DC BUILDING PERMIT GUIDE
Our DC building permit guide helps you learn how to obtain a DC building permit, know when you need a DC building permit and where to get one. Find out how long it takes and how much it costs. Homeowners in DC have many questions about the odious DC permitting process. Here’s some DC.gov info to get you started.
What Is A DC Building Permit?
A DC building permit is an authorization to build according to a specific scope of work, including approved plans. You are required by law to get a permit for construction in the District of Columbia. Any modification of permit scope or approved plans must be specifically approved.
What Type Of Work Does A DC Building Permit Cover?
Here's the shortlist from DCRA:
- New construction and foundations
- Additions, alterations, or repair of existing buildings (decks qualify as additions)
- Demolition
- Razes
- Construction of retaining walls, fences, sheds, garages, or vault construction
- Erection of signs or awnings
- Layout of interior space new or existing commercial buildings (e.g. changing the floor plan of a building from six one-bedroom apartments to three two-bedroom apartments)
More detail on DCRA's page here
A DC building permit 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 & occupy your building after construction (CofO).
What's The Cost Of A DC Building Permit?
How Long Is The Permit Coverage Period?
Any issued DC building permit will become invalid if the authorized work is not begun within one year after the permit is issued, or if the authorized work is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year, after the date work is begun.
"Can I Start Work Now And Get The Permit Later?"
When Is A Permit NOT Needed?
Unless you are in a historic district, the following work does not require a DC 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″ (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 non-rated windows & doors, siding, gutters & downspouts, private sidewalks & driveways, patios, non-rated suspended ceiling tile, floor coverings up to 160 SF (9.3m) of gypsum board, duct work of up to 10 linear feet (3.05m) in non-hazardous and commercial kitchen exhaust systems. Information on permits in historic districts.
Permit requirements can change. Please check with DCRA for definitive answers on permit requirements.
What Is The Permit Application Process?
Getting a construction permit in the District involves different elements based on the scope of your project. Depending on the project, you may be required to get approvals or services from agencies other than (in addition to) DCRA.
Basic Steps
- Building Permit Online Application
- Environmental Intake Form
- Contract Agreement
- DDOE Environmental Questionnaire
- Lead Hazard Control Form (for existing buildings built before 1978) (available in full package below)
- Reasonable Accommodations Form
- Zoning Data Summary Form
- Complete Building Permit Application Package
Tracking Progress
Visit DCRA In Person
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