ProjectDox is DOB's online platform for the electronic submission of building plans and supporting documentation to be reviewed by DOB's plan reviewers. Following are the steps to use the platform.
Step 1: Complete Online Checklist
Effective Monday, October 20, 2025, 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. This will:
- Ensure they have the documentation they need from the start.
- Reduce the need for multiple pre-screenings for plan reviews.
- Increase the chances of faster zoning approval.
- Minimizes the number of overall plan review cycles.
Keep a copy of the checklist because you must upload it ProjectDox along with the rest of your documentation.
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)
Step 2: File for Permit through AccessDC
- As part of our efforts to enhance the security of our online systems, ProjectDox users must sign in with an Access DC account. To learn more about using your existing account or setting up one up, click here.
- Follow the prompts in applying for permit(s).
Step 3: Begin Your ProjectDox Submission
When you have completed your application in AccessDC, you will receive an email with a link to ProjectDox where you will be able to upload all plans and supporting documents for plan review. Remember: your checklist must be included as part of your documentation.
ProjectDox: File Your Permit Drawings Online
New Feature: Use Excel to Download and Respond to Review Comments
You can now download DOB review comments in Excel, and upload your response in an Excel format. Details on this new feature can be found in this video: Respond to Review Comments in Excel. Alternatively, you can select "Use Excel to Respond to Comments" from the 'Watch Video' library in ProjectDox.
Recent ProjectDox Upgrades
DOB launched a major update to ProjectDox on February 18, 2025, that includes a more stable, cloud-based experience; simpler, user-friendly navigation; and more self-help resources. Overall, the upgrades enhance our service delivery, increase the safety of the District’s built environment, and result in a better customer experience.
Old Projects Needed to Be Transferred
Customers with projects that existed in the ProjectDox platform before February 18, 2025, had to let DOB know if they planned to transfer or cancel their project by filling out the form below.
Transfer or Cancel Project Form
Q and A Session
DOB held a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, to answer questions about the upgraded ProjectDox, which can reviewed below:
Frequently Asked Questions
DOB developed Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help customers navigate the transition of their projects.
Accessing Old Platform
If customers needed to determine what projects they had in the old platform, they used the link below.
Accessing Permit Drawings in Old ProjectDox Platform
Other Resources and Information
- ProjectDox User Application Guide
- ProjectDox Application Prescreening Guide
- Accessing ProjectDox
- ProjectDox Frequently Asked Questions
- ProjectDox High-Level Overview Trainings