Does my Bay Window Encroach onto City Property?

Oh no, does my bay window encroach onto city property?

Whether it’s a bay window, porch, retaining wall, or other projection, surveys often reveal what appear to be encroachments, or structures built beyond the property beyond the property boundary line. Most often, these are encroachments onto city public space.  Not to worry, the District of Columbia has historically not only allowed such encroachments but has encouraged them through its construction code to enhance architectural diversity along the streets.

Public parking areas

The area between the property boundary line and the street is known as the “public parking” area and, while projections are permitted, homeowners are expected to maintain the area as if they were the rightful owners.  The city established these “Public Parking” areas in 1872 to create green space beyond what was needed for the road and sidewalks and, within this area, enough space to allow for building projections.

Please visit out blog for further information on surveys, including whether or not surveys are required and understanding 4 types of surveys.

Todd Ewing

Todd Ewing is an entrepreneur and attorney. After receiving his law degree from Drake University, Ewing left his home state of Iowa for opportunity in the Capital Region.He launched Federal Title & Escrow Company in 1996. The company that began on a piece of plywood strewn across a couple of sawhorses in a tiny office in Tenleytown had a unique premise: Give back to homebuyers what other title companies kick back to their referral sources.The innovative REALCredit™ distinguished Federal Title from its competitors and helped move Federal Title to the top echelon of independent title companies in the United States.A perennial trail blazer, over the years Ewing has also introduced one of the title industry’s first paperless closing workflows and a mobile app known as Close It! that was first to pinpoint for buyers, sellers and agents exactly how much cash would traverse the closing table during settlement.Ewing is an active outdoorsman who enjoys golf as well as hunting and fishing.

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