September 2026 Edition
September has brought meaningful momentum across the District, and few developments capture that better than the progress we are seeing at the RFK Campus. This month, Mayor Bowser and city leaders unveiled the final RFK Campus Master Plan, marking an important milestone in our work to transform this historic site into a vibrant destination built for Washingtonians on game day – and every day.
Progress also depends on having talented people ready to help shape what comes next. DOB is searching for DC’s next Surveyor, an important leadership role overseeing the Office of the Surveyor and work that supports development throughout the District. If you – or someone in your network – has the experience and vision to take on this role, I encourage you to learn more and apply.
And while we are looking ahead, remember that heating season begins October 1. Landlords should ensure their heating systems are ready to meet District requirements, and tenants should know their rights to a home that meets DC’s minimum heating standards.
Whether we are planning for the future of RFK, bringing new leaders to Team DOB, or helping residents prepare for the changing seasons, our focus remains the same: serving the District well and being a safer, stronger DC together.
|
 Brian J. Hanlon, AIA LEED AP®
Director
Opening or operating a business in the District comes with important steps, and DOB is here to help make them easier to navigate. Join us for the second DOB Helping Uplift Businesses (HUB) Workshop on Thursday, October 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This workshop will focus on the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) process, with DOB subject-matter experts providing guidance on the overall process, plan review requirements, inspections, and more. Attendees will also have an opportunity to connect directly with DOB staff and get answers to their questions.
Ready to get your business one step closer to opening its doors? Learn more and register at the link below!
|
Team DOB is seeking an experienced leader to serve as DC’s next Surveyor. This key role will lead the Office of the Surveyor, oversee the production and quality assurance of building plats and official records, and collaborate with residents, businesses, and District agencies on work that helps shape the future of the city.
Qualified professionals with experience in land surveying or civil engineering are encouraged to apply. Applications close on Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
|
Final RFK Campus Master Plan Unveiled
RFK Project Executive and DOB Director Brian Hanlon joined District leaders for the final announcement, highlighting the extensive public engagement that helped shape the final plan. Thousands of comments and more than 30 community engagement events informed the vision for a campus designed to serve Washingtonians on game day – and every day.
With the final plan now transmitted to the DC Council, the District moves another step closer to bringing the future of RFK to life.
|
First & Goal: Creating Opportunities at RFK
Another major milestone is taking shape at the RFK Campus.
The redevelopment of the RFK Campus is creating new opportunities for District businesses and workers to be part of one of the city’s most transformative projects. This month, Director Hanlon, DOB staff, and members of the RFK project team joined more than 1,000 registered attendees for First & Goal: Construction Kick-Off and Resource Expo, connecting Certified Business Enterprises, small businesses, contractors, vendors, and suppliers with information about upcoming construction opportunities.
During the program, Director Hanlon shared the District’s vision for transforming the RFK Campus into a vibrant, mixed-use destination with housing, parks, open space, entertainment, and economic opportunity. His message underscored that RFK is about more than building a new stadium; it’s about creating an engine of opportunity that can benefit District residents, businesses, and future generations.
|
Cooler temperatures are creeping in, and Thursday, October 1 marks the start of heating season in the District. Through May 1, landlords must provide heat and maintain a minimum indoor temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit. Buildings that use the same system for heating and cooling – known as a two-pipe system – have an additional 15 days to transition and must provide heating beginning Thursday, October 15.
For Landlords
Now is the time to make sure heating systems are ready, operational, and able to meet the District’s minimum requirements.
Heat is a housing requirement, and you have the right to a home that meets DC’s minimum heating standards. If your rental property is not meeting those requirements, DOB is here to help. Please get in touch with us at 202-671-3500 or dob@dc.gov.
 Photo Credit: Office of the Attorney General – Brian Schwalb
DOB continues to work alongside the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to address serious housing conditions at Delta Pearl, a 166-unit apartment building in Ward 5. Earlier this month, Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed suit against the property’s owner and manager following an OAG investigation and DOB inspections that documented widespread housing code violations, including issues involving air conditioning, elevators, building security, sanitation, pests, and fire safety.
OAG successfully sought a Temporary Restraining Order to address the most urgent conditions at the property, along with a preliminary injunction requiring necessary repairs. As the case moves forward, DOB will conduct inspections to verify compliance with the court’s order and remain closely aligned with OAG’s trial team to help ensure conditions are addressed and residents are protected.
Building Connection in Ward 4
Community Affairs Liaison Porchia Foreman spent time connecting with Ward 4 residents and community partners through two neighborhood-focused events: Ward 4 Coffee with a Cop alongside the Metropolitan Police Department and a Multi-Agency Ward 4 Community Walk.
Both events created opportunities for residents to engage directly with Porchia, discuss neighborhood concerns, and learn about DOB services and resources. By showing up in the community, Team DOB continues to make agency resources more accessible while building stronger connections with the residents we serve.
|
Inspiring the Next Generation of Architects
DOB welcomed a group of University of Virginia graduate architecture students for a visit and conversation with Director Hanlon, who shared insights on the RFK Stadium development while offering students a firsthand look at how architecture, development, and public service come together in the District.
|
DOB Connects with Ward 7 at Community Day
Community Affairs Liaison Dellannea Hutchinson joined Ward 7 Councilmember Wendell Felder and community members for Ward 7 Week Community Day, a celebration bringing residents, local organizations, businesses, and District agencies together.
Dellannea represented DOB during the event, connecting with Ward 7 residents and fellow government partners while sharing information about DOB resources and services. The event offered another opportunity for Team DOB to meet residents where they are, strengthen community relationships, and connect neighbors with the resources they need.
|
Director Hanlon Addresses Infrastructure Leaders
Director Hanlon delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Utility and Infrastructure Forum Reception, hosted by the Washington, DC chapter of the National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA). The forum brough together contractors, consultants, public agencies, and industry professionals to discuss the District’s utility landscape and upcoming opportunities.
During his remarks, Director Hanlon highlighted DOB’s role in supporting critical infrastructure and emphasized the importance of cross-agency collaboration as the District prepares for major projects, including the transformation of the RFK Campus.
|
After seven virtual sessions spanning the summer, DOB has officially wrapped up its Construction Code Development Listening Session series. The series created an opportunity for residents, design professionals, contractors, property owners, developers, and other stakeholders to weigh in as the District works to update all 12 construction code categories.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for one – or all – of the sessions and shared your questions, experiences, and feedback. Your input will help inform DOB’s proposed code updates and support the development of safer, smarter construction codes that reflect the real-world needs of those who use them.
DOB anticipates publishing the First Notice of Proposed Rulemaking this fall, followed by a 45-day public comment period, providing another opportunity for stakeholders to participate in the construction code development process.
Missed a session or want to revisit the conversation? Recordings and transcripts are available on our website.
|
-
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 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.
|
