What will be the effect of the pop up ban and related down zoninings? (2014)

[jpdivola]

Limits on Pop-Ups Could Go into Effect as Soon as January | District Source

Looks like DC is going to essentially downzone much of the city in an attempt to limit pop-ups.

The proposed rules would essentially:

“1) Reduce Building Height:
Reduce the by-right height in the R-4 district from 40 feet to 35 feet, but allow up to 40
feet by special exception subject to conditions.

2) Mezzanine Definition:
change the definition of mezzanine so it is included in the number of stories. A mezzanine
is a partial floor and under the current regulations, it does not count as one
of the three permitted stories in R-4.
3) Rowhouse /Flat Conversion to Multi-Family:
eliminate the provision that allows a conversion of a building or structure to
multi-family units subject to a required minimum lot area of 900 square feet per
unit. So, for example, a 2,700 sq.ft. lot would permit the rowhouse to be
divided into 3 units; a 3,600 sq.ft. lot would permit the rowhouse to be divided
into 4 units. In addition, there has been a large upswing in BZA cases
requesting relief from this provision, to allow buildings on smaller
lots to be subdivided into multi-family, or to allow more multi-family units
than the regulation would permit. This is often accompanied by additions,
sometimes extensive, to the existing building by adding new floors or extending
floors to accommodate more units.”

Additionally, the city will add a new architectural review to all pop ups that are allowed.
Source: Limits on Pop-Ups Could Go into Effect as Soon as January | District Source


Personally, I think this is a terrible idea. The city is essentially limiting new housing supply in the urban core at a time when the city's population is growing again. Limiting supply in the face of growing demand seems like a sure fire recipe for more unaffordability and displacement of lower income families.

The OP basically argues 2 points:
1) Pop ups are ugly- ok, yes, some are ugly. Maybe require that they go through a architectural review. But, many are well done and looks quite nice. Don't through the baby out with the bathwater.
2) Downzoning will preserve single family homes- Yes, this will preserve some single family homes from being covered to condos. But, by limiting the scale of building they will reduce the overall housing supply (and push up prices, particularly for smaller condos). Under existing regulations, a single family home could be expended to preserve the 3-br room and add 2 1-br room condos. Or alternately it could be expanded to convert a SF into 2 3-bd room houses. The proposal would eliminate the ability to do that.

If they are truly worried about this, why don't they say any row house to apartment conversion much maintain the size of the largest current unit (up to 3-bed rooms). This preserves "family housing" and creates much needed new housing for others.