Local rules and regulations for District of Columbia, District of Columbia. Population: 689,545.
Verified from official government sources
Select a topic to see District of Columbia's rules on that subject.
DC food trucks must obtain a Mobile Roadway Vendor (MRV) or Mobile Delicatessen license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), a DC Health mobile food unit permit, and a Clean Hands certificate. Operators pay annual fees of roughly $755 and must operate…
DC food trucks operate under the Mobile Roadway Vending (MRV) program run by DLCP and DDOT. Trucks must vend from designated Vending Development Zones or metered roadway locations obtained via monthly lottery. Popular zones include Farragut Square, Franklin Square, Metro Center…
All DC rental housing providers must hold a Basic Business License in the Housing: Residential-Rental category before leasing a unit, per DC Code section 47-2828 and DCMR 14-200. The license requires a Certificate of Occupancy, Clean Hands certification, and registration with…
DC has full just-cause eviction protection for virtually all residential tenants under DC Code section 42-3505.01. A landlord may not terminate a tenancy or refuse to renew a lease except for 10 enumerated grounds, including nonpayment, lease violation, illegal activity, owner…
DC has one of the nation's oldest and strongest rent stabilization programs under the Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Code section 42-3501.01 et seq.). Buildings built before 1976 with 5 or more units are covered. 2024-2025 annual increase cap is CPI-W plus 2 percent (maximum 6…
Rooftop solar in DC requires a Department of Buildings permit for structural and electrical work under DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12-A et seq., based on 2017 IRC/IBC). DC offers expedited SolarPlus residential review, typically 10 business days. The Solar for All program and…
DC's Solar Rights Act (DC Code section 6-1451.04) prohibits condo associations and HOAs from banning solar collectors on limited common elements appurtenant to a unit and requires approval of reasonable installations. Associations may impose reasonable aesthetic conditions but…
DC medical cannabis dispensaries are licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) under the Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022. Dispensaries must be in Commercial or Mixed-Use zones, maintain 300-foot buffers from schools and recreation centers…
Under Initiative 71 (DC Law 20-153), DC adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants at home, with no more than 3 mature flowering plants at a time, and possess up to 2 ounces of cannabis. Growing and possession are legal but sales remain prohibited under the Harris Rider…
DC property maintenance rules under DCMR Title 14 apply to yard sales to prevent accumulation and blight. Items must be stored behind the front building line between sale days, and unsold items cannot remain displayed at the curb or in the front yard after the sale ends. Signs…
The Winter Sidewalk Safety Amendment Act of 2015 requires DC property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks within 8 daylight hours of the end of a snowfall. Residential first offense is $25; commercial first offense is $150. DC also offers Resident Snow Team…
Vacant lots in DC must be maintained free of weeds over 10 inches, trash, and debris under DCMR 14-805 (Property Maintenance Code) and the Litter Control Act (DC Code section 8-801 et seq.). Weed lots trigger DPW mowing with billing to the owner. Vacant lot registration is not…
DC combats vacant and blighted property through the Department of Buildings' Vacant Property Unit under DC Code section 42-3131.05 et seq. Vacant buildings pay 5 percent of assessed value in tax (Class 3), and blighted buildings pay 10 percent (Class 4). The Nuisance Abatement…
DC regulates trash bin placement and storage under DCMR 21-700 (Department of Public Works) and the Property Maintenance Code (DCMR 14-805). Bins must be stored in the rear yard or alley between collection days. Supercans and recycling bins may be placed for collection after…
DC STR hosts must maintain liability insurance of at least $250,000 per occurrence under DC Code section 47-2828.01(c)(4) and DCMR 14-9. Coverage can be obtained through a dedicated policy or through the hosting platform's host protection program if it meets the $250,000…
DC's Short-Term Rental Regulation Act (DC Law 22-307, DC Code section 47-2828.01) limits occupancy and operations. Hosts may rent their primary residence as a short-term rental only, with no more than 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. Un-hosted stays are capped at…
Short-term rental guests in DC are subject to the same noise regulations as all residents under 20 DCMR Chapters 27-28. Quiet hours of 10 PM to 7 AM apply, with residential limits of 55 dBA nighttime. Hosts are responsible for ensuring guest compliance.
