December 2025 Edition
Dear Customers,
As we close out 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the progress we’ve made together and to thank the residents, businesses, builders, and community partners who engage with DOB every day. Your collaboration, feedback, and trust are essential to our work, and I’m grateful for the shared commitment to keeping the District moving forward.
This year, DOB focused on delivering meaningful improvements that customers can see and feel; from faster permitting and clearer guidance to stronger enforcement and smarter systems. We worked to remove barriers, modernize our tools, and strengthen accountability, all while deepening our presence in communities across all eight wards. I’m proud of the dedication our staff brings to this mission and of the steady progress we’ve made together.
As we look ahead, DOB remains focused on building on this momentum. In the year to come, we will help Mayor Bowser run through the tape as she completes her final term, by continuing to improve how we serve customers, expanding access to resources, and launching initiatives that make it easier to move projects forward safely and efficiently.
Thank you for being our valued partners in this wonderful city. On behalf of DOB, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Onward,
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 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
 In 2025, DOB made meaningful progress toward improving customer service, strengthening enforcement, expanding public resources, and modernizing its systems in support of the agency’s mission to keep DC safe, green, and moving. The highlights below reflect a year focused on removing barriers, increasing accountability, and delivering clearer, faster, and more accessible services for residents, businesses, and communities across the District.
🤝 Better Customer Service Experience
Faster, clearer, and more accessible service delivery.
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Completed a major renovation of our Walk-In Center, resulting in an updated layout and improved experience for customers seeking in-person assistance.
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Refreshed top-level navigation on our website to make it easier for customers to find key resources.
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⚙️ Improved Permitting, Plan Review and Zoning Resources
Modern tools designed to move projects forward, faster.
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Introduced Fast Track Fit-Outs, offering a shorter plan review process for certain office renovations to help move projects forward quickly at no additional cost.
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Launched a major upgrade to ProjectDox, delivering a more stable, cloud-based plan review system with improved navigation and self-help resources.
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Began upgrades to our inspection platform Tertius that will improve how customers find information on DOB and third-party inspection services.
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Lowered the Building Conversion Permit Fee to make residential conversions, particularly office-to-residential, more financially feasible.
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🛠️ Enforcement
Protecting residents and strengthening accountability.
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Continued educational efforts such as Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons’ Building Connections mini-series with Greater Greater Washington, which helped demystify inspections and reinforce how enforcement protects tenant safety.
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Applauded a court ruling that recently upheld our enforcement order against shoddy construction in a Ward 4 condo building.
📖 More Resources for Residents & Businesses
Meeting people where they are with guidance, outreach, and education.
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Released new tenant and housing resources, helping residents better understand landlord responsibilities, housing conditions, and paths to resolution.
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Launched a Landlord Roundtable series to help property owners better understand housing code compliance and avoid violations.
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Led a Vacant Storefront Activation Hackathon, where public- and private-sector partners collaborated on how to revitalize vacant commercial properties.
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🚀 Looking Ahead
Building on 2025’s progress, in early 2026, DOB is preparing to launch Instant Permits, expanding fast approvals for simple residential and commercial work, as well as an expansion of the Pop-Up Permit program that will support longer-term activation of vacant spaces with added flexibility.
Together, these initiatives will help projects move forward faster while supporting safe housing, small businesses, and vibrant neighborhoods across the District.
Celebrating District Seniors with Seasonal Cheer
DOB had the pleasure of participating in Mayor Bowser’s 27th Annual Senior Celebration hosted by the DC Department of Aging and Community Living. This cherished event brings together District agencies to share resources, celebrate the holiday season, and engage with seniors age 60 and older.
New members of our Community Affairs team – Hazle Crawford (left), Jerrod Allen (center), and Glenda Baker (right) – spoke with attendees about how DOB helps create safe, livable spaces through guidance on property maintenance and building permits. Events like this strengthen connections with residents and highlight our commitment to building a safer, more inclusive DC.
To learn more visit dob.dc.gov or call 202.671.500. We’re here to help!
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A Vision Forward: Updates on the RFK Campus
In his role as RFK Project Executive, Director Hanlon testified before the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) on Thursday, December 4 to share key updates on the future of the RFK Campus. During the public meeting, Director Hanlon highlighted the District’s vision for revitalizing the site and supporting safe and forward-thinking development. The discussion provided valuable insight into how thoughtful planning and collaboration will help shape the next chapter of this historic DC landmark.
Director Hanlon also focused on community outreach efforts, including a virtual community meeting on Wednesday, December 17, where residents heard from the project’s architect and planning team and learned more about next steps for the RFK Campus.
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Community Connections for Business in Ward 8
Did you know that every Wednesday, DOB participates in Business Development Group Workshops sponsored by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP)? Held at Sycamore & Oak in Ward 8, these community-based gatherings give residents and small business owners an opportunity to ask questions, access resources, and receive guidance on District services in a familiar, neighborhood setting.
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DOB is grateful for the kindness and appreciation that customers and partners often wish to share with DOB staff. District ethics rules do not allow DOB employees to accept gifts, but please know that your thoughtfulness is truly valued. Our employees will either respectfully decline any gifts or donate them to a local charitable organization. This allows us to honor the spirit of giving while upholding the highest ethical standards.
Thank you for your understanding!
As the year comes to a close, DOB extends our heartfelt thanks to the residents, partners, builders, and communities we serve. We are grateful for your continued collaboration throughout the year in helping keep the District safe, green, and moving.
Please note that DOB will be closed in observance of Christmas Day on Thursday, December 25, 2025, and New Year’s Day on Thursday, January 1, 2026. No construction activity will be permitted on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day. Construction activity will resume on Friday, December 26, 2025, and Friday, January 2, 2026.
While our offices are closed, DOB continues to offer a wide range of online services, tools, and resources, allowing customers to conduct business 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit dob.dc.gov for more information.
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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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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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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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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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