Height limits in Washington, DC
Building codes decide when you need a permit; zoning decides how tall you can go. Both are below, measured the way Washington measures them.
Rules last checked by a person on October 20, 2026. Guidance only; confirm with Washington before you build.
Citywide
| Fence: In public space (front yard parking) | 42 in max and at least 50% open |
|---|
R-1 (R-1-A, R-1-B) detached houses
| Shed: Height | 22 ft and 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Garage: Height | 22 ft and 2 stories |
R-2 and R-3 semi-detached and row houses
| Shed: Height | 22 ft and 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Garage: Height | 22 ft and 2 stories |
RF rowhouse zones (RF-1 to RF-5)
| Shed: Height | 22 ft and 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Garage: Height | 22 ft and 2 stories |
Check your lot
Sources
- DC Department of Buildings, How to get a permit. Checked 2026-10-20.
Unless you are in a historic district, the following work does not require a building permit: ... Single garden storage shed that does not exceed 50 square feet (4.65 m2) in area and is less than 10 feet (3048 mm) in overall height ... Repair of existing fe…
- 44 CFR 59.1, definition of development (NFIP). Checked 2026-10-19.
Development means any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures...
- 44 CFR 60.3, floodplain management criteria. Checked 2026-10-19.
Require permits for all proposed construction or other development in the community...
- 2024 IRC R105.2, Work exempt from permit (text published by the City of Benson, AZ). Checked 2026-10-19.
One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Fences not over 7 feet high. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a…
- DC Zoning Regulations, accessory buildings (11-D §§ 5000-5005, 11-E §§ 5000-5005), as amended by ZC Case 25-12. Checked 2026-10-20.
Accessory buildings: 22 ft and 2 stories; footprint the greater of 30% of the required rear yard or 650 sq ft (R-1, R-2) / 550 sq ft (R-3, RF); not in the required rear yard except a shed; 7.5 ft from the centerline of any alley; in R zones 3 ft from a side…
- DC DOB, Building Code Interpretation, Fence (DCBC 3112). Checked 2026-10-20.
Fences abutting streets shall not exceed 7ft in Residence... Fence located less than 10ft from a party line shall be a maximum of 7ft high [unless adjoining owners consent]... Fences located in lot interior more than 10ft may not be limited in height... Per…
- DDOT, Fences and Retaining Walls FAQs (public space). Checked 2026-10-20.
[Fences in public space] Must be at least 50% open and no more than 42 inches tall... any use of the public right-of-way [the space outside the private property line] requires permission from the District Department of Transportation.