Zoning Commission
The Zoning Commission is an independent, five-member, quasi-judicial body in the District of Columbia, created by the Zoning Act of 1920, as amended, and charged with preparing, adopting and subsequently amending the Zoning Regulations and Map, not to be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital area. Three members of the ZC are residents of the District of Columbia appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council; the fourth member is the Architect of the Capitol (or his/her representative); and the fifth member is the Director of the National Park Service (or his/her representative).
Public Meetings and Hearings on Mondays and/or Thursdays at One Judiciary Square in Room 220 South. See the Office of Zoning Contact Information for detailed directions.
Click here for this month's Extended Zoning Commission Schedule.
Accommodation of Persons with Disabilities and Persons needing a Language interpretation to Participate in Office of Zoning Meetings and Hearings:
Persons with Disabilities and Persons needing a Language interpretation to participate in the hearings and meetings held by the Zoning Commission (ZC) or Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), please call Ms Sara Bardin on (202) 727-5372 or email sara.bardin@dc.gov with your request. Two-to-three weeks notice allows the Office of Zoning to provide the best customer service to these requests. Meetings and hearings are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at Office of Zoning, 441 4th Floor, Suite 220S, Washington, D.C. 20001.
Note that Public Hearing Notices for all cases before the ZC are published in the District of Columbia Register.
For information on the Zoning Commission Actions see the links below:
- Map Amendments
- Text Amendments
- Air Rights Development in Public Space
- Planned Unit Development (PUD)
- Zoning Commission Members
All applications for building permits are reviewed by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and the Zoning administrator for compliance with relevant zoning regulations. Upon such review, the Zoning Administrator may determine that a project conflicts with existing regulations i.e. land use(s), height, density, bulk, etc. permitted by the zone district covering the site. In that event, the affected property owner may seek permission from the Zoning Commission to develop the proposed project by filing a map amendment application with the Commission. Map amendments may also be initiated by petition from the public, including public agencies such as the Office of Planning.
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In addition, applications to change the text of the Zoning Regulations may be filed with the Zoning Commission. A text amendment changes the development standards in one or more zone districts.
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Air Rights Development in Public Space
Requests for renting or using the space above or below streets and alleys in the District of Columbia, under specified conditions, are referred to the Zoning Commission by the Building and Land Regulation Administration housed at DCRA. The Zoning Commission follows the Map Amendment process when reviewing applications for air rights development.
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Planned Unit Development (PUD)
The Commission hears and decides requests for special multi-purpose projects referred to as Planned Unit Developments (PUD). A PUD is a planning tool which allows a developer greater flexibility in site planning and building design. This flexibility permits the developer to incorporate amenities in the project that exceed those that could have been achieved under the general provisions of the Zoning Regulations. When a project is designated a PUD, the Commission usually mandates development of standards specifically tailored to the project.
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| Zoning Commission Members | ||
| Commissioner | Type of Appointment | Date of Term Expiration |
| Chairman Anthony Hood | District Resident (Mayoral Appointee) | February 3, 2010 |
| Vice-Chair William (Bill) W. Keating, III | District Resident (Mayoral Appointee) | February 3, 2011 |
| Commissioner Konrad William Schlater | District Resident (Mayoral Appointee) | February 3, 2013 |
| Commissioner Michael G. Turnbull, FAIA | Office of the Architect of the Capitol | |
| Commissioner Peter G. May | National Park Service | |
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