should not be used as a means to circumvent the purposes and intent of the Zoning Regulations, or to result in action that is inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
C100 Testimony Zoning Oversight: February 28, 2018, Laura Richards
The statement of the Committee of 100 on the Federal City centers on the need to rebuild public trust in the District's zoning function among rank and file residents. There exists a widespread perception that the playing field is tilted toward development at any cost, with little or no consideration for either the wishes of affected residents or the guidance contained in the D.C. Comprehensive Plan.
C100 Memo Re ZRR PUD Area Waiver Pprocess Issues: May 3, 2016, C100 Zoning Subcommittee
It appears that none of the changes in §X-301.1 and .2 regarding the zone districts in which the 100% waiver would be available were included in the advertised NPRM text, or recommended by OP to the Commission in its November 6, 2015 Memorandum, or addressed by the Commission at the November 16, 2016 meeting at which it considered OP’s recommendations, or, consequently, included in the Preliminary Final Rulemaking text adopted by the Commission at that meeting or contemplated in the instructions that the Commission gave as to preparation of the final text.
C100 Inclusionary Zoning Flyer For ANCs: February 2, 2016, C100 Zoning Subcommittee
A group of interested organizations -- called the Coalition for Inclusionary Zoning that includes the Coalition for Smarter Growth, AFL-CIO Metro Washington Council, Fiscal Policy Institute, Jews United for Justice, and some others -- submitted these changes on January 7, 2015. Since that time, the Office of Planning has organized lots of meetings and the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development asked the ZC to postpone consideration of the proposed changes. Who was invited to these meetings? The ZC asked the same question. The answer is developers and building industry reps and the Coalition for Inclusionary Zoning, but no ANCs.
Proposed Order: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
Memorandum Of Points And Authorities: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 20: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
C100 Virginia Avenue Tunnel Complaint: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
Motion For Preliminary Injunction: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 19: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 18: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 17: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 16: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 15: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 14: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 13: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 11: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 10: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 9: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 8: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 7: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 6: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 5: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 4: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 2: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
2014-11-12 Exhibit 1: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100
C100 Fact Sheet On ZZR Neigborhood Policy Changes: June 12, 2014, Zoning Subcommittee
C100 Fact Sheet On ZZR ADU Changes: June 12, 2014, Zoning Subcommittee
C100 Fact Sheet On ZRR Downtown Changes: June 12, 2014, Zoning Subcommittee
2014-02-26 C100 ZRR Presentation To Ward 8: February 26, 2014, Nancy MacWood and Alma Gates
Zoning Regulation Revision Ward One Presentation: February 8, 2014, Nancy MacWood
At the invitation of DC Councilmember Jim Graham, the Zoning Subcommittee presented an overview of the affect of proposing zoning regulation revisions on Ward One.
2014-02-08 ZRR Ward One Presentation Revised: February 8, 2014, Nancy MacWood
ZRR: What’s Changing? Briefing and Notes: January 17, 2013, Commitee of 100 on the Federal City
C100 Fact Sheet On ZZR Parking Changes: January 1, 2014, Zoning Subcommittee
2013-07-26 C100 Letter To ZC Chair Hood Regarding ZRR Hearing Process: July 26, 2013, Nancy MacWood
The C100 offers suggestions to the Chair of the Zoning Commission regarding the process for approving the proposed Zoning Regulations Rewrite.
C100 Letter To Zoning Commission Chair Hood Regarding Zoning Regulations Rewrite Update: June 18, 2012,
2014-11-12 Exhibit 3: November 12, 2014, Committee of 100

Administration & Enforcement

C100 Letter To the Zoning Commission Regarding the Publication of Revised Zoning Regulations: November 11, 2011, George Clark
The C100 recommends that the Zoning Task Force have at least 60 days to analyze proposed draft regulations prior to meeting to discuss how the technical language implements the concepts approved by the Zoning Commission and how the details of the various proposed regulations follow Comprehensive Plan policies and compliments or eliminates current zoning regulations which will be of interest to the public.
C100 Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Review: Administration, Enforcement and Procedures (Case No. 08-06-15): February 17, 2011, Alma Gates, Chairperson, C100 Zoning Subcomittee
Alma Gates testified on behalf of the Committee before the Zoning Commission regarding the Administration, Enforcement & Procedures section of the zoning regulations rewrite.

