Building Permits in District of Columbia, District of Columbia

We have not yet verified rules published by District of Columbia itself. Below are the District of Columbia rules that apply, and where to ask.

Where to apply

District of Columbia issues building permits for unincorporated areas; cities inside the county usually run their own permit offices.

District of Columbia statewide rules

State defaults apply everywhere in the state; cities and counties may add stricter local rules.

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