Woodley Park Zoning Overview

Woodley Park is a neighborhood in Ward 3 of Washington, DC, with a population of approximately 6,630 residents. Located in upper Northwest DC, it is a primarily residential area situated along Connecticut Avenue NW, between Rock Creek Park and the Smithsonian National Zoological Park. The neighborhood is served by the Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro station on the Red Line.

Woodley Park is an affluent, well-established neighborhood characterized by early 20th-century rowhouses in the historic district area, large high-rise apartment buildings along Connecticut Avenue, and local retail and restaurants along the avenue. The neighborhood was named after Woodley House, built in 1801 by Philip Barton Key (uncle of Francis Scott Key). Notable residents have included President Grover Cleveland and World War II Secretary of War Henry Stimson.

The Smithsonian National Zoo — home to giant pandas and a wide range of animals — is a major neighborhood landmark. Residents enjoy free access to the zoo's trails and grounds. The Connecticut Avenue commercial corridor is recognized as an important historic retail corridor, offering restaurants, coffee shops, and neighborhood services.

All zoning in Woodley 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 3C (Ward 3)

Zoning Districts

Woodley Park's zoning falls under DC's 2016 Zoning Regulations (ZR16). The neighborhood features a mix of zones reflecting its varied development pattern:

• RF-1 (Residential Flat, Low Density) — Found in lower-density residential blocks, particularly within the Woodley Park Historic District, including Woodley Place NW and surrounding streets. RF-1 permits rowhouses with up to two dwelling units per lot, maximum 40 feet. The historic district area is characterized by early 20th-century rowhouses consistent with RF-1 zoning.

• RA-4 (Residential Apartment, Medium-High Density) — Found along Connecticut Avenue NW north of the National Zoo, where high-rise apartment buildings dominate. RA-4 permits apartment buildings up to 90 feet in height (approximately eight stories under DC's height restrictions). These are the "high-rent, high-rise apartment buildings" noted in ward-level planning documents. A 2022 proposal near the Woodley Park Metro station included a new 868-unit multi-family development in RA-4/RA-5 zoning.

• MU-4 (Mixed-Use, Medium Density) — Applied to the Connecticut Avenue NW commercial strip through Woodley Park. MU-4 permits retail, restaurants, offices, and residential uses up to approximately 50 feet. Connecticut Avenue in Woodley Park is the neighborhood's main commercial corridor, recognized as an important historic retail street.

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

Woodley Park Historic District

Woodley Park has a DC local historic district designation covering a portion of the neighborhood. Properties within the district are subject to review by the DC Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) for exterior alterations, new construction, and demolitions. The Wardman Park Hotel (a major historic landmark on Connecticut Avenue NW, since redeveloped) was subject to historic preservation review. Interior alterations generally do not require HPRB review.

Contact the DC Office of Historic Preservation at planning.dc.gov to confirm:

• Whether your specific property is within the Woodley Park Historic District boundaries
• Whether your property is a contributing or non-contributing structure
• What review process is required for planned exterior alterations

National Zoo and Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian National Zoological Park is located within Woodley Park and is Smithsonian Institution (federal) property. The zoo's land is not subject to DC civilian zoning regulations. Development adjacent to the zoo may require coordination with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC). The zoo's extensive parkland and trails are freely accessible to residents and visitors.

ADU Rules

DC permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs), referred to as "accessory apartments" in DC zoning regulations, under Title 11 DCMR. In Woodley Park's RF-1 zones, up to two dwelling units per lot are permitted as principal uses (two-unit flat model). Important: Properties within the Woodley Park Historic District may require HPRB review for any exterior work associated with an ADU conversion. Contact DCOZ at (202) 671-3500 and the DC Office of Historic Preservation before proceeding.

Development Process

Development in Woodley Park follows the standard DC development process, with additional steps for historic district properties:

1. Zoning Verification — Look up your property on the DC zoning map to confirm zone (RF-1, RA-4, or MU-4)
2. Historic Preservation Review (if applicable) — For properties in the Woodley Park Historic District, submit an application to the DC HPRB before applying for a building permit for exterior work
3. Building Permit — Apply through the DC Department of Buildings (DOB) at dob.dc.gov or in person at 1100 4th Street SW
4. Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) — For variances or special exceptions, apply through DCOZ
5. Zoning Commission — Map amendments (rezonings) are heard by the DC Zoning Commission
6. ANC Review — ANC 3C (Ward 3) provides community input on development applications
7. Inspections and Certificate of Occupancy — Schedule inspections through DOB

Key Considerations

• Woodley Park has a local historic district — confirm whether your property is within the district before undertaking exterior work
• RF-1 (rowhouse, low density) governs the historic district residential blocks; RA-4 governs high-rise corridors along Connecticut Avenue
• Connecticut Avenue NW is the commercial spine, zoned MU-4, recognized as an important historic retail corridor
• The Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan Metro station (Red Line) serves the neighborhood
• The Smithsonian National Zoo is federal property — not subject to DC civilian zoning
• Woodley Park is in Ward 3; Advisory Neighborhood Commission is ANC 3C
• Median household income in Woodley Park is high (avg. $108,445); housing demand is strong
• 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 Woodley Park neighborhood of Washington, DC and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Woodley Park is subject to both DC zoning regulations and local historic district requirements, which add complexity for exterior alterations. Zoning codes and historic preservation requirements are subject to change. Always verify current regulations directly with the DC Office of Zoning (DCOZ), the DC Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR), the DC Department of Buildings (DOB), and the DC Office of Historic Preservation before making development decisions.