Corrective Actions If you find that you are in violation of DC construction code requirements, stop work immediately and get the proper permits. If you have questions, call (202) 442-4400. DCRA Mission: The Department of Consumer and RESIDENT’S GUIDE Reporting Illegal Construction Regulatory Affairs protects the health, safety, economic interests and quality of life Illegal construction threatens the safety of all DC of residents, businesses and visitors in the citizens. District of Columbia by issuing licenses and permits, conducting inspections, enforcing To report illegal construction at any time, day or Illegal Construction night, call DCRA’s Illegal Construction Unit: building, housing, and safety codes, (202) 442-STOP(7867). regulating land use and development, in the District of and providing consumer education and Columbia Please give the address and describe the illegal advocacy services. construction. Know what to do! The Unit will schedule an inspection to investigate. Don’t Work Illegally • Get building permits for your project • Make sure any contractors or subcontractors get DC Department of Consumer and permits Regulatory Affairs 941 North Capitol St NE 2nd Floor • Only do work in the scope of your permit Washington DC 20002 • Work only 7 am - 7 pm (202) 442-4400 • Work only Monday - Saturday www.dcra.dc.gov Building for the Future Anthony A. Williams Mayor, Government of the District of Columbia Patrick J. Canavan, Psy. D. Director, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs You need a raze permit for demolition of buildings You can get the following information for building Make sure you have the and structures. To raze structures larger than permit applications from www.dcra.dc.gov: 500 square feet, you must show a certificate of appropriate permits for your insurance for $500,000 in coverage. • Building Permit Application and Fee Schedules • Building Codes project. Your project may require water or sewer excavation permits or supplemental systems • Contract Agreement installation permits. Only licensed DC contractors • Environmental Questionnaire What is illegal construction? Who is within each trade may apply for these permits. responsible for enforcing the District of What Work Does NOT Require a Permit? Columbia Construction Code? Work that requires a water or sewer excavation permit includes: Unless you live in a historic district, these projects Any construction done without required building • Water or sewer pipe installation do not require a permit: permits is illegal construction. Illegal construction is • Connections to water and sewer mains in the a public danger; it can hurt people and property. • Brick pointing street • Caulking, patching, and plaster repair To protect the public, DCRA has started an Illegal • Excavation for water meters and vaults in public • Installation of cabinets and architectural Construction Unit. It focuses on illegal construction space millwork complaints from citizens and police officers. • Installation of window screens and storm Work that requires a supplemental systems windows installation permit includes: What Work Requires a Permit? • Repair of existing fences with like materials • Retaining walls, 18 inches (0.46M) or less in Several types of permits are required for • Air conditioning installation height construction and improvements. They are: • Refrigeration system installation • Construction of garden storage sheds complying • Building permits • Plumbing fixture installation with DC Code section 107.3.3 • Public space permits • Electrical installation • Painting, if it is not with fire-retardant paint • Replacement of: • Raze permits • Gas appliance installation - non-rated windows and doors • Water and sewer excavation permits There is a fee for each permit and an additional fee - roofing and coping • Supplemental systems installation permits for any work in a public space. - siding - gutters and downspouts These types of work require building permits: - private sidewalks and driveways Penalties - patios • New construction - non-rated suspended ceiling tile There is a $2000 fine for each offense, if you: - floor coverings • Additions - up to 160 square feet (9.3m) of gypsum • Work without a permit • Demolition board • Work outside the scope of a permit - up to 50 linear feet (15.24m) of storm • Construction of retaining walls, decks, fences, • Work before 7 am or after 7 pm Monday- drain piping sheds, garages, and vaults Saturday or any time on Sunday - up to 10 linear feet (3.05m) of • Erection of signs or awnings sanitary/drainage system piping If you break these laws again, you may be fined up - up to 20 linear feet (6.10m) of sanitary to $4,000. You need a public space permit for: venting piping - up to 50 linear feet (15.24m) of hydraulic If you get a Stop Work Order for illegal construction, • Dumpsters in public space system piping you will also have to pay a fine of 50% of the permit - up to 10 linear feet (3.05m) of duct work, • Sidewalk construction and repair you should have gotten. DCRA will not release the in non-hazardous and commercial • Flag poles, planter boxes, retaining walls, and Stop Work Order until you pay the permit fee and kitchen exhaust systems fences in public space fine..