Washington, DC · Title 11 DCMR (2016 Zoning Regulations)
MU-4 is a medium-high intensity mixed-use zone found along major transit corridors and near Metro stations. Represents significant redevelopment potential for mixed-use urban infill. Inclusionary Zoning is mandatory; a PUD is widely used. FAR differs between residential and non-residential development -- see the development standards.
Development standards in MU-4
Maximum FAR
2.5
Maximum height
50 ft
Maximum lot coverage
60%
Rear setback
15 ft
By-right FAR varies by building type: Non-Residential 1.5; Residential (IZ) 3; Residential 2.5
Federal Heights Act (1910) limits apply: 90 ft on residential streets, 110 ft on commercial streets, 130 ft on Pennsylvania Avenue. These federal limits cannot be exceeded by any local zoning approval or PUD.
Development standards for this market are not yet checked against a committed copy of the ordinance. Use the ordinance link below as the authoritative source.
Permitted uses in MU-4
AllowedCollege or university uses In MU-4, a use that would otherwise not be permitted as a matter of right but for the university or college shall not be permitted; Subtitle U §512.1(b)
AllowedDaytime care uses for not more than twenty (20) persons Not including resident supervisors or staff and their families; Subtitle U §512.1(c)
AllowedEating and drinking establishment uses (general) General eating and drinking establishments permitted; fast food establishment and food delivery service are prohibited in MU-4; prepared food shop limited to 18 seats for patrons in MU-4; Subtitle U §512.1(d)
Not AllowedFast food establishment Explicitly not permitted in the MU-4 zone; Subtitle U §512.1(d)(1)
Not AllowedFood delivery service Explicitly not permitted in the MU-4 zone; Subtitle U §512.1(d)(1)
AllowedPrepared food shop In MU-4, limited to eighteen (18) seats for patrons; Subtitle U §512.1(d)(3)
AllowedEducation uses, private Subtitle U §512.1(e)
AllowedEntertainment, assembly, and performing arts uses Bowling alley subject to conditions: not within 25 ft. of residentially zoned property unless separated by street or alley, and soundproofing as necessary; Subtitle U §512.1(f)
AllowedFirearms retail sales establishments No portion of the establishment shall be within 300 ft. of any R, RF, RA, MU-1, or MU-2 zone, or a place of worship, public or private school, public library, or playground; Subtitle U §512.1(g)
AllowedOptical transmission node Subtitle U §512.1(i)
AllowedRetail uses (excluding large format retail use) Large format retail use is excluded; off-premises beer and wine sales accessory use condition applies to grocery store in Square 2572, Lot 36; Subtitle U §512.1(j)
AllowedService (general) uses Laundry or dry cleaning facility shall not exceed 2,500 sq. ft. gross floor area; in MU-4, uses involving the installation of automobile accessories are not permitted; Subtitle U §512.1(k)
Not AllowedService (general) uses involving installation of automobile accessories Explicitly not permitted in the MU-4 zone; Subtitle U §512.1(k)(2)
AllowedAnimal boarding use located in a basement or cellar space Subject to multiple conditions: not within 25 ft. of R, RF, or RA zone lot; no residential use on same floor or immediately above; windows and doors kept closed; no animals in external yard; closed waste disposal with weekly collection; odor control system required; impervious and washable floor and wall finishes to 48 in.; Subtitle U §512.1(l)
AllowedCar wash Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(a)
AllowedAutomobile or truck sales Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(b)
AllowedAutomobile rental agency Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(c)
AllowedBoat or other marine sales Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(d)
AllowedDrive-in restaurant Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(e)
AllowedElectric substation or natural gas regulator station Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(f)
AllowedInstallation of automobile accessories Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(h)
AllowedMotorcycle sales and repairs Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(i)
AllowedParcel delivery service Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(j)
AllowedParking lot, parking garage, or public storage garage Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(k)
AllowedPublic utility pumping station Prohibition under 514.2 applies only to MU-24 and MU-26; MU-4 is not subject to this prohibition; Subtitle U §514.2(l)
"Conditional" means the use generally requires a public hearing or special-exception approval — a very different timeline and risk profile from a by-right permit.
This is the zone. What about the parcel?
Zone rules are the starting point — the answer for a specific property also depends on lot
size, overlays, existing improvements and site conditions. Run a free address lookup to see
what applies to one property.
Standards as recorded by ZoneScore: 11 DCMR Subtitle G (Mixed Use zones), MU-4
Development standards are derived from the DC Office of Zoning's published development-standards table and checked against Title 11 DCMR; use permissions follow Subtitle U.