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Department of Buildings

In observance of the Indigenous Peoples' Day holiday, DOB will be closed and no construction will be allowed on Monday, October 9, 2023 without an after-hours permit. You may report illegal construction by submitting an Illegal Construction Inspection Request Form during normal business hours or by calling 311.

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Certificate of Occupancy

The purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (“COO” or “C of O”) is to ensure that the use of a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia conforms to the Zoning Regulations (DCMR Title 11) provisions of the DC Construction Codes, and the Green Building Act.

In most cases, no person can use a building, structure or land in the District of Columbia for any purpose other than a single-family dwelling, until a valid Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. 

 

  1. Certificate of Occupancy Types
  2. Ownership Change
  3. Use Change
  4. Occupant Load Change
  5. Revision
  6. Temporary Occupancy
  7. New Building (there are three subsets)
    • Conditional
    • Completion of core and shell
    • Establishment of a new occupancy

Application Process - Change of Ownership

Change of ownership application process

Application Process - All Other Types

All of types application process

Resources and Information:

 

Contact TTY: 
711