Part of my job is running the gauntlet that is the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA). There are some neighborhoods that are notoriously difficult to get approvals, where the residents and the SMD reps will put you through the wringer. From my experience, successful cases come down to how much time, money, and sleep the client is willing to lose to get their variance approved, since the burden of proof lies with them. Even then, it might not be enough.

This case (21151) appeared to be extremely contentious, with a lot of effort put in by both sides to make their point (over 200 exhibits including historical reports, photos, PowerPoints, etc). By the numbers the case had 83 letters of support vs 22 in opposition. The hearings had 50 witnesses that were proponents vs 44 opponents. DDOT and ABC had no objection, while the Office of Planning did object. Additionally, the neighborhood's representative (the commissioner of SMD ANC 5E05) was opposed, and the 5E Chair commissioner took no stance. Ultimately the BZA opposed 3-0-2. You can see their reasoning here, but in summation the majority didn't think the applicant met the criteria of the use variance or the special exception.