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.

DC Solar Permits Expedited with 25+ Years of City Official Relationships

Unlike generic permit services, MCG Permit Consultants has built personal, face-to-face relationships with key DC officials since before the digital age. Our established connections with DCRA, Department of Buildings, and DDOE mean faster solar permit approvals, insider process knowledge, and direct access to decision-makers.

Streamlining Solar Installation Permits Faster Through Established Insider City Connections

Trusted by 100+ Washington DC solar installers and property owners. Our 25+ years of established DCRA relationships have consistently delivered faster permit approvals, with an average 35% reduction in solar permit processing time.

Free 15-Minute Solar Permit Consultation - (202) 729-8272

Get a free permit evaluation

Our DC Solar Permit Expediting Services

Residential Solar Permits

A two-story brick house with solar panels on the roof, a brick chimney, surrounded by green grass and trees, with a small front yard and a concrete walkway leading to the front door.

Navigate DC's residential solar permit requirements with our established city official relationships. We simplify the complex DCRA approval process for homeowners and solar contractors.

Rooftop Solar Installation Permits
Battery Storage System Permits
Electrical Interconnection Applications
Historic District Solar Approvals
Net Metering Applications

"For a comprehensive deep-dive into DC solar permitting, check out our [Complete Guide to Residential Solar Permitting in Washington DC.”

Commercial Solar Permits

A large modern office building with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by a parking lot with several cars, and a background of trees and houses.

Leverage our 25+ years of direct relationships with DC Department of Buildings to fast-track commercial solar permit approvals. Our insider connections mean quicker reviews and fewer complications for large-scale installations.

Commercial Rooftop Solar Arrays
Ground-Mount Solar Systems
Solar Carport Installations
Multi-Building Solar Projects
Utility-Scale Solar Permits

Why Choose MCG as Your Solar Permit Expediter?

The MCG Solar Permit Advantage

Direct Access to DCRA Solar Permit Reviewers
25+ Years of Established City Official Relationships
Insider Knowledge of DC Solar Regulations
Proven Track Record with Complex Solar Projects
Personal Accountability at Every Level

Our deep understanding of Washington DC's evolving solar regulations, combined with established relationships at DCRA and DDOE, ensures your solar installation moves through the permit process efficiently. We stay current with:

Solar-Specific Expertise

DC Solar Incentive Program Requirements
Historic Preservation Solar Guidelines
PEPCO Interconnection Standards
Building Code Solar Compliance
Zoning Requirements for Solar Installations

A modern multi-story building with solar panels on the roof, surrounded by greenery and trees.

Flowchart illustrating the solar permit process with four steps: evaluation, document preparation, permit submission, and expedited follow-up, with icons and city skyline silhouette in the background.

Our Proven Solar Permit Process

Comprehensive solar project assessment using our 25+ years of insider DC regulatory knowledge. We review your installation plans, identify potential issues, and develop the optimal permit strategy.

Step 1: Solar Project Evaluation

Step 2: Document Preparation

Meticulously assemble all required documentation, leveraging our established relationships with city officials. We ensure complete, accurate submissions that meet DCRA's specific solar permit requirements.

Direct submission through our network of trusted DCRA solar permit reviewers. Our relationships mean your application gets proper attention and faster initial review.

Step 3: Permit Submission

Step 4: Expedited Follow-Up

Active tracking and relationship-powered follow-up to accelerate your solar permit approval. We handle all communications with city officials, keeping your project on schedule.

DC Solar Permit Requirements We Handle

Required Documentation

Electrical Single Line Diagrams
Structural Engineering Reports
Solar Panel Specification Sheets
Inverter Technical Documentation
Site Plans and Roof Layout Drawings
Historic District Compliance (if applicable)
PEPCO Interconnection Applications

Common Solar Permit Challenges

Our 25+ years of experience help clients avoid these frequent issues:

Incomplete electrical documentation
Structural load calculations errors
Historic district approval delays
PEPCO interconnection complications
Zoning setback violations
Fire safety access requirements

Solar Permit Expediting Investment

Transparent Flat-Fee Pricing

Residential

Residential Solar Permits: $1,200 - $2,500

Commercial

Commercial Solar Permits: $2,500 - $6,000

Complex Historic

Complex/Historic Properties: $3,000 - $8,000

All fees include complete permit preparation, submission, tracking, and follow-up until approval.

Solar Permit FAQ

Do I need a permit for my DC solar installation?

Yes, all solar installations in Washington DC require permits from DCRA. This includes rooftop residential systems, commercial arrays, and battery storage additions. Our expertise ensures complete compliance with all requirements.

How long does the solar permit process take?

Standard processing can take 4-10 weeks depending on project complexity. With our established city relationships and expediting services, we typically reduce this timeline by 30-50%.

What if my property is in a historic district?

Historic district solar installations require additional approvals from the Historic Preservation Review Board. Our 25+ years of experience includes successful navigation of these complex requirements.

Solar Permit Success Stories

- Jennifer M., Georgetown Homeowner

"MCG's expertise saved us 6 weeks on our rooftop solar installation. Their knowledge of DOB requirements and direct relationships made the difference between a smooth process and potential delays."

- David R., Commercial Property Developer

"Our 500kW commercial solar array permit was approved 40% faster than expected. MCG's established city connections and technical expertise delivered exactly what they promised."

Ready to Expedite Your DC Solar Permit?

Get Started Today

Leverage 25+ years of city official relationships to fast-track your solar installation project. Our proven expertise in DC solar regulations ensures smooth, efficient permit approval.

Don't let permit delays slow down your solar investment. Contact MCG Permit Consultants today for your free consultation.

GET A FREE SOLAR PERMIT EVALUATION

Call now for a free consultation - 202.729.8272

Serving Washington D.C., solar installers, property owners, and developers since 2000