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.

What Is a Permit Expeditor?

Your partner in navigating DC’s complex permitting process — saving time, avoiding delays, and keeping projects moving forward.

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The Role of a DC Permit Expeditor

A man in a suit hands a document to another man in a blue button-up shirt at an office counter of the DC Department of Buildings, with a sign that reads "Permit Applications" and a clock displaying 10:30 AM.

A permit expeditor is a professional who manages the permitting process on behalf of property owners, contractors, architects, and developers. In Washington, DC, where building codes and agency approvals can be complex, an expeditor ensures applications are completed correctly, submitted to the right agencies, and tracked until approval.

Why You Need a Permit Expeditor in Washington, DC

Illustration of permit challenges with torn documents showing approved and denied stamps, construction workers, a construction barrier, and a government building in the background.

🕒 Save Time – Faster approvals by avoiding rejections and errors.

🏛️ Agency Expertise – We know DC Department of Buildings (DOB), DDOT, and zoning requirements inside and out.

📑 Error-Free Submissions – Proper documentation from the start reduces costly back-and-forth.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Trusted Partner – Contractors, architects, and property owners rely on expeditors to simplify the process.

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What We Expedite in Washington, DC

Building permits (residential + commercial)
Certificates of Occupancy (COO)
Public space permits (DDOT)
Traffic control plans
Historic property approvals
Roofing, decks, additions, new construction

How the Permit Expediting Process Works

Project Review: Assess the project and identify required permits.
Document Preparation: Collect drawings, applications, and supporting materials.
Agency Submission: File with DOB, DDOT, and other agencies as needed.
Follow-Up & Corrections: Address agency comments and revisions quickly.
Approval & Delivery: Obtain permits and deliver them to the client.

Infographic titled 'Our Streamlined 5-Step Permit Process' with numbered steps: 1. Project Assessment, 2. Application Prep, 3. Agency Coordination, 4. Tracking & Revisions, 5. Final Approval. At the bottom, text reads 'MCG Permits – Washington, DC Permit Experts'.

Benefits of Hiring a Permit Expeditor in DC

20+ years of local experience.
Established relationships with DC reviewers.
95% first-time approval rate.
Trusted by contractors, architects, and property managers across Washington, DC.

“MCG Permits handled our complex zoning and building permits with professionalism and speed. We couldn’t have moved forward without them”

— Sara L, DC Homeowner

Don’t let permits slow you down. Partner with DC’s leading permit expeditors and keep your project on track.

Hours
Monday–Friday
9am–6pm

Phone
(202) 729-8272

Email
sayhello@mcgpermits.com