If you're a developer, contractor, or builder who is planning construction in Washington, DC, getting the right permits is a crucial step. Permits help to ensure that your project proceeds legally and under the city’s approval, without either of which you could face fines or orders to remove the work.
Getting a DC building permit can be frustrating. You’re expected to provide proof that your project is thoroughly planned out, including approval from communities and licensed contractors. The biggest challenge is making sure to include everything the city needs to approve your building permit.
This guide will walk you through all the steps of getting a DC building permit, from what projects require a permit to how to make the process easier.
What requires a building permit in DC?
In Washington DC, many construction and renovation projects require a building permit. These can include building a structure of 50 square feet or more or simply as installing a sump pump.
Here's a list of common projects that need permits:
- New building construction
- Adding rooms, floors, or decks to existing buildings
- Demolishing structures
- Major renovations or remodeling
- Changing a building's use (like turning a house into an office)
- Installing or replacing electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems
- Building decks, fences, or retaining walls
- Adding or removing walls
- Installing solar panels
- Excavation work
Some smaller projects don’t require a permit (unless the site is in a historic district).
You may be able to avoid a permit for projects such as:
- Sheds under 50 square feet
- Prefabricated, above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep
- Roofing, fascia, and siding
- Repairs that preserve the existing structure
- Replacing appliances without changing electrical or plumbing
If you're unsure whether your project needs a permit, make sure to check with the DC Department of Buildings (DOB). They are available to answer questions and give you information about your specific project.
Who issues building permits in Washington, DC?
The Department of Buildings (DOB) is the main agency responsible for issuing building permits in Washington DC. For larger commercial projects, it’s typical for other agencies to be involved as well.
Your permit application will be submitted through DC’s Citizen Access portal (permits involving one- or two-family dwellings are submitted through the DC Permit Wizard). The Citizens Access portal is also where you can look up permit records and schedule inspections.
How to obtain a Washington, DC building permit
Determine first whether or not your project actually needs a permit, or whether the permit needed is commercial or residential. As mentioned above, permits for one- and two-family dwellings have different requirements than commercial permits.
Once you know what you need, it’s time to gather all project-related documents and materials to have ready for submission. Here's an overview of the process:
Step 1: Prepare building plans and documents
The city wants to be sure you know what you’re doing, which is why a complete application will include many different documents relating to your project’s scope and timeline.
These documents might include:
- Construction plans: Detailed drawings of your project, usually prepared by an architect or engineer
- Site plan: A map showing where the building is located on the property
- Structural calculations: Measurement figures about how changes to a structure will affect the building
- Energy calculations: Accurate data about how your project meets energy efficiency standards
- Zoning compliance: Proof that your project follows DC zoning laws
- Certificate of Occupancy application: Indication that you’re planning to change how a building is used
- Contractor's license: Copies of licenses from all contractors your project will need
- Property deed or lease agreement: Proof that you have the right to do work on the property
- Environmental impact statement: Forecasts about how your project may affect the surrounding environment
The DOB may ask for items other than those shown in this list, so make sure you know which ones you’ll need in order to avoid delays.
Step 2: Fill out your permit application
With all your documents in order, the next step is to fill out the application form by accessing DC’s Citizens Access portal. You’ll need to create an Access DC account to get started.
The Citizens Access portal will prompt you to enter information about your project to direct you to the appropriate application.
Fill out all required fields, such as:
- Property address
- Property owner's name and contact information
- Contractor's name and license number
- Description of the work you plan to do
- Estimated cost of the project
- Type of building (residential, commercial, etc.)
- Zoning information
It will take some time to fill the form out completely and accurately, so be patient. Missing or incorrect information can slow down the process.
Step 3: Review and approval
The DOB will need time to review your application once it has been submitted. Large projects typically take at least a month to review, while smaller projects may be turned around in a couple of days.
Pro tip: DC also has an Accelerated Plan Review program for extra fast approval times.
How to contact the DC permit office
- Phone: Call (202) 671-3500
- Email: Send questions to dob@dc.gov.
- In-person: 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024.
- Online: dob.dc.gov
How much does a DC building permit cost?
The cost of your building permit will vary depending on the type and size of your project, usually based on the estimated cost of construction.
Here's a general idea of how fees are calculated:
- Projects valued up to $1,000 cost a flat fee of $37
- Projects valued between $1,001 and $1,000,000 cost $37 for the first $1,000, plus $18.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
- Projects valued over $1,000,000 cost $18,648 for the first $1,000,000, plus $15.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof
There may be other costs to consider, such as:
- Plan review fees
- Inspection fees
- Zoning review fees
- Historic preservation review fees
Fees change regularly, and some projects need more permits than others. Always check with the DOB to make sure you have accurate estimates for your permit application.
PermitFlow can expedite the permit process
Getting a building permit can be complicated and time-consuming, but you don’t have to do it alone. PermitFlow is a software-based permitting platform designed to streamline the application process.
PermitFlow simplifies the process by organizing and submitting your application, then dealing with DC’s permitting officials on your behalf. You’ll have answers to all your questions and confidence that your project is being handled by experts.
With PermitFlow, you can let pros worry about:
- Application preparation
- Plan review
- Submission management
- Communication with DC’s DOB
- Unnecessarily long review timelines
- Updates on your application statues
- Problem solving
A successful permit application can prevent costly delays stemming from equipment rentals and personnel retainers. As a cost-effective permitting solution, PermitFlow often pays for itself thanks to fewer errors and faster turnaround times.
Painless permitting with PermitFlow
Are you ready to take the headache out of your DC building permit? Talk to one of the experts at PermitFlow to learn more about how to get your permit faster.
