The DC Construction Codes (12 DCMR Title 12-A) require new and replacement low-slope roofs to meet ENERGY STAR cool-roof reflectance standards, reducing urban heat island effects and helping meet Carbon-Neutral 2050 targets.
Under 12-A DCMR Section C402.3 (DC Energy Conservation Code), all new and replacement roofs with a slope below 2:12 must use materials with three-year aged solar reflectance of at least 0.55 and thermal emittance of 0.75, or meet a Solar Reflectance Index of 64. The rule applies to commercial buildings and most multifamily over three stories. DCRA's Building Plans Review Branch verifies compliance during permit review. Exceptions exist for vegetated green roofs, ballasted systems, and rooftop solar arrays, all of which provide equivalent heat-island benefits under DOEE's cool-surfaces guidance.
Permit applications failing to specify cool-roof materials are denied. Post-installation deficiencies trigger stop-work orders and require re-roofing at owner expense before a certificate of occupancy issues.
Washington, DC
DC requires new buildings over 50,000 square feet to meet the Green Building Act, encouraging vegetated roofs, cool pavement, and tree canopy expansion to co...
Washington, DC
DC enforces comprehensive stormwater management regulations under 21 DCMR Chapter 5 (Sections 501-547), administered by the Department of Energy and Environm...
See how Washington's cool roof requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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