FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 22, 2011
Contact: Robin Diener, Library Renaissance Project
202 431-9254
Zoning Board Questions Library’s “Need” for Exemption
But Delays Decision, As Construction Continues Without Permit
During more than six hours of testimony yesterday, the District’s Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) raised questions about the DC Public Library (Library)’s need to receive exemption from zoning requirements. At question is the controversial design for an addition and new main entrance to the historic Mt. Pleasant neighborhood library.
In April, the BZA granted an appeal brought by Advisory Neighborhood Commission (ANC) 1D and local residents, finding that the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA)’s Zoning Administrator (ZA) had erred in granting a building permit for Mt. Pleasant. Specifically, the ZA allowed the building’s rear yard designation to be changed to a side yard, in order let the Library build up to the property line, which is allowed on the side of a lot but not at the rear.
With construction of the addition already underway under the original building permit – a permit revoked by the BZA in June -- the Library was required to apply for a “variance.” A variance is an exemption from DC’s Zoning regulations, “…as the Library should have in the first place,” said BZA Commissioner Alan Turnbull at an April hearing on the appeal.
Yesterday the Library asked for 100% exemption from the requirement for fifteen feet of open space from the property line. Chair Meridith Moldenhauer noted, “that would be extremely rare,” and questioned the purpose of a 9 foot wide glass entrance lobby. Commissioners also asked to receive documented light and air studies for impacted neighboring properties and for sound studies coming from “field of [HVAC] systems” on the roof of the new Addition.
Witnesses also maintained that the glass lobby, new entrance, and oversize ramp structure would not be needed if access to the historic front of the library were improved as they have asked, and for which they submitted plausible alternative plans. Nearby residents would then have the open space they say will increase fire safety options, as well as preserve their light and air.
Finally, BZA newcomer Lloyd Jordan, a former head of DCRA, asked ANC Chair Dr. Gregg Edwards if he would accept the Library’s design plan if it included the required 15 feet of setback. Edwards assented vigorously saying, “A compromise is what we’ve sought all along.”
ANC-1D has requested DCRA to issue a stop-work order pursuant to the revocation of the building permit and until a complete check on the status of hydrants around the Mount Pleasant historic district has been completed. DCPL continues construction despite legal and community challenges.
The BZA will render a decision about the rear-yard setback variance on September 8.
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