Permitting Checklists
What documents do I need before submitting my application?
Customers planning residential or commercial projects will first be required to complete an online checklist that will outline the minimum requirements for plan review–before an application can be submitted. This will:
- Ensure you have the documentation you need from the start.
- Reduce the need for multiple pre-screenings for plan reviews.
- Increase the chances of faster zoning approval.
- Minimize the number of overall plan review cycles.
The checklists can be found here:
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- Commercial Projects (condos, apartments, and all other commercial uses)
- Residential Projects (existing and new one-and two-family structures)
Permit Application
Is the contractor and subcontractor information required?
No, the contractor and subcontractor information is not required for all permits when submitting an application. However, that information is needed in order to issue a permit; otherwise, if a contractor has not been selected at the time of issuance, the property owner must take responsibility for the work until the contractor has been identified and updated on the permit.
- Permit Wizard applications: If you have not yet selected the contractor, the Homeowner can be selected. If a contractor is selected before the permit is issued, contact [email protected] to update this information so the contractor can be listed on the permit.
- Citizen’s Access Portal applications: You can move forward without providing the contractor, and before the permit is issued you will be notified that the contractor’s information is missing so the application can be updated by logging into your DOB account and selecting the edit open by the permit application in question.
Is the design professional and master tradesmen information required?
- Permit Wizard: No, it is not required to list the design professional during the time of application submission. If available, you can enter the design professional license number.
- Citizen Access Portal: A design professional is required for the following permit applications:
- Addition, Alteration, and Repair
- Excavation
- Demolition
- Foundation
- New Building
- Sheeting and Shoring
Can I edit the contractor, subcontractor, and registered design professional information in the permit application anytime while the project is under review?
No, once the application is submitted, contact [email protected] so that an edit can be made before the permit is issued.
What do I do if I am unable to locate my hired professionals or contractors in the application?
The permit application pulls the most up-to-date license information from various systems and databases. In the Permit Wizard, you will be asked to validate your design professionals and contractor information. Please also confirm that you have hired professionals or contractors that hold active licenses with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP).
If you have any difficulty or questions regarding a license status, contact DLCP’s Licensing Administration at [email protected].
What do I do if I want to change the design professional or contractors after the application is submitted and before the permit is issued?
Contact our office at [email protected] to make your request with the Permitting Office.
Will all the parties in the permit application be notified when the permit application is submitted and at permit issuance?
Yes, automatic notifications will be sent to the email of record of all listed parties.
I am the Permit Expeditor but did not locate and select myself from the listing in the permit application. What do I need to do?
Please register as a Permit Expeditor using the DOB Permit Expeditor Registration Form. If you done this but still have trouble locating yourself in the permit application, email [email protected].
As the homeowner, can I be listed as the Contractor on my application?
Yes, if you are the homeowner of a single or two-family home, you can self-identify and attest that you are the contractor of record on the application.
- Citizen Access Portal: You are not required to provide the contractor’s information for submission of the permit application.
- Permit Wizard: You must identify if you are doing the work or using a licensed contractor. If you have not selected a contractor, you can list yourself to move forward with the application submission .
When will I be required to provide the estimated cost of construction?
It is required at the time of application submittal. Supporting documentation should be uploaded to either the application or ProjectDox when requested.
When will I be required to provide the signed construction contract(s)?
That contract is required before any permit is issued. Please use the Contract Agreement as a template.
How is my fee being assessed for my permit application?
The cost of the permit application is based on the entire cost of your construction project. See the Building Permit Fee Schedule. The first fee payment, which is the filing fee, is 50% of your total permit based on the permit fee structure. The remaining fee balance is based on the cost of your signed construction contract(s). If you are using the Permit Wizard, fees are calculated for you.
What is the process for canceling my permit and requesting a refund?
Learn more at Refund and Cancellation Process.
Can I submit the Raze Application online?
Yes, use the Citizen Access Portal and select “Raze” as the Application Type. See the Raze Instructions and Guide. Please use the Citizen Access Portal and “select” Raze as the Application Type to get started.
Is the Contractor, Subcontractor, Design Professional, and Master Tradesmen required to be licensed by District of Columbia?
Yes.
Deck Permits
I own a single-family home and am constructing a deck on my property. What application type should I use to accurately describe my project?
If one level, and under 500 square feet, you may select from the application Service Type, Deck Permit, under General Information. This permit is applicable for single- and two-family dwellings.
Am I required to identify a design professional in the deck permit application during the submission process?
If you are using the Deck Guide, a design professional is not required to be identified in the application during the submission process, when applying for a one-level residential deck with dimensions totaling 500 square feet or less, on a single– or two-family dwelling.
What is the permit fee for the Deck Permit?
The Deck Permit fee is based upon the cost of the construction. For projects with a construction cost:
- Of less than $500, the permit cost is $36.30
- Between $500 - $1,000, the permit cost is $71.50
- Between $1,001 - $1,000,000, the permit cost is calculated as ($30.00 +(2% of construction value $1001 - $1,000,000)) + 10% and ranges between $55.02 - $22,033
I am constructing a deck that will not be for a single-family or two-family dwelling, it is for a multi-unit building. Must I identify the design professional in the permit application?
Yes, for larger residential projects, a design professional is required to be identified in the permit application during the submission process. Also, rather than submit an application for a Deck Permit, an application for an Occupied Roof Deck, a Two-Story Deck or a Multi-Story Balcony/Deck Permit must be submitted.