The purpose of the RF-4 zone is to provide for areas predominantly developed with attached row houses of 3 or more stories and within which may also exist a mix of apartment buildings.
The RF-4 zone is typically, but not exclusively, established residential neighborhoods adjacent or proximate to higher density zones including residential, mixed-use, and downtown areas.
The RF-4 zone is intended to promote the continued rowhouse character and appearance, and residential use of larger row house buildings. The RF-4 zone is not currently mapped in the District of Columbia.
| Development Standards | ||||||||
| Floor Area Ratio (max.)1, 2 | Height (ft.)3, 4, 5 | Stories | Lot Occupancy | Front Setback | Rear Yard (ft.) | Side Yard (ft.)6, 7, 8, 9 | Zoning Regulation Reference | |
| RF-4 | None for detached, semi-detached, row dwellings, flats or places of worship | 40 | 3 | 60% | A front setback shall be provided that is within the range of existing front setbacks of all structures on the same side of the street in the block where the building is proposed. | 20 | None | Subtitle E, Chapter 6 |
| 1.8 for all other structures | ||||||||
| Use Permissions | Courtyards | Pervious Surfaces | Parking | Inclusionary Zoning |
| Subtitle U, Chapter 3 | Subtitle E § 204 | Subtitle E § 205 | Subtitle C, Chapter 7 | Subtitle C, Chapter 10 |
1A maximum of 3 dwelling units that may all be located within the principal structure, or no more than 1 of the dwelling units may be located within an accessory structure.
2A building or structure existing before May 12, 1958 may be used for more than 2 dwelling units pursuant to Subtitle E, Chapter 7.
3A building or other 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 for a distance equal to the height of the building or structure above the natural grade.
4An 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 foot of height in excess of that authorized in the zone in which it is located.
5 The maximum permitted height of an allowed penthouse is 12 ft. and 1 story. A permitted non-residential building will be allowed a mechanical penthouse of 18 ft. 6 in in height.
6 When a new dwelling or flat is erected that does not share a common division wall with an existing building or a building being constructed together with the new building, it shall have a side setback on each resulting free-standing side.
7A side setback shall not be required along a side street abutting a corner lot in an RF zone.
8No side setback is required for a principal building; however, any side setback provided on any portion of a principal building shall be at least five 5 ft. except as provided in this section.
9In the case of a building existing on or before the effective date of this title, with a non-conforming side setback, an extension or addition may be made to the building; provided, that the width of the existing side setback shall not be decreased; and provided further, that the width of the existing side setback shall be a minimum of two 2 ft.