Section 11-C710. LOCATION RESTRICTIONS

710.1 The intent of this section is to prevent negative impacts on neighboring property from excessive parking, minimize vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, respect the pedestrian environment, foster good urban design, and provide space for active uses to line parking structures.

710.2 Vehicle parking spaces shall be located:

(a) Within or below a building or structure; except in all zones except for any R, RF, or Subtitle K zones, parking spaces provided within a structure shall be located at least twenty feet (20 ft.) from all lot lines that abut public streets or a waterfront setback required pursuant to Subtitle C § 1102, unless the surface of the parking spaces is at least ten feet (10 ft.) below grade, at all points along the building frontage; and 

(b) On an open area of the lot, except:

(1) Between a building restriction and a front lot lone;

(2) In any zone other than a PDR zone, surface parking spaces shall not be located within a front yard.  A building used solely as a parking attendant shelter shall not trigger this restriction;

(3) Surface parking spaces shall be permitted only as a special exception pursuant to Subtitle C § 1102.5 if located:

(A) Anywhere on a lot within the MU-11 through MU-14; or

(B) Within a waterfront setback area pursuant to Subtitle C § 1102;

(4) Parking spaces and access isles for and buildings, structures or uses adjacent to the Anacostia River, Potomac River, or Washington Channel shall be sited and designed in accordance with the requirements of Subtitle C § 1102; or

(5) Within all R and RF zones of, any surface parking lot for more than ten (10) parking spaces shall be located a minimum of six feet (6 ft.) from any property line, with the space between the surface parking lot and the property line providing landscaping and screening consistent with Subtitle C §§ 714 and 715.

710.3 The Board of Zoning Adjustment may allow surface parking spaces to be located anywhere on the lot upon which the building or structure is located in accordance with the general special exception requirements of Subtitle X, and the applicant’s demonstration of the following:

(a) The Board of Zoning Adjustment shall determine that it is not practical to locate the spaces in accordance with Subtitle C § 710.2 for the following reasons:  

(1) Unusual topography, grades, shape, size, or dimensions of the lot;

(2) The lack of an alley or the lack of appropriate ingress or egress through existing or proposed alleys or streets;

(3) Traffic hazards caused by unusual street grades; or

(4) The location of required parking spaces elsewhere on the same lot or on another lot would result in more efficient use of land, better design or landscaping, safer ingress or egress, and less adverse impact on neighboring properties;

(b) The accessory parking spaces shall be located so as to furnish reasonable and convenient parking facilities for the occupants or guests of the building or structures that they are designed to serve; and

(c) The Board of Zoning Adjustment may impose conditions as to screening, coping, setbacks, fences, the location of entrances and exits, or any other requirement it deems necessary to protect adjacent or nearby property. It may also impose other conditions it deems necessary to assure the continued provision and maintenance of the spaces.

 

 

authority

§ 1 of the Zoning Act of 1938, approved June 20, 1938 (52 Stat. 797, as amended; D.C. Official Code § 6-641.01 (2012 Repl.)).

source

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447, 2712 (March 4, 2016 – Part 2); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 6110 (June 30, 2017).