Washington, DC Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- 11-C DCMR § 713.1
- Allowed surfaces
- Concrete, asphalt, porous pavement, reinforced grass
- Banned surfaces
- Gravel and unreinforced grass
- Max fine
- $100 per day (11-A DCMR § 305.1)
- Enforcing office
- DC Office of the Attorney General
Summary
D.C.'s zoning code requires every driveway and parking area on private property to be built and kept in an all-weather surface such as concrete or asphalt. Gravel and unreinforced grass are flatly banned as driveway or parking surfaces under 11-C DCMR § 713.1, so a dirt or loose-gravel front-yard parking pad is a zoning violation citywide.
713.1 All parking areas, including access aisles, driveways, and ramp areas, shall be surfaced and maintained with an all-weather surface. In addition to traditional impervious surfaces, allowable all-weather surfaces include porous (or pervious) concrete, porous asphalt, and mechanically reinforced grass. Gravel and grass that is not mechanically reinforced are not allowed as surface materials required under this subsection.
Full Breakdown
Subtitle C, Chapter 7 of the Zoning Regulations of 2016 governs every vehicle parking area in the District, including driveways serving a house. 1 states plainly that 'all parking areas, including access aisles, driveways, and ramp areas, shall be surfaced and maintained with an all-weather surface,' and lists the only acceptable materials: traditional impervious surfaces, porous or pervious concrete, porous asphalt, and mechanically reinforced grass. 3 requires a litter receptacle for parking lots tied to retail or eating-and-drinking uses. 1, which makes any owner who 'maintains, or uses any building or structure, or part of a building or structure, or land in violation of the provisions of this title' subject on conviction to a fine of up to $100 per day for each day the violation continues. C. Code Title 2, Chapter 18. 1 before parking resumes.
Violations & Fines
Using or maintaining a gravel or unreinforced-grass driveway or parking pad violates 11-C DCMR § 713.1 and exposes the owner to a fine of up to $100 per day under 11-A DCMR § 305.1 for as long as the noncompliant surface remains. The Office of the Attorney General or a specially-damaged neighbor may separately seek an injunction to force repaving, and the District may impose civil fines in lieu of prosecution under D.C. Code Title 2, Chapter 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on a gravel driveway in D.C.?
What happens if my driveway surface doesn't comply?
Do I need a permit to repave my driveway?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Washington
Compare Washington to another location·View the District of Columbia parking rules overview
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