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Driveways and front-yard parking in Washington, DC

DC zoning bars surface parking between the front of the house (extended across the lot) and the front lot line, and between a building restriction line and the front lot line (11-C DCMR § 710). A new curb cut needs a DDOT public space permit. Replacing an existing driveway in kind needs no building permit.

A person last checked these rules on October 20, 2026. This is guidance only, so confirm with Washington before you build.

The details

  • The BZA can allow front parking only as a special exception, for reasons such as topography or no alley access.High confidence
  • In-kind replacement of private sidewalks, driveways and patios is exempt from the building permit.High confidence
  • Curb cuts, driveway aprons and anything in the front-yard public space need DDOT approval.High confidence

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Common questions

How much of the front yard can I pave or park on in Washington?
DC zoning bars surface parking between the front of the house (extended across the lot) and the front lot line, and between a building restriction line and the front lot line (11-C DCMR § 710). A new curb cut needs a DDOT public space permit. Replacing an existing driveway in kind needs no building permit.

Sources

  1. DC Zoning Regulations, 11-C DCMR § 710, vehicle parking location restrictions (effective July 17, 2026). Checked 2026-10-21
    Vehicle parking spaces shall be located:... (c) On an open area of the lot, except: (1) Between a building restriction line and a front lot line; (2) In any zone other than a PDR zone, surface parking spaces shall not be located between the front facade of …
  2. DC Department of Buildings, How to get a permit. Checked 2026-10-20
    Unless you are in a historic district, the following work does not require a building permit: ... Replacement in-kind of ... Private sidewalks and driveways; Patios ... Single garden storage shed that does not exceed 50 square feet (4.65 m2) in area and is …
  3. DDOT, Fences and Retaining Walls FAQs (public space). Checked 2026-10-20
    [Fences in public space] Must be at least 50% open and no more than 42 inches tall... any use of the public right-of-way [the space outside the private property line] requires permission from the District Department of Transportation.

Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal or professional advice for any one property. Codes change. SetbackIQ is not a zoning determination, a permit, or a survey, and it does not replace an architect, engineer, or lawyer. Confirm with your building and zoning offices before you build, buy, or sign a contract.