Washington, DC · Title 11 DCMR (2016 Zoning Regulations)
Permits moderate density mixed-use development at a limited height with an emphasis on housing
Development standards in MU-4/RC
Maximum FAR
2.5
Maximum height
40 ft
Maximum lot coverage
60%
Rear setback
15 ft
By-right FAR varies by building type: Residential (IZ) 3; Residential 2.5
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/RC
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.
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.