Washington, D.C. approved a long-awaited new zoning code in January. Greater Greater Washington digs into one of the new code's more substantive changes: more permissive regulations for accessory dwelling units.
Emily Brown reports on the provision of Washington's D.C.'s new zoning code, that allows homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) without special permission. "Allowing ADUs to go up more freely is one of the biggest changes of the new zoning code," according to Brown.
Apartments have always been relatively easy for homeowners to add—consider the classic DC "English Basement." Under the old zoning code they were allowed with a special exception, but now they are allowed by right in residential neighborhoods.
Brown details the definition of ADUs according to the new code, and other considerations, such as rental regulations and financial feasibility, for homeowners planning to add ADUs to properties.
Back in January, Planetizen picked up the news about the new zoning code from Martin Austermuhle at WAMU. David Alpert also provided detailed coverage of the approval for Greater Greater Washington.
FULL STORY: Want to add a small apartment to your house in DC? That's allowed now.
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