Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-12-05
zoning Commission
To Hold Hearing on .
Group Housing Rules

The zoning Commission has set a
hearing for January 5 at the District
Building to consider proposed
amendments which would permit
erection of court groups of buildings
In areas here where lti-family
dwellings now are allowed.
The proposed changes in regula-
lions, 1t was said, would enable
low-rent housing to be constructed
more economically. They would per-
nit as a matter Of right upon ap-
phcation to the inspector of build
1ngs the erection of buildings in the
shape Of lis" and us" forming
opening courts facing a street.
The definition of building"
would be modified. so that the court
groups OF houses could be considered
single structures. with water, sewage
and heating facilities common to all
units. At present, when structure
Is separated by division walls from
the ground up, each portion is re-
garded as separate building, thus
multiplying the requirements Of yard
space and utilities.
Restricted Zones Unaffected.
The proposed amendments, how
ever apply only to zoning districts
A, B, G and Din which construc-
ton OF apartments and flats is now
permitted-and do not affect re-
strieted zones. Any deviation from
the arrangement Of wings set forth
IN the amendments would REQUIRE
approval of the Zoning Board of
Adjustment after public hearing.
The amendments are to facilitate
low-cost housing projects of the Ma
tional Capital Housing Authority
and at the same time retain the
general characteristics of the area"
Col. Joseph D. Arthur, jr., Assistant
Engineer Commissioner and mem
Der of the Zoning Advisory Com
mittee, which drew up the regula-
tons, explained last night.
Citizens Petitions.
When the Zoning Commission
considers these amendments it will
have before it petitions from the
Congress Heights and Bradbury
Heights Citizens Associations re-
questing changes to "A" semire-
stricted and "A" restricted In their
areas to prevent construction Of
multifamily buildings.
Highlights of the proposed
amendments follow:
All buildings in such groups must
be built simultaneously
There must be two side yards not
less than 20 feet in width and the
rear yard must be not less than 20
feet in depth.
The structure and its accessory
buildings must not occupy in ex-
cess of Is per cent of an interior
lot nor in excess of IS per cent of
q corner lot.
On an interior lot. a group shall
consist of three wings forming
court group erected in the shape
Of a rectangle to form an open
court facing street. The open
court formed by the structure must
not be less than S. feet in width,
nor more than 80 feet IN depth from
the building line of the street, and
all front entrances must open on
the court or street.
Courts Face Streets.
On corner lot, group shall
consist Of two wings in the shape
of an IL" to form an open court,
the open sides of which face both
strests. The front entrances must
face the court.
In any one wing there shall be
not more than four nor less than
two apartments or dwellings per
floor and combina ton in any one
wing of dwellings and apartment
houses, fats or tenements is pro-
hibited
Even in the cases where deviations
are sought the following regulations
stand:
Each wing must conform with the
requirements of the number of
apartments per floor or dwellings.
There must not be less than two
wings in any court group.
No front entrance of any house.
hold unit within any court group
shall face any portion of the rear
yard or any rear court.
Vehicular access Ito all or part of
the household units in a court group
may be required when such access
Is deemed essential in the interest