Definitions for Special Zoning for Bloomingdale, R-4 Zoning, and Historic District

(Options to Preserve Bloomingdales Historical Character)

Dear Bloomingdale Neighbor,

To assist you, The Bloomingdale Civic Association (BCA) Historic Preservation Committee
(BCAHPC) is providing definitions for proposed Special Zoning for Bloomingdale, R-4 Zoning,
and historic district as follows:

(1) Special Zoning for Bloomingdale:

After careful scrutiny of the feedback received from Bloomingdale residents, an overwhelming
and consistent comment from participants was to, preserve the neighborhoods charm and
character by, preserving the streetscape view. Special zoning for Bloomingdale was
suggested as the means to do so. As part of its analysis, the BCAHPC has met with the Office
of Planning (OP) and presented a draft of Bloomingdales special zoning, based on resident
input. It is achievable! Hence, the BCAHPC recommends Special Zoning for Bloomingdale
to Preserve Its Streetscape View as a means of preserving its historical character.

This zoning is less restrictive than the historic district designation; yet, ensures no pop-ups like
we currently see with shoddy construction that has taken place in Bloomingdale. However, this
zoning allows construction at the rear of the property not visible from the public way. Special
regulations proposed to prohibit construction in the huge yards like that of North Bloomingdale
(i.e., unit blocks of Channing, Bryant, Adams, V, W, etc.). There are no restrictions on material
types or compatibility of time period to be used for doors, windows, railings, steps, roofs, etc.
Limits density of neighborhood (condo conversions).

Additionally, there are zones other than R-4 for residences in Bloomingdale that include
apartment and commercial buildings. This zoning will also provide stricter limits beyond that
contained in the current regulation to be more compatible with original building styles.

New construction will be required to go thru a more rigorous process for approval and building
as to stay in alignment with the current building styles.

All buildings of significance and black churches will be required to become historical landmarks.

(2) R-4 Zoning (Updated July 2015)

Amended to address concerns with pop-ups and respond to Comprehensive Plan that call for
the conservation of the character of row house neighborhoods: Protect the character of row
house neighborhoods by requiring the height and scale of structures to be consistent with the
existing pattern, considering additional row house neighborhoods for historic district
designation, and regulating the subdivision of row houses into multiple dwellings. Upward and
outward extension of row houses which compromise their design and scale should be
discouraged, whereby a maximum height of adding an addition of 35 feet.
 Definitions for Special Zoning for Bloomingdale, R-4 Zoning, and Historic District
(Options to Preserve Bloomingdales Historical Character)

Addition of Floors and Roof Structures to Row Houses and Apartments Generally discourage
increases in residential density resulting from new floors and roof structures (with additional
dwelling units) being added to the tops of existing row houses and apartment buildings,
particularly where such additions would be out of character with the other structures on the
block. Roof structures should only be permitted if they would not harm the architectural
character of the building on which they would be added or other buildings nearby.

Some residents are satisfied with the measures taken by the District of Columbia in updating the
R-4 zoning to conserve the character of the style and height of row houses, and desire no
change of any kind to preserve Bloomingdales historical character.

During the January 6, 2017 meeting between the Office of Planning and the BCAHPC Chair, it
was revealed that the amended R-4 Zoning is being further revised to prohibit construction that
would compromise the historic streetscape view. All details of the updates were not disclosed.

However, the BCAHPC included penthouse elimination as a part of Bloomingdales Special

Zoning, and was advised by OP that under this updated R-4 regulations, after July 2015, the R-
4 nomenclature has changed and no longer allows penthouse installation on rooftops.

(3) Historic District Designation

Historic District designation educates residents and visitors about the history of a place and
contributes to and/or reclaims a sense of community identity. The designation helps to save
and restore important buildings, while maintaining community character and sense of place.
This designation oversees the exterior repairs, renovations, or new construction of a building.

Historic Preservation Office (HPO) follows the District of Columbias Consumer of Regulatory
Affairs zoning and has their own guidelines for additions and new construction in historic
districts. When permits are required for work in historic districts, it is a 2-step process by going
first thru the normal DCRA process and then the HPOs process to obtain a permit. Major
renovations/alterations (additions) and new construction require an additional review by the
Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB). This will take more time for approval on the order
of approximately 8 months. Approximately ninety percent of permits go to the HPO and are
issued over the counter, not requiring HPRB review and approval. Remember that new
construction, additions, major renovations to existing building will require review for architectural
compatibility of Bloomingdales architectural style.

The designation is also more restrictive on material types that residents are required use for
windows, doors, roofs, fences, steps, etc., replacement. Material type replacements have to be
matched (the exact type is dictated by HPO) with what would have been there historically.

Non-contributing buildings can be destroyed and demolished, like that of the Chinese
Restaurant in the 100 block of Rhode Island Avenue built in 1903. There have been too many
renovations that have changed the original historical character. If research shows that the
storefront was installed in the 1930s and that period might also be important to the history of
Bloomingdale, then it becomes important.