BZA approves second‑floor addition to rear accessory building at 917 Constitution Ave NE
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Summary
The Board approved a special exception allowing a second‑story addition to an accessory garage at 917 Constitution Avenue NE in RF‑1 zoning after the applicant addressed privacy concerns by raising a rear window sill; Office of Planning recommended approval.
The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved a special exception on May 20 to allow a second‑story residential addition above an existing one‑story accessory structure at 917 Constitution Avenue NE.
Applicant architect Eric Turan explained the project to the board: the footprint of the garage would remain the same while a second floor would be added as a "bonus room" for the homeowners. The Office of Planning reviewed the project and found the change should not create adverse impacts on light, air or privacy. ANC 6A supported the application and the Historic Preservation Office approved design details.
The board and neighbors discussed privacy concerns for the houses across the alley; the applicant amended plans to raise the window sill on the south elevation from 18 inches to 36 inches to increase privacy. The board determined the light‑and‑air and privacy impacts were minimal and voted to approve the special exception, giving great weight to OP and noting letters of adjacent neighbor support.