The following applications serve District residents and businesses as a part of the Department of Buildings’ (DOB) commitment to use data and technology to increase efficiency and deliver more accessible service. Additionally, we seek to be transparent in our performance and clearly communicate our Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to our customers so they know what to expect from our agency.
DOB Public Dashboard
The DOB Public Dashboard gives access to a wide variety of information and increases transparency by making data more accessible to customers. Its features include:
- Site Navigation: Section headings include summaries of elements in each category. Filters and drill-downs allow the ability to sort and organize the most important data.
- Economic Insights: The DOB Index provides insight into the District's economic health through a lens of construction activity.
- Vacant Properties: Search and filter by ward, neighborhood, Advisory Neighborhood Commission, and Police Service Areas.
- Violations and Abatement: Search multiple owners and by address with auto-complete features.
- Permit Operations:
- Building Permits Issued view: Filtered views by fiscal year, quarter, month, and type/sub-type.
- Average Days for Construction Permits view: Shows how long it takes to get a construction permit.
- Inspections: Shows inspections by type, quarter, and ward.
- Export Data: Can download and export data spreadsheets.
Certifi
Certifi is DOB's comprehensive platform to apply for, track, and receive approved Certificates of Occupancy (C of O). This platform uses a wizard-based approach, allowing you to follow streamlined instructions to speed up obtaining a C of O.
Citizen Access Portal
The Citizen Access Portal may be used to submit applications for multi-unit residential and commercial permits. Here, users may request a building plat; apply for a C of O, Zoning Compliance Letter, or Home Occupation Permit; and request a Vacant Property Exemption.
Note: Residential permit applications for one- and two- family dwellings must be submitted through the Permit Wizard and will be rejected if submitted through the Citizen Access Portal.
Dispatch
Dispatch, DOB’s inspections-on-demand system, matches customers with inspectors and keeps customers informed in real time. When a customer submits an inspection request form on dob.dc.gov, an inspection is automatically scheduled and a link is provided with the status of an inspection. Automated updates are sent to the customer when an attempt to inspect is unsuccessful, needs to be rescheduled, or is completed.
eRecords
eRecords, DOB’s electronic records management system, provides access to records within the District. Users may view building permits; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits; building plans; C of Os; and more.
Permit Wizard
The Permit Wizard is a user-friendly, digital platform that modernizes the way customers can begin residential building projects by identifying the permits needed and their total estimated cost s through a guided series of questions. The Permit Wizard includes Trade, Solar, Raze, and Demolition Permits for residential projects and trade permits for commercial projects.
ProjectDox
ProjectDox is the online plan review platform for the electronic submission of building plans and supporting documentation. It's a convenient platform to track comments and corrections, confirm that tasks are completed, and get the status of a permit application.
Scout
Scout, an online consolidated database shared between DOB and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, provides access to publicly-available data such as permitting and inspections, C of Os, licensing, and enforcement action. Users may search using a street address, business name, person’s name, permit, or license number.
SurDocs
SurDocs, DOB’s land record management system, allows users to learn more about any part of the District by square, lot, parcel, reservation, or appropriation number.
Tertius
Tertius is a one-stop shop that connects residential and commercial property owners and managers with either a DOB inspector or approved third-party inspectors so they can make the best decision.
Wall Check
The Wall Check platform is a one-stop-shop to ensure plans and projects are meeting District surveying requirements.