Washington DC accepts code violation reports through 311 by phone, online at 311.dc.gov, or through the DC 311 mobile app. The Department of Buildings (DOB) handles building code violations and illegal construction. DCRA handles housing code inspections.
Washington DC residents can report code violations through the 311 system by dialing 311 (or 202-737-4404), online at 311.dc.gov, or through the DC 311 mobile app. The DC Department of Buildings (DOB), which assumed functions from DCRA, investigates building code violations and illegal construction. Residents can submit an Illegal Construction Inspection Request Form directly through DOB's website. Housing code inspections are handled through a separate process. Common reportable issues include illegal construction, unpermitted work, unsafe structures, property maintenance violations, and zoning infractions. After filing, a case number is assigned for tracking. DOB issues two types of enforcement notices: a Notice of Violation (NOV) ordering property owners to fix violations within a mandatory time period, and a Notice of Infraction (NOI) if violations are not corrected in time. Reports can be filed anonymously. The Office of Planning also accepts reports about illegal work that may affect zoning compliance.
No penalty for reporting. Confirmed violations result in NOV or NOI. Repeat infractions: fines up to $4,000.
Washington, DC
Washington DC does not regulate lawn ornaments on private property through a specific ordinance. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape eleme...
Washington, DC
Washington DC has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays on private property. The primary city concerns are (1) public-space e...
Washington, DC
The District of Columbia does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. City-wide regulation is limited to...
Washington, DC
Washington DC requires Department of Buildings (DOB) permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that involve gas line installation, electrical work, plumbing, or ...
Washington, DC
Washington DC has no smoker-specific ordinance, but smokers and wood-fired ovens are open-flame cooking devices subject to IFC Section 308.1.4 in multi-famil...
Washington, DC
Washington DC adopts the International Fire Code (IFC) as the DC Fire Code (12-G DCMR). IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal and other open-flame cooking d...
See how Washington's how to report rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.