May 2025 Edition
Dear Customers,
Each May, Building Safety Month reminds us that the work we do together—residents, businesses, and government—has a lasting impact on the strength and resilience of our city.
Here at DOB, we see this month as both a celebration and a recommitment: a celebration of the dedicated inspectors, code officials, and community partners who work every day to protect DC’s built environment—and a recommitment to the progress we’re making through smarter enforcement, stronger collaboration, and expanded public resources.
I'm also proud to share that under Mayor Bowser's newly released Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. DOB will play a crucial role, as the proposed budget includes reforming zoning procedures to streamline reviews of new development projects, investing $1.8 million in our abatement fund to help address residential code violations, and making multi-million dollar investments in Capital One Arena improvements, Chinatown, Gallery Place and the RFK site.
This month’s newsletter highlights just a few of the ways we’re showing up across the District: launching new tools for tenants, elevating the voices of our inspectors, and partnering with agencies and community organizations to help shape the future of our neighborhoods.
I invite you to explore this month’s news and initiatives, stay connected, and reach out as we continue building a safer, stronger DC.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
All month long, we’ve been celebrating Building Safety Month by highlighting the people, policies, and resources that help keep the District safe, sustainable, and structurally sound.
Mayor Muriel Bowser officially proclaimed May 2025 as Building Safety Month in the District, underscoring the city’s ongoing commitment to strong building codes, safe housing, and smart development.
Earlier this month, DOB joined the International Code Council (ICC) at its Government Relations Reception, where Director Brian Hanlon delivered remarks and presented the official Mayoral proclamation.
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Director Hanlon emphasized the District’s progress in inspections, enforcement, and community outreach. We’re proud to partner with ICC leadership to promote safe and resilient buildings across DC.
To support residents across the District, we’ve launched a suite of new tenant resources available on our website. These include easy-to-access guides for seniors, Spanish-speaking residents, and the general public. Whether you’re looking to understand your rights or need help addressing issues with your living space, these tools are here to help.
And for a behind-the-scenes look at the people doing the work, check out our Inspector Spotlight series—now streaming on DOB’s YouTube channel.
The work of building safety happens year-round, but this month we’re especially proud to shine a light on the team and tools behind it.
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 Mayor Bowser recently unveiled her FY26 Grow DC Budget, part of her transformational growth agenda for a stronger DC. The FY26 Budget will focus on investing in Downtown DC, activating and transforming spaces across the city, and doubling down on sports, entertainment, and tech. The budget also includes plans to support DC’s restaurants, attract additional businesses, and remove barriers to business growth.
Grow DC is a bold, proactive growth agenda to generate new economic activity, create new jobs for DC residents, and increase revenue to support city services and programs.
Team DOB Presents at the District of Columbia Association of Land Surveyors’ 2025 Spring Seminar
On May 1, Team DOB participated in the District of Columbia Association of Land Surveyors’ 2025 Spring Seminar—a key professional development event that brought together surveyors, engineers, planners, and zoning professionals from across the region.
Members from DOB’s Office of Zoning Administration—including Zoning Administrator Kathleen Beeton, Deputy Zoning Administrator Elisa Vitale, and Program Analyst Paul Goldstein—provided an overview of the agency’s work and a look at proposed zoning text amendments currently under review. The session also explored how DOB collaborates with land surveyors and design professionals to support zoning compliance and ensure orderly development throughout the District.
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Director Hanlon Joins DC Climate Week Panel on Sustainable Building
As part of DC Climate Week 2025, Director Hanlon participated in a panel discussion on regenerative building and the role of mass timber in advancing sustainable, community-centered development. Hosted at Sycamore & Oak in Ward 8, the event brought together experts from across the public and private sectors to explore how cities can reduce carbon emissions through smarter construction practices and policy innovation.
View highlights from the discussion here.
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DOB Celebrates the Launch of the Bridge District
Earlier this month, Director Hanlon joined Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert and other city leaders to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the Bridge District in Ward 8.
This transformative development features luxury apartments and sustainable design elements just steps from Nationals Park and the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge. The Bridge District is a bold step forward in building a more vibrant and connected DC.
