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When you apply for a building permit to do exterior work on your property such as building an addition or adding a deck, you must include a building plat.
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.
This is information on how to appeal a Stop Work Order including a step-by-step process and Stop Work Order Compliance Review Request Form.
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.
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.
DOB's mission is to provide District residents with the highest quality records center. DOB works to safeguard document integrity and the orderly safekeeping of all essential departmental records that will ensure their preservation and accessibility.
DOB determines that a building is blighted if it is unsafe, unsanitary, or otherwise determined to threaten the health, safety, or general welfare of the community.
In making the determination, we consider the following factors:
If you've received a notice from the DOB Office of Residential Inspections concerning a vacant or blighted designation, use the following to determine whether your building qualifies for a vacant property exemption.