Fall Edition
September - November 2016
Volume 1: Issue 4
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It is the holiday season; what we look forward to every year. It
is the season where we take time out of our busy schedules to spend time with
our loved ones, reflect on the year’s activities and look towards the New Year.
For DCRA, this has been
a year of progression with many exciting changes. We are continuously working to ensure that we are
operating at the highest standards while striving to make doing business with
DCRA safe and simple. With our push for International Accreditation Service (IAS) accreditation, we are ensuring that
all consumers are benefiting by doing business with an internationally
certified agency.
Last year, DCRA began the
process of obtaining accreditation for the agency's Building Department;
including permitting, plan review and construction inspection activities, from IAS, a nonprofit, public-benefit
corporation and the nation's leading accreditation body. Our push for IAS
accreditation is one that will ensure that all of our stakeholders are
benefiting by doing business with an internationally certified agency. IAS has
developed a Building Department Accreditation Program that offers independent
verification that the building department operates under the highest ethical,
legal and technical standards. It is IAS’s goal to enhance the services of the
building departments that provide life-safety and property protection for
communities across the United States.
The accreditation process
benefits the agency and consumers by improving operational procedures, and most
importantly by providing benchmarks and procedures for monitoring the quality
of DCRA's Building Department services. Additionally, our consumers are
privy to a reduced homeowner’s insurance option once DCRA is certified. DCRA's
goal is to obtain IAS accreditation by FY 2017.
My excitement in the direction of the agency is an understatement.
Have a Happy Holiday!
Best,
Melinda Bolling
Director, DCRA
Audit Finds DCRA Setting Goal on New Energy Standard
The news you should know.
The agency announced on Thursday, December 1 that its award-winning Green Building Division has earned one of the highest ratings available on Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and Cadmus’ independent audit evaluating Commercial Energy Code Compliance. IMT and Cadmus’ audit found that DCRA set a new standard for commercial energy code enforcement, with a weighted code compliance rate of 99%.
We are proud to be doing our part to accomplish Sustainable DC goals. The new near-perfect compliance rate reflects a significant improvement from the District’s 74% compliance rate just two years ago. Read more here.
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Coming Soon, New DCRA Online Appointment Scheduling System
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DCRA is launching an online appointment scheduling system. We are continuously striving to service our customers in the most efficient and expeditious manner possible; making processes simpler and keeping the District safer. The online appointment scheduling option will provide you with the ability to make and monitor a reservation from your computer, tablet, or smart phone before visiting DCRA – reducing unnecessary wait times.
As a walk-in customer, you will have the option to opt-in to receive customer notifications through SMS text messaging. If you choose to opt-in, you will receive important status updates to help better plan your visit. The notifications will update you on where you are in the DCRA queue and when your ticket has been called; providing faster, easier, more convenient service. Please be on the lookout for updates.
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Save time, book online!
#SafeandSimpleDC
Upgraded DCRA Online Services
 DCRA has upgraded and created new online applications to improve your online experience. Upgrades were made it the following: Online Postcard Permit Intake (OPPI), Online Supplemental Permit Intake (OSPI), and Certificate of Occupancy. We are committed to ensuring that our services are efficient and effective as possible. Please take a moment to review the updates below. For more information on all the update and upcoming updates, please visit dcra.dc.gov/page/new-online-applications-available-now.
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Business Portal Success Update
The Business Portal is up and running and businesses across the District are skipping the trip. From keeping track of business entities to applying for a license, businesses are complying with the rules and regulations of DC without wasting time. In the Portal’s first four months, over six thousand users have created accounts to apply for over 1,400 and renew nearly 1,700 business licenses.
DCRA Pre-Apprenticeship Program & National Apprenticeship Week
The week of November 14-20, 2016, was National Apprenticeship Week. During this week across the nation, events were held throughout communities to recognize the important role Apprentices play in offering employers an opportunity to develop a highly skilled workforce. Apprenticeships allow career seekers the chance to earn a salary while learning the skills necessary to succeed.
DCRA prides itself in having a Pre-Apprenticeship Program partnering with DC Public Schools. On October 31, 2016, the agency celebrated the hiring of Daniel Gibson and Quanya Reese as full-time housing code contact representatives at an event held at Dunbar Senior High School before students, school staff, agency officials, and Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, Brian Kenner. Gibson and Reese are Dunbar 2016 graduates, who developed the skills necessary for housing code contact representatives positions as part of DCRA’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program.
The agency formally kicked off the Pre-Apprenticeship Program in 2015 and began accepting applications for the second cohort this November. Selected students began weekly classroom instruction with DCRA staff in April 2016 and assisted inspectors in the field throughout the summer. Seven students took part in last year’s program; two are now employed as full-time inspectors with the agency.
