The Mixed-Use (MU) zones provide for mixed-use developments that permit a broad range of commercial, institutional, and multiple dwelling unit residential development at varying densities. The MU-15 through MU-22 zones specifically cover the Dupont Circle area with the intention of protecting and enhancing the unique characteristics of the neighborhood.
The purposes of the Dupont Circle Mixed-Use zones are to:
- Require a scale of development consistent with the nature and character of the Dupont Circle area in height and bulk and ensure a general compatibility in the scale of new buildings with older, low-scale buildings;
- Enhance the residential character of the area by maintaining existing residential uses and controlling the scale, location, and density of commercial and residential development;
- Protect the integrity of “contributing buildings”, as that term is defined by the Historic Landmark and Historic District Protection Act of 1978;
- Preserve areas planned as open gardens and backyards and protect the light, air, and privacy that they provide;
- Enhance the streetscape by maintaining the public space in front of buildings as landscaped green spaces and limited curb cuts on Connecticut Avenue; and
- Encourage greater use of public transportation and the free circulation of vehicles through public streets and alleys.
The MU-17 zone is intended to permit moderate-density mixed-use development.
| Development Standards | ||||||||
| Floor Area Ratio (max.)1 | Height (ft.) | Penthouse Height (ft.)/Stories | Lot Occupancy (percentage) |
Rear Yard (ft.)2, 3, 4 | Side Yard (ft.) | Green Area Ratio | Zoning Regulation Reference | |
| MU-17 | 2.5 | 50 | 12 (1 story) | 100 | 15 ft. | None required; however, if a side yard is provided it shall be at least 2 in. wide for each 1 ft. of height of building but no less than 5 ft. | 0.30 | Subtitle G, Chapter 6 |
| 3.0 (IZ) | 15 ft. (Second story permitted for penthouse mechanical space) | 8 ft. for a single-family detached or semi-detached dwelling | ||||||
| 1.5 (non-residential) | ||||||||
| Use Permissions | Courts | Parking | Inclusionary Zoning |
| Subtitle U, Chapter 5 | Subtitle G § 202 | Subtitle C, Chapter 7 | Subtitle C, Chapter 10 |
1 An existing building on a lot with an area ten thousand square feet (10,000 sq. ft.) or less, may have a maximum density of 2.0 FAR for non-residential uses, provided the uses are located in the ground story and the story directly above the ground story.
2 A horizontal plane may be established at twenty-five feet (25 ft.) above the mean finished grade at the middle of the rear of the structure for the purpose of measuring rear yard
3 Where a lot abuts an alley: (1) For that portion of the structure below a horizontal plane described in \from the center line of the alley to the rear wall of the portion; and For that portion of the structure above the horizontal plane described in Subtitle G § 605.5, from the rear lot line to the rear wall of that portion immediately above the plane; and
4 Where a lot does not abut an alley, the rear yard shall be measured from the rear lot line to the rear wall of the building or other structure.