D.C. Zoning Commission votes to reduce maximum height of pop-ups

The D.C. Zoning Commission took its first action on Monday night against developers building the citys growing number of pop-up homes, voting to reduce the maximum by-right height of single-family rowhouses to 35 feet, down from 40, in some of the citys gentrifying neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Shaw and Columbia Heights.

But developers of pop-up homes residences with upward extensions that often jut out over neighboring dwellings did win one key concession from the commission. In a split vote, the five-member Commission decided to allow developers to convert their pop-ups into condo buildings with up to four units, with one reserved for families who earn at most 80 percent of the citys median family income.

Originally, the Zoning Commission had considered a proposal that would have barred developers from building three or more units in those neighborhoods, a measure meant to make it less lucrative for pop-up developers.

The Zoning Commissions decision is not final. But its vote Monday night gives residents and developers who have been anxiously following the pop-up debate an initial look at the likely set of rules that could govern one of the citys most controversial building practices. Later this spring, the Zoning Commission will take a second, final vote after a legally required advisory review by the federal National Capital Planning Commission.

In the last year, pop-ups have generated impassioned, marathon public hearings across the city, especially in the citys R-4 zone, home to 35 percent of the citys low-density residential lots.

Many residents in those neighborhoods get angry when developers buy an old two-story rowhouse, and plop on top a third story; or, when developers raze the rowhouse and construct a brand new three-story residence. Longtime residents argue that the pop-up clashes with the established character of their community of two-story rowhouses, or simply blocks their sunlight, solar panels, or even their chimneys.

But pop-up developers have said that pop-ups are essential to meet the growing demand of people seeking to move into the nations capital. Theyve said that condo units within pop-ups allow middle-class families less expensive alternatives to move into pricier, established neighborhoods, where rowhouses can cost close to $1 million or more.

During Monday nights meeting, the commission voted 3 to 2 in favor of the by-right 35-foot height cap, but also allowed residents or developers to pursue a special exception if they want a 40-foot tall building.

Robert Miller, one of the commissioners who voted against the measure, suggested that the real problem with the pop-ups isnt the 40-foot height, but the buildings design.

We dont need to change a whole zoning framework, Miller said. We may need to add design development standards or a special-exception process.

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D.C. Zoning Commission votes to reduce maximum height of pop-ups