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The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) creates and changes all official addresses in the District of Columbia.
Instant Permits Are Here!
Instant Permits (formerly “postcard permits”) launched on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, offering clearly defined scopes of work tailored for one- and two-family residential structures. This includes the installation of solar panel systems up to 15 Kilowatts and the in-kind replacement of up to 15 windows. For any work outside these new scopes, a standard building permit is required.
Questions? Email [email protected].
Installation, repair or replacement of a refrigeration and/or air conditioning system.
Construction of an entirely new structure that has not been previously occupied.
DOB continues to improve online services for our customers with the Permit Expediter Form. All filing representatives are required to register using this form when filing a permit application on behalf of a property owner. The process is quick, simple
Repair, replacement or installation of a plumbing or gas system.
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Do you have a large-scale project, such as construction of a new residential or office building? Let us help you today with a Preliminary Design Review Meeting (PDRM). The PDRM provides applicants with a...
ProjectDox is DOB's online platform for the electronic submission of building plans and supporting documentation to be reviewed by DOB's plan reviewers. Following are the steps to use the platform.
A structure that retains earth (soil). Common retaining wall material includes concrete, rocks or timber.
A temporary structure that servers as platform to do work on existing and/or new building. If the scaffold will occupy public space such as a side walk or public alley, a permit from District Department of Transportation (DDOT) is required.
The single-click option for scheduling an online appointment with DOB.
Construction or renovation of a shed, to include garden and storage sheds.
This permit is required for temporary support of excavations, generally for the purpose of constructing underground structures and basements.
Shop drawing applications must be accompanied with an issued building permit and submission requirements may vary depending on the scope of work. Shop drawings are submitted under the below permit applications.
A permit is needed to erect and replace an exterior sign. This includes the advertisement of business.