DOB‘s Pop-Up Permit (PUP) is a temporary occupancy permit that activates vacant spaces in the District by combining the building permit and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) application processes to foster economic activity and development in the city. More information can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or completing the Pre-Qualification Form.

You can receive your Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in 15 days or less after submitting your C of O application in Certifi, provided the space passes inspection and all your documentation is in order. The 15-day timeframe includes DOB review of your application, fire and egress plans, and the initial inspection.

No, buildings or spaces do not have to be designated as vacant by DOB to qualify for a PUP. However, DOB is eager to utilize this program to activate vacant spaces. PUPs can be issued for parts of a building, just like a regular C of O would be.

Anywhere in the District; however, the Zoning Administrator will review all applications to determine whether the temporary use meets specified zoning criteria.

Complete the Pre-Qualification form. DOB will contact the customer to confirm qualification. At this point, submit the PUP Application with all supporting documentation via Certifi. DOB will schedule an inspection with you.

DOB will review the PUP Qualification application within 3 business days. DOB will reach out to the prospective applicant with any questions or concerns and provide the applicant with any specific instructions for the Certifi application. Once the application in Certifi is submitted, DOB will review the Certifi application; with all required documentation present, DOB will perform an initial inspection within 15 business days. The Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after the space passes inspection.

The PUP does not authorize construction activity; any proposed construction requires a construction permit.

Yes, fire and egress plans need to be completed by a design professional licensed in the District of Columbia.

Standard C of O fees apply as per our Fee Schedule.

This permit focuses on vacant office or retail spaces that require little to no construction to be activated for up to a year. Please view our website for more information on different types of Certificates of Occupancy at dob.dc.gov/service/get-certificate-occupancy.

For an exhaustive list, please see the DC Zoning Regulations. Commercial residences are not eligible.

No, all food, beverage, and alcohol permits must be acquired in coordination with DOH and ABCA.

To serve food and/or alcohol, you will require either/both Department of Health (DOH) and Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) approvals. The temporary Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) that DOB issues as part of your PUP is a prerequisite to DOH and ABCA approvals; i.e., you must obtain a C of O prior to DOH and ABCA conducting their respective reviews.

If you plan to occupy the proposed space for longer than a year, please apply for permanent occupancy and follow the instructions on our website at dob.dc.gov/service/get-certificate-occupancy.

Events of less than 10 days require an event license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. Visit the DLCP website Special Events Unit | DLCP (dc.gov) for more information.