|
September - October 2018 | Volume 3 | Issue 6
 |
Greetings,
As the holiday season approaches, we often use this time to start reflecting on the year’s accomplishments and setting goals for the new year. But 2018 is not finished and we have more to do!
Each day, our goal remains the same. We tirelessly move forward and put the interest of our customers first. In order to provide the best customer service experience, we must find ways to enhance our strengths and amend our limitations through rigorous training.
To that end, Mayor Bowser granted the agency an opportunity to close for one day each quarter during fiscal year 2019 to conduct agency wide trainings for employees. During our first training, on October 25th, a range of topics were covered which included our new online tools, data analysis, enhancing processes, and customer service. These initial sessions gave us the opportunity to assess our knowledge base and reinforce our processes.
The end result of these trainings is a highly knowledgeable staff that provides an excellent customer service experience to our residents and businesses.
As we continue to make progress, we look forward to sharing it with you.
|
Sincerely,
 Melinda Bolling
Director, Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs
DCRA Closed on Veterans Day
In observance of Veterans Day, the District of Columbia Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is closed Monday, November 12, 2018. DCRA is closed and construction is also prohibited on these upcoming holidays in 2018:
- Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, November 22, 2018
- Day After Thanksgiving - Friday, November 23, 2018 (agency closed, construction allowed)
- Christmas Day - Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Customers are encouraged to plan ahead for services requiring an in-person visit as we may experience a high volume of customers during the business days before and after a holiday closing. DCRA has many online services and portals, enabling customers to Skip the Trip to our offices and conduct DCRA business 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
DCRA Blitzes Illegal Construction in Ward 4
On October 16th, DCRA conducted its “Illegal Construction Blitz” in Ward 4. The initiative deploys teams to inspect construction sites to determine if the activity has been permitted and within the scope of work.
Eighteen (18) stop work orders (SWO) were issued for illegal construction taking place in the Brightwood, Petworth and Shepherd Park neighborhoods. The SWOs resulted in Notice of Infractions (NOI) with potential fines totaling up to $95,500 for the property owners.
“The word has gotten out about Ward 4’s diverse, livable neighborhoods, which is why we have seen an increase in construction activity just since last year,” said DC Councilmember Brandon T. Todd (D-Ward 4). “As we welcome new residents, businesses, and vibrancy to our neighborhoods, we are also focused on retaining our sense of community. But there are those who attempt to work outside of the law and disrupt our neighborhoods. They must and will be held accountable.”
Director Bolling spoke about the initiative to NBC Washington.
The blitz consisted of inspection teams that covered a pre-determined route within the ward. The routes were developed in part by analyzing historical data for postcard permits issued and SWOs posted since October 2016.
In June, twenty-three (23) SWOs were issued for illegal construction after a blitz in Ward 1. Blitzes in other wards will continue throughout the fall.
DCRA announced it revamped its Special Inspections Program and revised the Special Inspections Manual.
The 2018 Special Inspections Policy Manual became effective October 15th. DCRA provided an update on the major changes to the program at our Stakeholders Meeting on October 30th. Additionally, we will provide mandatory training to all Special Inspection companies in November 2018, with a make up training in December 2018.
|
DCRA Training Day
On October 25th, DCRA closed its offices and conducted an agency wide employee training. The morning session featured an overview of the various online systems that are used internally and available to the public. In the afternoon session, staff gathered within their respective divisions and focused on key topics and procedures that aim to improve their operations.
DCRA Helped Residents Get Ready for National Preparedness Month
In case you missed it, September was National Preparedness Month. In order to help residents get ready for the potential impact of Hurricane Florence, DCRA offered workshops on how to prepare for a disaster in homes, businesses and communities.
Some of the workshops included CPR and first aid training, how to create an emergency plan for your family, and lifesaving skills for seniors.
For more preparedness tips and information, please visit the following resources:
Timothy Handy, An Unsung Advocate for Tenants
In September, DCRA’s Timothy R. Handy received the “Unsung Hero Award” from the DC Office of the Tenant Advocate (OTA) during their 11th Annual Tenant and Tenant Association Summit held at Gallaudet University. The award acknowledges District government employees for their dedication and service on behalf of tenants in the District of Columbia.
