Chevy Chase DC Zoning Overview

Chevy Chase DC is the northernmost neighborhood in Washington, DC, located in Ward 3 at the District's border with Maryland. With a population of approximately 10,500–15,400 residents, it is one of DC's most predominantly low-density residential neighborhoods, characterized by detached single-family homes on tree-lined streets. The Connecticut Avenue NW corridor serves as the neighborhood's commercial spine and DC-Maryland gateway. Chevy Chase DC is a neighborhood of the District of Columbia — it does not have its own municipality or planning department.

All zoning in Chevy Chase DC is administered by the DC Office of Zoning (DCOZ):

• DCOZ: dcoz.dc.gov | (202) 671-3500
• Interactive Zoning Map: maps.dcoz.dc.gov/zr16
• DC Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR): dcregs.dc.gov
• DC Zoning Handbook: handbook.dcoz.dc.gov
• Building Permits — DC Department of Buildings (DOB): dob.dc.gov | (202) 671-3500
  • Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
• Advisory Neighborhood Commission: ANC 3/4G (straddles Ward 3/Ward 4 boundary)

Zoning Districts

Chevy Chase DC's zoning falls under DC's 2016 Zoning Regulations (ZR16), codified in Title 11 of the DC Municipal Regulations (DCMR). The neighborhood contains the following primary zone types:

• R-1-B — Low-density single-family detached residential zone. The predominant zone east of Connecticut Avenue NW, covering Chevy Chase DC's characteristic detached homes on relatively large lots. This zone reinforces the neighborhood's low-density residential character.
• R-2 — Semi-detached and duplex residential zone. Found in portions west of Connecticut Avenue NW. Permits two-family semi-detached homes and duplexes in addition to single-family uses.
• NMU-4/CC1 — Neighborhood Mixed-Use / Chevy Chase Corridor 1. A zone approved post-2023 along the Connecticut Avenue NW commercial corridor as part of DC's broader effort to allow more housing and mixed-use development on commercial corridors. The /CC1 suffix designates the Chevy Chase Corridor 1 sub-district, allowing retail, office, and residential uses at neighborhood scale.
• NMU-4/CC2 — Neighborhood Mixed-Use / Chevy Chase Corridor 2 (Civic Site). Applied to civic and institutional sites along Connecticut Avenue, permitting community facility and institutional uses alongside mixed-use development.

For the precise zone applicable to any specific address, use the DC interactive zoning map or contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500.

Note on setbacks: Setback requirements in DC are complex and vary by zone and lot width. For exact requirements for your property, contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 or consult Title 11 DCMR at dcregs.dc.gov.

Connecticut Avenue NW Corridor Zoning

The Connecticut Avenue NW corridor received updated zoning designations (NMU-4/CC1 and NMU-4/CC2) as part of DC's efforts to encourage more housing and mixed-use development on commercial corridors near transit. These zones allow a broader range of residential and mixed-use development than the prior commercial zoning, while maintaining a neighborhood-scale character. If you own or are considering property on Connecticut Avenue NW, consult the current Title 11 DCMR provisions and contact DCOZ for guidance on what is now permitted under the updated NMU zoning.

DC vs. Maryland Chevy Chase

It is important to note that Chevy Chase DC and the adjacent Chevy Chase, Maryland communities are distinct jurisdictions:

• Chevy Chase DC is subject to DC zoning administered by DCOZ
• Chevy Chase Village, the Town of Chevy Chase, and other Maryland-side communities are subject to their own local and Montgomery County regulations

If your property is near the DC-Maryland border, carefully verify which jurisdiction applies using the DC zoning map.

ADU Rules

DC permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs), referred to as "accessory apartments" in DC zoning regulations, in many residential zones under Title 11 DCMR. In Chevy Chase DC, accessory apartments may be permitted in R-1-B and R-2 zones subject to size limits and occupancy requirements. Contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 for zone-specific ADU rules.

Development Process

Development in Chevy Chase DC — as throughout Washington, DC — requires working with DC-level agencies:

1. Zoning Verification — Look up your property on the DC zoning map or contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 to confirm permitted uses and development standards
2. Building Permit — Apply through the DC Department of Buildings (DOB) at dob.dc.gov or in person at 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
3. Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) — For variances or special exceptions, apply to the BZA through DCOZ
4. Zoning Commission — Map amendments (rezonings) are heard by the DC Zoning Commission
5. Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy — Schedule inspections through DOB and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before use

Key Considerations

• Use the DC zoning map to verify your property's zone before planning any project
• Confirm your property is in DC (not Maryland) before contacting DC agencies — the border runs along Western Avenue NW
• Chevy Chase DC's ANC 3/4G provides community input on zoning and development applications
• Civic associations in Chevy Chase DC are active — check with the Chevy Chase Citizens Association for community-level considerations
• Check for flood zones using FEMA's flood map service
• DC Open Data at opendata.dc.gov provides parcel-level data and permit history

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in the Chevy Chase DC neighborhood of Washington, DC and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations directly with the DC Office of Zoning (DCOZ) or the DC Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR) before making development decisions.