D.C. Zoning Code Change Will Further Limit Rear Additions

Michael Rouse reports on a change to the zoning code in Washington, D.C. that "makes it harder for homeowners to [build additional space] that by making it illegal to extend a house more than ten feet beyond its neighbor's back wall."

In addition to listing the benefits of extra space and dwelling units that rear additions afford, Rouse notes that a valid criticism of rear additions is their potential impact on neighboring properties. In response to those criticisms, the District's Zoning Commission has further restricted the development of rear additions.

Previously, the District's zoning code regulated rear additions on measurements of lot coverage and rear setbacks, so the new law amounts to a third qualifier. The rule goes into affect at the end of April, and Rouse's coverage provides a good primer for understanding the causes and effects of the change.