Opinion ID: 2338257
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The BZA's Findings of Fact

Text: Finally, the GRA contends that the BZA order must be reversed because it fails to comply with D.C.Code § 1-1509(e) (1999) (now § 2-509(e) (2001)), which requires an agency to make findings of fact that support its ultimate conclusions of law. The GRA claims that the BZA merely summarized the evidence and legal arguments submitted by each party and did not support its legal conclusions with factual findings. D.C.Code § 1-1509(e) provides: Every decision and order adverse to a party to the case, rendered by the Mayor or an agency in a contested case, shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by findings of fact and conclusions of law. The findings of fact shall consist of a concise statement of the conclusions upon each contested issue of fact. Generalized, conclusory, or incomplete findings are insufficient; subsidiary findings of basic fact on all material issues must support the end result in a discernible manner. Levy, 570 A.2d at 746. The findings in this case, while perhaps they could have been more detailed, were specific enough to meet this standard. The BZA made findings with regard to every issue that was contested and that the BZA was obliged to resolve under the zoning regulations. See Lee v. District of Columbia Zoning Commission, 411 A.2d 635, 638 (D.C.1980). The statute does not require anything further.