Building Setbacks & Zoning in District of Columbia (2026)

3 rules on the books across District of Columbia, 1 city or county. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Setback Rules

How far structures must be from property lines, streets, and other buildings. Different setbacks apply to front, side, and rear yards.

Title 11 DCMR Subtitle D sets the District's residential yard minimums: a rear yard of 25 feet in R-1 and 20 feet in…

Maximum building heights allowed by zoning, including how height is measured and exceptions for chimneys, antennas, and rooftop equipment.

In Washington, D.C., buildings on a residential street are capped at 90 feet, with the actual limit tied to the…

The maximum percentage of your lot that can be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces like driveways and patios.

The District calls it lot occupancy, not lot coverage. Title 11 DCMR Subtitle D Section 210.1 caps how much of a…