Glover Park Zoning Overview

Glover Park is a neighborhood in Ward 3 of Washington, DC, with a population of approximately 8,285 residents. Located in Northwest DC about a half-mile north of Georgetown, the neighborhood is bounded by Glover-Archbold Park to the west, Fulton Street to the north, Whitehaven Park to the south, and Woodley Park to the east. The neighborhood is named after Charles Carroll Glover, who donated part of the parkland. The Russian Embassy occupies a prominent site on Wisconsin Avenue at the neighborhood's "Mount Alto."

Glover Park is a predominantly residential neighborhood characterized by historic rowhouses, townhomes, condominiums, and apartment buildings. The commercial heart is the Wisconsin Avenue NW corridor, which runs through the neighborhood with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and services. Glover Park is known for its walkability, proximity to parkland, and access to Rock Creek Park via Glover-Archbold Park's 183 acres of woodland trails.

All zoning in Glover Park 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 3B (Ward 3)

Zoning Districts

Glover Park's zoning falls under DC's 2016 Zoning Regulations (ZR16). The neighborhood's residential blocks are predominantly zoned RF-1, with RA-1 in some areas near the park, and MU-4 along Wisconsin Avenue NW:

• RF-1 (Residential Flat, Low Density) — The predominant zone for Glover Park's interior rowhouse blocks. RF-1 permits rowhouse development with up to two dwelling units per lot and a maximum height of 40 feet. This zone covers the characteristic historic row houses of the neighborhood.

• RA-1 (Residential Apartment, Low Density) — Found in portions of Glover Park, particularly the western areas closer to Glover-Archbold Park. RA-1 permits low-rise apartment buildings and other residential uses up to 45 feet in height. One source specifically identifies western Glover Park as an example of RA-1 zoning in DC.

• MU-4 (Mixed-Use, Medium Density) — Applied to the Wisconsin Avenue NW commercial strip through Glover Park. MU-4 permits retail, restaurants, offices, and residential uses in buildings up to approximately 50 feet. This is the standard mixed-use zone along Wisconsin Avenue through Northwest DC.

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: In DC rowhouse zones (RF), setbacks are generally governed by the established building line rather than fixed numerical setbacks. For exact requirements for your property, contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 or consult Title 11 DCMR at dcregs.dc.gov.

Historic Preservation

Glover Park does not have a neighborhood-wide local historic district designation, unlike nearby Georgetown. There is no Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) overlay requiring review of all exterior alterations. However, individual buildings may be individually listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. Check with the DC Office of Historic Preservation (planning.dc.gov) for the status of any specific property before undertaking exterior work.

ADU Rules

DC permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs), referred to as "accessory apartments" in DC zoning regulations, under Title 11 DCMR. The rules in Glover Park vary by zone:

• In RF-1 zones: RF zones use a two-unit-per-lot framework. Up to two dwelling units are permitted as principal uses per lot. The "accessory apartment" framework under Title 11 DCMR is not available in RF zones — instead, owners may create a two-unit flat. Contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 for specific guidance.
• In RA-1 zones: Accessory apartments may be available under Title 11 DCMR, subject to size and occupancy limits.

Before proceeding with any ADU or second unit project, confirm your zone using the DC zoning map and contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500.

Development Process

Development in Glover Park follows the standard DC development process:

1. Zoning Verification — Look up your property on the DC zoning map or contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 to confirm the applicable zone
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. ANC Review — Advisory Neighborhood Commission 3B may weigh in on applications affecting Glover Park
6. 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 confirm your zone — most residential blocks are RF-1, with RA-1 in some areas
• Wisconsin Avenue NW is zoned MU-4 for commercial and mixed-use development
• Glover Park is not a designated historic district; no HPRB overlay applies neighborhood-wide
• The Wisconsin Avenue Development Framework (DC Office of Planning) governs longer-term planning for the Wisconsin Avenue corridor through Ward 3
• Check for flood zones using FEMA's flood map service
• DC Open Data at opendata.dc.gov provides parcel-level data and permit history
• Glover Park's ANC 3B provides community input on zoning and development applications

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in the Glover Park 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), the DC Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR), and the DC Department of Buildings (DOB) before making development decisions.