DC: New Porch over Building Restriction Line?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone have real life experience with getting permits for extending a covered (but not enclosed) front porch over the building restriction line? Is it possible to apply for a variance to do this even if the standard regs don't permit it?

[Anonymous]

Your architect can apply for a variance. Depends on how far past the building restriction line. But definitely don't start building before you get a variance, or else be prepared to tear it down and pay fines.

[Anonymous]

Maybe ours is grandfathered, but our entire front porch is over the line. We wouldn’t be able to get out of the house otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Your architect can apply for a variance. Depends on how far past the building restriction line. But definitely don't start building before you get a variance, or else be prepared to tear it down and pay fines.

Any chance you know of a specific address where a variance for any sort of construction over the BRL was granted? So I can search for it ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe ours is grandfathered, but our entire front porch is over the line. We wouldn’t be able to get out of the house otherwise.

In DC unenclosed porches over the BRL are fine (though you need a permit) but anything enclosed is almost certainly illegal - I'm not aware of anyone applying for and getting permission with the possible exception of a corner lot where an applicant argues the porch is in the side yard instead of the front yard.