Mayor Vincent C. Gray

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About DCRA

Permits/Zoning/Surveyor

Licensing/Registration

Inspections

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Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs


Office Hours
Thursday 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

How to Reach Us
1100 4th Street SW
Washington, DC 20024
dcra@dc.gov

Phone: (202) 442-4400
Fax: (202) 442-9445
TTY: (202) 123-4567

FOIA Information

Website: http://dcra.dc.gov

Follow DCRA on Twitter  Small Business Resource Center (SBRC)  See DCRA on Flickr 


Nicholas A. Majett
Director

Ask the Agency


 
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Get A Permit


 

Whether you're modifying a structure, putting up a fence, or building a house, you're responsible for getting the right permits before you start work. Getting a permit - depend upon how large or how small the project - can take a single step or multiple steps involving additional review agencies outside of DCRA.

The Permit Center closes at 4:30 pm daily. The customers can obtain a Q-Matic Ticket to begin the permitting process until 3:30 pm. Every effort shall be made that all tickets are processed the same day. If not, the process will be completed the following business day. The cashier closes promptly at 4:30.

Some permits, like our Postcard Permit or Supplemental Permits, you can get with a few clicks of the mouse. Larger projects can take 30 days to review

If you're a homeowner seeking a building permit for a home improvement project, please go to the Homeowners Center or get a Postcard Permit Online. If you're in charge of a large construction project, check out our Development Ambassador program or our Green Building process.

If you're ready to get started, you can also start your application online which will speed things up when you get to the Permit Center.

You can also check the status of your permit online. You'll see which disciplines (electrical, structural) have reviewed your plans to date.

Please note: You may be able to view comments about your project online, but you won't be able to pick up your plans until all required disciplines have reviewed them.

Featured Building Permit Services

CONSTRUCTION WORKERS

Get an Overview of Permitting Process

Getting a permit in the District involves numerous steps. Depending on the project, you may be required to get approvals or services from agencies besides DCRA.

What Permits Do I Need? »
 
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What Can I Do with Postcard Permit?

DCRA wants you to stay away, at least if you're trying to get a building permit for one of the 50 most common small construction projects. You can now apply, pay for and receive building permits from your home or office computer. We’ll even email you a copy so you will never have to worry about losing it.

View All Permit Services »
 
View Target Review Times for Building Permits »
 
Capacity Placard Application Instructions

How to Get Your Capacity Placard

The District of Columbia Construction Code requires every assembly occupancy shall have the occupancy load of the room or space posted in a conspicuous place, near the main exit or exit access doorway from the room or space.

Third Party Plan Review Program »
 
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District of Columbia Energy Conservation Code Brochures

Brochures describing provisions of the District of Columbia Energy Conservation Code

Records Room »