Opinion ID: 2164332
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: Failure to explicate the legal standard.

Text: Relying on Draude v. District of Columbia Bd. of Zoning Adjustment, 527 A.2d 1242 (D.C.1987) ( Draude I ), the FGCA contends that the Board inadequately explained its standard for determining whether the proposed development is likely to have objectionable consequences for the community. The FGCA objects to the Board's failure to make a comparison between the effects on neighboring residential areas of the University's proposed construction of a law school and the consequences of the kind of use of the property which would be authorized without a special exception. Draude I mentions such a standard, id. at 1253, but does not mandate it; neither do we. See also Draude v. District of Columbia Bd. of Zoning Adjustment, 582 A.2d 949, 959-60 (D.C.1990) ( Draude II ). In this case, the Board did apply, in substance, the other test articulated in Draude I, namely whether the proposed use would significantly increase objectionable qualities over their current levels in the area. Id. [8] This standard is consistent with the Zoning Regulations. See generally 3 R. ANDERSON, supra, § 21.09, at 652-54 (3d ed. 1986) (discussing the adequacy of various standards). The University presented evidence, including the testimony of a planner, an architect, and a traffic expert, which was sufficient to support the BZA's conclusion that this standard was met. Indeed, we agree with the following paragraphs in the University's submission: The University did more than demonstrate that the proposed use would be an improvement over previous use or present use. As required, the record shows and the BZA found that the use would not be objectionable based on the criteria of 11 DCMR § [210]. While the significant improvement over existing conditions at the Cassell site was found to be responsive to concerns of the neighbors, particularly Fort Gaines neighbors, this was not the standard applied by the BZA in reaching its ultimate determination. The warning in Draude [I] is meant to guard against inconsistent application of standards in special exception determinations. Petitioners' reliance on this point [is incompatible with] the BZA's actual findings, which are amply supported by the record.