Generally, there are two types of variances: area variances and use variances. The BZA is authorized to waive strict application of any part of the Zoning Regulations where, due to an exceptional situation, the strict application of the Zoning Regulations results in "exceptional practical difficulties or exceptional and undue hardship" upon a property owner.
The BZA must determine that granting the request would not cause substantial detriment to the public good and would not be inconsistent with the general intent and purpose of the Zoning Regulations. In granting a variance, the BZA allows the owner to do something with the property without requiring strict compliance with the Zoning Regulations.
Recent Variance Cases:
| Case No. | Case Name | Location | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20242 | IDI Water Street, L.C | Square 1183, Lot 813 | 3401-3403 Water Street NW | Application of IDI Water Street, L.C, pursuant to 11 DCMR Subtitle X, Chapter 9, for a special exception under Subtitle C § 710.3 from the parking lot location requirements of Subtitle C § 710.2 (a), and pursuant to Subtitle X, Chapter 10, for variances from the driveway width requirement of Subtitle C § 711.6 (a), from the minimum dimensions for full-sized parking spaces and aisles of C § 712.5, and from the minimum dimensions for compact parking spaces and aisles of C § 712.6, to construct a 7-story residential building in the MU-13 Zone at premises |
| 20222 | Jack Spicer Properties LLC | Square 5176, Lot 369 | 5104-5106 Jay St NE | Application of Jack Spicer Properties LLC, as amended, pursuant to 11 DCMR Subtitle X, Chapter 9, for a special exception under Subtitle C § 703.2 from the minimum parking requirements of Subtitle C § 701.5, and pursuant to 11 DCMR Subtitle X, Chapter 10, for an area variance from the lot dimension requirements of Subtitle D § 302.1, to subdivide the existing record lot into two separate lots of record and to internally divide the existing detached principal dwelling unit in two separate, semi-detached, principal dwelling units in the R-2 Zone |
| 20218 | Gwendolyn Keita | Square 3257, Lot 88 | 5200 4th St NW | Application of Gwendolyn Keita, as amended, pursuant to 11 DCMR Subtitle X, Chapter 10, for a use variance from the use permissions for accessory apartments of Subtitle U § 253.5, to permit an accessory apartment within an existing, semi-detached principal dwelling unit in the R-3 Zone |
DCMR Title 11 – Subtitle X10
APPLICATION/ PETITION REQUIRMENTS
Instructions for Form 120 - Application for Variance
Click here to view the Variance instructions.
Filing for a Variance Review:
Click here to file a Variance.