Your Guide to Washington D.C. Permitting Agencies: Essential Contacts for Construction and Development Projects
Navigating the permitting process in Washington, D.C. can feel overwhelming, especially when multiple agencies are involved in reviewing and approving your project. Whether you're planning a simple home renovation or a complex commercial development, understanding which agencies to contact and when can save you significant time and frustration. This comprehensive guide provides all the essential contact information and details about each agency's role in the permitting process.
Note: Contact information is current as of 2024. Always verify current details before submitting applications, as agency information may change.
D.C. Department of Buildings (DOB)
Primary Role: Building permits, construction inspections, certificates of occupancy, and building code enforcement
Services Provided:
Building permits for new construction, renovations, and additions
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits
Demolition permits
Certificates of occupancy
Building inspections throughout construction process
Plan review and approval
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 671-2121
Email: dob@dc.gov
Website: dob.dc.gov
Physical Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E200, Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:15 AM - 4:45 PM
Special Notes: DOB is your primary contact for most construction-related permits. They offer online permit applications and tracking through their ePlan system. Expedited review services are available for additional fees.
D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE)
Primary Role: Environmental permits and compliance, stormwater management, and green building requirements
Services Provided:
Stormwater management permits
Soil and groundwater remediation oversight
Air quality permits
Green building compliance verification
Environmental impact assessments
Hazardous materials permits
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 535-2600
Email: doee@dc.gov
Website: doee.dc.gov
Physical Address: 1200 First Street NE, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20002
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Special Notes: Required for projects involving stormwater management, soil disturbance over 5,000 square feet, or green building certifications. Early coordination recommended for complex environmental issues.
D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT)
Primary Role: Public space permits, traffic management, and transportation infrastructure
Services Provided:
Public space occupancy permits
Excavation permits in public space
Curb cut and driveway permits
Street closure permits for construction
Traffic control plan approvals
Sidewalk and streetscape permits
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 673-6813
Email: ddot.publicspace@dc.gov
Website: ddot.dc.gov
Physical Address: 250 M Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Special Notes: Required for any work affecting public space, including sidewalks, streets, or public parking. Permits must be obtained before beginning any work in public areas.
D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services (FEMS)
Primary Role: Fire safety plan review and life safety code compliance
Services Provided:
Fire safety plan review
Fire alarm and sprinkler system permits
Fire lane and access approvals
Occupancy load determinations
Special event fire safety permits
Hazardous materials storage permits
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 673-3331
Email: fems@dc.gov
Website: fems.dc.gov
Physical Address: 1923 Vermont Avenue NW, Suite 201, Washington, DC 20001
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Special Notes: Review required for commercial projects, multi-family residential buildings, and projects involving fire protection systems. Coordinate early in the design process for complex projects.
D.C. Historic Preservation Office (HPO)
Primary Role: Historic preservation review and approval for properties in historic districts or landmark buildings
Services Provided:
Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) applications
Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior alterations
Demolition permits for historic properties
Archaeological review and oversight
Historic tax credit project review
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 442-8800
Email: hpo@dc.gov
Website: planning.dc.gov/historic-preservation
Physical Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E650, Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Special Notes: Required for all exterior work on properties in historic districts or designated landmarks. HPRB approval must be obtained before DOB permits can be issued. Process can take 2-4 months.
D.C. Office of Planning (OP)
Primary Role: Zoning administration, comprehensive planning, and development review
Services Provided:
Zoning permits and variances
Special exception applications
Planned Unit Development (PUD) review
Zoning interpretations and determinations
Small area plan development
Design review for certain projects
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 442-7600
Email: dcop@dc.gov
Website: planning.dc.gov
Physical Address: 1100 4th Street SW, Suite E650, Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Special Notes: Contact early in the planning process to verify zoning compliance and identify any special requirements. Zoning permits may be required before building permits.
D.C. Public Service Commission (PSC)
Primary Role: Utility service regulation and major utility infrastructure approvals
Services Provided:
Major utility infrastructure approvals
Electric transmission line permits
Gas pipeline permits
Telecommunications infrastructure review
Utility rate and service regulation
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 626-5100
Email: commission@psc.dc.gov
Website: dcpsc.org
Physical Address: 1325 G Street NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20005
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Special Notes: Primarily involved in large-scale utility projects. Most residential and small commercial projects will not require PSC involvement.
