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Zoning Commission Sets Down Monroe Street PUD; Requests More Detail on IZ, Solar, Setbacks and Ground‑floor Activation
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Summary
The commission voted 4-0-1 to set down Monroe Street LLC's consolidated PUD and related map amendment (Case No. 24-15901, Square 3829) for a public hearing, and asked the applicant to study a higher inclusionary-zoning percentage and confirm rooftop solar.
The Zoning Commission voted 4-0-1 to set down for public hearing a consolidated planned-unit development (PUD) and related map amendment filed by Monroe Street LLC for Square 3829 in the Brookland neighborhood.
Office of Planning (OP) recommended the commission set down Case No. 24-15901 and described the project as a proposed residential building on a vacant lot across Monroe Street from the Brookland‑CUA Metro Station. OP said the applicant proposes a map amendment to MU‑5B to construct a building with about 230 total units, including 33 inclusionary-zoning (IZ) units (15%), built to the matter‑of‑right height and FAR for MU‑5B (75 feet and 4.2 FAR). OP recommended the applicant study a higher IZ percentage and confirm that the project will include rooftop solar panels.
Commissioners used the setdown to identify issues they expect the applicant to address at the public hearing. Vice Chair Miller and other commissioners urged the applicant to confirm rooftop photovoltaic installation, examine increasing the IZ contribution beyond 15 percent and to clarify the list of standard design flexibility requested. Commissioner Imamura and Commissioner Wright asked the applicant to explain how surrounding context informed design decisions, including materiality, setbacks and step‑downs to reduce impacts on lower‑scale rowhouses nearby. Commissioner Wright specifically requested additional detail on activating the ground floor in the absence of retail and on the parking access point and any alley modifications.
Mr. Jesik of the Office of Planning said the project would "provide 15% IZ, the urban design of the building, efficient land use, and sustainability," and that OP found the proposal would not be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan's future land use map and neighborhood conservation-area designation, while recommending further study of IZ and rooftop solar.
Vice Chair Miller moved to set down the case for a public hearing; Commissioner Imamura seconded. The roll call recorded votes in favor from Commissioners Miller, Imamura, Wright and Hood; Commissioner Stidham was recorded absent. Staff recorded the vote 4 to 0 to 1 to sit down Case No. 24-15901 as a contested case for hearing.
The setdown signals that the commission will consider a fuller record at a future hearing and expects the applicant to address design compatibility, affordable‑housing proffers, sustainability measures and site access in follow‑up filings and presentations.