DC does not impose specific off-street parking requirements for short-term rentals. STR guests must follow standard street parking rules, including the Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program under 18 DCMR 2411-2413. Non-RPP vehicles face a 2-hour limit on permit blocks.
DC requires a license to operate any short-term rental under the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-307, DC Code 30-201.01 et seq.). Two license types exist: Short-Term Rental (host present, unlimited nights) and Vacation Rental (host absent, max 90 nights per…
DC imposes a 15.95% transient accommodations tax on all short-term rental stays, effective through March 30, 2027. Hosts must collect and remit this tax. The two-year STR license costs $104.50 through DLCP.
Keeping chickens and livestock in DC is tightly restricted. Under DC Code section 8-1808 and DCMR Title 24 Chapter 9, it is unlawful to keep hogs, cattle, sheep, goats, horses, or poultry including chickens within the District except under specific permits. DC is essentially a…
DC prohibits intentional feeding of deer, raccoons, rats, pigeons, and waterfowl in public parks and property under DCMR 19-700 (DPR parks) and DC Code section 8-2004 (rat abatement). Feeding that creates a nuisance or attracts rats is grounds for an order from DC Health. Bird…
DC requires all dogs to be on a leash in public areas under DC Code 8-1808, with designated off-leash dog parks as the exception. All dogs over 4 months must be licensed annually with proof of rabies and distemper vaccination under DC Code 8-1804.
Washington DC has no breed-specific legislation. DC Code Chapter 19 (8-1901 et seq.) uses a behavior-based approach to dangerous dogs, focusing on individual animal conduct rather than breed. No breeds are banned or subject to special requirements.
DC regulates exotic pet ownership under DC Code 8-1801 through 8-1814 and the DC Health Department. Certain wild and dangerous animals are prohibited. The Animal Care and Control Omnibus Amendment Act of 2022 requires pet stores to sell only shelter or rescue animals.
Beekeeping is permitted in Washington DC. DOEE oversees urban beekeeping with standard practices for hive placement and colony numbers based on lot size. No specific license is required for small-scale residential beekeeping.
Hot tubs and spas in DC require a Department of Buildings electrical permit for the 240V circuit and must meet the same barrier rules as swimming pools (DCMR 12-A Appendix G), unless equipped with an ASTM F1346 locking safety cover. Installation must respect zoning setbacks…
DC requires a Department of Buildings construction permit for all in-ground and above-ground pools with a water depth of 24 inches or more. DC Health (DOH) regulates semi-public and public pools under DCMR Title 25. Plan review includes barrier compliance, plumbing, electrical…
DC requires a minimum 48-inch barrier around residential pools with water over 24 inches deep under the Property Maintenance Code. Public and semi-public pools require 72-inch barriers under 25-C DCMR 6439. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching.
DC pools must comply with the Swimming Pool and Spa Code (12-L DCMR) and the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB Act). Anti-entrapment drain covers are required. New construction associated with pool structures requires fire sprinklers.
