Permits are required for many improvement and construction projects for commercial and residential properties. If you fail to get the proper permit before you start work, you can get fined.

Homeowners and contractors can find answers to the following questions about the permit process by selecting the links below.

When do I need a building permit? When do I need a public space permit? What other permits might apply to my project? What should I bring when I apply for my permit(s)? How long will it take to receive my permits? How much will my permits cost? What if I get a contractor to do my work? Who's responsible then? What types of work do not require a building permit? What does a building permit allow? How can I find my square, suffix and lot? When do permits expire? What is a plat? When do I need one? How can I find out the status of my permit application?

When do I need a building permit?

You are required by law to get a permit for construction in the District of Columbia. You need permits for these projects:

• New construction and foundations
• Additions, alterations, or repair of existing buildings
• Demolition
• Razes
• Construction of retaining walls, fences, sheds, garages, or vault construction
• Erection of signs or awnings
• Layout of interior space for tenants in new or existing commercial buildings (e.g. changing the floor plan of a building from six one-bedroom apartments to three two-bedroom apartments)

When do I need a public space permit?

A public space permit is required to use or install structures on public space—the area between the building or property line and the curb. Many front yards in the District are considered public space. Examples of work that requires public space permits include the following:

• Dumpsters in public space
• Sidewalk construction and repair
• Flag poles, planter boxes, retaining walls and fences in public space

The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) manages and oversees the use and occupancy of public space. Learn more about public space permits at DDOT's website.

What other permits might apply to my project?

Your project may require these additional permits:

• Supplemental Systems Installation (A/C, electric, plumbing, etc.)
• Water or Sewer Excavation* (pipe installation, water main connections, etc.)

Note: Only licensed DC contractors for the specific trade may apply for these permits.

What should I bring when I apply for my permit(s)?

Apply for your permit at 941 North Capitol Street, NE. Most permits require the following forms:

• Environmental Intake Form*
• Contract Agreement*
• Lead Hazard Control Form*
• Building Permit Application*

Depending on the type of permit a DC builder's plat, may be required. To order a plat, bring your square, suffix, and lot numbers. The fee for a regular plat is $30. You must draw all existing structures and proposed additions to scale on the plat. An architect or contractor should help you with this. Read more on building plats.

How long will it take to receive my permits?

The types of construction permit reviews are: Complex (or File Job) and Non-Complex.

We will tell you which review your project will need, after you submit your application package.

• Our target is to review less complicated projects the same day they are submitted.
• Complex projects require filed-plan reviews. Depending upon the size of the project, the target for initial review is either 14 or 30 calendar days.

See the (Job Classification Table*) and the (Actual Review Times Table*) for more details. DCRA will contact you when the reviews are complete.

How much will my permits cost?

All permits require fees. These fees cover costs for the following:

• Plan reviews
• Safe construction inspections
• Building code compliance inspections

You may pay by cash, check or credit card. View the fee schedules*.

What if I get a contractor to do my work? Who's responsible then?

It is ultimately the property owner's responsibility to get the permit. The responsibility for applying for the permit is a decision made between the homeowner and the contractor. It is not uncommon for an individual homeowner to come in to get a permit for work by a contractor.

What types of work do not require a building permit?

Unless you are in a historic district, the following work does not require a building permit:

• Brick pointing
• Caulking, patching, and plaster repair
• Installation of cabinets and architectural millwork
• Installation of window screens and storm windows
• Repair of existing fences with like materials
• Retaining walls, 18 inches (0.46m) or less in height
• Construction of garden storage sheds complying with DC Code Section 105.2.6
• Painting, but not painting with fire-retardant paint

Replacement of the following materials:

• Non-rated windows and doors
• Roofing and coping
• Siding
• Gutters and downspouts
• Private sidewalks and driveways
• Patios
• Non-rated suspended ceiling tile
• Floor coverings
• Up to 160 square feet (9.3m) of gypsum board
• Up to 50 linear feet (15.24m) of sanitary venting piping
• Up to 10 linear feet (3.05m) of sanitary drainage system piping
• Up to 20 linear feet (6.10m) of sanitary venting piping
• Up to 50 linear feet (15.24m) of hydraulic system piping
• Up to 10 linear feet (3.05m) of duct work, in non-hazardous and commercial kitchen exhaust systems

What does a building permit allow?

A building permit is an authorization to build according to a specific scope of work, including approved plans. Any modification of permit scope or approved plans must be specifically approved. 

A building permit issued by the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs does NOT give you the authority to:

• Build in or occupy public space  
• Remove or prune trees greater than 55” in circumference (18” in diameter) on public or private property. (If your project requires that you prune or remove trees, please contact the Department of Transportation (DDOT) Urban Forestry Administration)
• Occupy your building after construction. (You must get a Certificate of Occupancy before you open your business or occupy your commercial building.) 
  

 

What is a plat? When do I need one?

 

A plat is a scaled drawing of a lot, showing the lot lines and record dimensions. It must show all existing and proposed structures, drawn to scale. Plats are required for all exterior work.  

 

You can get a plat of your property at the Office of the Surveyor for $30. Once you get the plat, you must draw the structures on the document before you submit it with your building permit application.

 

Read more on building plats.

 

 

How can I find out the status of my permit application?

 

You can check the status of your permit online. You'll see which disciplines (electrical, structural) have reviewed your plans to date.

 

Please note: You may be able to view comments about your project online, but you won't be able to pick up your plans until all required disciplines have reviewed them.

 

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