Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of the Taskforce?
When and how can the public give input on the draft text?
Who has been working on the updated zoning code?
What is the status of the updated zoning code?
How much of the zoning regulations are changing?
How will it affect my residential neighborhood?
What is the process for adoption?
How does the code help DC become more sustainable?
Where can I find recommendations from the working groups?
Where are the public meetings held?
What is the role of the Task Force?
The Task Force is made up of community representatives appointed from all parts of the city by DC Councilmembers, as well as government officials and building industry representatives. The Task Force provides general guidance on the overall process, technical review of the recommendations resulting from each working group, and comment on the draft text.
When and how can the public give input on the draft text?
There are variety of ways to provide input. Over 700 residents, community members, and businesspeople have attended our public meetings and given input on the updated code.You can comment on sections of proposed draft text on our Comment Center page. Additionally, you can comment or provide testimony before the Zoning Commission at public hearings on draft text. For exact dates, times, and topics, please visit the Office of Zoning.
Who has been working on the updated zoning code?
There is a group of Office of Planning staff dedicated to the Zoning Review alone. Arlova Jackson is currently leading the project. They've worked in conjunction with representatives from other District agencies, such as DCRA, DDOE, and DDOT. They've also received input from over 700 public meeting attendees, the appointed Taskforce, and consultants as necessary.
How much of the zoning regulations are changing?
Often the text of the current regulations has simply been moved to a new location in the new code. In other cases, policy in the Comprehensive Plan or a working group recommendation has led to a policy change. As OP introduces draft text to the Zoning Commission, we will point out when text is simply being transferred from the old set of regulations and when it results from a policy change.
What is the status of the updated zoning code?
The public working groups have been completed. These groups focused on developing conceptual changes to the code that were approved by the Zoning Commission. Now, the draft regulations are being written and will be open for public input and public hearings before the Zoning Commission.
How will it affect my neighborhood?
The updated code will help to protect and promote the existing character of all neighborhoods, while providing options of tools for new or infill development. Changes to the zoning code do not impact existing homes that are legally established. The updates will only impact new developments, additions, and subdivisions.
What is the process for adoption?
The adoption process is explained here.
How does the code help DC become a sustainable city?
The Zoning Review held a series of public meetings over four months on the topic of sustainability in DC's zoning. As a result of those meetings, wide-reaching recommendations for changes were conceptually approved by the Zoning Commission. Those recommendations will touch upon almost all aspects of the zoning code, and can be seen here.
Where can I find the recommendations from the working groups?
Documents related to individual subject areas or working groups, rather than the code as a whole, are located under “Areas of Interest” on the left menu of this website.