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Zoning Commission approves final rules easing development of alley lots
Summary
The Zoning Commission voted 5-0 to approve Office of Planning text amendments (case 25-06) clarifying rules for alley lots, including simplified setback language, modified yard requirements, elimination of certain parking requirements, and publication of the rulemaking in the DC Register.
The Zoning Commission approved on final action an Office of Planning text amendment meant to clarify rules governing alley lots across the city. Chair Anthony Hood opened the item and Office of Zoning staff Sharon Shelon told the commission the record includes an NCPC referral saying the amendment is not inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and that the rulemaking was published in the DC Register. Shelon also noted an OP third supplemental report at exhibit 239 with minor technical clarifications.
Commissioners said the proposal had been refined through multiple hearings and that Office of Planning edits had improved clarity. Commissioner Wright said she supported final action and called the OP wording — for example, the clarified phrase '5 ft from any portion of a lot line that abuts any nonalley lot' — much clearer than earlier drafts. Commissioner Moore noted broad support in the record, including recommendations from the Office of Planning and comments from ANCs and council members, and said he was prepared to vote in favor.
The amendments include several technical changes described during the meeting: a clarification of setback language, references to alley width and height relationships (speakers discussed maintaining a 24-foot alley in some cases and height dimensions referenced around 25 feet versus existing 20 feet), a threshold tied to lots equal to or greater than 2,000 square feet, elimination of certain parking requirements for alley lots in subtitles U600 and U601, and adjusted rear-yard dimensions (speakers referenced 15 feet and 10 feet yard requirements in R1 and R2 when those yards relate to rear yards of street-facing lots). Staff and commissioners identified that the final motion adopted the text as revised in the Office of Planning's third supplemental report (exhibit 239).
Commissioner Wright moved to approve case 25-06 (the OP text amendment governing alley lots); Commissioner Moore seconded. In a roll-call vote recorded by staff, the commission voted 5 to 0 to approve final action on zoning commission case number 25-06.
The chair said the commission will publish the updated rule text and that the video record will be available on the Office of Zoning website; no public testimony was taken at the meeting on this item.