Above-ground pools in DC with water over 24 inches deep are subject to the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. DOB permits may be required depending on size and permanent installation. Temporary inflatable pools under 24 inches deep are generally exempt from…
DC does not impose specific garage sale hour restrictions, but sales are bounded by the general noise ordinance (60 dBA daytime cap) and DCMR Title 24 section 108 on public space activity. Most sellers operate 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. Sales that extend past…
DC does not impose a specific annual cap on residential yard sales, but ongoing or frequent sales may be reclassified as unlicensed retail activity under DC Code section 47-2851.03 (Basic Business License). In practice, 3-4 sales per year at a single address is the informal…
DC does not require a permit or license for residential yard sales held on private property, making it one of the more permissive East Coast jurisdictions. However, sales cannot take place in public space without a DDOT Public Space permit, and signage on utility poles is…
Political signs on DC private property are protected speech under the First Amendment and are largely unregulated in size or number on residential lots per DCMR Title 13. Signs in public space (tree boxes, lampposts, bus shelters) are governed by DCMR 24-108 and generally must…
DC restricts garage and yard sale signs in the public right-of-way. Signs may be posted on private property without a permit, but attaching signs to lampposts, traffic signs, trees, or tree boxes violates DCMR 24-108 and the District's Tree Preservation rules. Signs must be…
DC places minimal restrictions on residential holiday decorations. No permit is required for typical lights, inflatables, or seasonal displays on private property. Displays must not obstruct public sidewalks, block sightlines at intersections, or violate the noise ordinance…
DC fence materials are governed by DC Zoning Regulations (DCMR Title 11) section C-1404 and the Construction Code. Wood, wrought iron, brick, masonry, and vinyl are permitted. Barbed and razor wire are prohibited in residential zones. Historic districts (Georgetown, Capitol…
Retaining walls in DC require a DOB building permit when over 4 feet tall measured from the bottom of the footing or when supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, slope). Engineered plans stamped by a DC-licensed professional engineer are required for permitted walls per…
All residential pools and spas in DC must be enclosed by a barrier meeting the 2017 DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12-A Appendix G, based on IRC Appendix G). Minimum barrier height is 48 inches, gates must self-close and self-latch with the release at least 54 inches above grade…
DC fence heights are regulated under 12-A DCMR 3112. Residential zones allow fences up to 7 feet abutting a street. Commercial and mixed-use zones permit up to 10 feet. Historic districts limit front fences to 3 feet 6 inches between the front facade and front lot line.
DC requires written agreements for party line fences exceeding standard height limits (7 ft residential, 10 ft commercial) under 12-A DCMR 3112. The agreement must be filed with the code official. Standard property line fences require proper setback from the public right-of-way.
DC requires a permit application with an official building plat showing the proposed fence location. Zoning Administrator approval is needed under 12-A DCMR 3112. An exception exists for replacing an existing lawful fence of the same extent, location, height, and grade.
DC zoning caps lot occupancy (not impervious surface) at percentages ranging from 40% in R-1 detached zones to 100% in downtown commercial zones. R-4 row house zones cap at 60%. The 2016 zoning also introduced FAR (floor area ratio) and pervious surface requirements. Green Area…
DC building heights are capped by the federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910 (40 USC section 6611), which limits buildings to the width of the street plus 20 feet, with absolute caps of 130 feet on commercial streets and 90 feet in residential zones. This federal statute makes…
DC setbacks are established in the 2016 DC Zoning Regulations (DCMR Title 11) and vary dramatically by zone. R-1 detached residential zones require 20-40 foot front yards and 8-foot side yards, while R-4 row house zones have no side setbacks. Rear setbacks are typically 20 feet…
DC has some of the most aggressive stormwater rules in the US. DOEE's 2013 Stormwater Regulations (21 DCMR 5) require any project disturbing 5,000+ square feet of land or 50% of an existing site to retain 1.2 inches of runoff on-site through green infrastructure. The Stormwater…
DC requires Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) plans for all land-disturbing activity exceeding 50 square feet, one of the strictest thresholds in the US. DOEE administers the program under 21 DCMR Chapter 5 Section 540 and the Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act of 1977…
DC's waterfront development on the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers is subject to federal Army Corps of Engineers Section 404/10 permits, DOEE wetland regulations, National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) review, and the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative. Riparian buffers of 25-50…
