General Online Tools
Access DC Initiative
The Department of Buildings (DOB) relies on Access DC to enhance security and improve access to all DOB's online services. Its benefits include:
- Simplifies interactions with DOB. Instead of having multiple accounts with passwords to remember, your single Access DC account is used for every DOB online system.
- Enhances security by verifying the email addresses of all users and protects DOB's online services with an access management platform conforming to FedRAMP security standards.
- Easy to obtain. You can sign up in just a few minutes, and if you ever forget your login information, self-guided prompts will help you recover instantly.
Signing up for an Access DC account is easy. Simply visit Access DC and click the sign up link.
Review the DC Privacy Policy.
Access DC is powered by the Okta access management platform. Okta Privacy Policy.
DOB Public Dashboard
This is platform presents DOB data. The dashboards provide greater transparency, allowing customers to take a look at DOB's performance and gain general insights about data under our purview.
Pay Online
Easily make payments for various services and fees online. Users can now make payments for fines resulting from Notices of Infraction (NOIs) issued for housing code violations.
Request a Refund for Fines and Special Assessments
Initiate a financial review of funds paid to DOB to be considered for a refund from the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO). Refund requests are considered in cases of excess payment and/or duplicate payment.
Neighbor Notification
When undertaking a building project, it is required that adjoining public and private property be protected from damage at the expense of the person having the work done. Protection must be provided for lots and for all elements of a building or other structure when a permit may be issued that can impact and/or damage adjoining properties.
Upload construction documents/plans for adjacent neighbors to view.
Schedule an Appointment Online
Choose a category based on your questions or needs and schedule a virtual appointment today..
Verify Property Information
Scout, our online consolidated database, allows users to find and track permits, licenses, inspections, enforcement actions, and regulatory information on District properties in one place. Think of it as a one-stop shop for all your data needs. Search by street address, business name, person name, permit, or license number.
Permitting
Get a Certificate of Occupancy
A Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) ensures 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 for other than a single-family dwelling, until a valid C of O has been issued. The six types of C of O applications are seen here along with additional information regarding the C of O process.
All C of O applications are processed hrough our digital platform, Certifi.
Permit Expediter Registration Form
If you operate as a professional Permit Expediter or Filing Representative in the District, you must be registered with DOB. To register, complete the registration form below. The process is quick and simple. You will be required to use your assigned registration number to complete permit applications that you obtain on behalf of another professional or property owner.
Look up Permits, Permit Plans and Applications (eRecords)
Find building permits, applications, invoices, plans, or C of O permits with DOB's eRecords Management System. Access from any device.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Submit a record request.
Apply and Pay for Construction Permits Online
For one- and two-family residential projects, use the DOB Permit Wizard online permit application.
For commercial projects, solar, demolition, raze and after-hours permits, use the Citizen Access Portal. It allows applicants to apply, pay, and receive construction permits online.
Search for Digital Land Records (SurDocs)
SurDocs is an online research tool that enables the public to search all digital land surveys (that is, all field survey records and surveyor plats).
Get More Information on Land Records
Check your Permit Application Status
Scout provides the status of a permit application that is submitted to DOB by providing the Application ID or property address.
Get Status on a Permit Application
File Your Permit Drawings Online (ProjectDox)
ProjectDox is an online platform that allows for the electronic submission of building plans and supporting documentation and plan review. ProjectDox eliminates the need for an applicant to submit multiple paper copies of project plans in conjunction with the building permit application.
File Your Permit Drawings Online
Expedite Your Permit
Our Accelerated Plan Review Program allows you to expedite your plan review and permit approval so you can focus on getting your project going.
Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM)
Do you have a large-scale project, such as the construction of a new residential or office building? Let us help you with a Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM).
Vacant Building Online Tools
Online tools allow you to do the following and more: