November 2024 Edition
Dear Customers,
As we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, DOB extends heartfelt wishes to all our customers for a happy, safe, and joyful holiday. This season reminds us of the importance of community, collaboration, and gratitude—and we are thankful as always for the opportunity to serve you.
This month, we’re sharing some important updates, including our holiday closure schedule, insights from our recent testimony on impactful legislation, highlights from our recent community engagement efforts, and other exciting news.
We remain committed to fostering a safer, stronger DC and look forward to continuing to work with you to achieve that vision.
Thank you for your consistent partnership and for continually holding us accountable to our mission!
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 DOB wants to wish all of our customers a happy and safe Thanksgiving!
DOB will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving Day on both Thursday and Friday, November 28 and 29, 2024.
No construction will be allowed on Thursday, November 28, 2024. Construction will be allowed to resume on Friday, November 29, 2024.
 On Friday, November 15, 2024, Director Hanlon testified before the DC Council on the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2024. The legislation seeks to ensure that the District will be better positioned in the future to prevent vacancy and blight, address violations of the law, and return vacant and blighted properties back into productive use.
You can read Director Hanlon's testimony on our website. You may also view a recording of the hearing here.
 DOB's Keith Parsons, Tanzy Brown, and Peter Nyabagosi pose with code officials from Apache Junction, AZ and Westerville, OH
On November 13, 2024, DOB's Office of Strategic Code Enforcement hosted code officials from Apache Junction, AZ and Westerville, OH to network and discuss shared code enforcement issues.
The guests met with Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons, Chief Inspection Official Peter Nyabagosi, and Program Specialist Tanzy Brown.
The DOB team gave a short presentation about aspects of the District's code enforcement that may be notable or unique, and then had vigorous discussion around shared challenges and opportunities. They also discussed the diversity of practice across the country in managing vacant properties, comparing DOB's framework with some of the different practices in jurisdictions that may be more rural or have lower building density.
DOB loves taking opportunities to connect with other jurisdictions to compare notes and work together to improve service delivery across the nation. Thank you, Apache Junction and Westerville for stopping by!
 We are thrilled to announce that on November 15, 2024, Director Hanlon received the Donald B. Myer, FAIA Public Service Award from the District Architectural Center during its Fall Design Fête 2024.
The award recognizes an individual or organization who establishes and contributes to the development of laws, regulations, policies, or initiatives that promote excellence in architecture and design in DC.
See a nice video tribute here.
Congratulations, Director Hanlon!
 DOB's team at a proactive inspection this month
Part of DOB’s work is tied to getting out in the community to help District residents and businesses. Here's some of our outreach from this month:
- Director Hanlon joined our proactive inspection team during a site visit in Ward 5. DOB's proactive inspections are a valuable part of our work engaging with the community to ensure the District's built environment is safe.
- DOB Account Manager Jason Williamson participated in a Ward 1 community walk, along with the Executive Office of the Mayor (EOM), the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), and other agencies.
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- DOB joined the Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), Department of Health (DBH), Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), and a host of other agencies for a community walk in Ward 4 earlier this month.
 DOB has a lot going on—more that can fit into a monthly newsletter! So the best way to quickly learn about our work, new initiatives, job postings, and general news is to follow DOB on social media! Don’t delay—sign up today!
Twitter/X: x.com/DC_DOB
Instagram: instagram.com/deptofbuildings
Facebook: facebook.com/deptofbuildings
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/departmentofbuildings
- 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 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-4:30 pm and Thursday 9:30 am-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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