Zoning Commission pauses plan to expand matter-of-right rear additions after sharp community opposition

The Zoning Commission heard public testimony and extensive commissioner questioning Oct. 27 on a proposed text amendment (case no. 25-11) that would raise the matter-of-right rear addition depth on attached and semi-detached dwellings from 10 feet to 16 feet on the ground floor and allow up to 12 feet on upper floors.

Jennifer Steingasser of the District—s Office of Planning said the change aimed to reduce regulatory barriers and accommodate universal-design and aging-in-place needs. "The proposal is set down and advertised proposed to increase rear additions on the back of row houses and semi detached dwellings from 10 feet, which is currently allowed as a matter of right to 16 feet as a new matter of right," Steingasser told the commission, adding that additions beyond the new thresholds would still require a special exception and that "rear yard, lot occupancy, building height, and other development standards would still apply."

The Office of Planning also described outreach that included four virtual open houses and meetings with Advisory Neighborhood Commissions (ANCs). As an alternate to a straight…