» DC Zoning

I am a lawyer myself and a decades-long District resident and homeowner. When I needed help with a new complex project for our townhouse in a Historic Neighborhood, my architect recommended Marty Sullivan to assist on zoning and related approvals. I know how to follow good advice, and that was a good move! Marty and his team were responsive, focused, efficient, great communicators, and a delight to work with. Most importantly, they were successful! I’d be happy to work with the team again.

Our firm has been working with Marty for more than 5 years across dozens of projects. Marty is an incredibly valuable resource in all phases of the development process from initial evaluation, through entitlement, and to delivery. Marty has helped us navigate the difficult zoning, permitting, and entitlement landscape in DC and has contributed considerably to our success.

We have worked with Marty Sullivan on a variety of single-family and multi-family projects throughout the city, within a wide range of zones, and with broadly ranging needs for relief and interpretation of the zoning regulations. Marty has a good read on the regulatory landscape in DC with respect to likely outcomes with the BZA. His familiarity with various ANC personalities, the DC zoning administrator and various reviewers has proven valuable over the course of several projects.

On several occasions in the course of our work with Sullivan and Barros, Marty has proposed creative solutions to resolve potential zoning conflicts, working regularly as an intermediary between us, our clients, and the zoning administrator and his staff. We routinely rely on Marty’s advice in the planning stages of our projects to ensure our design proposals are in line with the DC zoning regulations. Marty’s in depth understanding of the zoning regulations and how they have historically been interpreted are a valuable asset to our project planning process.

The Sullivan and Barros team has the experience and skills to handle the most complex zoning matters in a cost-effective manner with a personal touch that most large law firms cannot match. Zoning matters can be complex, unpredictable matters where passions can run high, but the Sullivan and Barros attorneys were able to assist our organization in successfully navigating the zoning and appeals process with through principled briefs rooted in a deep understanding of the District’s land use laws and persuasive oral arguments before the boards and courts. No matter if it’s a simple zoning change for a single family home or the development of a commercial building, Sullivan and Barros understands what it takes to deliver for its clients.

We have worked with Sullivan and Barros on multiple zoning projects over the past five years. We use them for general zoning advice early on in projects, and we have used them to help secure several BZA special exceptions/ variances. We have found that they are very good at setting reasonable expectations for outcomes, which is helpful in decision-making. In addition, the team is very organized, and they manage the details of notice, filing, scheduling, and postings very well. It’s great to have a knowledgeable, experienced, and professional team to work with on zoning matters in DC.

We tasked the firm with a complicated zoning process for an infill apartment development that required a great deal of creativity and persistence. I hired Sullivan and Barros after witnessing their successful representation of other clients in the area and when confronted with the complexity of my upcoming project knew that they were perfectly suited for the project.

We do not believe that the project would have been able to move forward without the expertise and local knowledge of the firm. Their involvement upfront was key and their continued involvement throughout was absolutely the difference in making a good project a great one.

They exhibit clarity, candor, and a clear personal touch that does not exist with any of the other zoning firms in the area. Being able to work with the principals of the firm directly is also huge bonus. Additionally, there is a clear passion and respect for the work that they do. Knowing that they are personally excited by their work makes it that much easier as a client when seeking guidance on important decisions about real estate development.

They also have the ability to discuss multiple options and strategies that align with the goals of the project. Specifically, as it relates to feasibility and efficiency of time and resources, areas that are fundamental to executing a successful development.

Working with Sullivan and Barros makes sure that you will have all of the local knowledge and expertise required to deliver on your real estate goals. They deliver when it matters most and provide clarity each step of the way.

Sullivan & Barros saw us through a very difficult zoning change process and was there every step of the way to advise us. Thanks to them, we were able to get approval for the zoning change we needed in order to open our restaurant. We are so thankful for their knowledge and expertise!

I have worked with Marty Sullivan on multiple projects. Marty is an instrumental part of my business. Marty's ability to zoom in on the key issues, and then provide a roadmap forward has allowed me to successfully undertake larger, more complicated, more profitable projects. Marty is very knowledgeable, responsive, and communicative. I cannot recommend him enough!

Thank you all so very much for providing such calm and expert guidance through this process....not for the layman to navigate alone.

I wanted to say thank you for your help with BZA case - 1252 H St, NE. Although, I have heard many great things about famous Marty Sullivan's practice, I was blown away by your professionalism, subject matter expertise, and ability to handle different types of situations.