The Zoning Regulations of the District of Columbia control land use, density, height, and bulk characteristics of property in the city. The District of Columbia Zoning Atlas consists of a series of sub-maps identifying the designated zoning for all parcels of land in the city. All construction or rehabilitation on private land must conform to the requirements imposed by the Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map adopted by the DC Zoning Commission or seek relief before the appropriate bodies.
Any person or organization seeking to undertake new construction in the District of Columbia or to make major repairs, alterations, or additions to existing buildings should consult with Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) to determine whether the proposed project conforms with zoning. If the proposed project conflicts with the zoning map or regulations, the Zoning Administrator indicates what type of zoning relief is required. Approvals by the Zoning Commission (for map or text amendments, air rights development, or a Planned Unit Development [PUD]), by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (for variances, special exceptions, or appeals) may be required. Special reviews of proposed chancery development by the Board may be required for facilities proposed to be located in certain mixed-use areas of the city.
A Zoning Administrator at the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) has the authority to interpret and administer the Zoning Regulations as adopted by the Zoning Commission. The DCRA does not have the authority to grant variances, special exceptions, or map/text amendments. The authority to grant these actions lies with the Zoning Commission (ZC) and the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). As noted earlier, the Zoning Administrator reviews project plans to determine which zoning actions are needed, if any, and enforces them.
The applicant may either modify the project proposal to conform with zoning regulations, apply for relief from the Zoning Commission and/or Board of Zoning Adjustment, or, with cause, appeal the Zoning Administrator's decision to the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
Administrative support for the Zoning Commission and the Board of Zoning Adjustment is provided through the Zoning Commission Secretariat and the Board of Zoning Adjustments Secretariat of the Office of Zoning. All applications, reports, letters, memoranda, petitions, plans, notices, decisions, and other data making up the public record of cases are filed at the Office of Zoning. The office reviews an application for completeness, schedules and arranges hearings and meetings, sends the application file to the appropriate city agency or agencies for review and comment, and undertakes all other needed administrative tasks. All applications to the ZC and BZA are considered in public hearings.
