The Department of Buildings (DOB) is focused on being at the center of the District's economic development. As the regulatory authority over the built environment, DOB wants to be available to assist project owners with advice and guidelines to help ensure a smooth process. That's why DOB came up with the Concept Review (CR) program.

Concept Review allows owners, authorized agents, and developers of large projects an opportunity to meet with DOB staff to discuss preliminary design, building code, inspection requirements, or zoning-related questions before the submission of a permit application.  

Click Here To Apply For a Concept Review

Intake Form

 

Concept Reviews do not include a review of preexisting building plans. However, they do provide an informal evaluation and are intended for projects in the early stages of design, when project teams may want to receive help in identifying significant concerns that may help prevent costly delays.  

At the meeting, DOB staff can provide general guidance on: 

• Compliance of concept with relevant building codes

• Zoning code requirements, zoning approval, and appeal processes

• Inspections process and timeline

• Sustainability requirements 

Which Projects Should Request a Concept Review?

Large and/or complex projects that may require multi-agency coordination that involve unique planning and design aspects are strong candidates for CR. While not exhaustive, the following projects are examples of viable candidates:  

• New construction that exceeds 10,000 square feet in gross floor area  
• Downtown Office Conversions 
• Multifamily construction or renovation 
• Townhome development of more than 10 units  
• Large-scale commercial, industrial, or institutional development projects
• Residential building(s) in non-residential zoned areas 
• Net-Zero Green Development 

Simpler projects generally will not require Concept Review. For projects with scopes of work that are less complicated, please utilize our contact form for any project-specific questions. 

Please include the following information in your application:   
 

• Description of the current use of the property and proposed changes and improvements. 
• Preliminary concept subdivision plans and/or preliminary site plans, building elevations, building use, or site surveys. 
• Conceptual renderings 
• Photographs or images of the immediate area  

Review of Documents  

Concept Reviews are high-level discussions regarding building codes, zoning regulations, and inspection requirements. DOB will not review design or construction drawings documents in this meeting. If design drawings have been completed, please utilize DOB’s Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM) or Accelerated Plan Review (APR) services.  

• If available, DOB will provide comments on preliminary concept subdivision plans and/or preliminary site plans, building elevations, building use, or site surveys. 

Things to Consider   

• Items discussed during the meeting do not constitute a plan review or approval by DOB.  

• The applicants’ design team shall be responsible for taking meeting minutes. After the meeting, the design team shall forward the notes to DOB for acceptance or comment within five business days of the meeting. 

• Any items not resolved during the meeting may be followed up in the meeting minutes or via email.