“DCRA’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a big win for everyone involved. Students get valuable job training, the agency adds qualified District residents to its inspection staff, and the District gains two new homegrown inspectors absolutely committed to keeping their community safe,” said DCRA Director Melinda Bolling.
DCRA is fulfilling the duties of giving back to the community along with work readiness training. We look forward to the future of the program and many more students fulfilling their dreams at the hands of DCRA. See pictures of the event here.
DCRA
Partners with Surrounding Colleges for the University Off-Campus Housing
Initiative
 The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs created the DCRA/University Off-Campus Housing Initiative to assist owners /landlords who rent off-campus housing to students. The objective of this initiative is to ensure that all rental properties meet basic housing code requirements set by District of Columbia law.
In January 2014, DCRA began inspecting off-campus student housing that do not have a Basic Business License (BBL) and/or an updated inspection certificate on file. The District of Columbia takes the safety of student housing serious. Partnering with the community can ensure a healthy and safe living environment.
To operate a business and rental property in the District of Columbia, a basic business license and an inspection certificate is required. The type of license a business and rental property should obtain is based on the type of business conducted in the District of Columbia. In some instances, business entities whose principals are required to maintain licensure by a local, state or national certification board or body may not be required to obtain a BBL.
The DCRA/University Off-Campus Housing Initiative will work with universities and owner/ landlords to make certain that student rented properties are properly licensed and inspected. DCRA requires owners and landlords to meet District and federal housing health codes. These codes describe and specify guidelines that regulate emergency exits, fire extinguishers, notifications systems, operational heating systems, property maintenance, heating, plumbing, roofing, pests (such as rats, mice, or other pests) and structural matters such as walls, windows, basements and attics. This program was established to ensure that rental properties are deemed safe and habitable.
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The District of Columbia’s City
Administrator
Rashad M. Young Visits DCRA
On Thursday, October 13, 2016,
the City Administrator, Rashad M. Young, visited DCRA as part of his District
agency one-on-one visit series. DCRA welcomed Mr. Young with an exciting day
designed to educate on our processes and operations. During the day, he observed an abatement inspection
with our A-Team, a housing inspection and met with division leaders.
We are grateful that Mr. Young was
able to spend the day with us to take a deeper look at how DCRA truly
contributes to the District and how we work to keep the District safe by enforcing code compliance and regulating business.
We look forward to working with his office and collaborating with our sister
agencies with the goal of working together for the greater good of District
residents and our stakeholders.
Upgrade Coming Soon to DCRA's Third Party Program
Coming soon you will be able to register for a personalized account to upload inspection documents online and view reports directly in Accela. For questions, please contact Stephanie Campbell at stephanie.campbell@dc.gov.
Entrée DC Food & Beverage Forum 2016 Highlights
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On September 29, 2016, DCRA’s Small Business Resource Center successfully hosted its 4th annual Entrée Food & Beverage Forum at the Walter E. Reed Washington Convention Center. Entrée DC is a free event that provides an educational, inspirational, and creative environment for entrepreneurs to foster positive relationships and to receive lessons learned from industry leaders and peers. Mayor Muriel Bowser participated in the event and inspired many entrepreneurs to follow their dreams and create jobs in the District. Special remarks were also given from &pizza owner and co-founder, Michael Lastoria, and Danielle Vogel, owner of Glen Garden Market grocery store. Attendees were also able to attend panel discussions and breakout sessions on topics that included food trucks, leasing agreements, regulatory process, marketing, and financing. Overall, the event was a success and we were happy to see an increase of almost a hundred attendees this year. See pictures of the event here.
Director Bolling Testifies at Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs Hearing
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On October 20, 2016, Director Bolling testified in front of the Committee of the Whole Subcommittee
on Consumer Affairs at a public hearing on B21-862, the
Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Community Partnership Amendment
Act of 2016 (Bill), which the Mayor proposed. The bill would improve life for
District residents in a few significant ways. First, it would exempt very
small business ventures like a lemonade stand or school car wash fundraiser
from business licensing requirements. Next, it would require that
landlords in the District maintain and post a 24-hour telephone number so that
tenants always know how to contact them about needed repairs. Finally,
the bill would limit vacant property registrations to property owners,
relatives, or the owner’s authorized agent, so that property owners are
protected against fraudulent registrations. The Agency, public witnesses,
and the Subcommittee Chair expressed support for the bill.
