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The Office of Planning has recently proposed the most sweeping changes to the D.C. Zoning Regulations since the 2016 re-write. Proposed amendments include (i) the long-overdue changes to the RA-1 zone; (ii) also long-overdue changes to Alley Lot subdivision and development; (ii) a change in the cumbersome 10-foot rule - to be increased to 16 feet!; and (iv) a 94-page Omnibus Amendment that proposes significant modifications and clarifications to 24 different areas of the Regulations.

Marty Sullivan, a zoning attorney with 25+ years experience in DC zoning, will summarize and explain the proposed changes, and will also provide instruction on how best to participate in the public process to provide the Zoning Commission valuable feedback from the AIA and from individual architects.

Presented by: 

Marty Sullivan

Marty Sullivan heads the Zoning and Land Use practice at Sullivan & Barros, LLP. Marty’s practice is focused exclusively on District of Columbia zoning, land use, and related regulatory matters related to the development and use of property. He represents developers, institutions, homeowners, and other property owners in the District. He assists these clients in enhancing or protecting their real property interests. Marty has handled hundreds of cases before the D.C. Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA), securing special exceptions and variances, and prosecuting and defending appeals of Zoning Administrator decisions. Marty has also represented clients in appeals from BZA and Zoning Commission decisions before the D.C. Court of Appeals.Marty assists clients with entitlement issues before DCRA and other District agencies. He works closely with architects, contractors, engineers, and others in pursuing BZA approvals.
Marty also advises clients generally on zoning and entitlement matters, preparing zoning analyses and opinions, and working closely with clients to create innovative solutions to maximize a client’s return on, and enjoyment of, their properties. Marty began his legal career in 1998 with the esteemed D.C. zoning practice at the law firm of Wilkes Artis, and from there he followed a core group of zoning attorneys to Shaw Pittman in 2000 (a group that now practices at Goulston Storrs). Marty, and Tony Barros, founded Sullivan & Barros, LLP in 2009. Since then, Marty has handled several hundred BZA cases, and several thousand non-BZA zoning matters.

Learning Objectives:

• After attending this program, participants will be able to describe the proposed changes in the zoning regulations to their clients, staff, and others.
• After attending this program, participants will have the means with which to explore and investigate the impact of these proposed changes, and how they may benefit their practice and their current and future projects.
• After attending this program, participants will be able to identify potential problems and/or helpful suggestions for improvements to the proposed revisions to the zoning regulations; and advocate before the Zoning Commission.
• After attending this program, participants will be able to identify opportunities and red flags in regard to the zoning requirements for a given project.