The District of Columbia Zoning Commission reported its experiences since its adoption of the District’s first ordinance, conveying that an ordinance revision was “desirable.”

The report described development of the code, including the creation of an "A" area district that required side yards (setbacks from streets weren’t required, as it recognized Washington’s generous street widths). It noted that the prevailing “preponderance of the "A" areas reflects both the popularity of the restriction and the bias of the Zoning Commission in favor of home (residential) Sections.” However, it noted “serious overcrowding in zones allowing apartment houses. It noted that the “down-town district is on the down grade, old, settled sections surrounding it touched by obsolescence.” Quoting a 1934 Harland Bartholomew speech, it concluded that too many residential areas were designated for commercial and industrial use.

The report recommended multiple revisions, with the most significant being administrative reform. Noting the volume of cases petitioning for exceptions, the report suggested an adjustment board as contemplated by the Standard Zoning Enabling Act. In 1938, Congress expanded the District of Columbia Zoning Commission’s authority, and authorized a Board of Zoning Adjustment.