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 Special Event Permit Expediting — Fast, Reliable, Compliant

Planning a festival, pop-up, block party, or celebration? We’ll handle the permits so you can focus on making it unforgettable.

Schedule a Free Consultation: 202-729-8272

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Why Hire a DC-Based Permit Expediter for Events

Quick, Compliant, Hassle-Free Permitting

Planning a special event in DC comes with complex regulations and long agency wait times. We cut through the red tape — managing every step of the permitting process so your event stays on schedule and compliant with local laws.

What We Handle:

DC special event permit applications
Street closures & public space permits
Security, fire, and health department approvals
Noise and alcohol permits
Coordination with DDOT, DCRA, MPD, and more

Bonus: We speak agency. Let us deal with the forms, timelines, and follow-ups.

Contact Us For Free Permit Evaluation

Our Special Event Permit Services in Washington, DC

We manage every step of the permitting process so you can stay focused on your event goals.

✅ Full-Service Event Permit Expediting:

Event site plan preparation
Submission of permit applications
Liaison with DC agencies (DDOT, DCRA, MPD, etc.)
Application tracking & follow-up
Compliance reviews & risk mitigation
Emergency / rush permits (when available)

📋 Permits We Expedite for These Event Types:

Corporate events (conferences, galas, launches)
Festivals & street fairs
Parades, rallies & marches
Pop-up shops & mobile brand activations
Fundraisers & nonprofit events
Film, TV, and commercial shoots
Weddings & private functions
Road races & athletic events
Cultural & community celebrations
Public art installations

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Corporate Event Permitting Is Our Specialty

From government buildings to public plazas, we’re experienced in securing permits for high-visibility, time-sensitive corporate events.

🏢 Common Corporate Event Types We Support:

Product launches & tech unveilings
Executive receptions & donor galas
Business conferences & summits
Internal milestone celebrations
Corporate video & photo shoots
Experiential marketing activations

Expect white-glove service, fast turnarounds, and deep knowledge of DC permitting workflows.

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Who Relies on Our Permit Expediting Services

Corporate event planners & producers
PR & marketing agencies
Government contractors
Nonprofit organizations
Event production & logistics firms

How It Works

3 Easy Steps to Get Your Event Approved

1. Request a Consultation
Tell us about your event — we’ll evaluate what permits you need.

2. We Handle the Paperwork
We prepare, submit, and track all required documents.

3. You Get Approved
We follow up with agencies, address feedback, and deliver your permit on time.

Why DC Clients Choose Us for Permit Expediting

⏱️ Fast Turnarounds — Avoid delays and missed deadlines

📍 Local Experts — Deep relationships with DC agencies

✅ Accurate, Compliant Applications — Reduce rejections

📬 Transparent Communication — Stay informed from start to finish

Trusted by Event Planners Across DC

Lori M., Festival Coordinator

“We were completely overwhelmed trying to plan our festival in DC—until we found MCG Permits. They handled every permit, every agency, and kept us on track the whole way.”

Let’s Get Your Event Approved — Start Today

Avoid delays, fines, or cancellations. Let a local expert handle your permitting with speed and precision.

Call us for a free consultation: 202-729-8272

Tell us about your event