General Online Tools
Access DC Initiative
The Department of Buildings relies on Access DC to enhance security and improve access to all of DOB's online services.
Signing up for an Access DC account is easy. Simply visit Access DC and click the sign up link.
- Access DC simplifies interactions with DOB. Instead of having multiple accounts with passwords to remember, your single Access DC account will be used for every DOB online system.
- Access DC 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.
- The Access DC account is easy to obtain. You can sign up for an account in just a few minutes, and if you ever forget your login information, self-guided prompts will help you recover instantly.
Review the DC Privacy Policy.
Access DC is powered by the Okta access management platform. Okta Privacy Policy.
DOB Public Dashboard
This is a platform that presents DOB data. The dashboards provide greater transparency, allowing customers to take a look at DOB's performance in these areas and gain general insights about data that falls under our purview.
Pay Online
Easily make payments for various services and fees online. Users can now make payments for fines resulting from Notice(s) of Infraction (NOI) issued for Housing Code violation(s).
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.
Contractor Rating System
Looking to hire a contractor for your next home renovation? Our Contractor Rating System helps District consumers identify properly licensed and high-performing building professionals. Inquire before you hire! See a list of contractors that DOB has rated and start your next project using the DOB Permit Wizard, a new customer-friendly application that modernizes the way our customers start their residential building projects.
Permitting
Get a Certificate of Occupancy
The purpose of a Certificate of Occupancy (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 C of O has been issued. There are six types of C of O applications as seen here along with additional information regarding the C of O process.
To apply for a change of ownership certificate of occupancy application, click here.
For ALL other types of certificate of occupancy applications, email a completed C of O application and PDF of supporting documents to [email protected].
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 Certificate of Occupancy 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. This tool is used to view 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. The status can be obtained 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 for electronic plan submission and plan review. This system allows the electronic submission of building plans and supporting documentation. ProjectDox eliminates the need for an applicant to submit multiple paper copies of project plans in conjunction with the building permit application.
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 Buildings
Vacant Building Online Tools
Online tools allow you to do the following and more:
Verify your Building is Occupied
Report a Vacant or Blighted Property
Request Exemption for Vacant Property