February 2025 Edition
Dear Customers,
As we press ahead in 2025, our agency remains committed to transparency, innovation, and community engagement. This week, I had the privilege of testifying before the Council of the District of Columbia for DOB’s Fiscal Year 2024 Performance Oversight Hearing—an opportunity to reflect on our agency’s progress, discuss key initiatives, and outline our vision for the future. I encourage you to review my testimony, which is linked later in this newsletter.
Beyond the hearing, February has been an incredibly productive month brimming with meaningful collaboration and impactful initiatives. Our Office of Strategic Code Enforcement (OSCE) released its Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the proactive steps we’ve taken to uphold building safety, address violations, and assist property owners in bringing their properties into compliance. We held a Vacant Storefront Activation Hackathon, bringing together key stakeholders to explore innovative ways to revitalize vacant commercial spaces across the city, reinforcing our commitment to a thriving built environment. Team DOB was busy engaging with senior residents to ensure they have the resources to navigate housing safety and partnering with sister agencies to ensure that off-campus students at Georgetown University live in safe, habitable housing.
Looking ahead, I am excited to share updates from the 2025 Healthy Homes Fair. This event is purposefully designed to equip attendees with vital knowledge and resources that will enhance their personal and professional lives.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Our work is far from finished, and I look forward to continuing to build a stronger, safer, and more innovative District together.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 On, February 25, 2025, DOB Director Brian Hanlon testified before the DC Council Committee of the Whole for DOB's Fiscal Year 2024 Performance Oversight Hearing. He was joined by Chief Building Official Nicole Rogers and Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons.
After listening to witness testimonies, Director Hanlon reaffirmed DOB's commitment to a safe, green, and thriving built environment in the District, and directly addressed questions from the Council. Click here to watch the full hearing.
Upholding housing code laws is critical to how DOB supports safe, thriving communities. DOB’s Office of Strategic Code Enforcement Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Report highlights the proactive steps we’ve taken to uphold building safety, address violations, and assist property owners in bringing their properties into compliance. From tackling illegal construction and vacant properties to supporting housing code enforcement, our work helps protect residents and maintain accountability. Read the full report below and learn more about our impact.
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DOB is committed to working with stakeholders to create more efficient and transparent processes that support a vibrant District. This month, we hosted a successful Storefront Activation Hackathon, bringing together sister agencies, business leaders, property owners, and developers to collaborate on solutions for revitalizing vacant properties across the city.
Participants brainstormed and refined actionable proposals through engaging breakout sessions to improve process efficiency, reduce barriers, strengthen communication strategies, and foster strategic partnerships. Discussions focused on streamlining the activation process, identifying challenges, and exploring new tools to better track and promote vacant space opportunities.
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The event sparked meaningful conversations and innovative solutions, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and efficiency in transforming vacant properties into active, thriving spaces.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this critical discussion—your insights are shaping a stronger, more dynamic built environment for DC!
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Director Hanlon Explores Innovation with the District of Columbia Building Industry Association (DCBIA)
Director Hanlon had the pleasure of participating in an insightful panel discussion on how single-stair construction—allowing one staircase, rather than two, to serve multiple units in a building—could give DC a competitive edge.
As the District explores innovative building designs to enhance housing affordability and efficiency, Director Hanlon shared his expertise on how policy and regulation can shape the future of construction in DC.
Thank you to DCBIA for a thought-provoking conversation on the potential impact of single-stair construction!
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Empowering Our Seniors
DOB believes that access to clear, reliable information is key to a thriving community. Earlier this month, we took a significant step in that mission by hosting our first Senior Informational Session at the Bernice Fonteneau Senior Wellness Center in Ward 1.
This session was more than just an opportunity to share resources—it was about listening, engaging, and ensuring our senior residents feel supported in navigating housing safety, property code regulations, and the permitting process. Many seniors face challenges accessing city services, and we are committed to bridging that gap with clear, actionable guidance on how DOB can assist them.
This is just the beginning. We will continue these conversations, meeting residents where they are and equipping them with knowledge to make informed decisions about their homes and properties.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated, asked questions, and contributed to this important discussion. If you or someone you know could benefit from these resources, click below for more details.
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Improving Public Safety Through Partnership
DOB regularly works with sister agencies and external partners to help protect District tenants. One recent example: On Saturday, February 1, 2025, Team DOB joined forces with Georgetown University's Office of Neighborhood Life and the District of Columbia Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for the annual Basic Business License Inspection Blitz.
This initiative is critical in ensuring that off-campus students live in safe, habitable housing by verifying rental licenses and compliance with DC housing regulations.
Thanks to Isaac Ewketu (DOB), Paul Causwell (DLCP), and our dedicated Housing Property Maintenance Inspectors for leading this effort to strengthen tenant protections and promote safer living conditions across the city.
Looking forward to continuing this vital work in the future!
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Are you looking for a rewarding career with the DC government? Join us now and be part of an expanding team dedicated to creating a safe, sustainable, and vibrant city! We work tirelessly to enhance our built environment and ensure an inclusive future for all. Explore our current job openings below and take the first step toward making a difference!
The Healthy Homes Fair just got even more exciting with a new date and location! The free, fun, full-day event will now be hosted at Catholic University on Saturday, May 10, 2025. This event is packed with practical resources for homeowners and renters, information on all energy incentives available, and career-enhancing opportunities for building professionals and jobseekers. It will include more than 100 exhibits on how to upgrade homes for greater comfort, improved health, and lower energy costs; 16 mini sessions for home renovation professionals, homeowners, renters, and career seekers; and a chance to win fabulous appliances like induction cooktops and ranges.
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.
 In honor of Black History Month, DOB celebrates the profound impact of African American architects and construction professionals who have shaped our communities. Here are a few trailblazers:
Calvin T.S. Brent (1854-1899): Thought to be Washington’s first African American architect, Brent designed more than 100 projects citywide, including St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and Third Baptist Church. Photo Credit: Dreck Spurlock Wilson
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Albert I. Cassell (1895-1969): As Howard University’s chief architect at the time, Cassell designed the iconic Founders Library and contributed to projects at Virginia Union University and Morgan State College. Photo Credit: Fair Use Image
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Martha Ann Cassell Thompson (1925-1968): Daughter of Albert Cassell, Thompson served as the chief restoration architect for the Washington National Cathedral, playing a pivotal role in its completion. Photo Credit: Architechuul
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Cheryl McKissack Daniel (1990-present): CEO of McKissack & McKissack, the nation’s oldest minority-owned architecture firm, Daniel’s leadership has overseen significant projects like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Photo Credit: McKissack & McKissack
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These individuals exemplify excellence and innovation, leaving lasting legacies in the built environment of our nation’s capital and beyond.
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The upgrades to the DOB platform ProjectDox are now complete! Overall, these upgrades will enhance our service delivery, increase the safety of the District’s built environment, and result in a better customer experience.
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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 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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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 to work on your home, please get in touch with DOB to ensure your proposed work is properly permitted under District law. This especially applies to larger projects that you are considering. DOB wants to ensure all involved parties are on the same page regarding District regulations to ensure safety for all.
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