D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 11, r. 11-C714

Current through Register Vol. 71, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Rule 11-C714 - SCREENING REQUIREMENTS FOR SURFACE PARKING

714.1

Screening shall be required for any external surface parking spaces except:

(a) On a property located in a PDR zone that does not abut property that is not within a PDR zone; or

(b) On a property devoted to residential uses with a maximum of two (2) dwelling units.

714.2

Screening of external surface parking shall be provided in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Screening shall be provided around the entire perimeter of the surface parking area;

(b) All parking spaces that abut public space, such as sidewalks, streets, or alleys, shall have physical structures, such as wheel bumper guards, curbs, and/or guard rails, installed to separate and protect the abutting public space from vehicular encroachment, except if the abutting public space is the access point or driveway to the parking space;

(c) Except as required by paragraph (b) of this section, gaps in the screening are allowed only to provide driveways and pedestrian exits or entrances that open directly onto a street, sidewalk or alley. No individual gap may exceed twenty feet (20 ft.) in width; and

(d) Except as required by paragraph (b) of this section, the screening shall be either:

(1) A wall or solid fence at least forty-two (42) inches high; or

(2) Evergreen hedges or evergreen growing trees that:

(A) Are thickly planted and maintained;

(B) Are at least forty-two (42) inches in height when planted; and

(C) Shall be maintained in perpetuity as required by this subsection.

714.3

The Board of Zoning Adjustment may grant, as a special exception, a modification or waiver of these screening requirements. In addition to the general requirements of Subtitle X, the Board of Zoning Adjustment may consider:

(a) Impacts on the pedestrian environment within adjacent streets, sidewalks, and other public areas;

(b) Existing vegetation, buildings or protective and screening walls located on adjacent property;

(c) Existing topographic conditions;

(d) Traffic conditions; and

(e) In granting a modification or waiver, the Board of Zoning Adjustment may require any special treatment of the premises that it deems necessary to prevent adverse impacts on neighboring properties or the general public.

714.4

Notwithstanding the requirements of Subtitle C § 714.2, screening for a public school's external surface parking shall be provided in accordance with the following provisions:

(a) Screening shall be provided around the entire perimeter of the surface parking area, except no screening is required to be provided for driveways and pedestrian exits or entrances that open directly onto a street, sidewalk,or alley; and

(b) The screening shall be either:

(1) A solid or non-solid fence or wall at least forty-two (42) inches high; or

(2) Evergreen shrubs or trees that are planted between four feet (4 ft.) to six feet (6 ft.) on center, and that are at least forty-two (42) inches in height when planted and maintained in perpetuity.

D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 11, r. 11-C714

Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 2447 (9/6/2016); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 64 DCR 000022 (1/6/2017); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 67 DCR 3776 (4/3/2020); amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 8898 (8/27/2021)