101 INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION

101.1 In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this title shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity, and general welfare to:

1. (a) Provide adequate light and air;
2. (b) Prevent undue concentration of population and the overcrowding of land; and
3. (c) Provide distribution of population, business and industry, and use of land that will tend to create conditions favorable to transportation, protection of property, civic activity, and recreational, educational, and cultural opportunities; and that will tend to further economy and efficiency in the supply of public services.

101.2 The regulations in this title and the Zoning Maps are designed with consideration of the:

1. (a) Character of the respective zones;
2. (b) Suitability of each zone for the uses permitted in each zone under this title;
3. (c) Encouragement of the stability of zones and of land values in those zones; and
4. (d) Requirement that zoning shall not be inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital.

101.3 The provisions of this title shall govern whenever they:

1. (a) Require larger setbacks, courts, or other open spaces;
2. (b) Require a lower height or bulk of buildings or a smaller number of stories;
3. (c) Require a greater percentage of lot to be unoccupied; or
4. (d) Impose other higher standards than are required in or under any statute or by any other municipal regulations.

101.4 The provisions of any statute or other municipal regulations shall govern whenever they:

(a) Require larger yards, courts, or other open spaces;

(b) Require a lower height or bulk of buildings or a smaller number of stories;

(c) Require a greater percentage of lot to be unoccupied; or

(d) Impose higher standards than are required by this title.

101.5 No building, structure, or premises shall be used, and no building, structure, or part of a building or structure shall be constructed, extended, moved, structurally altered, or enlarged except in conformity with this title.

101.6 Where a lot is divided, the division shall be effected in a manner that will not violate the provisions of this title for yards, courts, other open space, minimum lot width, minimum lot area, floor area ratio, percentage of lot occupancy, parking spaces, or loading berths applicable to that lot or any lot created.

101.7 If any section or provision of this title, or any boundary of any zone on the Zoning Maps adopted under this title, is decided by the courts to be unconstitutional or invalid, that decision shall not affect the validity of the regulations and the Zoning Maps as a whole or any part of the regulations or maps, other than the part determined to be unconstitutional or invalid.

101.8 For the purpose of reference to zone districts in any statute or other municipal regulations not included within this title, the following cross references are offered.

101.9 The following zones are considered residential zones:

(a) Residential House (R) zones;

(b) Residential Flat (RF) zones;

(c) Residential Apartment (RA) zones;

(d) CG-1, Capitol Gateway (CG) zone;

(e) D-1, Downtown (D) zone; and

(f) Barry Farm (BF) zones.

101.10 The following zones are considered mixed-use zones or special purpose zones:

1. (a) Mixed-Use Uptown Arts (ARTS) zones;
2. (b) Capitol Gateway (CG) zones, except CG-1;
3. (c) Downtown (D) zones, except D-1;
4. (d) Hill East (HE) zones;
5. (e) Mixed-Use (MU) zones;
6. (f) Navy Yard East (NYE) zones;
7. (g) Neighborhood Mixed-Use (NMU) zones;
8. (h) North Howard Road (NHR) zone;
9. (i) Southeast Federal Center (SEFC) zones;
10. (j) Saint Elizabeths East Campus (StE) zones;
11. (k) Union Station North (USN) zones; and
12. (l) Walter Reed (WR) zones.

101.11 Production, Distribution, and Repair (PDR) zones are considered industrial zones.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447, 2623 (March 4, 2016 – Part 2); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 014144 (December 31, 2021); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 70 DCR 011297 (August 25, 2023); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 72 DCR 006195 (May 23, 2025).