January 2025 Edition
Dear Customers,
I’m excited about the promise that 2025 year holds and the opportunities ahead for DOB as it serves the District. At DOB, our commitment to creating a safer, greener, and more sustainable built environment drives everything we do as we work to keep DC moving forward.
We’re starting off the year with an exciting personnel announcement: I’m thrilled to welcome Shilpa Khatri as our new Deputy Director. Her extensive experience and dedication will help us continue to innovate and serve District residents, businesses, and visitors effectively.
We are also launching a major process improvement with a significant update to ProjectDox, our online platform for plan review of commercial and residential projects. We’re educating residents on how to stay safe and warm this winter and encouraging greener living through energy efficiency programs and electrification initiatives with partners like DC Sustainable Energy Utility and Electrify DC.
Here’s to another year of progress and partnership. Thank you for being a vital part of our shared efforts to build a brighter, greener future for the District.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
Earlier this month, DOB welcomed Shilpa Khatri (SHIL-pah KAH-tree) to the team as our new Deputy Director. With more than 20 years of experience in public service, Shilpa brings a wealth of expertise in managing diverse projects, from educational facilities to affordable housing and mixed-use developments. She has a proven track record of innovative solutions and leadership across planning, design, construction, and maintenance.
A longtime DC resident, Shilpa is passionate about leveraging her skills to positively impact the built environment and communities across the District. Please join us in welcoming Shilpa to her new role!
DOB has exciting news to share about ProjectDox, our online platform for electronically submitting building plans and supporting documentation for plan review. On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, we will launch a major update (Version 9.3.8.7) that includes the following improvements: (1) a more stable, cloud-based experience; (2) simpler, user-friendly navigation; and (3) more self-help resources.
Overall, this new platform will enhance our service delivery, increase safety of the District’s built environment, and result in a better customer experience. Existing ProjectDox customers were sent details on training and will receive more information on how the new platform will affect their projects.
As temperatures drop, it’s essential to ensure your home stays warm and safe.
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Renters, if your heating system isn’t working, report the issue to your landlord immediately. If unresolved, contact DOB for further assistance.
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Landlords, remember: DC law requires functioning heating systems. Heating equipment should keep a temperature of no less than 68° F in all habitable rooms and bathrooms. Don’t wait—take action now to keep your properties in compliance and your tenants warm.
For help, call 202.671.3500.
The Healthy Homes Fair returns to DC on Saturday, March 29, 2025! This free, fun, full-day event will be packed with practical resources for homeowners and renters, information on all energy incentives available, and career enhancing opportunities for building professionals and jobseekers.
EXPO, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. – Explore more than 100 exhibits to learn how to upgrade homes for greater comfort, improved health, and lower energy costs. Enjoy activities for all ages and budgets, including induction cooking demonstrations, appliance “petting zoo,” maker spaces, “ask the expert” lounge, e-bike tasting party, and a chance to win fabulous appliances like induction cooktops and ranges.
ACADEMY, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm. – 16 mini sessions on home renovation professionals, homeowners, renters, and career seekers. Learn about heat pumps, battery storage, smart panels, EV chargers, insulation, and solar, geothermal and wind renewable energy solutions. Explore high-paying green jobs and connect with potential employers.
This event is sponsored by Electrify DC, in partnership with DOB, the Department of Energy and Environment, and other partners. To learn about sponsorship, or exhibit opportunities contact info@electrifydc.org. Space is limited and filling up quickly.
 Preparing to electrify your home? Don’t leave the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) out! There are two pathways to help DC residents slash costs and emissions with access to energy-efficient electric heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, heat pump dryers, and induction stoves. Check them out below.
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Take advantage of new electrification rebates to help single-family and condo/co-op unit owners save up to $15,000 when switching from gas and oil appliances to efficient electric ones. Special rebates are also available if an electric panel needs an upgrade, or extra circuits are needed, to accommodate the new equipment. Finally, if you want to upgrade your old electric appliances, check for rebate-eligible equipment on the DCSEU site before you buy.
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Try the Affordable Home Electrification Program (AHEP), which helps income-qualified District residents who rent or own a single-family home (four units or less) make the switch from gas and oil appliances to efficient electric home heating, water heating, and cooking systems — all at zero cost!
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) seeks eligible entities to inform, educate, and provide advisory services to District households interested in making their homes more energy-efficient and electrifying their systems and appliances. Nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, and private enterprises are eligible to apply for this $50,000 project.
The deadline for applications is Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. DOEE will host a virtual Q&A session on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., via WebEx.
Send any questions to 2025ElectrificationOutreach.grants@dc.gov. Click here for other DOEE funding opportunities.
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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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