Washington Development News

Zoning Commission Advances Cleveland Park and Woodley Park Mixed-Use Zones

The commission considered proposed action on Zoning Commission Case Number 25-09, concerning text and map amendments to create Cleveland Park and Woodley Park neighborhood mixed-use zones. The Office of Planning (OP) provided a supplemental report after an extension was granted. Commissioners discussed several key points, including the goal of focusing density along transportation corridors, protecting community character, and the appropriate zoning designations. They decided against creating a new "I" program, preferring to utilize the existing "I+" option. The commission reviewed OP's analysis comparing existing zones with proposed MU5B, MU7B, and MU8-based zones for Cleveland Park, and MU9-based zones for Woodley Park. While generally satisfied with the analysis, concerns were raised about the argument for MU7B in Cleveland Park lacking rear yard setbacks, as a specific zone could incorporate them. The primary persuasive argument for the proposed zones was their potential to maximize affordable housing. Discussions also touched upon infrastructure, with the Department of Transportation affirming its assessment and no concerns raised by utilities. A significant point of contention was the lack of response from the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) to requests to attend commission meetings, which was deemed unacceptable. Maxine Brown Roberts from HPB confirmed the director did not wish to send anyone. The commission proposed amendments to the purpose and intent language of the new zones to explicitly include protections for adjacent residential areas, historic character, human scale streetscapes, and address front setbacks consistent with the Connecticut Avenue development guidelines. The commission voted 5-0-0 to approve the proposed action with all amendments and added language.