Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs: Permits
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Permits 

Whether you're modifying a structure, putting up a fence or building a house, you're responsible for getting the right permits before you start work. Select the links below to learn more.Green Information

If you're a homeowner seeking a building permit for a home improvement project, please go to the Homeowners Center. If you're in charge of a large construction project, check out our Development Ambassador program or our Green Building process.
 
For information about zoning, including the new inclusionary zoning requirements, visit our Zoning page. For more information about current building code reviews, visit our Building Code Advisory Committee page.
 
'Skip the Trip' to DCRA
The new Virtual Permit Center offers a popular District online service, DCRA’s “Postcard Permit” for home improvements at the District’s The Home Depot store at 901 Rhode Island Avenue, NE. The Home Depot is highly Metro-accessible, right next to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station on the Red Line.
For the first time, District residents and licensed contractors planning home improvement projects can get both the materials they need, and the required permits, all in one trip. Permit applicants can also take advantage of Home Depot’s extended, seven-day-a-week service hours:  6 am -10 pm Monday-Saturday and 8 am - 7 pm Sunday.

Or select the buttons below to obtain your permit now!

            Get A Supplemental License     Get a Post Card Permit Online

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Do I Need A Building Permit? 
 
  • Read Applicable Laws and Regulations
  • Tower Crane Permit Information
  • Raze Permit Information 
  • Read Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
  • Home Occupancy Permit Information
  • Tree Removal and Other Tree Issues 
     
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    Building or Renovating in Chinatown? You Need a Design Special Review.
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    How Do I Apply For A Building Permit?
     
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    Can I Apply For A Building Permit Online?
     
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    How Much Will My Permit Cost?
     
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    How Long Does It Take to Get A Permit?
     
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    Do I Need An Inspection?
    If you need an inspection of completed work you did under structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, elevator, or boiler permits, or you need a zoning inspection, please call (202) 442-9557.
     
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    Roofing Permit Requirements and Ban on Coal Tar
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    Urgent Notice on Private Fire Hydrants
    Effective October 1, 2009, all construction projects that include installation of fire hydrants on private property are required to obtain a building permit from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) through the Permit Operations Division (POD). The POD is located at 941 North Capitol Street NE 2nd floor. 
    The permit application submission must include the following:
    • A completed building permit application.
    • A site plan that clearly identifies the specific location(s) of the hydrant(s) and property lines.
    • A copy of the agreement recorded with the District of Columbia Recorder of Deeds that establishes the person or entity responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of the private fire hydrant in perpetuity.
    • Piping isometrics, plans and elevation details
    • Design notes and specifications to include applicable codes, water flow and pressure at fire hydrant valve; piping material, schedule, corrosion controls and other installation details. 
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    New Federal Law Regarding Lead Safety
    Beginning December 22, 2008, anyone paid to renovate residential housing or child-occupied facilities (such as daycare centers) built before 1978 must provide a new EPA pamphlet, entitled Renovate Right, to the owners and occupants.  Both DCRA and the District Department of the Environment (DDOE) have already begun making the Renovate Right brochures available to the public. 
     
    If you are a contractor, feel free to download the new EPA pamphlets below in English and Spanish. DCRA is also providing sample renovation checklists and pre-renovation confirmation forms.
    The brochure requirement begins the national implementation of a sweeping set of EPA regulations called the Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule, otherwise known as RRP. The rule establishes requirements for training and certifying individual renovators and renovation firms, to ensure that the work they do in properties that may contain lead paint is done safely, without generating lead hazards. The rule also establishes cleanup requirements for those whose work disturbs paint in these properties. The use of lead-based paint was not restricted nationally until 1978, and the bulk of the District’s housing was built before lead paint was banned.


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