Obtaining a building permit for a home addition or full home renovation in Washington DC involves several steps and regulations. Here’s a general guide:

1. Determine the Scope of Work: Before applying for a permit, you need to have a clear understanding of the work you plan to undertake. This includes architectural plans, structural drawings, and other necessary documentation.
2. Check Zoning Regulations: Review the zoning regulations and building codes specific to your property and neighborhood. Ensure that your proposed project complies with setback requirements, height restrictions, and other zoning ordinances.
3. Submit Permit Application: Contact the Department of Building (DOB) in Washington DC to obtain the necessary permit application forms. You can typically do this online through their website or in person at their office.
4. Prepare Required Documents: Along with the permit application, you’ll need to submit various documents, including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and sometimes environmental assessments.

Pre-Screening

When your application is received by DOB, it will be reviewed to ensure it is complete and that it meets the basic requirements for plan review. Pre-screen review occurs in different phases based on the type of plan review selected for your project.

Plan Review

Digital Walk-Through
For small-scale projects that would have previously been reviewed over the counter with paper plans, you must now complete the process completely online. With our Digital Walk-Through, all plans and supporting documents are now accepted through our ePlan review system ProjectDox for a completed review in 1 business day. This includes simultaneous DOB plan reviews and digital routing to select sister agencies (Historic Preservation, District Department of Energy and the Environment, and District Department of Transportation) saving you time and a trip to our office. DOB Plan Reviews Disciplines: Structural, Zoning, Fire, Elevator Mechanical/Plumbing, Electrical, Green and Energy.

1. Pay Fees: There are typically fees associated with building permits. Make sure to pay these fees when submitting your application. The amount varies depending on the scope of the project.
2. Wait for Approval: Once you’ve submitted your application and all required documents, the DOB will review your application. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the project and the workload of the department.
3. Inspections: After your permit is approved and issued, you’ll need to schedule inspections at various stages of the construction process. These inspections ensure that the work is being done according to the approved plans and meets building codes and regulations.
4. Final Approval: Once all inspections are passed, and the work is completed according to the approved plans, you’ll receive final approval from the DOB.

It’s essential to follow all regulations and obtain the necessary permits before starting any construction work to avoid fines, penalties, or having to redo the work to comply with building codes. Additionally, consider hiring a licensed contractor familiar with local regulations to help navigate the building permit for home addition.