BZA approves multiple zoning requests and a time extension; several hearings postponed

The District of Columbia Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) voted to approve six applications and granted a one‑year extension for a previously approved residential project during its March public meeting, while postponing two proposed health‑care facility applications for additional ANC review.

The board, chaired by Fred Hill, recorded votes of three in favor, zero opposed and two members absent on each approved matter. Approvals included application numbers 21278 (Steven Voss), 20184B (Fort Lincoln Eastern Avenue, LLC — one‑year extension to 04/20/2026), 21246 (Bobby Henry), 21243 (Thomas and Kathleen Quinn), 21257 (Newland & Faith Moravian Church child development center) and 21245 (David Hughes accessory building). Two health‑care facility cases (recorded as 2124O/4237 Eads Street NE and 21249/4231 Clay Street NE in the hearing) were postponed to allow the affected ANCs to review more detailed materials and to provide formal comments.

Why it matters: The approvals will allow several property owners to proceed with additions, accessory structures, and a reinstated child‑care operation; the time extension preserves an earlier approval for a townhouse development. The postponed health‑care facility applications — both proposing a 16‑person assisted‑living/health‑care use in R‑2 zoned houses — drew questions from ANC members about operations and cumulative impacts, and the BZA signaled it wanted formal ANC input before ruling.

Most significant approvals - Application 21278 (Steven Voss), a self‑certified special exception for a one‑story rear addition and accessory building relief in an R‑2 zone at 3841 Warren St. NW, was approved on a motion by Chairman Fred Hill, seconded by Kershawn Smith. Roll call: Hill — Yes; Smith — Yes; Commissioner Tammy Stidham — Yes. Staff recorded the vote as 3 to 0 to 2 (three in favor, zero opposed, two absent).

- Application 20184B (Fort Lincoln Eastern Avenue, LLC) requested a one‑year extension of BZA Order 20184 (to 04/20/2026) for a previously approved 51‑townhouse development. The Office of Planning recommended approval; the board voted 3–0–2 to grant the extension.

- Application 21246 (Bobby Henry) sought multiple special‑exception reliefs for a two‑story rear addition and rear deck in an R‑3 zone at 1956 Bridal St. SE. The Office of Planning recommended approval, and the board approved the application based on the numeric relief set out in Exhibit 35 rather than approving construction plans. Motion made by Chairman Hill and seconded by Mr. Smith; roll call: Hill — Yes; Smith — Yes; Stidham — Yes; staff recorded 3–0–2.

- Application 21243 (Thomas and Kathleen Quinn) requested a rear deck and area variance for lot occupancy at 5322 40th St. NW. The Office of Planning recommended approval; the board voted 3–0–2 to grant the special exception and area variance.

- Application 21245 (David Hughes) requested special‑exception relief from lot‑occupancy rules to permit a two‑story accessory building at 1227 Independence Ave. SE. OP recommended approval; the board voted 3–0–2 to approve.

- Application 21257 (Newland and Faith Moravian Church of the Nation’s Capital) requested approval for a daytime child‑development center (59 children, 11 staff) at 405 Riggs Rd. NE. OP recommended approval and ANC 4B submitted a letter supporting the application. The board approved the facility and set conditions: hours of operation 6:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Monday–Friday; maximum 59 children; maximum 11 staff; and no more than 13 parking spaces associated with the facility. Motion by Chairman Hill, second by Mr. Smith; roll call recorded 3–0–2.

Postponed hearings - Application 2124O (listed in the hearing as 4237 Eads St. NE) and application 21249 (4231 Clay St. NE) — both self‑certified requests to convert two existing two‑story houses to 16‑person health‑care facilities — were postponed to the April/May schedule at the board’s direction so the applicants could present materials to the relevant ANCs (the record shows requests to the ANC for April meetings) and provide any ANC comments to the BZA before the cases are heard. The board identified that several ANC members sought more detailed operational materials and confirmation that the facilities were not for returning‑citizen or high‑intensity rehabilitation uses.

What’s next: Applicants for the postponed health‑care facility cases were directed to meet with their ANC(s) and return to the BZA with ANC comments and any supplemental materials on the schedule discussed in the hearing. Approved applicants will await issuance of BZA orders and any necessary follow‑up filings required by the Office of Zoning.