The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a special exception on May 20 allowing a two‑story rear addition extending 15 feet at 2840 Sixth Place NE after the homeowners said they began construction in reliance on a Department of Buildings zoning review and a subsequently issued building permit.

Owner Carolyn Milborne Hance described a lengthy permitting process that began in 2022 and produced a building‑permit approval in March 2023. The family began work and said they were approximately 80% complete when a Department of Buildings inspector later informed the contractor that the permit had been issued in error and the extension required BZA review because it extends more than 10 feet beyond the adjacent rear wall for a semi‑detached building. The homeowners said the stoppage forced them into temporary housing; they cited repeated relocation costs and hardship for a nonverbal adult son who requires routine.

Office of Planning reviewed the application and recommended approval under Subtitle D §207.5 and Subtitle X §901.2, concluding the addition would not adversely affect light, air or privacy. A nearby neighbor testified in support at the hearing; ANC 7F supported the application at its public meeting. The board found the homeowner’s reliance on the permit and the degree of hardship to be compelling and voted to approve the special exception.