December 2024 Edition
Dear Customers,
As the year draws to a close, I extend my sincere gratitude to all of you—our valued partners and stakeholders. Your continued trust and support are the foundation of our work at the Department of Buildings, and we are proud to serve the District’s residents, businesses, and visitors.
Over the past year, we have made great strides in our mission to ensure safer and more sustainable buildings across the city. Through our enforcement efforts, we have responded to thousands of public requests, addressed countless building violations, and referred cases to appropriate agencies to ensure compliance and accountability. These milestones underscore our dedication to maintaining the highest standards in the built environment, and I am incredibly proud of the strides we’ve made together.
As we prepare for 2025, our focus remains on improving our processes, enhancing enforcement, and fostering stronger collaboration with our customers and stakeholders. Together, we will continue to build a safer, more vibrant, and sustainable city for all.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership. Wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous New Year.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
DOB regularly engages with stakeholders to learn how we can make it as easy as possible to do business in the District. One example is the successful “Hackathon” we held this month. This interactive event brought together design professionals, DOB staff, and representatives from the DC Department of Energy and Environment and the District Department of Transportation to tackle challenges in four focus areas: Communication, Administration, Interpretation, and Integration.
Participants engaged in three working sessions, brainstorming solutions and refining actionable proposals to improve permitting, planning, and zoning processes.
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 Photo Credit: Washington Business Journal of Ian Callender, Gallery Space DC
Key outcomes included recommendations for better public awareness of services like re-Design Review Meetings, concept review, and DOB’s Permit Wizard, as well as calls for more interactive resources such as user guides and short-form videos. The Hackathon’s collaborative efforts produced a wealth of innovative ideas!
Thanks to everyone who joined us for this productive event—together, we’re building a more efficient and transparent built environment system for the District!
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Imagine turning vacant storefronts into bustling hubs of creativity and connection—this vision is now a reality, thanks to DOB's Pop-Up Permit Program. A recent shining example is Gallery Space DC, a vibrant new venue in Chinatown that has transformed an unused property into a dynamic destination for art, culture, and community events.
Learn how Gallery Space DC is breathing new life into the neighborhood and how DOB’s innovative program is making it easier than ever to reimagine DC’s spaces. Visit here to explore the process and see how you can get involved!
Building Connections, Empowering Small Businesses
DOB was proud to participate in the inaugural Small Business Networking Reception hosted by the DC Department of General Services on Thursday, December 5. This inspiring event brought together local businesses, entrepreneurs, and Certified Business Enterprises to network, collaborate, and grow.
At DOB, we’re committed to supporting the success of small businesses across the District by providing essential resources, including:
✅ Simplified permitting processes
✅ Certificate of Occupancy issuance
✅ Expert technical assistance
Events like this are a cornerstone of our mission to build a thriving, connected DC business community.
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Celebrating with Our Seniors
DOB also had a presence at Mayor Bowser’s 26th Annual Senior Celebration hosted by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. This cherished event brings together District agencies to share resources, celebrate the season, and engage with seniors aged 60 and up.
Our Account Management team discussed how DOB supports safe and livable spaces, including guidance on property maintenance and building permits. Events like this allow us to connect residents with the services they need and demonstrate our commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive DC.
For assistance or more information, call our team at 202.671.500. We’re here to help!
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On Tuesday, December 15, 2024, Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons testified before the DC Council Committee of the Whole on the Secure Apartments for Everyone (SAFE) Regulation Amendment Act of 2024. The legislation seeks to enhance safety and security in multi-unit rental properties by mandating security assessments for properties linked to violent or dangerous crimes, expanding the scope of the Nuisance Abatement Act, and requiring upgraded building security measures, including self-locking doors and exterior lighting standards. These measures aim to improve safety for tenants and the community while addressing concerns about property-related crime. seeks to
You can read DOB’s testimony on our website. You may also view a recording of the hearing here.
As winter settles in, DOB encourages residents and property owners to prioritize building readiness for the colder months. Ensuring that homes and buildings are safe, energy-efficient, and prepared for winter weather not only protects occupants but also supports sustainability and resilience in our community.
Here are some key steps to prepare your property for winter:
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Seal and Insulate: Proper insulation and sealing of windows and doors can significantly reduce energy consumption and keep indoor spaces warm. Weatherstripping and caulking are simple solutions to prevent drafts and energy loss.
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Inspect Heating Systems: Regular maintenance of heating systems ensures efficiency and prevents breakdowns during the coldest days. Consider upgrading to energy-efficient models to reduce utility bills and carbon footprints.
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BONUS: Adopt Green Heating and Cooling Solutions: Consider transitioning to green energy systems, such as heat pumps, which provide efficient heating in the winter and cooling in the summer. These systems use significantly less energy than traditional methods and are a more sustainable option for homes and buildings.
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Prevent Frozen Pipes: Insulating exposed pipes and keeping indoor temperatures consistent can help avoid costly repairs and water waste caused by burst pipes.
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Clear Snow and Ice Safely: Maintain clear walkways and entry points to prevent accidents. Use eco-friendly de-icing products to minimize environmental impact while ensuring safety.
At DOB, we’re committed to helping you maintain safe, sustainable, and weather-ready buildings. By preparing for winter weather, we can protect our homes, reduce energy use, and contribute to a more sustainable future for the District.
The DC Department of Energy and Environment has two grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and private enterprises. The application deadline is January 24, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.
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RFA-FY25-DBD-859: Education on Residential Energy Efficiency and Electrification. To meaningfully engage residents, especially low-income households and disadvantaged communities on local and federal energy efficiency and electronification programs and incentives. RFA amount is approximately $50,000. Learn more at a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visit doee.dc.gov/node/1758436 for details.
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RFA-FY25-DBD-860: Engaging Tenants of Buildings Participating in the Affordable Housing Retrofit Accelerator (AHRA). To meaningfully engage and educate tenants of buildings participating in the District’s AHRA about energy efficiency and electrification including benefits and technologies. The RFA amount is approximately $50,000. Learn more at a virtual Q&A session on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Visit doee.dc.gov/node/1758371 for more details.
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DOB is closed on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, in observance of New Year’s Day. No construction is allowed on this day without an after-hours permit. Regular construction activities may resume the following day. For more details on DC government operations on New Year’s Day, click here.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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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