DC grading work is regulated under the DC Construction Codes (12-A and 12-G) and requires a Department of Buildings Excavation and Sheeting & Shoring permit for any excavation. Grading must not redirect runoff onto neighboring properties. Retaining walls over 4 feet require…
DC's floodplain management is administered by DOEE under 20 DCMR Chapter 31. A 2025 rule expanded the regulated area to include the 500-year floodplain in addition to the 100-year floodplain. DC participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Key flood-risk areas…
DC regulates door-to-door commercial solicitation through the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection under DCMR Title 17 and the Hawkers and Peddlers licensing regime. Commercial solicitors must obtain a Solicitor or Peddler Basic Business License, submit to MPD…
DC residents may post 'No Solicitation' signs at their entrances, which licensed commercial solicitors must honor under DCMR Title 17 section 509. DC does not maintain a centralized no-knock registry like some suburban jurisdictions, but MPD and OAG enforce sign-based refusals…
DC Fire and EMS and the Department of Buildings enforce property maintenance under DCMR Title 14 Chapter 8 and the 2017 DC Fire Code (NFPA-based). Vacant lots and overgrown properties must be kept free of combustibles, debris, and excessive vegetation. Although wildfire risk is…
DC has no designated wildfire hazard zones and no defensible space ordinance. The District's urban fabric, high building density, and minimal wildland-urban interface make wildfire risk negligible. Rock Creek Park and other NPS properties follow federal wildfire management…
Open burning is prohibited in DC under 20 DCMR 604.1. Exceptions exist only for firefighter training, recreational cooking, and approved worker heating devices. Charcoal grills are banned on balconies and within 10 feet of buildings under 12-H DCMR 308.1.4.
Residential fire pits in DC are heavily restricted due to the open burning prohibition under 20 DCMR 604.1. Only recreational cooking fires at ground level with proper clearance from buildings are permitted. Open-flame devices must be at least 10 feet from any building under…
Most fireworks are illegal in Washington DC under 12-H DCMR 5601/5609. Only limited novelty items such as sparklers under 20 inches, fountains, and paper caps are permitted. Possession of illegal fireworks carries a minimum $2,000 fine.
Carports in DC are treated as accessory structures under DCMR Title 11 Subtitle D and require a Department of Buildings building permit. Typical rear yard setbacks are 5 feet from side and rear property lines, with maximum accessory structure height of 20 feet and lot coverage…
DC does not have a dedicated tiny home zoning category. Foundation-built tiny homes must meet the 2017 DC Construction Codes (IRC with DC amendments) and the Zoning Regulations' minimum dwelling standards. Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOWs) are classified as RVs under DC Code section…
DC allows accessory dwelling units (called 'Accessory Apartments') in most residential zones under 11 DCMR. Detached ADUs have a max footprint of 450 sq ft or 30% of rear yard. Attached ADUs are limited to 35% of the principal residence's gross floor area. Maximum 3 occupants…
DC exempts a single storage shed up to 10 feet high and 6x8 feet from building permits. Sheds over 50 sq ft are classified as accessory buildings with additional requirements. Sheds may be placed in required rear and side yards under 11 DCMR.
Garage conversions in DC require DOB building permits and must comply with 11 DCMR zoning regulations. Converting a garage to habitable space triggers building code requirements including fire sprinklers for new construction, egress, electrical, and plumbing upgrades.
DC licenses home-based child care through the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) under DCMR Title 5-A Chapter 1 and DC Code section 4-401. Home caregivers may serve up to 5 children (child development home) or 6-12 children (expanded home) depending on…
DC's Cottage Food Act (DC Law 21-263, DC Code section 48-102 et seq.) permits home-based production and sale of non-potentially hazardous foods up to $25,000 annually. Producers must register with DC Health and complete food safety training. Allowed products include baked goods…
DC home occupations are restricted from displaying external signage beyond what zoning regulations allow under 11 DCMR. In most residential zones, no commercial signage is permitted for home businesses to maintain residential neighborhood character.
DC allows home occupations in residential zones under 11 DCMR (Zoning Regulations of 2016) with a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) from the DOB's Zoning Administrator. The business must be in the practitioner's principal residence and compatible with residential character.
DC's home occupation regulations under 11 DCMR limit customer visits and employee counts to maintain residential neighborhood character. Tutoring is capped at 5 students at a time. The Zoning Administrator considers cumulative impact of traffic from home businesses.
