In January 2014, the Hill Rag reported on the classification of Reservation 266: PocketParkControversyEndsRag

Department of Buildings (formerly DCRA) regulates construction in the District.  DOB’s website (dob.dc.gov) states:
Generally, the following are types of work require building permits:

• New construction
• Additions
• Demolition
• Construction of retaining walls, decks, fences, sheds, garages, and vaults
• Erection of signs and awnings

Any construction in the District of Columbia without required building permits is illegal. Illegal construction is a public danger; it can hurt people and property.

If you see illegal construction activity in the District of Columbia, please report it by submitting an Illegal Construction Request through dob.dc.gov/node/1616601 or call 311. Give the address and describe the illegal construction, and DOB will schedule an inspection to investigate.

Note: work in public space is regulated by DDOT.  

For the definition of public space, see DDOT’s Public Realm Design Manual on www.ddot.dc.gov.   Public space includes all the publicly-owned property between the property lines on a street, park, or other public property, as such property lines are shown on the records of the District, and includes any roadway, tree space, sidewalk, or parking between such property lines.

Public Parking Area: “Public Parking” means that area of public space devoted to open space, greenery, parks, or parking that lies between the property line, which may or may not coincide with the building restriction line, and the edge of the actual or planned sidewalk that is nearer to the property line, as the property line and sidewalk are shown on the records of the District. This area often includes spaces that appear to be front yards with private landscaping that create park-like settings on residential streets.

A public space permit is needed for the following:

• Dumpsters in public space
• Sidewalk construction and repair
• Flag poles, planter boxes, retaining walls and fences in public space

639 A St. SE – all that remains is the facade, following un-permitted demolition

An explanation of the origins of “public parking” – Capitol Hill front yards – from the Office of Planning (downloadable .pdf OriginsPublicParkingOP):

Public Space: A Defining Characteristic of Washington, DC 

Public Realm Design Manual: A Summary of District of Columbia Regulations
and Specifications for the Design of Public Space Elements 

DDOT Public_Realm_Design_Manual_2011

On November 11, 2020, CHRS sent a letter of opposition to an application to erect an accessory building on public parking at 205 12th St. NE. Full text of letter re: 205 15th St. NE, #358240

CHRS encourages residents to adhere to these best practices (summarized from the District guidelines), which will contribute to the robust growth and general health of Capitol Hill’s public space trees.

District regulations regarding Tree Space Beautification (in ,pdf format)

Tree Space Beautification Best Practices (in .pdf format):

A high resolution map of the District’s Park System can be accessed at the governmentattic.org website. It’s a very large, interactive file and very slow to load.