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Dupont is either commercial or R-5-B and up, even though the neighborhoods around it are largely rowhouse neighborhoods. OP has basically looked at Dupont as a one-size-fits-all type thing, not considering particular sub-neighborhoods, and also they have ignored one of the main reasons for the zoning rewrite, which was that the Comp Plan called for zoning that would be more in line with the existing development patterns (and not as they seem to take it: look at the worst example in an area and make it the rule for that area and other similarly zoned neighborhoods). This arose because of concerns raised by neighborhoods like Dupont and Logan, as well as neighborhoods that are low-density, where the matter-of-right height is 40 feet, and yet most of the houses in the area are significantly shorter, usually two stories. The Comp Plan called for a careful look and decide which areas should have lower heights, lot occupancy, etc. to make certain that future develop was in scale with what was there. OP went in the opposite direction, and kept the 40 foot height limit, but also eliminated the limit on the number of stories, so it was more likely that a developer would build to the full 40 feet, where as with a limit of 3 stories, there might not be as much profit in going that high, but now they can get a full legal fourth floor (plus basement, and a MOR accessory dwelling in the house).

So OP which was charged with implementing the Comp Plan which the people of DC participated in writing and getting approved by Council, is blantly disregarding the wishes of the people and the Council's legislative approval of this will of the people.

by Lance on May 9, 2012 11:46 am • link • report