Handy serves as DCRA’s chief of compliance in the Business and Professional Licensing Administration (BPLA). In this role, he leads a proactive investigative unit that ensures businesses operate lawfully in the District.
This year’s theme, “Powerful Tenants Know Their Rights,” focused on landlord/tenant issues, property maintenance violations, federal housing policy, veteran housing and illegal evictions. OTA also provides emergency housing assistance when tenants are displaced by a fire or DCRA has designated a property uninhabitable.
For more information on tenant’s rights, please visit ota.dc.gov.
Permit Operations & Inspections Division Quarterly Stakeholders Meeting
On October 30th, DCRA held its Permit Operations & Inspections Division Quarterly Stakeholders Meeting featuring updates on the newest enhancements and changes to the Permit Operations and Inspections Divisions. Deputy Chief Building Official of Permit Operations, Christopher Bailey, provided updates on new hires and position openings; updated processes and operating procedures for the next IBC code cycle; quarterly trainings; attestation form language; and the revised version of the Special Inspections Guide. Acting Chief Building Official, Garett Whitescarver, provided information on construction and related technology upgrades, as well as the Illegal Construction Blitzes conducted by Ward. The Office of the Zoning Administrator's Mamadou Ndaw shared new staff additions and the new Certificate of Occupancy Application, which resulted from the Form-A-Palooza form makeover run by The Lab @ DC. Third Party Plan Review & Inspections' Jeff Reiss provided updates on Third Party Inspection Agencies Quarterly Quality Assurance Reports and re-inspections.
If you missed the livestream, you can view the recorded event here.
Solar Permitting Overview Training
On August 31st, DCRA announced its new Solar Permitting Guide and reviewed the changes and updates made at the Solar Permitting Overview Training. This training was for District homeowners, developers and DC's solar industry to understand DCRA's and related agency's solar permitting processes and requirements. If you missed the livestream, you can view the recorded event here (fast forward to 17 minutes and 7 seconds).
|
National Customer Service Week
DCRA celebrated National Customer Service Week on October 1st through October 6th where we welcomed our customers to stop by the agency and our local hardware store partners (Frager’s ACE Hardware Store, The Home Depot and Annie’s ACE Hardware Store) to get information on our services, technology enhancements and initiatives. We also collected feedback from our customers from each location to improve our agency's efficiency and effectiveness.
DCRA Staff Honored During National Disability Employment Awareness Month
The Department of Disability Services (DDS) recognized four DCRA staffers who have helped provide job training and skills development opportunities for people with disabilities. Courtney Bowman, Gil Davidson, Peter Hillman and April Wyke-Ransome were acknowledged during a recognition program on October 31st. Learn more about National Disability Employment Awareness Month at dol.gov/ndeam.
All Things Non-Profit
Thursday, November 8, 2018
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
DCRA – 1100 4th Street, SW
2nd Floor (Room E-200)
Washington, DC 20024
Register
How To Develop A Successful Business Plan
Thursday, November 15, 2018
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
DCRA – 1100 4th Street, SW
2nd Floor (Room E-200)
Washington, DC 20024
Register
Boring And Notching In Wood-Frame Construction & An Introduction To Deck Design
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
9:00 am – 11:00 am
DCRA –1100 4th Street, SW; 2nd Floor (E-200)
Washington, DC 20024-4451
Register
Franchising 101
Monday, November 26, 2018
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
DCRA – 1100 4th Street, SW
2nd Floor (Room E-200)
Washington, DC 20024
Register
 |
|
DCRA Dashboards is a tool that graphically displays DCRA permits, business and professional licenses, enforcement, and inspections data. The dashboards provide greater transparency, allowing customers to take a look at DCRA’s performance. |
 |
|
DCRA Data Connect is a tool that allows access to information about permits issued, illegal construction, and vacant building data. Data can be viewed via CSV files and maps. |
If you have any questions regarding this communication, please contact DCRA's Communications Department at DCRACommTeam@dc.gov. DCRA actively uses feedback to improve our delivery and services; please take a minute to share your feedback on how we performed in our last engagement. For the latest news and updates, check out DCRA's Communications Portal.
|
