DC Side setback

[Anonymous]

We are in DC in a R-1-B residential zone. Our side setback is 5’, not the typical 8’. Is it possible to add an exterior stairway in this area (to a new door) to create a side entrance into the house? I can’t find much about anything in the zoning regulations regarding an exterior stairwell, particularly in a case where the side setback is 5’.

[Anonymous]

Hi, architect here. The answer is "yes" and "no". Any elements about 40" above ground (think, a deck, a balcony, a stair, etc) may infringe in your ability to add a stair.
You can easily apply for an exception and its' likely to be approved.
Feel free to reach out if you want me to explain this over the phone.
All the best.
www.ileanaschinder.com

[Anonymous]

If I have an 8 foot setback, can I do a cantilevered kitchen bump out so add a couple of feet more space into the set back? There would be no foundation, but we’d have cabinet/plumbing in the bump out. I think it would be more than 40” above ground, but not positive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, architect here. The answer is "yes" and "no". Any elements about 40" above ground (think, a deck, a balcony, a stair, etc) may infringe in your ability to add a stair.
You can easily apply for an exception and its' likely to be approved.
Feel free to reach out if you want me to explain this over the phone.
All the best.
www.ileanaschinder.com

Ok. I think we would only need 3 steps but would need to measure. Thanks