421. SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS (RA-1)

421 SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS (RA-1) 421.1 In any of the RA-1 zones, the following residential developments shall be reviewed by the Board of Zoning Adjustment as special exceptions pursuant to Subtitle X, Chapter 9, in accordance with the standards and requirements in this section: (a) Multiple Dwelling developments that do not meet the standards set in U § 401.2; and (b) Residential developments seeking flexibility pursuant to Subtitle F § 202.3. 421.2 When seeking relief pursuant to Subtitle U § 421.1, in addition to filing requirements of Subtitle Y § 300, the applicant shall submit the following at the time of initial filing: (a) Existing and proposed site plans of the entire property, showing: (1) Existing and proposed buildings and structures; (2) Building Restriction Lines and easements; (3) All heritage trees and all trees to be retained or removed; (4) All impervious surface materials; (5) Location and screening of trash enclosures; (6) Location and screening of any surface parking spaces; (7) Screening or fencing along common lot lines; and (8) Exterior lighting. (b) Architectural Plans, including but not limited to; (1) Floor plans of each level and roof; (2) Elevations, including door and window locations and exterior building materials; (3) Sectional drawings through the entire building; and (4) Any other renderings relevant to this or other relief associated with the application; (c) Streetscape and alley-scape photos; (d) Shadow study, or supplemental representation, comparing existing, by-right, and proposed development at the equinox, longest, and shortest days of the year; and (e) Other plans or illustrations demonstrating the proposed development in relation to adjacent properties including, but not limited to the alignment of windows, doors, trash enclosures, parking, and screening in relation to adjacent residential buildings. 421.3 In addition to the filing requirements of Subtitle U § 421.2, when seeking relief from F § 202.3, or for a proposal with more than one principal building, or for a property exceeding twenty thousand square feet (20,000 sq. ft.), the applicant shall submit the following at the time of initial filing: (a) An existing and proposed Grading Plan, with the limit of disturbance shown; (b) Plans for all new public or private rights-of-way and easements; (c) A statement of justification which examines the proposed development in relation to adjacent properties and the surrounding neighborhood context regarding the proposed: (1) Arrangement of buildings and structures; (2) Landscaping, grading, and storm-water management; (3) Vehicle parking; and (4) Recreation and outdoor space. 421.4 In addition to the notification requirements of Subtitle Y §400.4, the Board of Zoning Adjustment shall refer any application subject to review under Subtitle U § 421.3 to the following District of Columbia agencies for comment: (a) District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) to review whether the existing and planned area schools can accommodate the number of students that can be expected to reside in the project; (b) Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) to review the potential impacts on nearby recreational facilities; and (c) Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) to review the proposed grading and stormwater management plan. 421.5 The Board of Zoning Adjustment may require special treatment for the mitigation of undue impacts to adjacent properties. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447, 3338 (March 4, 2016 – Part 2); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 70 DCR 011297 (August 25, 2023); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 73 DCR 009981 (July 10, 2026). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Zoning Regulations of 2016: Use Permissions 11-U DCMR § 421