Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Washington, DC (2026)
4 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Washington, District of Columbia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Specific Plans Overview
DC's Zoning Commission cannot write or amend the Zoning Regulations or Zoning Map in a way that conflicts with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. Under 11 DCMR Subtitle A § 401.1, that plan, not a stand-alone specific-plan ordinance, is the master land-use document every zone map amendment must trace back to.
Washington DC Comprehensive Plan Zoning Rule
Some Restrictions11 DCMR Subtitle A § 401.1
401.1 The Zoning Commission is charged with preparing, adopting, and subsequently amending the Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map in a means not inconsistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital area.
Density Bonus Law
The District's Inclusionary Zoning program lets qualifying residential projects build up to 20% more gross floor area than allowed by right in exchange for setting aside affordable units, under 11 DCMR Subtitle C Chapter 10.
Washington DC Inclusionary Zoning Density Bonus
Some Restrictions11 DCMR Subtitle C § 1002.4-1002.5
Inclusionary Developments, except those located in the BF, HE, NHR, R, RF, SEFC, StE, and WR zones, may construct up to twenty percent (20%) more gross floor area than permitted as a matter of right ("bonus density") as reflect in the zone-specific development standards and subject to all other zoning requirements (as may be modified by the zone) and the limitations established by the Height Act.
Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)
Washington's NMU-4/GA and NMU-7B/GA zones along Georgia Avenue implement the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro Station Area and Corridor Plan, encouraging vertically mixed-use buildings, ground-floor commercial with residential above, within a quarter mile of the Metrorail station between Park Road and Shepherd Street. The Zoning Commission caps height at 50 feet (55 with inclusionary zoning) and lot occupancy at 70 percent (75 percent with IZ) to steer growth toward transit.
Washington DC Georgia Avenue Transit-Oriented Zone Rules
Some Restrictions11 DCMR Subtitle H § 800.1(a), (g); §§ 804.1, 805.1, 806.1, 807.1
The purposes of the NMU-4/GA and NMU-7B/GA zones shall be those of the MU-4 and MU-7 zones as set forth in Subtitle G § 101, those of the Neighborhood Mixed-Use zones, as set forth in Subtitle H § 101, and the following: (a) Implement the objectives of the Georgia Avenue - Petworth Metro Station Area and Corridor Plan, approved by the Council of the District of Columbia, effective July 20, 2006...
Downtown Design Guide
New buildings and additions with frontage on designated street segments in the M and South Capitol Streets, Independence Avenue, or North Capitol Street sub-areas of the Downtown (D) zones must undergo Zoning Commission design review before approval, per 11-I DCMR § 701.
Washington DC Downtown Design Review Rule
Significant Restrictions11 DCMR-I § 701.1, 701.2
701.1 The provisions of Subtitle I, Chapter 7 apply to a new building or structure or building addition that has frontage on a designated street segment within the M and South Capitol Streets Sub-Area, the Independence Avenue Sub-Area, the North Capitol Street Sub-Area, or within a D zone and with frontage on North Capitol Street south of M Street, N.W., and to buildings seeking additional heig...