If approved by the Board of Zoning Adjustment, as authorized in §§ 3103 and 3104 for variances and special exceptions, a nonconforming use may be changed to a use that is permitted as a matter of right in the most restrictive district in which the existing nonconforming use is permitted as a matter of right, subject to the conditions set forth in this section.
The proposed use shall not adversely affect the present character or future development of the surrounding area in accordance with this title. The surrounding area shall be deemed to encompass the existing uses and structures within at least three hundred feet (300 ft.) in all directions from the nonconforming use.
The proposed use shall not create any deleterious external effects, including but not limited to noise, traffic, parking and loading considerations, illumination, vibration, odor, and design and siting effects.
When an existing nonconforming use has been changed to a conforming or more restrictive use, it shall not be changed back to a nonconforming use or less restrictive use.
In Residence Districts, the proposed use shall be either a dwelling, flat, apartment house, or a neighborhood facility.
For the purpose of this section, the districts established by this title are listed in the following order of decreased use restriction:
The Board may require the provision of or direct changes, modifications, or amendments to any design, plan, screening, landscaping, type of lighting, nature of any sign, pedestrian or vehicular access, parking and loading, hours of operation, or any other restriction or safeguard it deems necessary to protect the value, utilization, or enjoyment of property in the neighborhood.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 11, r. 11-2003