D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water)
Primary Role: Water and sewer service connections, infrastructure, and stormwater management
Services Provided:
Water and sewer connection permits
Backflow prevention device permits
Private sewer connection approvals
Water main and sewer line permits
Stormwater management facility permits
Cross-connection control permits
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 787-2000
Email: customerservice@dcwater.com
Website: dcwater.com
Physical Address: 1385 Canal Street SE, Washington, DC 20003
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Special Notes: Required for new service connections or modifications to existing water/sewer services. Coordinate early for projects requiring new or upgraded service.
Federal Agencies (When Applicable)
National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC)
Primary Role: Federal development review and height/design oversight for certain areas
Services Provided:
Federal project review and approval
Height and design review in federal areas
Environmental impact assessment coordination
Master plan development for federal properties
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 482-7200
Email: info@ncpc.gov
Website: ncpc.gov
Physical Address: 401 9th Street NW, North Lobby, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20004
Special Notes: Required for projects on federal property or in certain federal sight lines. Coordination required early in planning process.
U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA)
Primary Role: Design review for projects affecting federal buildings and monuments
Services Provided:
Architectural and design review
Monument and memorial design approval
Federal building design review
Public art and landscape review
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 504-2200
Email: cfastaff@cfa.gov
Website: cfa.gov
Physical Address: 401 F Street NW, Suite 312, Washington, DC 20001
Special Notes: Required for projects visible from or near federal monuments and buildings. Review process can be lengthy and should be initiated early.
Utility Companies
Pepco (Potomac Electric Power Company)
Primary Role: Electrical service and infrastructure
Services Provided:
New electrical service connections
Service upgrades and modifications
Underground utility coordination
Street lighting permits
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 833-7500
Website: pepco.com
Business Office: Multiple locations throughout D.C.
Washington Gas
Primary Role: Natural gas service and infrastructure
Services Provided:
New gas service connections
Service line installations and repairs
Gas meter installations
Underground utility coordination
Contact Information:
Phone: (703) 750-1000
Website: washingtongas.com
Service Centers: Multiple locations throughout the region
Specialized Agencies and Boards
Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration (ABRA)
Primary Role: Liquor licenses and alcohol-related permits
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 442-4423
Website: abra.dc.gov
Address: 2000 14th Street NW, Suite 400S, Washington, DC 20009
Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA)
Primary Role: Zoning variances and special exceptions
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 727-6311
Website: dcoz.dc.gov
Address: 441 4th Street NW, Suite 210S, Washington, DC 20001
Public Space Committee
Primary Role: Major public space modifications and improvements
Contact Information:
Phone: (202) 673-6813 (through DDOT)
Website: ddot.dc.gov
Tips for Successful Agency Coordination
Start Early and Plan Ahead
Many agencies have lengthy review processes, particularly HPO and federal agencies. Begin coordination 6-12 months before your planned construction start date for complex projects.
Understand the Sequence
Some approvals must be obtained before others. For example, HPRB approval is typically required before DOB permits, and zoning permits may be needed before building permits.
Maintain Communication
Keep all relevant agencies informed of project changes or delays. This helps prevent surprises during the review process and maintains positive working relationships.
Use Professional Help
Consider hiring experienced permit expeditors or consultants familiar with D.C. processes, especially for complex projects involving multiple agencies.
Keep Detailed Records
Maintain comprehensive files of all communications, submissions, and approvals. This documentation is essential for tracking progress and resolving any issues that arise.
Online Resources and Tools
ePlan System (DOB)
Online permit application and tracking system for building permits: eplan.dob.dc.gov
DC Atlas
Interactive mapping tool for property information and zoning: dcatlas.dcgis.dc.gov
HPRB Database
Historic property information and review status: planning.dc.gov/historic-preservation
Zoning Map
Interactive zoning map and regulations: dcoz.dc.gov
Conclusion
Successfully navigating Washington D.C.'s permitting process requires understanding the roles of multiple agencies and maintaining clear communication throughout your project. While the process can seem complex, proper planning and early coordination with the appropriate agencies will help ensure your project moves forward smoothly.
Remember that requirements can change, and each project is unique. Always verify current requirements and contact information before beginning your permitting process. When in doubt, don't hesitate to call the relevant agencies directly—most have knowledgeable staff who can help guide you through their specific requirements.
By using this guide as your starting point and maintaining organized communication with all relevant agencies, you'll be well-equipped to handle the permitting requirements for your Washington D.C., construction or development project.
