Zoning Commission grants final approval to Howard University map amendment with IZ Plus designation

The Zoning Commission took final action to approve a map amendment requested by Howard University to rezone several parcels along Lower Georgia Avenue, including campus properties and an adjacent church site. The commission applied an IZ Plus (Inclusionary Zoning Plus) designation to the amendment.

Vice Chair Miller said the proposed zoning "is much more consistent with the future land use map" and noted Office of Planning recommended the IZ Plus designation because the planning area is not meeting the mayor's affordable-housing goals. Commissioner Wright said Howard conducted "very, very good" community outreach and that both affected Advisory Neighborhood Commissions supported the proposal. The record shows ANC 1B and ANC 1E were in support and that Office of Planning also recommended approval.

The commission discussed that the rezoning would permit medium- and high-density residential and moderate commercial uses and would allow housing on sites where current PDR zoning does not. The case had been through proposed action on Dec. 16, 2024; the record shows NCPC (National Capital Planning Commission) filed a letter at Exhibit 41 stating the proposal falls under an exception and is exempt from NCPC review.

Vice Chair Miller moved final action on Zoning Commission Case No. 24-01 with IZ Plus designation. The motion passed on a roll-call vote that recorded four yes votes and one non-participation (Commissioner Imamura did not participate in the vote). An absentee ballot from Commissioner Stidham was recorded in favor "with such conditions as the commission may impose." The commission directed staff to record the final order consistent with the vote.