Zoning Commission approves rezoning for Emory United Methodist Church site to RA‑4 with IZ Plus

The D.C. Zoning Commission on a 4‑0‑1 vote took proposed action to approve a map amendment to rezone the property at 1459 Columbia Road NW (Square 2672, Lot 17) from RA‑2 to RA‑4 with an IZ Plus designation. Vice Chair Robert Miller moved the proposed action and Commissioner Michelle Wright seconded; Commissioners Miller, Wright, Chair Anthony Hood and Commissioner Stidham voted yes; Commissioner Imamura was absent and did not vote. The commission instructed staff to refer the case to the National Capital Planning Commission for a 30‑day comment period and requested a draft order from the applicant within two weeks.

The site is owned by Emory United Methodist Church and the applicant team said the rezoning would allow substantial additional housing — including a larger affordable component — while allowing reuse of the existing church building. "No one lives on the site now, so there would be no displacement," Brandice Elliott, the applicant's land use planning witness, told the commission during the applicant presentation. The Office of Planning recommended approval after evaluating the proposal through the District's racial equity tool, and District Department of Transportation filed a report of no objection. ANC 1A provided a letter of support dated Dec. 11, 2024.

Why it matters: The applicant and its planning witness argued the RA‑4 zoning increases capacity and…