Commercial drone operations in DC require FAA Part 107 certification plus specific authorization to operate within the National Capital Region SFRA/FRZ. Most commercial flights within 15 NM of DCA require a Statement of Work approval from the TSA and a DCA tower or USSS…
Washington DC sits inside the Federal Aviation Administration's National Capital Region Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and the 15-nautical-mile Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) around Reagan National Airport. Recreational drone flight is effectively prohibited anywhere within 15…
DC outdoor lighting is regulated by the DC Energy Conservation Code (12-I DCMR based on IECC) and the DC Public Space Lighting Standards. Exterior lighting must use shielded fixtures, LED 3000K or below is preferred, and commercial properties must not exceed specified…
DC light trespass complaints are handled through DOB Property Maintenance under DCMR 14-802 (nuisance) and DC Code 22-1321 (nuisance/disorderly). Residential fixtures aimed or shielded improperly so that illumination falls on neighboring property can be cited as a private…
DC strongly encourages rainwater harvesting and offers incentives through the DOEE RiverSmart Homes program, including subsidized rain barrels for as little as $45. Rain barrels up to 500 gallons are exempt from plumbing permits. Cisterns over 500 gallons or connected to indoor…
DC actively encourages native plant landscaping through the RiverSmart Homes program (DOEE) which subsidizes native garden installations, rain gardens, and tree plantings. There is no District mandate for native species, but DOEE publishes a recommended Native Plant List. HOAs…
DC generally discourages but does not ban artificial turf on private property. DOEE's Stormwater Management Guidebook excludes synthetic turf from counting toward pervious surface credits, and the Tree Protection Act (DC Code 8-651) restricts turf installation in tree protection…
The Department of Buildings enforces DC's weed and vegetation standards under DCMR Title 14 section 802 and DC Code section 8-2103. Grass and weeds over 4 inches on residential property and 10 inches on vacant lots trigger notices of violation. DC also maintains a noxious weed…
DC limits grass and weeds to 8 inches under the Property Maintenance Code (12-G DCMR 302). The Housing Code (14 DCMR 800.10) prohibits untended vegetation over 10 inches. Enforcement season runs May through October, with fines of $500 or more for violations.
DC does not have a permanent outdoor watering ban. DC Water may impose seasonal restrictions during drought conditions. DOEE promotes water conservation through voluntary programs and incentives. The District encourages rain gardens and permeable surfaces.
DC has strong tree removal protections. Trees 44-100 inches in circumference require a removal permit from DDOT's Urban Forestry Division. Heritage Trees over 100 inches cannot be removed. The Urban Forest Preservation Act mandates replacement planting for removed trees.
DC strongly protects its urban forest under the Urban Forest Preservation Act and Tree Canopy Protection Act. A permit from DDOT's Urban Forestry Division is required to prune or remove any street tree. Heritage Trees (100+ inch circumference) cannot be removed.
Under DCMR Title 21 section 707, DC Supercans must be placed within 4 feet of the curb or alley line on collection day and stored out of public view between pickups. Cans placed on sidewalks blocking pedestrian access, left at the curb overnight after pickup, or visible from the…
DC mandates recycling for all residents, businesses, and institutions under the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Amendment Act (DC Law 20-154) and DCMR Title 21 Chapter 10. Single-stream recycling accepts paper, cardboard, metal, glass, and plastics #1, #2, and #5…
DC residents in DPW-serviced buildings can schedule up to 10 bulk items per pickup via the 311 system, with next-available collection typically 1-2 weeks out. Appliances must have refrigerants reclaimed. Electronics, tires, and hazardous waste must be taken to the Fort Totten…
The Department of Public Works provides weekly trash and recycling collection to approximately 107,000 DC households in buildings of 3 or fewer units. Buildings with 4+ units must contract with private haulers. Supercans must be placed at the curb or alley no earlier than 6:30…
Amplified music in DC is regulated under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 27 and DC Code section 22-1321 (disorderly conduct). Residential noise limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime at the property line. Public amplified events require a Public Space permit from DDOT plus MPD…
The District of Columbia enforces one of the nation's strictest leaf blower laws. Under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018 (DC Law 22-169), the sale and use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers has been banned District-wide since January 1, 2022. Only electric and…
DC treats excessive dog barking as a noise disturbance under 20 DCMR Chapters 27-28 and as a potential animal control issue under DC Code 8-1808. Dogs causing persistent noise that disturbs neighbors may result in citations from Animal Care and Control or DOEE noise enforcement.
