Author: Cheryl Cort

Event: Understanding DC Zoning for Accessory Apartments & Second Dwellings
Homeowner’s ADU Zoning Webinar
Wednesday, July 29, 2020 @ 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Via Zoom
Attention DC homeowners! Want to understand what DC zoning regulations permit on your lot so you can build an accessory apartment or second unit? Join us to learn from Mamadou Ndaw with the Office of the Zoning Administrator at Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). Mr. Ndaw will provide a presentation of DC’s zoning rules followed by Q & A.
Photo credit: Erin Kelleher, see: www.ileanaschinder.com
View event materials here.

July 9: DC’s New & Improved Building Permit Process Explained
A webinar for DC homeowners with Mike Brown, Residential Center Manager, DCRA
July 9, 2020, 4-5 pm
Via Zoom
Need a building permit for your accessory dwelling unit (ADU), whether its a basement apartment or backyard cottage? You’re in luck! DC’s permitting just got easier. Join us for a webinar on the new online process with Mike Brown, Residential Center Manager, DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). The new process has greatly shortened the length of time to get a permit — to 21 business days in most cases. It used to take months! After his presentation, Mike will take your questions.
Event Materials

Design options and costs for accessory dwellings
A webinar for homeowners with DC area architect Ileana Schinder
Date: June 25, 2020, 6pm-7pm
Event venue: Zoom (link sent later)
Join us for a presentation and discussion with architect Ileana Schinder on the design options and cost implications of different types of accessory apartments and second dwellings. Ileana will draw from her extensive experience designing and permitting basement apartments and backyard dwellings in the District of Columbia. We’ll reserve time after her presentation for questions from participants.
Keep up with ADU news by joining our listserv at: https://www.smartergrowth.net/adu-forum/
Photo credit: Erin Kelleher, see: www.ileanaschinder.com

Thoughts about where we live on this Earth Day
Where we live and how we design our communities matters
Today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first Earth Day, when millions of people took to the streets to demand better stewardship of the planet that is our home. While we may not be able to gather in the same way on this day, we can reflect on actions we can take.
Just as natural systems on our Earth are interconnected, so too are land use, housing, transportation, and our environment. Reliance on cars is the single largest source of carbon emissions in the U.S. and a major contributor to respiratory illnesses, however, by designing our communities to reduce reliance on vehicles we can create a safer, healthier world.
That’s why CSG has campaigned for walkable, transit-oriented communities. We recently released a presentation and fact sheet summarizing the benefits of transit-oriented communities for fighting climate change.

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, people are rediscovering the value of walking and bicycling, and the need for parks, greenways, and safe streets for our quality of life. Dedicating more space for bicycling and walking on our streets will allow for better physical distancing and reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.
Just as we need to focus on stopping future pandemics with science, preparation, and global cooperation, we will need to do the same if we are going to address the existential threat of climate change. We are social creatures and our walkable cities, towns, and urban neighborhoods offer important social, economic, and environmental benefits that we will continue to depend upon as a society.
So, thank you for supporting CSG and more sustainable communities. We wish you the best on this Earth Day and hope that you and your families are safe and healthy.
All the best,
Stewart, Cheryl, Jane, Sonya, Emily and Alina
Photo credit: Jane Lyons