Information may be inaccurate or out of date. Always confirm permit requirements with the official city, county or state website before you start work. Read our disclaimer

Building Permits in District of Columbia

District of Columbia statewide rules

These state rules apply everywhere in the state. Cities and counties may add stricter local rules — open your city below.

Building code
2017 DC Construction Codes: 2015 ICC family of model codes, 2014 National Electrical Code and 2013 ASHRAE 90.1, as amended by 12 DCMR, effective May 29, 2020 source: dob.dc.gov
Local changes allowed
Yes source: dob.dc.gov
Issued by
District of Columbia Department of Buildings (DOB) source: dob.dc.gov

Shed

Height limit (ft)
10 source: dob.dc.gov
Permit required
Depends source: dob.dc.gov
Size limit (sq ft)
50 source: dob.dc.gov

Fence

Permit required
Yes source: dob.dc.gov
Exempt from a permit
Repair of existing fences with in-kind materials does not require a building permit (unless in a historic district) source: dob.dc.gov

Deck

Permit required
Yes source: dob.dc.gov

Pool

Permit required
Depends source: dob.dc.gov
Exempt from a permit
Prefabricated above-ground pools less than 24 inches deep, not exceeding 1,000 gallons, not connected to a circulation system, accessory to a Use Group R-3 occupancy or Residential Code building source: dob.dc.gov

Garage

Permit required
Yes source: dob.dc.gov

Solar Panels

Conditions
Solar permits are applied for through the DOB Citizen Access Portal (one- and two-family residential projects otherwise use the DOB Permit Wizard) source: dob.dc.gov

HVAC

Permit required
Yes source: dob.dc.gov

Electrical

Conditions
Only licensed DC contractors for the specific trade may apply for these permits. source: dob.dc.gov

Plumbing

Conditions
Only licensed DC contractors for the specific trade may apply for these permits. source: dob.dc.gov

Driveway

Exempt from a permit
Private sidewalks and driveways source: dob.dc.gov

Home Addition

Permit required
Yes source: dob.dc.gov

Demolition

Conditions
Demolition and raze permits are applied for through the DOB Citizen Access Portal source: dob.dc.gov
Permit required
Yes source: dob.dc.gov

Windows

Exempt from a permit
Installation of window screens and storm windows source: dob.dc.gov

Cities

Permit Categories

Permit guides