D.C. Municipal Regulations (Last Updated: September 13, 2017) |
Title 11. ZONING REGULATIONS OF 2016 |
SubTilte 11-D. RESIDENTIAL HOUSE (R) ZONES |
Chapter 11-D52. RELIEF FROM REQUIRED DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS |
Section 11-D5202. SPECIAL EXCEPTION CRITERIA FOR TREE PROTECTION
- SPECIAL EXCEPTION CRITERIA FOR TREE PROTECTION
5202.1 The Board of Zoning Adjustment may approve as a special exception, relief from the tree and slope protection requirements of this subtitle pursuant to Subtitle X and subject to the following requirements:
(a) Tree removal, grading, and topographical change shall be limited to the maximum extent possible, consistent with construction of a building permitted by the standards of this section;
(b) The applicant shall demonstrate that there are specific physical characteristics of the lot that justify the exception;
(c) The excepted building and overall site plan of the lot shall be generally consistent with the purposes of the R-21 and R-6 through R-11 zones and will not adversely affect neighboring property; and
(d) The Board of Zoning Adjustment may impose requirements as to design, appearance, tree protection practices during construction, buffering, and other requirements as it deems necessary to achieve the purposes of this section and may vary side and rear yard requirements in order to achieve the purposes of this section.
5202.2 Before taking action on an application, the Board of Zoning Adjustment shall submit the application to the following agencies for review and written reports:
(a) Office of Planning;
(b) Department of Transportation, Tree Management Administration;
(c) Department of Parks and Recreation;
(d) Department of Energy and Environment, Watershed Protection Division, Technical Services Branch; and
(e) National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
5202.3 An applicant for a special exception shall submit at least the following materials:
(a) A site plan for development, including computation and illustration of total lot occupancy and impervious surface ratio, and regulated trees proposed to be removed; and
(b) A plan and statement indicating how trees to be preserved on the lot will be protected during the construction period, including reference to proposed procedures to guard against long-term damage by such factors as soil compaction.