Arts & Culture

C100 Post Hearing Comments ZC Zoning Regulations Rewrite – Arts & Culture: October 18, 2008, Nancy MacWood, C100 Member and Vice-Chair
Post hearing comments by Nancy MacWood on behalf of the Committee of 100 clarifying her testimony of September 25, 2008, and the Committee’s position.
C100 Testimony ZC Zoning Regulations Rewrite – Arts & Culture: September 18, 2008, Nancy MacWood, C100 Member and Vice-Chair
Testimony of Nancy MacWood on behalf of the Committee of 100 before the Zoning Commission regarding zoning regulations changes relating to arts and culture.

Campus/Institutional

Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Campus/Institutional (Case No. 08-06-7): December 27, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Campus Plans/Institutional (Case No. 08-06-7): December 11, 2008, Testimony of Alma Hardy Gates, ANC 3D05

Commercial Corridors

FNA Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Commercial Zones: Mapping and Use Principals (Case No. 08-06-5): October 23, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association

Design Review

Flood Plain

Comments on DRAFT Stormwater Management Regulations: July 25, 2009, Alma Gates

Green Area Ratio

2010-12-20 Green Area Ratio Gates: December 20, 2010, Testimony of Alma Gates

Height

Letter on Height Recommendations (Case No. 08-06): September 17, 2010, by Nancy J. MacWood, Member, Zoning Regulation Rewrite Task Force
Letter To Mr. Anthony Hood, Chair, D.C. Zoning Commission and Members of the Zoning Commission
C100 Testimony Before the Zoning Commission Regarding Proposed Changes in Building Height Regulation: September 25, 2008, Barbara Zartman
Testimony of Barbara Zartman on behalf of the Committee of 100 before the Zoning Commission regarding proposed changes in building height regulation.

Industrial

C100 Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulation Rewrite: Production, Distribution and Repair Zones (Case No. 08-06): February 24, 2011, Alma Gates
Alma Gates testified on behalf of the Committee of 100 before the Zoning Commission regarding the industrial section of the zoning regulations rewrite.

Low/Moderate Density Residential

C100 Testimony OAG 2018 Budget: April 24, 2017, Meg Maguire
The AG’s insistence on code enforcement in the DigiMedia and Sanford Capital cases that the C100 has followed, backed by tough legal action, inspires citizen confidence. We urge the Council to fund the $2 million increase in the Litigation Support Fund in the 2018 budget so that more of the fine legal work of the Office of the Attorney General can benefit our beloved city.
C100 Statment Zoning Commission Case 14-11B: March 27, 2017, Laura Richards
The Committee of 100 on the Federal City opposes proposed section A 301.14 to the Zoning Regulations of 2016. The new section provides for a vesting period to July 1, 2017 during which individuals may file building permit applications for rear extensions longer than the 10 feet1 proposed to be permitted as a matter of right under this rulemaking. An application must be accepted as complete by the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs by the July 1 deadline.
C100 Testimony Zoning Commission Pop-ups: January 15, 2015, Alma Gates
We support the Zoning Commission’s interest in stopping the practice of vertical additions on row houses, colloquially known as pop-ups. This scheme to capture profit by building to the maximum height allowance has resulted in stark interruptions of the most notable features of row house blocks – symmetry and rhythm.
Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Low to Moderate Density Residential (Case No. 08-06-8): April 9, 2009, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Low to Moderate Density Residential: April 9, 2009, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Presentation To the C100 Membership Regarding the Residential Zoning Regulations Rewrite: February 16, 2011, Nancy MacWood
Powerpoint slides that accompanied a presentation by C100 Zoning Subcommittee Nancy MacWood detailing the proposed changes to the residential zoning regulations and their potential impact for residential neighborhoods.

