DCRA News | Spring Has Sprung

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DCRA NEWS

April 2021 Edition

A Message from the Director

Director Ernest Chrappah Headshot

Spring has sprung and despite the pandemic, good things are happening in the District.

DCRA is committed to supporting our city’s small business community, and with this in mind we have drafted a proposed rulemaking that has been published in the DC Register. Once finalized, the rulemaking does two things specifically aimed to help District entrepreneurs in the wake of the pandemic.

  • First, it creates a shorter-term business license, allowing business owners the flexibility to operate during a six-consecutive-month period without the financial burden of having to pay for a full 24-month general business license and/or endorsement(s). The goal is to help seasonal business owners and entrepreneurs who may be trying out a new business idea by preventing them from having to pay for a full, two-year business license.
  • Second, the rulemaking reduces licensing fees for home-based businesses with a Home Occupancy Permit (HOP) by 75 percent. This will give entrepreneurs in the District, many of whom are without jobs and in vulnerable financial positions due to the pandemic, an incentive to go into business for themselves without fees that are cost-prohibitive. 

Since January 1, 2021, 2,753 new business licenses have been issued, 92 percent of which were issued within just one business day. DCRA’s Small Business Resource Center is also here to help should you have any questions about how to start your own business.

DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah Signature

Ernest Chrappah, Director


Spring Has Sprung | Reminders for Property Owners

Mow Your Grass and Weed

Keep Lawns Mowed and Weeded

As a reminder, District regulations require residential and commercial property owners to keep grass and weeds on their property from growing beyond 8 inches. For more information, including how to avoid potential fines, please click here.

Operable Air-Conditioning Systems

While temperatures are pleasant now, summer will soon be upon us and it will be hot. As a reminder for landlords, air conditioning systems must be kept in working order for tenants.

For more information, visit our Housing Code and Property Maintenance Standards page.


Being or Becoming a Landlord in the District | A Handy Resource

Being or Becoming a Landlord in the District

If you are a current or aspiring landlord in the District, we have complied this new resource to help you with your business.

The publication, entitled Being or Becoming a Landlord in the Districtprovides helpful information about licensure, inspection requirements, abatement, identification of legal resources and a where-to-go contact list to assist you in running your business.

This eBooklet is available in a desktop or mobile version so that you can keep it handy and accessible.

Desktop Version 

 

Mobile Version


Occupational and Professional Licensing | New Online Application Available

New Occupational and Professional License Application

In order to simplify and improve our customers’ experiences, DCRA recently moved to a new occupational and professional licensing application that is easier to use. Since then, we have seen a reduction in customer inquiries by 90 percent.

For more information about licensure or to transfer an existing license, visit the professional licensing pages on dcra.dc.gov or apply for a new occupational or professional license.

Also, as a reminder, if you are looking to verify the existence of an active license, you can search for an occupational or professional license.

Occupational and Professional License Renewals

For current occupational or professional licensees, DCRA will begin accepting renewal applications for occupational and professional licenses starting July 1, 2021. Information about how to renew will be issued in the near future.

As a reminder, occupational and professional licenses that expired during the declared public health emergency have been considered valid in accordance with Title III, Section 312 of the “COVID-19 Response Emergency Amendment Act of 2020."


DCRA's Small Business Resource Center Celebrates 10 Years of Serving District Residents and Businesses

DCRA launched the Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) in April 2011 to provide training and consultation services aimed at making it easier to start a business in the District of Columbia.

As we celebrate 10 years of growing businesses in the District, learn more by reading our recent blog post.


Running a Home-Based Business? | Get Properly Licensed and Permitted

During the pandemic, many District residents have adapted successfully by establishing home-based businesses. To operate legally, a business license and a home occupation permit is required. DCRA has implemented a new, more efficient process for business owners to obtain both, including an Expedited Home Occupation Permit – which can be obtained in as little as three business days.

To learn more about the requirements for your business, visit dcra.dc.gov.