Zoning for Pennsylvania Avenue East
The Office of Planning intends to propose new zoning for the commercial corridor on Pennsylvania Avenue SE, generally between Fairlawn Ave. and 27th Street SE. The new zoning is intended to implement the policy direction established by Council in the 2021 Comprehensive Plan, and the design guidelines in the Pennsylvania Avenue East Small Area Plan, which was approved by DC Council in 2023.
Proposed Changes
Zoning along the Pennsylvania Avenue SE commercial corridor from Fairlawn Avenue SE to 27th St. SE would change from the current Mixed Use (MU) 4 zone (a low-to-moderate-density mixed use zone) to a new Neighborhood Mixed Use Zone (NMU). The new zone will likely allow more density and height, particularly for new housing opportunities, to follow Comprehensive Plan policy direction and guidelines from the Small Area Plan. Other corridors of the city that currently have Neighborhood Mixed Use zoning include Takoma, parts of Geogia Avenue, H Street NE, and Connecticut Avenue NW in Cleveland Park and Woodley Park.