DOB is now the District’s lead agency for developing and updating the District’s construction codes* and will guide them into their next chapter—modern, consistent, and aligned with national best practices in safety, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
What’s Changing and Why It Matters
Under its new authority, the DOB Director will issue rules to amend all Construction Codes and adopt new supplements and editions to keep pace with national model code cycles. The goal is simple: a clearer, more efficient process that supports safe buildings, resilient communities, and predictable timelines for industry professionals. See these DC Construction Code Development Process FAQs for more details.
Key Updates on the Horizon
- New construction code amendments and adoptions
- Stronger standards for building safety and energy efficiency
- A streamlined, consistent construction code development process aligned with national model cycles
Codes Under Review
DOB will review and update all 12 code categories. Each update will be open for public comment to promote transparency and invite community input:
- Building
- Residential
- Electrical
- Fuel Gas
- Mechanical
- Plumbing
- Property Maintenance
- Fire
- Energy Conservation
- Existing Building
- Green Construction
- Swimming Pool and Spa
Listening Sessions
DOB will host seven virtual listening sessions this summer as the agency’s first step in gathering feedback on proposed construction code updates. Organized by specific construction code topics, these 60–90-minute sessions invite residents, design professionals, contractors, property owners, developers, and other stakeholders to share how the construction codes affect their work and daily lives, as well as any challenges they face.
Input collected during these sessions will help shape the agency’s proposed updates and ensure the District’s regulations reflect the needs and real-world experiences of those who use them.
The seven virtual sessions will be organized by construction code topic:
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June 25, 2026: Property Maintenance; Swimming Pool and Spa (Video) (Transcript)
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July 9, 2026: Building, Existing Building (Video) (Transcript)
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July 23, 2026: Electrical
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August 5, 2026: Residential
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August 19, 2026: Fuel Gas Code, Mechanical and Plumbing
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September 9, 2026: Energy Conservation and Green Construction
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September 24, 2026: Fire
Members of the public can register for sessions here. Recordings and transcripts will also be made available on the DOB website
What’s Next
DOB will share timelines, draft amendments, and public comment opportunities as they become available. When these initiatives are announced, builders, design professionals, property owners, and residents will be encouraged to participate. Your feedback will help shape safer, smarter construction codes for the District.
To stay abreast of construction code development updates, subscribe to DOB’s newsletter, bookmark this page, or reach out to [email protected].
*This follows the sunset of the Construction Codes Coordinating Board (CCCB) on February 10, 2026.
Resources