Director Bolling & Staff Stay #CommunityConnected by Attending ANC Meetings
DCRA
regularly attends ANC meetings to address concerns of residents. On September
29, 2016, Director Bolling attended Chairman Mendelson’s Quarterly ANC
Meeting and discussed vacant properties. On October 13, 2016, Deputy
Director Lori Parris attended the ANC 1A meeting where Mayor Bowser addressed
the ward and Director Bolling attended the ANC 6A meeting. DCRA is continuously
striving to #CommunityConnect with District residents we serve. Please email DCRAANC@dc.gov if you would like DCRA to
attend your ANC meeting.
 Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA) is a unique and essential department within the DCRA family. The administrative staff supports nine combined non-health regulatory boards and commissions in the District of Columbia, which regulate the practice of those individual occupations and professions that the boards and commissions represent. The Boards and Commissions are responsible for drafting regulations, reviewing and approving applications, administering examinations, providing educational offerings, and responding to certification requests by other state boards and jurisdictions. The ultimate goals of the Boards, to which the members are appointed by the Mayor, are to ultimately, with administrative support from OPLA, protect consumers by ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance.
Led by Mr. Clifford Cooks (Program Manager) and Ms. Staci Mason (Program Officer), this department is consistently working to ensuring programmatic success. The staff support of OPLA is crucial to the success of each Board and Commission. From Mr. Kevin Cyrus, who oversees the approval and administering of various board and commission sponsored seminars at educational facilities, to Ms. Luladaye Valli, Examination Coordinator, who provides leadership in maintaining exam security and confidentiality that support the agency’s mission.
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Learn the
Process of Starting a Business at the DC Public Library
Date: Monday, December 12, 2016
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200),
Washington, D.C. 20024
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43009
During these
FREE monthly sessions, DCRA will partner with District government agencies to
educate customers on how to start a new business in the District of Columbia.
Navigating
Government Contracting with DCPTAC: Creating an Effective Capability Statement
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (Room E-4302),
Washington, D.C. 20024
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/42140
DCPTAC can
help you navigate the procurement process more confidently and efficiently.
Work for
Yourself@50+
Date: Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200),
Washington, D.C. 20024
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43234
Work for
Yourself@50+ is a program specifically designed to help people 50 and older
learn about what it takes to be successfully self-employed in today's economy.
Meet
One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free!
Date: Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Time: 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200),
Washington, D.C. 20024
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/42965
At this
clinic, you will get information on business formation, contracts, leases,
taxes or any other questions you may have related to small business legal
issues. Or, if you do not have specific questions, come and tell the attorneys
about your business and they can help you identify legal issues or give you
general advice.
Understanding
Your Rights Seminar for Landlords
Date: Thursday, December 15, 2016
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200),
Washington, D.C. 20024
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/42547
The D.C. Bar
Pro Bono Center is partnering with DCRA’s Small Business Resource Center to
offer monthly informational sessions to small landlords renting residential
property in the District of Columbia. The sessions will provide general
information on the eviction process, landlord tenant court procedures, and
regulatory requirements.
Senior
Entrepreneurship Program
Date: Monday, December 19, 2016
Time: 10:15 am - 11:45 am
Location: Hattie Holmes Senior Center - 324 Kennedy Street NE,
Washington, D.C. 20011
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/42986
If you are
interested in starting a new business or need information on sustaining an
existing business, this program is for you. The program is designed to provide
information on starting new and existing businesses.
SmartStart
- An Integrated Program with DCRA and DOES
Date: Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (Room E-4302),
Washington, D.C. 20024
To
Register: dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43020
Learn the
process of starting a business and incentives that can help your business grow.
During these sessions, DCRA’s SBRC staff will provide the step-by-step process,
fees, and renewal timelines when applying and obtaining a BBL. DOES will provide
information on their On-the-Job Training program.
Regulatory bytes for the data junkie.
This is your centralized data section of the newsletter to access permit issuance information in seven different categories for all eight wards across the District. We hope these stats provide a better insight into developments happening in and around your respective communities.
Below are the total permits issued by month:
September 2016 - 3,585 permits
October 2016 - 16,823 permits
November 2016 - 16,445 permits
Below are the general business licenses issued by month:
September 2016 - 6,644 general business licenses
October 2016 - 4,288 general business licenses
November 2016 - 1,325 general business licenses
Below are the total vacant and blighted properties by month:
September 2016 - 34 vacant properties/1 blighted property
October 2016 - 437 vacant properties/6 blighted properties
November 2016 - 181 vacant properties/0 blighted properties
Below see the Zoning Determination Letters from September - November 2016:
We'd love to hear from you! Let us know if there is anything you would like to see in future newsletters by completing our short survey.
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, please email DCRACommTeam@dc.gov.
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