DOB reviews residential and commercial project plans through accelerated plan review and digital walk-throughs, and our online plan submission and review platform, ProjectDox. These resources help us deliver results to you quickly so you can be on your way to a successful project. Learn how different services cater to different projects and permits and submit plans online today.
Getting a construction permit in the District involves different elements based on the scope of your project. You may be required to get approvals or services from agencies in addition to DOB.
- Plan Review Timeline (Plan Review Service Level Agreements by Scope of Work)
- Required Online Checklist: Customers planning residential or commercial projects must first complete an online checklist that will clearly outline the minimum requirements for plan review–before a permit application can be submitted through ProjectDox:
- Commercial Projects (condos, apartments, and all other commercial uses)
- Residential Projects (existing and new one-and two-family structures)
- See sample cover sheet.
Preliminary Design Review
Do you have a large-scale project, such as the construction of a new residential or office building? Let us help you with a Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM), where we conduct a first review of your building plans before you file them. Schedule a PDRM, upload plans and related documents before the meeting, and make filing faster and simpler.
Schedule a PDRM
Digital Walk-Through
Was your project previously deemed as Walk-Through? Does the scope of work meet these criteria? If so, your project can now be reviewed using digital walk-through in one business day, eliminating the need for in-person applications or plan submissions. However, you can schedule a one-on-one meeting with our plan review team or with the Homeowner’s Center for guidance and support. Use the digital walk-through for permit applications, such as:
- Fence
- Soil Boring
- Projects that are less than 1,000 square feet including interior renovations and demolition
- Signs
- Retaining Walls
- Underground Storage Tanks
- Tents
Accelerated Plan Review Program
DOB’s Accelerated Plan Review (APR) program is an optional paid service that provides a personalized, expedited plan review and permitting process. While the program accelerates timelines, compliance with code remains essential to ensure safety for District residents, businesses, and visitors. Meetings are scheduled within 15 business days, and permits can be issued within one business day of plan approvals from all participating parties.The program accommodates various types of building projects, such as:
- Demolition
- New Construction
- Additions
- Tenant Improvements
- Interior Alterations
- Use Changes
- Revisions
- Foundation-to-Grade
- Sheeting and Shoring
For a complete list of requirements and procedures, please visit our APR page below.
Accelerated Plan Review Program
ProjectDox
ProjectDox is an online plan submission and plan review platform. No need to submit multiple paper copies of project plans or permit applications. Apply to use ProjectDox if you have more complex scopes of work that require more in-depth review. Once your application is "ProjectDox Accepted," you will receive an email to create a username and password and begin uploading your plans. Once uploaded, plans are pre-screened for the basic requirements and assigned to necessary plan review disciplines within DOB and applicable sister agencies. Note: Customers must first complete an online checklist for Commercial Projects or Residential Projects that will clearly outline the minimum requirements for plan review–before the ProjectDox submission.