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BZA approves 7,500‑sq‑ft laundromat at 2901 Minnesota Ave. SE with overnight security condition
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Summary
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a special exception for a laundromat use exceeding the 2,500‑square‑foot limit and added a condition that a security guard be present overnight; DDOT's public‑space conditions were discussed but the board did not include them in the order.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment on Sept. 10 approved application No. 21337 to allow a laundry facility in excess of 2,500 square feet at 2901 Minnesota Ave. SE (MU‑3A zone). The board approved the special exception with a condition requiring overnight security coverage from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., following the applicant’s representation that security measures would be part of the operation.
Alex Wilson, attorney for the applicant CFC Incorporated and the proposed operator Love in Every Fold, described the proposal as a modern laundromat with self‑service and wash‑and‑fold options, app/card payment systems, delivery service, and community‑oriented amenities such as charging stations and Wi‑Fi. The owner, Sharrach Talati, told the board he has operated laundromats for eight years and canvassed the neighborhood. He said the plans include restriping the parking lot, reducing curb cuts and improving pedestrian circulation with a one‑way flow through the site.
DDOT reviewed the plan and submitted two public‑space conditions: reduce the two curb cuts to 12 feet and show one‑way in/one‑way out traffic during public‑space permitting, and remove excess paving and restore green area in the building restriction line as appropriate. The applicant agreed in principle to work with DDOT and public‑space permitting; counsel sought slight flexibility in the order language so public‑space approvals could accommodate design changes during permitting. The board discussed but ultimately declined to adopt DDOT’s public‑space conditions in its order, noting those matters are typically addressed during public‑space permitting rather than in a BZA order.
Office of Planning recommended approval, noting the use meets the special exception criteria and that laundromats typically generate steady, predictable trips. The applicant presented a neighborhood petition of roughly 60 signatures and a SMD (single‑member district) statement in support; ANC 7B did not adopt a formal resolution, recording a split vote at the meeting, and the SMD later indicated support.
Security condition: during deliberations Vice Chair Blake asked whether the applicant would accept a condition regarding overnight security. The applicant agreed; the condition mirrors text the applicant placed in the record (Exhibit 20c): “A security guard will be present during the overnight shift from 8PM until 6AM.” The board recorded its roll‑call vote to approve the application with that condition as 3–0–2.
Outcome and context: the board characterized the proposal as a neighborhood‑serving commercial use that would activate a vacant retail building, improve the site and provide a needed service. The board’s order will include the overnight security requirement; DDOT public‑space conditions will be handled in public‑space permitting.
