R-1-B Zone in Washington DC, DC
R-1-B zoning district rules in Washington DC, DC. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-1-B zone in Washington DC, DC is a residential district (Single-Family Residential). Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods. This zone requires a 25 ft front setback, 8 ft side setback, and 20 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 40 feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 50%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 25 feet |
| Side Setback | 8 feet |
| Rear Setback | 20 feet |
11 DCMR — R-1-B Residential. Standard single-family detached. Upper NW and far NE/SE neighborhoods.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 40 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
11 DCMR — R-1-B residential.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 50%
11 DCMR — R-1-B residential.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 0 spaces required in most R-3 and R-4 row house zones. 1 space per dwelling in R-1 and R-2 zones. DC's transit access and walkability reduce car dependency in most neighborhoods. Multi-family: 0–0.5 spaces per unit. R-5 zones in transit-rich areas have zero parking minimums. DC's Metro system, Circulator bus, Capital BikeShare, and extensive bike lanes support minimal car ownership.
Source: 11 DCMR (DC Municipal Regulations, Title 11 — Zoning) — Accessory Dwelling Unit provisions; DC Home Rule Charter. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source