DOB News - March 2026 | New Season. Continued Progress.

District of Columbia sent this bulletin at 03/31/2026 12:30 PM EDT

View as a webpage / share
DOB News Header Graphic v2

March 2026 Edition

A Message From The Director

Brian Hanlon

As we welcome the spring season, I’m proud to share the continued progress Team DOB is making to better serve residents, businesses, and communities in the District.  

This season, we’re especially focused on making it easier for residents to take on home improvement projects. With the launch of Instant Permits and continued enhancements to tools like Permit Wizard and Tertius, we are working to reduce barriers and provide faster, more accessible services, helping you move your projects forward with confidence.  

Beyond our core services, DOB remains committed to meeting residents where they are. From engaging tenants alongside Empower DC to supporting our small businesses, our team continues to build strong partnerships that help ensure safer, healthier communities across all eight wards.  

As always, our mission is clear: to keep DC’s built environment safe, green, and moving. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work to deliver a stronger, more resilient DC for all.

Onward,
Director Hanlon Signature

Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director

📆 SAVE THE DATE: DOB Budget Oversight Hearing

Director Brian Hanlon will testify on DOB investments in Mayor Bowser’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget before the Council’s Committee of the Whole on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.  

During the hearing, Director Hanlon will highlight how DOB is using its resources to strengthen enforcement to protect tenants, accelerate permitting to support economic development, and invest in technology and customer service improvements.  

From major projects like the RFK Campus redevelopment and Capital One Arena to initiatives that reduce barriers for residents and businesses, DOB remains focused on delivering results that keep DC’s built environment safe, green, and moving.  

Stakeholders are encouraged to tune in to learn more about DOB’s priorities and ongoing work to support a stronger, more resilient DC.  

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

DOB in the Community

power

Tenant Engagement with Empower DC

DOB had the pleasure of reuniting with Empower DC for a recent tenant engagement event focused on housing conditions and tenant rights. Strategic Enforcement Administrator Keith Parsons connected directly with residents, sharing how DOB addresses unsafe housing and supports compliance across all eight wards.   

The event provided an opportunity to listen, educate, and reinforce DOB’s commitment to holding negligent property owners accountable while supporting safe, healthy living environments for DC residents.  
check

Supporting Small Businesses in Ward 8

Team DOB joined our sister agency, the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), for their weekly Business Diagnostic Check-In at Sycamore & Oak in Ward 8, connecting directly with local entrepreneurs and small business owners.  

During the session, DOB staff provided guidance on permitting, inspections, and navigating requirements, helping businesses move their projects forward and operate safely and successfully. Photo Credit: DLCP 
wave

Advancing Building Safety Leadership

DOB was proud to host the swearing-in ceremony for new officers of the DC Code Officials Association Chapter of the International Code Council (ICC). The ceremony, led by ICC Chief Executive Officer John Belcik, highlighted the importance of collaboration, professional development, and shared expertise in advancing building safety.  

We are especially proud of our very own Keith Parsons (Strategic Enforcement Administrator), Medki Taddese (Deputy Strategic Enforcement Administrator), and Peter Nyabagosi (Chief Inspections Official), who were sworn into leadership roles and will help strengthen partnerships and support continued progress in building safety for DC.

RFK in Focus: News and Updates

Momentum continues to build across government agencies and city partners as work progresses on the future of the RFK Campus.  

Director Hanlon, in his role as RFK Project Executive, recently participated in the ICSC@ series for the Mid-Atlantic, joining regional leaders and developers to discuss the future of real estate and mixed-used development in the region. The event provided an opportunity to highlight how coordinated efforts across government agencies are helping move major projects like the RFK Campus redevelopment forward.  

Director Hanlon and the RFK project team also presented updated concept plans to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts as part of the federal review process, which is an important step in refining the vision for a vibrant, multi-use destination along the Anacostia River.  

Together, these efforts reflect the ongoing collaboration shaping the future of the RFK Campus and its role in supporting a stronger, more connected city residents, businesses, and visitors.  

Spring Into Home Improvements

spring

As the weather warms and DC begins to bloom, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home and take on those long-awaited improvement projects. Whether you’re making small updates or planning a larger renovation, DOB offers tools and resources to help you get started quickly, safely, with confidence, in compliance with the law. 

Here’s how DOB can support your spring projects:  

  • Instant Permits (New!): Ready to get started right away with a small project? Instant Permits allow homeowners to receive immediate approvals for select projects, like solar panel installations and in-kind window replacements, so you can move from planning to building without delay.  
  • Permit Wizard: Not sure what type of permit you need? The Permit Wizard walks you step-by-step through your project details and quickly identifies required permits, documents, and next steps, helping you avoid delays and start your project on the right track.  
  • Homeowner’s Center: Not sure where to begin? Get personalized guidance on permits for common residential projects like decks, fences, and renovations.  
  • Tertius (Inspection Scheduling): Once your permit is approved, schedule and manage inspections online through Tertius. Choose available time slots, track appointment status, and keep your project moving without unnecessary delays.  

This season, take the guesswork out of home improvements. With faster approvals, clearer guidance, and accessible tools, DOB is here to help keep your projects safe, complaint, and moving.  

 

Bookmark the New URL for Tertius, Our Online Inspection Scheduling Platform

DOB is updating the web address for Tertius, our online inspection scheduling system, as part of ongoing improvements to system performance and security.  

Beginning Thursday, April 2, 2026, the Tertius application will transition from tertius.dcra.dc.gov to tertius.dob.dc.gov.  

What this means for you:  

  • No action is required.  
  • All existing links will temporarily redirect to the new address.  
  • Access to Tertius will remain uninterrupted.  

While the transition will be seamless, please update any saved bookmarks to the new web address for future use.  

We appreciate your continued partnership as we work to enhance our systems and better serve customers across the District.  

Building Blocks: Things to Remember

bujilding
  • Report illegal construction, vacant property, or property maintenance issues: Contact DC311 or 311.dc.gov.   
  • DOB Walk-in Customer Service Center Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   
  • Contact DOB: Email dob@dc.gov, online inquiry form or live chat at dob.dc.gov, or call 202.671.3500. We will get back to you in three business days or less.   
  • Need a permit?: If you are planning a residential or commercial project, visit our Permitting page to ensure your proposed work is properly permitted under District law.Â