What is a Certificate of Occupancy in Washington, DC?

A Certificate of Occupancy (COO) is a legal document issued by the DC Department of Buildings that confirms a property’s approved use. It is required before occupying a new building, changing the use of a property, or after major renovations.

How do I apply for a Certificate of Occupancy in DC?

To apply for a DC Certificate of Occupancy, you must submit an application through the DOB’s SCOUT system, provide floor plans, zoning compliance documents, and pay applicable fees. Many businesses use permit expeditors to handle paperwork and speed up approvals.

What is a change of use permit in DC?

A change of use permit is required when converting a property’s use, for example from residential to commercial or retail to restaurant. The DC Department of Buildings reviews zoning, safety, and accessibility before approving the new use.

What is a DC public space permit?

A public space permit is required by the DC Department of Transportation (DDOT) for any work extending into sidewalks, streets, or alleys, such as curb cuts, driveways, sidewalk cafés, construction staging, and utility work.

What is a traffic control plan in DC?

A traffic control plan (TCP) is a safety plan required by DDOT for construction projects that impact streets or sidewalks. It details how traffic and pedestrians will be safely rerouted during construction.

Do commercial roofers need permits in Washington, DC?

Yes. Most commercial roofing projects require a building permit, and projects impacting public sidewalks or streets may also require DDOT public space permits and traffic control plans.

How long does it take to get a permit in DC?

Depending on the type, DC permits can take 2–12 weeks for approval. Working with an experienced permit expeditor can often reduce approval time by several weeks by avoiding errors and coordinating directly with reviewers.

What does a DC permit expeditor do?

A permit expeditor navigates complex DC agency requirements, prepares applications, submits paperwork, coordinates with reviewers, and resolves issues to secure permits faster and with fewer delays.

About M.C.G. Permit Consultants, LLC

Washington D.C.'s Premier Permit Expediting Firm

M.C.G. Permit Consultants, LLC is Washington, D.C.'s most trusted permit expediting firm, specializing exclusively in navigating the District's complex regulatory landscape. With 25+ years of D.C. experience, we deliver results that save clients time, reduce costs, and eliminate permitting frustrations.

Our Expertise

D.C.-Exclusive Specialization: Our exclusive focus on Washington, D.C., enables us to understand the nuances, relationships, and processes that make the difference between delays and on-time completions. We've successfully managed thousands of residential and commercial permits, ranging from simple renovations to complex, multi-million-dollar developments.

Comprehensive Services

Residential and commercial permit expediting
Public space permits and DDOT coordination
Certificate of occupancy facilitation
Third-party inspection coordination
Regulatory compliance consulting

Established Agency Relationships Long-standing relationships with the DC Department of Buildings, DDOT, DCRA, WASA, DDOE, and other agencies enable efficient navigation of regulatory challenges.

Our Results

Proven Performance

500-2000% ROI through time savings
Reduced project timelines and carrying costs
Successfully served major retail chains, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations
Currently managing 25+ active projects with capacity for complex, large-scale developments

Why Choose M.C.G.

Owner-Level Accountability Direct access to ownership-level decision-making ensures personalized attention and accountability that larger firms cannot match.

Industry Knowledge: Decades of construction industry experience, combined with specialized permit expertise, enable us to anticipate challenges and provide effective solutions.

Transparent Service Clear communication, realistic timelines, and flat-fee pricing eliminate surprises. Our "Simply Getting it Done" philosophy means we take ownership from start to finish.

Our Commitment

M.C.G. Permit Consultants transforms the permit experience for clients throughout Washington D.C. We understand permits are the gateway to your fundamental objectives: opening your business, completing renovations, or delivering projects on time and budget.

Ready to experience the M.C.G. difference?

Call: (202) 729-8272
Email: sayhello@mcgpermits.com

M.C.G. Permit Consultants, LLC - Simply Getting it Done.

Contact us

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