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October 15 - 31, 2019 | Volume 4 | Issue 6
Our new website is up and running! We invite you to take a look at its exciting features and updated pages at dcra.dc.gov.
We redesigned our website to be more user-friendly with bold, visual appeal and new functionality that will better serve all of our DC customers. To make things convenient, many of our services are available online, saving you the trip to our office.
New website features include:
- Easy navigation that takes you quickly to your destination
- Enhanced online search tools
- Page content organized to meet your needs and simplified for a “quick read”
- Newsletters, articles, customer testimonials, press releases, and announcements
- New graphics and icons
- Bright color photos of DC’s vibrant neighborhoods, historic landmarks, businesses, and diverse people
- Faster agency response to your inquiries
- DCRA performance metrics
A high-end sneaker consignment shop in Georgetown shut its doors earlier this month after DCRA stepped in to halt the store’s “deceptive business practices” by revoking its general business license and certificate of occupancy.
The agency began investigating Kickk Spott after receiving a complaint from a resident whose son sold two hats to the shop last year. He was finally paid the money owed him ($160) after contacting DCRA. DCRA found scores of other customers owed hundreds of dollars and even thousands through online reviews of the shop.
After hearing of DCRA’s work, the News4 I-Team interviewed DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah about the investigative and enforcement tools the agency uses to hold businesses accountable when they rip-off District consumers.
“We cannot allow businesses to expose consumers to that risk,” DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah said.
If you need to report a consumer complaint to DCRA, call the Consumer Protection Hotline at 202-442-4400 and press “6” for Consumer Complaints. Another option is to email the agency at
dcra.consumerprotection@dc.gov.
For information on consumer protection, visit dcra.dc.gov/consumer-protection.
DCRA kicked off our new Residential Rental Edition of the popular Homeowner’s Series this past Thursday, October 24th. The first workshop focused on DC zoning compliance and can be viewed on YouTube.
A growing number of DC homeowners have expressed interest in renting out space they do not use much, such as a basement, to make extra cash. DC’s zoning regulations changed in 2016, making it easier for owners to rent out part of their main house and accessory dwelling units (ADUs), attached or detached.
The Homeowner’s Series of four workshops provides professional guidance on converting one and two-family homes into residential rental units that meet code and adding an ADU to your dwelling. The staff instructs attendees on the proper way to obtain a permit, a basic business license, and comply with zoning regulations. The series is led by DCRA permitting and plan review specialists.
To sign up for the remaining three workshops, please visit dcra.dc.gov/page/homeowner-residential-construction-series or click below.
DISB Coffee & Capital at DCRA
Monday, November 4
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Room E-200 (2nd floor)
DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Join us to learn about innovative alternatives to financing for District startups, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Consider attending if you are a contractor, small business owner, entrepreneur, equity provider, or lender. Programs to be discussed at this event include those administered by the District of Columbia Capital Program (DISB) and an investment crowdfunding option, the DC-Only Securities Offering Exemption.
DCRA/DCBIA Vision 2020 Update and Technical Presentation
Tuesday, November 5
8:30 am – 12:00 pm
American Geophysical Union (AGU)
2000 Florida Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
In partnership with the DC Building Industry Association (DCBIA), The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) is offering a technical presentation & panel discussion, followed by a tour of the American Geophysical Union (AGU). In this training, you will get an update on DCRA's Vision 2020 – an initiative to emphasize DCRA's commitment to transparency, accountability and responsiveness along the journey toward digital transformation. Changes underway are making every DCRA service available on demand. After the presentation, DC government and DCBIA panelists will discuss how to reach DC's ambitious climate and housing goals.
Senior Entrepreneur Workshop
Thursday, November 7
10:15 am – 11:45 am
Bernice Fonteneau
3531 Georgia Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20010
DCRA is hosting this Senior Day Program with the Office of Aging for residents 60 years and older. Learn how to start a new business or sustain an existing one.
Building Codes & Your Safety
Tuesday, November 12
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Room E-200 (2nd floor)
The purpose of the construction codes is to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the occupants and users of buildings and structures in the District. In this session, DCRA will train attendees on the applicable codes for converting one and two-family homes into residential rental units. We will also discuss how to maintain rental units and stay in compliance with the District’s Housing Code Standards.
How to Successfully Apply for a Security Agency or Private Detective Agency License
Thursday, November 19
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, Washington DC 20024
Room E-200 (2nd floor)
DCRA’s Small Business Resource Center is partnering with Occupational and Professional Licensing Administration (OPLA) to host a security licensing workshop for entrepreneurs on general license requirement, private detective business licensing, corporate registrations, and license renewals.
All Things Nonprofit
Thursday, November 21
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
DCRA - 1100 4th Street SW, Washington, DC 20024
Room E-200 (2nd floor)
In this workshop you will learn how to start a nonprofit business (including corporate registration, licensing and tax registration), and how to apply for grants available to nonprofits.
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DCRA Dashboard 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. |
If you have any questions regarding this newsletter, please contact the DCRA Communications Team 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. Subscribe to receive DCRA news and updates.
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