Rear Additions In Washington DC

The text amendments address concerns about excessively disproportionate rear extensions adjoining attached and semi-detached buildings in the R-2, R-3, R-13, R-17, R-20, and RF zones by adding language limiting a matter-of-right rear extension to such buildings, whether as an addition to an existing building or as new construction, from extending further than ten feet (10 ft.) beyond the farthest rear wall of an adjoining principal residential building on an adjoining property.

The proposed limitation does not apply to detached buildings because a detached building, including any rear addition, would be subject to side yard requirements that provide separation from adjacent buildings.

The amendments allow a rear extension to extend further than ten feet (10 ft.) if approved as a special exception.

Here’s a copy of the proposed Amendment for review of changes by neighborhood:

Rear Additions in DC

The recommended text amendments address concerns about excessively disproportionate rear additions to adjoining row buildings. The text reflects the 10 ft. standard approved by the Zoning Commission on March 28, 2016 as a minor modification to the special exception criteria for conversion of a rowhouse to more than two units in case 14-11. In this case, the rear addition language establishes a ten foot limit as a matter of right and would allow for more than ten feet as a special exception. The new language would be applicable in combination with the other existing development standards such as lot occupancy and rear yards, to regulate the overall development of a lot. The ten foot rear addition limit could not be used to encroach into a required rear yard or to exceed lot occupancy.