April 2024 Edition
Dear Customers,
April brought many exciting developments for the District and DOB. Mayor Bowser's FY2025 budget, A Fair Shot: Strategic Investments and Shared Sacrifice, has laid out the vision for the District moving forward. As part of the budgetary process, I appeared before the Council to go over the allotted budget for DOB in FY25 and to discuss our vision for the agency.
We also introduced an exciting new initiative this month called Pop-Up Permits, also known as "PUPs." PUPs are the new pilot program for customers to get a streamlined Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for temporary use of a previously vacant building for up to one (1) year - all without going through the traditional permitting process to maximize the time the space can operate. We are excited to see the impact this program has on revitalizing Downtown.
In our Building For Tomorrow Today section this month, we are exploring cool roofs. Read on to learn more about this technology that can help you save money on energy costs.
Lastly, I would like to introduce a new section that we are concluding each newsletter with called Building Blocks. In this recurring section, we will list important information that we want to ensure you remember, including DOB's contact information, best practices for initiating projects, and how we can help.
Each day, my team and I are focused on ensuring the best possible customer experience for the residents, businesses, and visitors of the DIstrict. Through making our services accessible, equitable, and effective, we are seeking to fulfill our mission in service to you. Thank you for your support and consistent accountability.
We also want to make sure you are looking ahead for Building Safety Month in May -- we will share more about that soon, in addition to a new push by DOB to counter illegal construction in the District, so stay tuned.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 On April 24, 2024, DOB Director Brian Hanlon appeared before the Council of the District of Columbia for DOB's FY25 Budget Hearing. Following public witness testimony, he answered questions regarding DOB's current posture and direction moving forward.
If you are interested in watching the hearing recording, please click the below link:
 As part of our efforts to help revitalize Downtown DC, DOB is excited to introduce Pop-Up Permits (PUPs), our new pilot program for customers to get a streamlined Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for temporary use of a previously vacant building for up to one (1) year - all without going through the traditional permitting process to maximize the time the space can operate.
Pop-up permits combine the mechanics of the building permit and C of O processes to generate a C of O to ensure safe compliance for temporary uses of vacant buildings.
To qualify for the pop-up permit program, applicants should first complete DOB's Pre-Qualification Form to ensure that their idea is feasible for a temporary use.
Following approval, applicants will then receive assistance to apply for their pop-up permit via our digital platform, Certifi. DOB's PUPs Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document can be consulted for further information on the process.
 DOB is committed to working to activate vacant spaces in the downtown areas for productive use through a streamlined approach for occupancy.
By repurposing vacant commercial spaces across the District for temporary reimaginations of use, DOB is investing in the entrepreneurial spirit that makes the District a great place to live, work, and play.
Application Types
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Change of Use: Utilizing a vacant space for a new use with minimal to no construction. An example would be a change from office space to an assembly use.
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Tenant Change: Utilizing an existing space with an established C of O with no construction.
For more information about PUPs, please visit dob.dc.gov/popup.
 Cool Roofs: A Fitting Name
 Image courtesy of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
When looking for an eco-friendly upgrade that is both stylish and sustainable, builders and homeowners might look to cool roofs. These innovative roofing solutions have gained traction for their impressive environmental benefits and energy-saving potential.
What Makes Them Cool?
Cool roofs are designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat compared to traditional roofing materials. They use materials such as aluminum or steel, acrylic and silicone coatings, and synthetic polymers such as PVC. This means they stay cooler even on hot summer days, reducing the amount of heat that gets transferred into buildings.
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Energy Efficiency: By keeping buildings cooler, cool roofs can significantly reduce the need for air conditioning, cutting down on energy consumption and putting more money in your pocket.
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Mitigating Urban Heat Islands: In more urban areas, where buildings and pavement absorb and retain heat and temperatures are higher, cool roofs help keep cities cooler and more comfortable.
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Reducing Carbon Footprint: With decreased energy usage comes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a healthier environment and combating climate change.
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Extended Roof Lifespan: Cool roofs typically will experience less thermal stress due to their reflective properties, often leading to longer-lasting roofs and reduced maintenance costs over time.
With the Earth's rising temperatures, cool roofs are a unique method to mitigate the effects of the heat for your home. Consider if a cool roof would be a good fit for your home. Not only will you experience the benefits of lower energy bills and reduced environmental footprint, but you will also be contributing to a cooler, greener future for all.
 The DOB Public Dashboard's Agency Performance section now includes key performance indicators (KPIs) and Workload Measures (WLMs) as listed in the agency’s FY24 Agency Performance Plan. The KPI section of the dashboard now allows for additional filtering by quarter and fiscal year. For increased transparency and visibility, detailed metric descriptions can now be found by hovering over individual data points. The new section provides a year-to-date comparison by month and quarter so users can compare the current fiscal year with previous years. Finally, to increase accessibly and legibility, all colors and visuals have been updated to align with data best practices and principles.
To view DOB insights and see how the agency's work is tied to the District's economic development, please check out the Public Dashboard:
 Earlier this month, Mayor Bowser joined Director Hanlon, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert, At Large Councilmember Kenyon McDuffie, and several others to celebrate the launch of DOB's Pop-Up Permits (PUPs) program.
 DOB was proud to join several public and private partners for the first annual Healthy Homes Fair at the Stadium Armory. Taking opportunities like this to share about DOB's work is crucial in continuing to build community trust and collaboration.
 DOB went on a recent multi-agency Ward 8 Thrive Community Walk with the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department, Department of Health, and Metropolitan Police Department.
- Contact DOB via email at dob@dc.gov, through our online inquiry form or during normal business hours using the live chat available on dob.dc.gov or by phone at 202.671.3500, and we will get back to you in three business days or less.
- DOB's updated Customer Service hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 am-12:00 pm and 1:00-4:30 pm Thursday 9:30 am-12:00 pm and 1:00-4:30 pm.
- If you want to report illegal construction, vacant property concerns, or property maintenance issues after hours, you can always report them via DC311. You can call 311 at any time day or night. You also can visit the online portal at 311.dc.gov.
- If you live in a residential zone and plan on doing work on your home, please reach out to DOB to ensure your proposed work is properly permitted under District law. This especially goes for those larger projects that you are considering. DOB wants to ensure that all involved parties are on the same page regarding District regulations to ensure safety for all.
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