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Supporting Small Business Success in Ward 4
DOB Community Affairs Manager Dione Williams had the pleasure of participating in a Ward 4 Small Business Week Summit hosted by Councilmember Janeese Lewis George. The summit brought together government agencies, community organizations, and business leaders to share resources and guidance with local entrepreneurs.
Dione answered questions about DOB’s business compliance, permitting, and support services. We're proud to support small business success across all eight wards, and to help owners navigate the path to safe, sustainable growth.
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Teamwork in Action with DC Department of General Services
Earlier this week, Team DOB joined forces with the DC Department of General Services, District agencies, and community organizations to address safety and environmental concerns impacting the community in Ward 7. Together, the team connected with residents to share resources, listen to concerns, and coordinate solutions.
This cross-agency collaboration is part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring all neighborhoods across the District are clean, safe, and structurally sound. We’re proud to be working alongside our sister agencies to support the residents of Ward 7 and beyond.
Photo Credit: DC Department of General Services
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A First Look at DC’s Newest Food Hall
Team DOB recently got a preview of the all-new Wonder Food Hall, set to open this June at 1925 14th Street NW. Wonder, a next-generation food hall and delivery service, is expanding to the DMV with seven planned locations, including this new flagship site in DC.
During the visit, Director Hanlon and Deputy Director Shilpa Khatri (far right in photo) connected with Wonder’s ownership and staff alongside other District government leaders including Director Rosemary Suggs-Evans of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) (blue shirt in photo).
Wonder’s arrival reflects the continued growth and innovation of DC’s food and hospitality scene. We’re proud to support development that brings new energy and opportunity to the District’s corridors.
LEARN MORE ABOUT WONDER FOOD HALL
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Director Hanlon Joins AEG Stakeholder Challenge on Building Conversion and Electrification
At a recent regional forum hosted by the Advanced Energy Group (AEG), Director Hanlon joined a panel of industry leaders to discuss the future of the DMV’s built environment. Speaking on building conversion, electrification, and code modernization, Director Hanlon emphasized the importance of accelerating code adoption, closing the information gap around low-carbon strategies, and supporting sustainable materials like mass timber.
“Our goal is to keep the built environment safe, green, and moving,” Director Hanlon said. “A thriving and resilient economy is foundational to a sustainable city, and DC is boldly leading the way.”
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Supporting Local Entrepreneurs at Sycamore & Oak with DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection
DOB joined our sister agency the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for an in-person business outreach event at Sycamore & Oak in Ward 8.
During the session, Team DOB provided one-on-one zoning guidance to community members while DLCP representatives offered insights on business registration, licensing, and compliance. These interactive, instructional moments help aspiring and current entrepreneurs better understand the steps to successfully launch or grow a business in the District.
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In the second installment of a housing and property maintenance inspection miniseries with Greater Greater Washington, Strategic Code Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons explores how DOB is tackling commercial vacancy through Basic Business License (BBL) inspections.
Parsons highlights how DOB is using strategic enforcement to breathe new life into underused storefronts, support walkable neighborhoods, and collaborate across agencies to create stronger business corridors.
Published during Building Safety Month, the piece underscores how active, well-maintained commercial spaces are vital to safer communities.
As temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to make sure your home or building is ready for the summer season. From HVAC upkeep to exterior safety checks, preventive maintenance now can save time, money, and hazards later.
Here a few seasonal safety tips to keep in mind:
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Inspect and Service Cooling Systems: Schedule an HVAC check to ensure your system runs efficiently and safely. Poorly maintained systems can lead to overheating, indoor air quality issues, even electrical fires.
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Prevent Mold and Moisture: Check for roof leaks, clogged gutters, or signs of interior condensation. Mold thrives in warm, damp conditions and can pose health risks if not addressed.
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Check Exterior and Outdoor Spaces: Loose railings, uneven sidewalks, and damaged exterior lighting should be repaired before outdoor activity picks up.
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Review Permit Needs for Renovations: Planning to build a deck, replace a fence, or install a new cooling system? Use Scout to check if a permit is required or explore our Homeowner Center for guidance on residential project requirements.
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Know Your Inspection Options: If you’re concerned about safety hazards in your building, you can request a housing inspection or explore our Building Safety Resources to learn more.
Taking simple steps now can go a long way in keeping your building safe, cool, and comfortable all summer long.
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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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