The purposes of the RA-2 zone are to:
- Permit flexibility of design by permitting all types of urban residential development if they conform to the height, density, and area requirements established for these districts; and
- Permit the construction of those institutional and semi-public buildings that would be compatible with adjoining residential uses and that are excluded from the more restrictive residential zones.
The RA-2 zone provides for areas developed with predominantly moderate-density residential.

Residential Buildings | ||||||||
Floor Area Ratio (max.)1 | Height (ft.)2, 3, 4 | Penthouse Height (ft.)/ Stories |
Lot Occupancy | Rear Yard (ft.) | Side Yard (ft.) | Green Area Ratio (min.) | Zoning Regulation Reference | |
RA-2 | 1.8 | 50 | 12 ft. / 15 ft. for mechanical space | 60% | 15 ft.; or a distance equal to 4 in. per 1 ft. of principal building height | If provided,no less than 4 ft. | 0.40 | Subtitle F, Chapter 3 |
1 / 2nd story permitted for mechanical space |
8 ft. for a detached or semi-detached dwelling |
Use Permissions | Courtyards | Pervious Surfaces | Parking | Inclusionary Zoning |
Subtitle U, Chapter 4 | Subtitle F § 202 | Subtitle F § 205 | Subtitle C, Chapter 7 | Subtitle C, Chapter 10 |
1 See Subtitle F § 201 for general Density guidelines.
2 A place of worship may be erected to a height not exceeding 60 ft. and 3 stories, not including the penthouse.
3 An institutional building or structure may be erected to a height not exceeding 90 ft., not including the penthouse, provided that the building or structure shall be removed from all lot lines of its lot a distance of not less than 1 ft. for each 1 ft. of height in excess of that authorized in the district in which it is located.
4 Except as provided in Subtitle F §§ 203.2 and 203.3, a building or other structure may be erected to a height not exceeding 90 ft., provided that the building or structure shall be removed from all lot lines of its lot for a distance equal to the height of the building or structure above the natural grade.