Section 11-1501. DUPONT CIRCLE OVERLAY DISTRICT (DC)

 

1501.1The Dupont Circle area is a unique resource to the District of Columbia that must be preserved and enhanced. Strong protections are needed to retain its low scale, predominately residential character, independent small retail businesses, human scale streetscapes, and historic character, given the high-density development pressures caused by the proximity of the Central Employment Area and Dupont Circle Metrorail Station.

 

1501.2Repealed

 

1501.3The DC Overlay District includes the following squares: 23, 35, 48, 49, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, N99, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, N137, 138, 139, 153, S153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 178, 179, 180, 181, S181, 182, N182, 192, 193, 194, 195, S195, 196, and N196. The DC Overlay District also includes the following lots: Square 176, Lots 43-45, 64-73, 2076-2128; Square 177, Lots 2, 36-40, 87-92, 104, 108, 118-123, 126, 127, 801, 802, 2009-2019, 2020-2025, Square N177, Lots 4-9, 17, 23-25, 26, 27, 87-92, 801-804, 807, 810-811, 2001-2009, 2010-2012, 2013, 2022; Square 190,Lots 22-42, 51-62, 88-99, 101-116, 119-120, 123, 129, 809, 2001-2018, 2019-2028, 2029-2049, 2050-2056; Square 191,Lots 3-6, 8-16, 40-49, 51-59, 63-65, 66-69, 71-76, 79-87, 90-92, 93-95, 96-98, 99, 100, 104, 107-108, 800, 801, 803-804, 812, 814, 816, 817, 2001-2012, 2014-2027, 2028-2031, 2032, 2034-2058, 2059-2067, 2068-2077, Square 206, Lots 17-25,  62-65, 113-122, 128-133, 138-162, 166-176, 177-198, 219,  220, 800-805, 807, 809, 811, 812, 813, 814, 2001-2013; and Square 207, Lots 48-65, 94-95, 810.

 

1501.4The purpose of the DC Overlay District is to:

 

(a)Require a scale of development consistent with the nature and character of the Dupont Circle area in height and bulk; and to ensure a general compatibility in the scale of new buildings with older, low scale buildings by restricting the maximum permitted height and floor area ratio of new buildings to that of the underlying zone;

 

(b)Protect the integrity of "contributing buildings", as that term is defined by the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978, effective March 3, 1979 (D.C. Law 2-144, as amended; D.C. Official Code §§ 6-1101 to 6-1115 (2001)(formerly codified at D.C. Code §§ 5-1001 to 5-1015 (1994 and 1999 Supp.))), in the various historic districts within the overlay district; to require compatibility of development with the purposes of D.C. Law 2-144; and to preclude demolitions or partial demolitions that would lead to an increase in height and floor area ratio inappropriate to the area;

 

(c)Enhance the residential character of the area by maintaining existing residential uses and controlling the scale, location, and density of commercial and residential development;

 

(d)Ensure compatibility of development with the Comprehensive Plan;

 

(e)Preserve areas planned as open gardens and backyards and protect the light, air, and privacy that they provide;

 

(f)Enhance the streetscape by maintaining the public space in front of buildings as landscaped green spaces and limited curb cuts on Connecticut Avenue; and

 

(g)Encourage greater use of public transportation and the free circulation of vehicles through public streets and alleys.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 39 DCR 495 (January 24, 1992), as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 9741-43 (December 8, 2000), incorporating by reference the text of Proposed Rulemaking published at 47 DCR 8335, 8451-53 (October 20, 2000); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 12909, 12912 (December 26, 2008).