Open Government Material

The District is committed to a transparent, open form of government. District agency websites are required to make certain records available online to the public if those records exist. In cases where these records exist but are not yet available online, agencies are working to provide them as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the FOIA Officer.

• Public Employee Salary Information: (Please note that this is the complete listing of District employees.)
• DOB Organizational Chart
• DOB Public Dashboard: This is a digital platform that presents DOB data. The dashboard provides greater transparency, allowing customers to take a look at DOB's performance and gain general insights about data that falls under our purview. Sections include Agency Performance, Violations and Abatement, DOB Index, Permit Operations, Enforcement, Customer Service, Inspections, and Vacant Properties.
• Scout: This online consolidated database is shared between DOB and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). It accesses publicly-available data including permitting and inspections information, Certificates of Occupancy, licensing, and enforcement action, in one system – improving the way you access essential District information. Users may search using a street address, business name, person’s name, permit, or license number, and can even subscribe to permit updates by address.
• eRecords: Access records of pending applications for building permits and approved building permits.
• SurDocs: DOB’s land record management system is an online records research interface maintained by the Office of the Surveyor that allows users to learn more about any part of the District by square, lot, parcel, reservation, or appropriation number. 
• Zoning Determinations and Interpretations: Issued by the Zoning Administrator, these determinations and interpretations help shed clarity on complexities in the District Zoning code and its application.
• Administrative Bulletins and Issuances
• Proactive Inspections Schedule: DOB's Proactive Inspection Program ensures all multi-unit rental properties in the District are inspected to promote safety and ensure all rental units meet residential property maintenance and building codes. To help achieve this goal, the program uses a specialized algorithm to address apartment buildings with an increased likelihood of violations. 
• Purchase Orders
• Procurement and Payments
• Purchase (P) Card Transaction Information
• District-wide FOIA Reports

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Information

If you cannot find the information you are looking for here or elsewhere on our website, you may submit a FOIA request online via the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act Public Access Portal. Requests may also be submitted by mail, fax, or email. However, please note that FOIA requests submitted online will be easier to track and process.

To understand the FOIA process before making a request, including information on appeals, please see the District of Columbia Freedom of Information Act webpage.

FOIA Officers are the principal points of contact within DOB for advice and policy guidance on matters pertaining to the administration of the FOIA. We are committed to handling all requests all requests professionally and expeditiously.

FOIA Officers:

Erin Roberts
Department of Buildings, Office of General Counsel
1100 4th Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 671-3500

Ezgi Soylu
Department of Buildings, Office of General Counsel
1100 4th Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
[email protected]
Phone: (202) 880-6521