Housing and Property Maintenance
The mission of the Department of Buildings (DOB) is to protect the safety of residents, businesses, and visitors and advance the development of the built environment through permitting, inspections, and code enforcement.
Illegal Construction Inspections
Any construction in the District done without required building permits is illegal construction. Construction is allowed Monday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm without any special permits. Please contact 311 to report imminent danger of collapse conditions immediately.
Vacant Property Inspections
DOB’s main goal is to bring vacant properties back into productive use, and in doing so protect public health, safety, and welfare. DOB responds to complaints to make determinations about occupancy status and sends notifications regarding vacant and blighted properties.
Report Vacant/Blighted Property
Construction Inspections
If you need an inspection of completed work you did under structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, elevator, or boiler permits, or you need a zoning inspection, please call (202) 671-3500.
- Schedule an inspection using Tertius, our online marketplace for construction inspections. For questions, please call us at (202) 671-3500.
- This customer guide is helpful for preparing for permit-based inspections.
Certificate of Occupancy Inspection
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) verifies that the use of a building, structure, or land in the District complies with the legal and safety standards. An inspection is required to obtain final approval. DOB has new checklists to help customers successfully complete C of O inspections:
Certifi, a user-friendly online platform, is used to submit C of O applications.
Basic Business License Inspection
To obtain or renew a Basic Business License as a rental property provider, landlords must obtain and pass an inspection. There is no cost for the inspection, however, if a property fails the inspection or you request that the inspection be rescheduled with less than two business days advance notice, a $90.00 re-inspection fee must be paid prior to license renewal.
Boiler Inspection Information
Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessels in the District must be inspected at least once a year by DOB inspectors or DC-licensed boiler insurance companies. You can request an inspection by calling (202) 671-3500.
Conveyance Inspections
A valid certificate of inspection is required for elevators or conveying systems, including, but not limited to, escalators, dumbwaiters, wheelchair lifts, cartveyors, manlifts and moving walks.
Proactive Inspections
The Proactive Inspection Program is designed to promote safety and ensure all multi-family rental buildings in the District meet residential property maintenance and building codes.
- Get a Proactive Inspection at no cost to tenants
- View Proactive Inspection Schedules
- Property owners and managers – Pay Your Proactive Inspection Program Fee Online!