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.

Catch Code Issues Before They Catch You

Minimize permit delays and rejection risks with our strategic pre-permit code compliance review

Get Your Code Compliance Check – $750

What Is a Permit-Ready Code Compliance Check?

A strategic pre-permit review designed to identify potential building code compliance issues before formal DOB submission. Our 25+ years of Washington, DC permit expertise helps you avoid costly delays and re-submissions.

Identify code compliance red flags early
Minimize permit rejection risks
Reduce project delays
Save time and money on re-submissions
Peace of mind before permit submission

Comprehensive Review Areas

Safety & Egress

Emergency exit compliance
Stairway and corridor requirements
Window egress standards
Occupancy load calculations

Fire & Life Safety

Fire separation requirements
Smoke detection systems
Fire-rated assemblies
Emergency lighting standards

Accessibility

ADA compliance review
Accessible route verification
Bathroom accessibility
Parking and entrances

Structural

Load-bearing walls
Foundation modifications
Seismic compliance basics

Zoning

Setback requirements
Height restrictions
Use compliance verification

How It Works

Document Review: Submit your project plans and specifications
Code Analysis: Our experts review against DC building codes
Issue Identification: Highlight compliance red flags
Detailed Report: Written findings & recommendations
Consultation: Follow-up call to discuss next steps

Investment: $750

Our review pays for itself by preventing just one rejection or re-submission.

Get Started Today

Why Choose MCG?

25+ Years of DC permit expertise
Thousands of successful approvals
Relationships with DOB reviewers
Personalized service from our principal consultant

Ready to Avoid Permit Delays?

Call us today or request a free consultation to secure your code compliance check.

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