DC regulates construction noise under 20 DCMR 2803, with specific decibel limits for construction activities in residential zones. Construction work generating excessive noise is generally restricted during nighttime quiet hours (10 PM to 7 AM) and requires DOB permits.
Washington DC enforces noise control under 20 DCMR Chapters 27-28, with residential limits of 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime measured at the property line. Quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM, during which enforcement may rely on subjective disturbance assessment rather than…
When Special Trees are removed in DC, owners must either plant replacement trees on-site or pay into the DC Tree Fund at $55 per inch of removed circumference. DDOT Urban Forestry plants approximately 8,000 street trees annually. Replacement trees must come from the approved…
The Urban Forestry Division of DDOT regulates all street trees, and DOEE administers the Urban Forestry Preservation Act for private-property trees. Any tree with a circumference of 44 inches or more (about 14 inches DBH) is a 'Special Tree'; 100+ inch circumference trees are…
Under the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016 (DC Law 21-145), any tree 100+ inches in circumference (roughly 32 inches DBH) is designated a Heritage Tree and effectively cannot be removed from private property except when DOEE certifies it hazardous. The Act also…
DC parks close at dusk or posted hours under DCMR Title 19 section 700 (DPR) and 36 CFR Part 7.96 (NPS). Most Department of Parks and Recreation facilities are closed 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. National Park Service lands including the Mall, Rock Creek Park, and monumental core close…
District Of Columbia enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
DC has no citywide overnight parking ban, but Residential Parking Permit (RPP) zones limit non-residents to 2 hours on weekdays 7 AM-8:30 PM. Out-of-state vehicles garaged in DC for 30-plus days must register under DC Code section 50-1501.03(a-1). Commercial vehicles face added…
DC promotes EV charging through the Clean Energy DC Act and the Green Building Act. New construction must provide EV-ready or EV-installed parking under DCMR 12-A section 429 and the 2017 DC Construction Codes. Residential Level 2 chargers require a DOB electrical permit. Condos…
DC prohibits abandoned vehicles on public streets after 72 hours of continuous parking under DC Code section 50-2421.02 and DCMR 18-2405. Vehicles with expired tags, flat tires, or extensive damage may be booted, ticketed, and towed. Vehicles stored in public view on private…
DC restricts parking of oversized vehicles on residential streets. Vehicles over 22 feet are ineligible for RPP permits under 18 DCMR 2411-2413. RVs and boats parked on streets are subject to the same time limits and may be tagged as abandoned if left for more than 72 hours.
DC operates a Residential Permit Parking (RPP) program under 18 DCMR 2411-2413 covering over 4,100 blocks. Non-permit vehicles face a 2-hour limit during enforcement hours. RPP fees start at $50/year for the first vehicle, increasing for additional vehicles.
DC requires DDOT permits for curb cuts and driveway access under 24 DCMR. Driveways connecting to public space need public space permits. Blocking a sidewalk or crosswalk when parking in a driveway is prohibited. Driveway width and design must meet DDOT standards.
Commercial vehicles, vehicles over 22 feet, and buses are ineligible for residential parking permits under 18 DCMR 2411-2413. Commercial vehicles face additional parking restrictions in residential zones and may not be stored long-term on residential streets.
These cities are located within District of Columbia and may have their own ordinances.
Ordinance data for District of Columbia is sourced from the following official government references. Click any topic above for detailed citations.