Zoning commission hears RA‑1 text amendment to allow up to four units by right, defers final action for more study

The Zoning Commission on Jan. 5 heard a proposal from the Office of Planning to amend RA‑1 zoning rules to allow detached, semi‑detached and row buildings of up to four dwelling units "as a matter of right," clarify lot‑size and side‑yard standards, and tighten special‑exception submittal requirements.

Office of Planning presenters Shepherd ("Sherpa") Beeman and Michael Jurkovich told commissioners the changes aim to "allow more flexible new development that is compatible with existing neighborhoods," reduce the number of BZA applications for less‑intense projects and provide clearer submittal requirements. Jurkovich said OP recommends the commission approve the text amendment. "OP recommends that the zoning commission approve the proposed text amendment," he said.

Why it matters: RA‑1 zones cover low‑to‑moderate density areas of the District, including concentrations in Wards 7 and 8, and the changes would shift a set of modest conversions and small multifamily additions from discretionary review to by‑right approvals in many cases. OP told the commission its…