Before You Build in Washington, DC: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

DC requires a 4-foot self-closing self-latching barrier around all private pools under the DC Construction Code adopting IRC Appendix G. Hot tubs with lockable covers may be exempt from full fencing.

Retaining walls over 4 feet in DC require a building permit from the Department of Buildings and must meet the DC Construction Code. Walls on property lines require both neighbor notification and engineered drawings.

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 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 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.

Washington DC requires a combined building, plumbing, and electrical permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) for any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool. Pools must comply with the DC Construction Codes (Title 12-A DCMR), which adopt the 2015 IRC including Appendix G (swimming pool barriers).

Washington DC requires a permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) for hot tubs and spas, including electrical permits for hardwired units. Spas are regulated as pools under the DC Construction Codes. A locked safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 may substitute for a full pool barrier on some small spas.

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 barrier requirements.

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.

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 per unit.

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 does not recognize tiny homes on wheels as legal dwellings. Permanent tiny homes on foundations must meet full DC Construction Code and zoning minimum lot and setback rules. Accessory dwelling units are allowed as a separate pathway.

Washington DC requires a building permit for carports through the Department of Buildings (DOB). Carports are regulated as accessory structures under the DC Zoning Regulations (Title 11 DCMR) and must comply with rear yard, side yard, and lot occupancy limits for the applicable residential zone (R-1 through R-5).

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.

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 12-H DCMR 308.1.4.

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.

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.

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.