Every day thousands of people reach out to the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA). We have a lot of stakeholders, and whether it is to get an occupational or professional license, obtain a Certificate of Occupancy for a new business, get a housing inspection for their apartment, or seek consumer protection assistance because they have been wronged, we never forget that our agency’s work touches customers where they work and, and more importantly, where they live.
This month I celebrate a milestone – my third anniversary here at DCRA. When I was appointed Director of the agency, I was given a mandate to leverage technology to improve the way that our agency conducts business, and we took another big step forward this month by launching four new platforms or applications that will serve our customers well.
By thinking differently, DCRA has boldly transformed the way we deliver our services to customers – the residents and businesses of the District of Columbia. In doing so, we have sought to increase transparency and access, restore accountability, improve efficiency by doing more with less, eliminate dependence on in-person processes, realize improvements in our enforcement and regulatory functions, reduce costs, and create opportunities for businesses to increase revenue where possible.
Understanding that technology often requires a shift for our customers, we are confident that the platforms we have built result in achievement of our objectives and deliver overall improvements in how we serve our customers’ needs. These advances empower our customers to have better experiences and access DCRA services seamlessly, and at their convenience.
We are also confident that our customers are adaptable, and when presented with greater benefits, will embrace change. We are enthusiastic about technology, about improving our customers’ experiences as you use our agency’s services and learn about our new platforms, and about our partnership as we continue to ready for the future.
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Stay safe,
 Ernest Chrappah
Director
On November 9, 2021, DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah opened a hybrid event held at the District's Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library to publicly introduce a suite of innovative new tools designed to improve delivery of the agency's government services to you, our customers.
The event was broadcast live on our social media channels and on DCN Live, but we invite customers who were unable to tune in to to learn more by viewing highlights of the program in the short video below.
 Scheduling a construction inspection comes with inevitable questions:
- What inspections do I need for my project?
- How do I find a certified and approved inspector?
- How much does an inspection cost and can I find one who fits the budget?
- Time is money. Can I find an inspector this week?
Let us introduce you to Tertius, meaning "third" in Latin. Tertius, is the District's new online marketplace that connects customers with approved third-party inspectors. Tertius helps you: easily identify the inspections that are required for your construction project; select from a pool of certified third-party inspection agencies from whom you can obtain bids, book construction inspections, schedule; and pay online – all at your convenience and within your budget.
Tertius, was created to present more convenient options, shorten the timeline to complete inspections, and provide a more efficient platform to conduct and report inspection activity. The platform also brings a supply of customers directly to inspection agencies, supporting small businesses here in the District.
You can track your Uber and Lyft rides in real time. You can even keep tabs on your pizza delivery. Now, tracking your housing-related inspections is possible in much the same way through DCRA’s new inspections-on-demand system, Dispatch.
Now, when a customer submits a request for an inspection using the inspection request forms available on dcra.dc.gov, an inspection is automatically scheduled. Dispatch then:
- Issues a confirmation of the request, including a reference number, directly to you,
- Confirms the date and window of time when the inspection will occur and provides the name of the inspector,
- Includes a link, which when opened, provides the current status of the inspection, and
- Provides automated updates when an attempt to inspect is unsuccessful, needs to be rescheduled or is completed.
Using Dispatch, inspections may be requested for housing code or property maintenance issues – including structural concerns, for possible illegal construction, to meet the requirements for Basic Business License issuance, and to confirm the status of a vacant or blighted property.
While available on the dcra.dc.gov home page, you may also request inspections below:
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DCRA is pleased introduce our Pre-Approved Plans platform, a new product that will make it easier and more affordable for property owners to add housing units to their existing properties, and will help support Mayor Bowser’s efforts to increase the District’s inventory of available housing units.
Once approved, customers will be able to view plans and find one that best meet their needs. As the platform builds out with more plans available, property owners who have a desire to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or a deck to their property can connect with design professionals who want to make their services available for a fee. In addition to ADUs and decks, other project types will be added in the future.
What It Is
A marketplace that will house a library of pre-approved plans for customers to choose from when planning an ADU or deck project. Customers can view renderings, images and floor plans, as well as the minimum criteria required to use the plans on their property, e.g. minimum lot size, setbacks, etc.
The intention is to provide suitable plans, at a fair price, and also reduce the timeline for permit issuance so that you can get your construction project underway sooner.
How it Works
Using sorting filters, customers can identify and choose the plans that interest them and contact the design professional directly to inquire about the suitability of the plans for their property, finalize costs for licensing the plans, and ultimately purchase a license for their use.
To learn more about working with an architect, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the platform.
On November 17, 2021, DCRA participated in the third annual Infraday East summit in New York City to discuss the future of infrastructure, mobility, and transportation in the Tri-State and Mid-Atlantic regions. DCRA was recognized and DCRA Director Ernest Chrappah presented on the progress that DCRA has made in our digital transformation, joining over 750+ senior leaders and technology innovators from across the country to discuss new opportunities and challenges facing the market. In his presentation, Chrappah highlighted the agency’s latest innovation, Tertius, and the nearly three-fold improvement in customer satisfaction over the past few years.
DCRA's Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) is the go to source for information on how to get your business established and up and running. For existing and aspiring businesses, the SBRC is here for you, and we welcome you to join us for these upcoming workshops and events:
Speak One-on-One with a Lawyer for Free!
Wednesday, December 1, 2021 from 12:00 – 5:00 pm
Webinar: Marshall Heights Community Development Organization Partnership: Steps to Obtaining a Business License
Thursday, December 2, 2021 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Webinar: How to obtain your Made in DC Certification
Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Webinar: Navigating Government Contracting with DCPTAC
Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
Webinar: All Things Non-Profit
Thursday, December 16, 2021 from 10:00 am – 11:00 am
SBRC One-On-One Call Session: Steps to Obtaining a Business License
Mondays through Fridays, by appointment between 10 am – 4 pm
SBRC One-on-One Call Session: Talk Business After Hours
Mondays and Wednesdays, by appointment between 4 – 6 pm
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