July 2025 Edition
Dear Customers,
At DOB, we know that safe, sustainable communities are built one project, one inspection, and one permit at a time. And as we step into the heart of summer, we’re proud to continue supporting your goals—whether you’re renovating your home, planning a residential or commercial building project, or simply planning ahead.
This month’s newsletter includes helpful resources for homeowners starting summer projects, guidance on our ProjectDox upgrade, and reminders about when to contact us to ensure your plans comply with District regulations.
We’re also excited to share that DOB is hiring! We invite you to explore our open Plan Review Manager and DC Surveyor positions as opportunities to join the dedicated team helping to shape DC’s future.
As always, thank you for your continued support, questions, and feedback. It helps us grow stronger and more responsive with each season. Whatever you’re working on this summer, we wish you success, safety, and satisfaction in seeing it through.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
The DC Court of Appeals recently upheld DOB’s enforcement order requiring a developer to correct serious structural issues at 4022 Georgia Avenue NW, a Ward 4 condo building that was swaying in the wind due to faulty construction.
“This decision affirms DOB’s authority under Mayor Bowser’s leadership to protect homeowners from being burdened with poorly constructed homes,” said Director Hanlon.
Generally, property owners must maintain their property in accordance with housing and property maintenance codes. Here, the developer argued that DOB could not order him to do work unless DOB also included the property owners in our enforcement action, since he no longer owned the building and therefore could not obtain permits and do the work without cooperation and authorization from the condo association. The court rejected that reasoning, noting that just because the DOB order requires the developer to cooperate with the current owners, doesn't mean the order is inherently invalid, thus reinforcing DOB’s ability to hold condo developers accountable for shoddy work.
The ruling follows a strong legal partnership between DOB and the Office of the Attorney General, which represented the District in this case.
Director Hanlon Joins Ward 4 Summer Public Safety Meeting
Director Hanlon had the pleasure of joining Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and fellow District agencies for the Ward 4 Public Safety Meeting earlier this month. The conversation focused on coordinated efforts to address vacant and blighted properties, ramp up enforcement, and protect residents.
In Ward 4, DOB has:
- Issued more than 1,000 housing and construction Notices of Infraction
- Conducted more than 4,000 inspections
- Secured multiple nuisance properties in partnership with the DC Metropolitan Police Department
- Taken enforcement action against negligent landlords
DOB is proud to be a strong team player in supporting safer, healthier communities across DC.
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Deputy Director Khatri Joins Trades Day 2025
Earlier this month, Deputy Director Shilpa Khatri joined Trades Day 2025 to deliver remarks on behalf of DOB, encouraging job seekers and students to explore careers in the building trades. Hosted by the Baltimore DC Metro Building Trades Council, the event highlighted union career pathways and hands-on demonstrations. Deputy Director Khatri underscored DOB’s role in shaping DC’s growth and welcomed attendees to consider joining the agency’s mission to keep the District safe, green, and moving.
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On August 18, 2025, DOB will complete its transition to an upgraded ProjectDox, our online permit application review platform. The upgrades provide a more stable review environment, are simpler and user-friendly, and include more self-help resources for easy navigation.
Customers still using the old version of ProjectDox should let DOB know if they want to transfer or cancel their project by filling out the form below as soon as possible.
DOB is offering a virtual Q&A session on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. to answer any questions.
For more specific guidance, please contact dob.pdoxtransfer@dc.gov.
We’re excited to share that the Federal Emergency Management Administration recognized DOB in its newly released Building Codes Enforcement Playbook! DOB is highlighted for our transparency, comprehensive permit data, and efforts to keep the public informed, strengthening both trust and safety across the District. This national recognition reflects the hard work of our inspectors, permit reviewers, and leadership, who are committed to building resilient, code-compliant communities.
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 DOB wants YOU on our team! Learn more below about exciting career opportunities that help support the built environment in the District.
Plan Review Managers: Are you a leader with a keen eye for detail and a strong understanding of building codes? Become a Plan Review Manager. You’ll manage plan reviewers and building code inspectors to ensure project drawings are compliant with DC building construction codes and provide strategic guidance to senior leadership. Two positions are available. Apply by August 13, 2025, by searching for Job ID 29972 at careers.dc.gov.
DC Surveyor: Do you love to map things out? Then become the DC Surveyor for our Office of the Surveyor. Your duties will include overseeing the production of building plats, processing applications to close or dedicate streets and alleys; working on transfers of jurisdiction between the District and the Federal government; representing the Executive Branch at public hearings; and working with customers, consultants, other District agencies, and regulatory bodies. Apply by August 26, 2025, by searching for Job ID 30126 at careers.dc.gov.
ElectrifyDC is hosting two informative events this August designed to help District residents take meaningful steps towards a healthier, more energy-efficient future. Check them out below!
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August 1: Visit an Eastland Gardens Home and Get Coached
- This is an in-person tour of a fully electrified home in the Eastland Gardens neighborhood of Ward 7. Attendees will see firsthand what it means to live in a cleaner, cooler, all-electric home, and receive one-on-one coaching to explore their own electrification journey. REGISTER HERE
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August 14: Virtual Group Coaching – Career and Energy Empowerment
- This virtual session offers guided coaching for residents interested in setting personal or professional goals, especially those exploring careers in clean energy or considering home upgrades. REGISTER 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 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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