Medium/High Density Commercial & Residential

C100 Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Medium- and High-Density Residential (Case No. 08-06-14): December 9, 2010, Ann Hughes Hargrove
Detailed testimony by Committee member Ann Hughes Hargrove on the revisions of zoning regulations related to medium- and high-density residential zones.
Graphic Images Referenced in Testimony Above: December 9, 2010, Ann Hughes Hargrove

Mixed/Other Districts

Parking & Loading

2014-09-12 C100 Press Release -- City Faces Curbside Parking Chaos: September 12, 2014, Nancy MacWood
The Committee of 100 (C100) has asked Mayor Gray, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Mary Cheh to stop the DC Zoning Commission from further consideration of the Office of Planning’s (OP) “one-size-fits-all” parking regulations that are at odds with recommendations recently released in the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) detailed and thoughtful Curbside Management Study. (Chairman Mendelson has oversight over zoning and planning and Councilmember Cheh oversees transportation.)
C100 Letter Mayor Gray Curbside Parking Study: September 11, 2014, Nancy MacWood & Meg Maguire
The Committee of 100 (C100) has asked Mayor Gray, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and Councilmember Mary Cheh to stop the DC Zoning Commission from further consideration of the Office of Planning’s (OP) “one-size-fits-all” parking regulations that are at odds with recommendations recently released in the District Department of Transportation’s (DDOT) detailed and thoughtful Curbside Management Study. (Chairman Mendelson has oversight over zoning and planning and Councilmember Cheh oversees transportation.)
C100 Letter Mendelson Cheh Curbside Parking Study: September 11, 2014, Nancy MacWood & Meg Maguire
C100 Letter Zoning Commission Curbside Parking Study: September 11, 2014, Nancy MacWood & Meg Maguire
C100 Comments Regarding the Location of Parking Spaces within Residential Zones: July 28, 2011, Alma Gates
Comments of Alma Gates on behalf of the Committee of 100 regarding proposed changes in the location of parking spaces on residential lots.
C100 Testimony Before the Zoning Commission Regarding Parking Within Residential Zones: April 28, 2011, Alma Gates
Comments of Alma Gates on behalf of the Committee of 100 regarding proposed changes in the location of parking spaces on residential lots.
Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading November 2010 (Case No. 08-06): November 15, 2010, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
FNA Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading, October 2008 (Case No. 08-06-3): October 9, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
C100 Testimony Before the Zoning Commission Regarding Proposed Changes in Building Height Regulation: September 25, 2008, Barbara Zartman
C100 Testimony on Proposed Revisions to the Zoning Regulations Regarding Loading Zones (ZC 08-06-3): September 4, 2008, Barbara Zartman, C100 Zoning Subcommittee Chair
C100 testimony by Barbara Zartman on proposed revisions to the zoning regulations concerning loading zones.
C100 Post Hearing Comments on Proposed Revisions to the Zoning Regulations (ZC 08-06-2): August 28, 2008, Barbara Zartman, C100 Zoning Subcommittee Chair
C100 testimony by Barbara Zartman on proposed revisions to the zoning regulations concerning parking.
FNA Comments to Zoning Commision (Case No. 08-06-2): August 27, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Parking Best Practices Attachment: August 27, 2008,
Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading (Case No. 08-06-2): August 27, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Attachments to the July 31, 2008 testimony of Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association: Spillover Map: July 31, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon
Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading July 2008 (Case No. 08-06-2): July 31, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Zoning TF Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading (Case No. 08-06-2): Testimony of Nancy J. MacWood Commissioner, ANC 3C 09, and Member of the DC Zoning Task Force., July 31, 2008, Nancy MacWood
Attachments to Testimony Regarding Comprehensive Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading, post-hearing filings: August 27, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association
Attachments to the July 28, 2008 Testimony of Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association: Comments to OP, April 16, 2008: July 28, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon
FNA Testimony ZC Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Parking/Loading (Case No. -08-06-2): July 28, 2008, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association

