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Zoning Resources

DOB offers zoning resources like sample zoning plans, Zoning Administrator Interpretations, and guidance to help your permitting and plan review process go smoothly. Please also check out our Zoning FAQs and contact us if you have further questions.


Sample Zoning Plans

View model drawings to see what is typically found in a building permit plan and the information contained in those drawings. Submitting complete plans will help the Office of the Zoning Administrator review process. On plans, show characteristics of buildings and lots including building height, yard setbacks, lot occupancy, penthouse placement, permeable paving, parking and loading space configuration, and other standards. If these characteristics are shown clearly in the drawings, zoning reviewers can apply the relevant zoning regulations and complete your review quicker.

 

Small Residential Development Sample Zoning Plan

Building Footprint: Residential Dwelling

The floor plan below for a residential dwelling:

  • Shows the building footprint at each floor/story
  • Distinguishes existing building from new additions
  • Includes dimensions of the perimeter building wall

Building Footprint- Residential Dwelling Example.jpg

Reference Sheet A300: Image may be downloaded.

Building Footprint: Building Elevations

The building elevation shows the:

  • Building Height Measuring Point (BHMP) at the top of the first floor and the total building height measured from the BHMP
  • Building height and number of stories are included, and includes Residential Flat (RF) Zones and the historic district illustrations of protected architectural features

Building Footprint- Building Elevation Example

Reference Sheet A300: Image may be downloaded.

Building Footprint: Building Sections

The building sections show the:

  • Location of the BHMP is shown in elevation
  • Building setbacks in the RF Zones and historic districts
  • Longitudinal and transverse building sections which are graphical slices through the building documenting the building height and stories, as well as the grading, areaway, and window well width

Building Footprint- Building Sections Example

Reference Sheet A301: Image may be downloaded.

Building Footprint: Site Plan

The site plan shows the:

  • Two-dimensional birds-eye view, which includes details not shown on the plat
  • Decks, porches, stairs, pervious and impervious areas are dimensioned fully
  • Roof plans include roof decks and railings, roof hatches, HVAC units, chimneys and solar arrays

Building Footprint- Site Plan Example

Reference Sheet A001: Image may be downloaded.

 

Multi-Family Residential Development Sample Plan

Building Blueprint: Building Plan with Inclusionary Zoning Unit

A typical floor plan should clearly show the unit number, the bedroom count, and identify the Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) units.

Building Footprint- Building Plan with IZ

Reference Sheet A2.13: Image may be downloaded.

Building Blueprint: Building Front Elevation

Each building elevation should clearly show the Building Height Measuring Point (BHMP). The total building height is measured from the BHMP to the top of the roof, and is dimensioned. The building elevation  documents the location of the BHMP in elevation and identifies critical penthouse setbacks, as well as the building height and number of stories.

Building Footprint- Multifamily Building Front Elevation

Reference Sheet A3.01: Image may be downloaded.

Building Blueprint: Building Section

The primary longitudinal and transverse building sections document building height, stories, penthouse and court height, penthouses setbacks, as well as ground-level grading, areaway, and window well width.  It identifies the location of the BHMP in section/elevation, and clearly shows dimensions of each floor level.

Building Footprint- Building Section

Reference Sheet A402: Image may be downloaded.

Building Footprint: Building Plat

The building plat documents the building footprint for assessment and provides the dimensions for the building area, front, rear, and side yard setbacks, court areas and penthouse setbacks. The plat also identifies the location of the BHMP in the building plan.

Building Footprint- Building Plat

Reference Sheet District of Columbia Office of the Surveyor Building Plat: Image may be downloaded.

 

Zoning Regulations

Zoning Administrator Interpretations

The Office of the Zoning Administrator (OZA) provides zoning interpretations for additional guidance or clarity, and to resolve disagreements on regulatory language.

View List of OZA Intrepretations

Additional Resources and Information

Zoning Services

Learn about our Accelerated Plan Review Program, schedule a digital walk-through if your project meets specific requirements, and easily submit plan drawings online using ProjectDox.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Check out our frequently asked questions. If you don't find what you're looking for, contact us.