Post updated with application and hearing notice
The developers of Fort Totten Square have filed an application(pdf) and statement in support(pdf) for a special exception on behalf of its tenant restaurants to operate fast food establishments. A Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA) hearing on the application has been scheduled for February 23, 2016. View the Hearing Notice: Notice of Hearing to ANC 4B
Fort Totten Square is in the C-2-A zone district. That zoning designation permits fast food restaurants only by special exception, not by matter-of-right. DC’s zoning code defines a fast food establishment as one in which “(a) [t]he premises include a drive-through; (b) [c]ustomers pay for the food before it is consumed; or (c) [f]ood is served on/in anything other than non-disposable tableware.” (11 DCMR §199). That definition encompasses not just what one thinks of as the typical fast food restaurant but also what has been labeled “fast casual” restaurants. The developers have signed leases with Subway and Five Guys. A third restaurant is listed in the application, but a lease has not been signed with that restaurant.
According to DC’s zoning guide(pdf), a special exception is necessary when “the owner wishes to institute a use that is pre-deemed compatible with the Zoning Regulations for that particular district, but which needs to be reviewed by the BZA to ensure that certain negative impacts will not occur.”
The BZA considers:
- Is the proposal in harmony with the general purpose and intent of the Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map?
- Would the proposal tend to affect adversely, the use of neighboring property? (11 DCMR §3104.1)
To address these questions, the applicant must show that the establishments comply with the zoning standards for fast food establishments in the C-2-A zone, regarding issues such as trash, parking, and deliveries. (11 DCMR §733). The Board may impose conditions related to the use. The applicant states it complies with all of the section 733 requirements and no conditions are necessary.
Next Stop...Riggs Park 
Hi nextstoprp, it looks like the 3rd restaurant that’s opening is called 350 Degrees and it will anchor the Walmart, instead of being stuck between Subway and Five Guys. For those interested, you can find more information here:
https://app.dcoz.dc.gov/Content/Search/ViewCaseReport.aspx?case_id=17600B
Here’s a summary of the new restaurant:
“Another tenant will be 350 Degrees, a new restaurant concept that will open its first
location at Fort Totten Square. 350 refers to the optimal temperature for achieving a perfectly crisp, healthier fry. 350 Degree’s menu will include a combination of fried appetizers, sandwiches, sides and desserts that will incorporate American, Latin and Asian flavors and ingredients from around the world. 350 Degrees will operate a 1,750 square foot store with approximately 80-100 seats. A restaurant concept package for 350 Degrees is attached.”
Sounds interesting.
Hi yes, I know. I did not list it because recently the developers said they probably (most likely) won’t sign a lease so they will likely revise the application to pull them out a few weeks before the hearing. But I figured I’d put up a post now, rather than waiting until they get around to revising the application, because the ANC is scheduled to take it up at the next meeting, which is scheduled for next week.
Wow this is great! I had no idea we were getting a sit-down restaurant in that spot. As for the Five Guys and Subway, I think they should grant the exception to allow them. We’re still a new market for walkable retail in DC, and I think that denying an exception in hopes for something fancier would lead to a prolonged vacancy instead. I’m really curious to see what will happen when Art Place starts trying to find retailers.
Is 350 the tenant pulling out that you are referring to? I hope so, as I would much rather see a real sit down restaurant, not a shop that just sells fried food. Every other place in the neighborhood sells fried food.
Yes, but until the developers remove them from the application, I will continue to treat them as a prospect.
Is 350 the tenant pulling out that you are referring to?