curb cut for a new driveway

[Abraham Oonnoonny]

Hello All,

We are interested in expanding the basement space on a property in DC into an ADA-compliant ADU. As part of this scope of work, we would need to install a new driveway, which would also involve a curb cut. So far, we understand that we would need to submit an application with DDOT and DOB for a construction permit for the driveway with the Public Space Committee approving the public part of the driveway, including the curb cut. A few questions for the group:

1) What is the typical timeline for approval?

2) How would the homeowner be involved during the process, regarding attending hearings, obtaining approvals from neighbors, engaging ANC, etc.?

2) Given the presence of 2 curb trees and a utility pole near the proposed curb cut, what are the potential constraints on the curb cut and the driveway? The distance between the property line and the home for the proposed driveway is ~26'.

Thanks for any guidance!

Abraham

[Ileana Schinder]

Hi Abraham,

how are you? Ileana, architect here. Thank you for posting the DDOT question, I am currently dealing with the Public Space Committee with that agency at this time. It is a VERY time consulting process but not impossible. In general, the professional you hire to take care of your building permit should be able to develop and file 90% of the documentation needed with sister agencies, be DDOT or BZA. Based on your bullet points, here are my experiences:

• DDOT (as well as BZA) add about 6 months to a typical DoB permitting process. Say, a basement apartment takes 3 months under DoB requirement, if DDOT and BZA are involved, it may take between 6-9 months to get it approved. 
• The homeowner is not THAT involved during the process but you'll need to collaborate closely with the architect (or whoever) documenting the project. There will be a few forms and letters that you'll need to submit but the professional should guide you with templates and other forms. 
• The existing conditions on the public way will condition which agencies are involved. My recommendation is always to have the most effective, least-invasive design BEFORE you file for a permit to avoid delays later in the documentation process. 

I hope this clarifies, feel free to reach out and I'm happy to discuss more details over the phone. 

All the best,

ile

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[Cheryl Cort]

Is the curb cut avoidable? That’s probably DDOT first question. 

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On Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 10:14 AM Abraham Oonnoonny <abraham....@gmail.com> wrote:

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[Ileana Schinder]

Hi Cheryl,

In general I avoid creating new curbs on the front of the property UNLESS it's the only point of vehicular entry for the property. Alleys are always much easier to bring cars into lots and, sometimes... Depending on the design, you don't need the curb cut if you can create an accessible ramp or elevator from the ground level to the basement (or upper levels). There's a lot that goes into the decision of if and where to create new curb cuts. 

So, yeah... design should come before curb cuts :)

Hugs

ile

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[Abraham Oonnoonny]

In our situation, we feel a curb cut would be unavoidable! In addition to improving accessibility, a driveway to the home would be necessary to accommodate our 2 electric vehicles, and the property lacks access to an alley. 

Ileana - thank you for your helpful guidance. We will reach out for additional consultation if we decide to move forward with this project!

Best,

Abraham

[Ileana Schinder]

Hi Abraham,

Thanks for following up. And yes, car entry in an urban environment is a HUGE issue when you are planning housing options. 

Feel free to reach out so we can figure out how to get ALL your requirements into one project, curb cut or not :)

All the best,

ileana