Planned Unit Developments (PUD)

C100 Letter Anthony Hood Request For Clarification And Correction Of Order No 15-18: April 28, 2017, Stephen A. Hansen
We are writing to seek clarification and correction of the Order mentioned above, specifically as to paragraphs 35-38 in which the Commission grants a waiver of more than 50% of the applicable PUD minimum area requirement of §2401.1 of the 1958 Zoning Regulations, notwithstanding the fact that a waiver of more than 50% is prohibited by §2401.2, and for this purpose to request that the Commission on its own motion stay the effectiveness of this Order under 11 DCMR §Z-701.1.
C100 Letter Mayor Gray Barry Farm PUD: September 15, 2014, Nancy MacWood
Comments ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Planned Unit Developments (Case No. 08-06-12): October 4, 2010, Nancy J. MacWood, Member, Zoning Rewrite Task Force
Letter To Mr. Anthony Hood, Chair, D.C. Zoning Commission and Zoning Commission Members.
Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Planned Unit Developments (Case No. 08-06-12): October 4, 2010, Alma Gates and Laura Richards, Zoning Subcommittee
FNA Testimony ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Planned Unit Developments (Case No. 08-06-12): October 4, 2010, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association

Sustainability

C100 Budget Testimony Affordable Housing: April 11, 2017, Kirby Vining
Thank you for the opportunity to raise our concerns about the DHCD 2018 budget. We will focus on three areas:

* Preservation of existing affordable housing

* Cracking down on slumlords

* Improving DHCD’s management of the Housing Production Trust Fund
C100 Press Release DHCD Budget: April 17, 2017, Kirby Vining
In testimony on April 11, 2017 on the 2018 city budget for the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Committee of 100 on the Federal City (C100) emphasized three concerns to address the escalating affordable housing crisis: preservation of existing affordable housing, cracking down on slumlords, and improving management of the Housing Production Trust Fund (HPTF).
NUT Comments ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Sustainability – Gates (Case No. 08-06-9): May 21, 2009, Alma Hardy Gates, member – Neighbors United Trust
Testimony of Alma Hardy Gates on behalf of Neighbors United Trust.
C100 Comments ZC – Zoning Regulations Rewrite: Sustainability (Case No. 08-06-9): May 21, 2009, Barbara Zartman, Chairperson – Zoning Subcommittee
Testimony Regarding Proposed Amendments to Zoning Regulations – Sustainability: May 21, 2009, Nancy J. MacWood, ANC 3C09
Zoning Commission Public Hearing for ZC #08-06-9.
Testimony Regarding D.C. Zoning Commission Public Hearing Case No. 08-06-8: May 21, 2009, Marilyn J. Simon on behalf of Friendship Neighborhood Association

ZC & BZA Procedures

C100 Letter Mendelson Robert Miller ZC Confirmation: June 12, 2017, Laura Richards
The Committee of 100 on the Federal City has known and worked with Robert Miller in various capacities over the past three decades. We respect his deep knowledge of the District's planning and zoning process, especially his understanding of the Comprehensive Plan. As a member of the D.C. Zoning Commission, he is respectful and attentive to the public and has a collegial relationship with other Commission members and with staff. For these reasons, he is well qualified for reconfirmation.
C100 Letter DC Council Opposing Franco Nomination: October 26, 2015, Nancy MacWood
The Committee of 100 on the Federal City opposes the nomination of David Franco, principal of Level 2 Development, to the D.C. Zoning Commission. His participation as decision maker on the 5-member commission could create a perception of bias or create awkwardness on the commission as a result of his colleague’s decisions on future Level 2 zoning cases. In addition, Mr. Franco’s company’s approach to affordable housing requirements mandated by the Zoning Commission raises serious questions about his commitment to the intent of the Inclusionary Zoning program.