October 2025 Edition
Dear Customers,
October has been a month of meaningful progress for the District’s built environment — one that highlights how transformation, sustainability, and collaboration continue to shape the future of building in DC.
I’m pleased to share that DOB is modernizing the way customers interact with the agency. We’ve rebranded our “Postcard Permits” Program into “Instant Permits” to better reflect how DOB approves small scale projects, and we’ve updated the list of projects to , making it even easier to keep it green. We’ve also made enhancements to ProjectDox that include new digital permitting checklists to help customers better prepare plan submissions and reduce resubmittals. Together, these updates mark another step toward a simpler, faster, and more transparent permitting process that benefits everyone.
This month also offered exciting opportunities to showcase DOB’s leadership in building innovation and community development. I had the privilege of joining partners in The Future of Mass Timber Development in DC, an in-depth conversation on the sustainable materials that are reshaping modern construction. We also celebrated the grand opening of Georgetown University’s reimagined Capitol Campus and explored a standout example of adaptive reuse during the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Case Study on The Accolade — a former federal office building transformed into more than 240 apartment homes in downtown DC.
Each of these moments demonstrates how innovation, partnership, and smart regulation can bring new energy to our neighborhoods and keep DC’s growth both dynamic and sustainable.
Thank you for your continued partnership and engagement. Every milestone we achieve together moves us closer to building a stronger, more connected District — one project at a time.
Onward,
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Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 DOB’s Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons recently testified before the DC Council on the Housing with Integrity Amendment Act of 2025. In his remarks, Parsons reaffirmed DOB’s commitment to protecting residents through strong, data-driven code enforcement. He expressed the agency’s support for the legislation’s goals to enhance accountability and improve living conditions, while recommending refinements to ensure the program remains effective, equitable, and sustainable. Parsons emphasized that with targeted enforcement and adequate resources, the District can achieve lasting improvements in housing safety and compliance.
The Future of Mass Timber Development in DC
DOB had the privilege of partnering with cross-sector leaders for an in-depth discussion on how mass timber is shaping the future of sustainable construction across the region. The event, held at Sycamore & Oak in Ward 8, was hosted by Woodworks in partnership with DOB and the Emerson Collective.
Director Hanlon emphasized DOB’s role in advancing low-carbon building practices by modernizing codes and supporting innovation in design and materials. The discussion featured regional experts sharing real-world examples of mass timber projects already making an impact in the DMV.
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A Milestone Moment for Georgetown
Director Hanlon joined city and community leaders for the ribbon-cutting of Georgetown University’s newly renovated Capitol Campus at 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW in downtown DC. The milestone project creates a vibrant new home for several of the University’s programs, including the School of Continuing Studies, McDonough School of Business, and Berkley School of Health.
The occasion also provided an opportunity to connect with local partners like the Washington DC Economic Partnership Executive Vice President Chad Shuskey (far left), Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District Vice President Kenyattah Robinson (middle) and DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection Director Tiffany Crowe (far right), underscoring the collaboration that keeps DC’s development safe, green, and moving.
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Charting the Path to a Low-Carbon Future
DOB Deputy Director Shilpa Khatri attended the Green Transition Summit 2025, a leading convening of government, industry, and sustainability-though leaders focused on aligning policy and practice for a low-carbon future. Her attendance reinforced DOB’s commitment to supporting the District’s bold build and sustainability goals, and signaled the agency’s excitement to partner on innovative solutions that make DC’s built environment safer, greener, and more resilient.
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Transforming Downtown: ULI Washington’s Office-to-Residential Case Study
Leaders from across the development and design community gathered for ULI Washington’s Case Study on The Accolade — a standout example of how innovation and adaptive reuse are transforming downtown DC. The project at 1425 New York Avenue NW converted a former Department of Justice office into more than 240 modern apartment homes, redefining what’s possible for underused office buildings in the District’s core.
Director Hanlon represented DOB on the panel, emphasizing the agency’s work to streamline permitting, modernize codes, and advance policies that support office-to-residential conversions citywide. The discussion highlighted DOB’s role in shaping a more vibrant, resilient, and sustainable downtown.
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In November, DOB will be expanding and improving its Postcard Permit Program to “Instant Permits,” to both reflect the speed and convenience of same-day permit approvals for small home projects and launch new enhancements like the inclusion of most solar panel installations.
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Fast & Simple: Skip a full plan review – just fill out a short online application and once it’s approved, make your payment--permits are then issued instantly online.
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Low Cost: Most instant permits will be $36.30; solar permits will cost $250.
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Expanded Access: Examples include homeowners of one- and two-family dwellings will be able to receive permits for installation of up to 15 windows and solar panels (up to 15 kilowatts) instantly!
Once the work is performed, customers are to schedule a DOB inspection, which ensures projects are done safely and meet code standards; and protect insurance coverage, property value, and peace of mind. It also avoids the potential for penalties if DOB later learns that a homeowner skipped inspections.
DOB continues to modernize its online permitting systems with new enhancements to ProjectDox, making plan reviews faster and easier for customers. The agency launched new digital permitting checklists earlier this month that help customers better prepare for plan submissions and shorten the time for project approvals.
Together, these updates are part of DOB’s ongoing effort to improve efficiency, transparency, and the overall customer experience in the permitting process.
Effective October 1, 2025, DOB oversees both inspections and certifications of elevators and other conveyances across the District. Previously, DOB handled inspections while the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) issued licenses.
As a result of changes that the BEST Act made to DLCP’s licensing authority, DOB added the role of approving conveyances. The results of this change are:
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One-stop process. Customers now only need to use one agency to get their conveyances inspected and approved for operation.
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“Licenses” become “certificates.” DOB is issuing conveyance “certificates” under the authority of the Code Official and the Construction Codes.
The Office of Zoning Administration (OZA) is launching updated resources to improve clarity, streamline submissions, and ensure consistency in the zoning application and review process. Now available are:
Coming soon will be new flat and accessory apartment guidance.
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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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