Pop. 689,545 · District of Columbia
The DC Short-Term Rental Regulation Act (DC Law 22-307) requires hosts to register, obtain a Basic Business License, and limit non-hosted bookings to 90 nights per year. Unhosted whole-home rentals beyond 90 nights are prohibited.
Under DC's Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018, a unit listed on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms must be the host's primary residence — investor-owned ghost listings are flatly prohibited.
DC distinguishes hosted stays (host on-site) from unhosted whole-unit rentals; unhosted rentals from a primary residence are capped at 90 nights per calendar year, while hosted stays face no night cap.
DC encourages EV charging with rebates through DOEE and allows public right-of-way charging via DDOT's curbside EV pilot. Multifamily buildings over 50 units built after 2022 must provide EV-ready parking under the Green Building Act.
DC requires a Residential Permit Parking (RPP) sticker for overnight street parking in most residential zones. Non-residents are generally limited to 2 hours during restricted periods, with some zones enforcing 24/7.
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.
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.
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.
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 property with inoperable condition violate DCMR 18-2406 and DCMR 14-805.
DC requires a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) from the Department of Buildings and a Basic Business License for any business operated from a residence. Clients on-site are limited and employees non-resident are prohibited.
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.
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 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 license tier. Zoning approval plus Basic Business License from DLCP are also required.
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, candies, jams, dried mixes, and roasted coffee. Direct-to-consumer sales only; no shipping or wholesale.
DC bans all gas-powered leaf blowers citywide as of January 1 2022 under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act (DC Law 22-286). Only electric and battery units are legal. Violations carry $500 fines.
Washington DC sets strict decibel caps under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 27. Residential daytime limit is 60 dBA and nighttime drops to 55 dBA, measured at the receiving property line. DC uses both meter-based and plainly audible enforcement standards.
DC requires a Public Space permit and noise variance for outdoor amplified music. Rooftop bars and restaurants on 14th Street, U Street, and H Street NE operate under ABRA entertainment endorsements with strict sound controls.
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.
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 decibel readings.
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.
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 coordination, and nightlife venues operate under ABCA license conditions.
DC prohibits open burning of yard waste, trash, and recreational bonfires citywide under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 6. Only small contained cooking fires (grills, chimineas on noncombustible surfaces) are allowed on private property.
DC requires interconnected smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area under the DC Construction Codes. Rentals must have 10-year sealed lithium-battery alarms per DC Law 20-206.
Washington DC has no formal wildfire hazard zones. The District is fully urbanized with limited wildland interface, and fire risk is governed by standard International Fire Code adoption rather than wildland-urban interface rules.
DC limits propane cylinder storage on residential properties under the DC Fire Code, generally allowing two 20-pound grill cylinders outdoors and prohibiting indoor storage of LPG except for very small permitted appliances.
DC does not have wildfire defensible-space rules but requires owners to keep grass and weeds under ten inches and to remove dead vegetation that could spread fire, under DC Code 8-1308 property maintenance provisions.
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.
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 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.
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 Hill, Dupont, Mount Pleasant, etc.) require Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) approval before installation or replacement.
DC prohibits feeding wildlife including deer, raccoons, foxes, and feral cats under DCMR Title 19 Chapter 20. The rule aims to reduce nuisance habituation and rabies risk. Songbird feeding is generally allowed.
DC prosecutes animal hoarding under the Animal Protection Amendment Act, allowing seizure when an owner keeps more animals than they can humanely care for, causing neglect or unsanitary conditions.
Washington DC does not require cat licensing but mandates rabies vaccination at four months and discourages free-roaming. Community cats are managed through trap-neuter-return coordinated with the Humane Rescue Alliance.
Washington DC generally prohibits keeping chickens, roosters, and farm livestock in residential zones under DCMR Title 24 Chapter 9. Limited exceptions exist for educational programs and properties zoned for agriculture, which are rare.
DC does not mandate spay or neuter for all pets, but every dog or cat adopted from a DC shelter or rescue must be sterilized before release under DC Code 8-1808 and DOH animal-control regulations.
DC strongly encourages but does not legally require microchipping pets. All licensed DC dogs receive a license tag, and shelters typically microchip animals before adoption to support return-to-owner programs.
DC residential zoning generally allows up to four dogs or cats over four months old per household without a kennel license. Exceeding the limit triggers a multi-pet permit through DOH and zoning review.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Washington DC allows accessory apartments (the District's term for ADUs) by-right in most residential zones (R-1 through R-5) under DC Zoning Regulations Subtitle U § 253. Applicants file a building permit with the Department of Buildings (DOB, formerly DCRA's permitting division). Most R-1 lots can add an internal or detached accessory apartment without zoning relief, though external accessory apartments in R-1 require special exception review by the Board of Zoning Adjustment (BZA).
Washington DC does not charge traditional development impact fees on residential construction, so accessory apartments are not subject to the impact, school, or transportation fees common in California, Colorado, and many suburban jurisdictions. The principal costs are DOB building-permit fees (scaled to construction value), DC Water meter and account fees if a separate meter is added, and standard utility connection charges. Historic district properties pay HPRB review fees.
DC accessory apartments can be rented long-term with a Basic Business License. Short-term rentals (under 31 days) are heavily restricted under the Short-Term Rental Regulation Act of 2018 (D.C. Law 22-307, codified at D.C. Code § 47-2829(j)): STRs are allowed only at the host's primary residence, capped at 90 days per year when the host is not present, and require a separate STR license. An accessory apartment cannot be operated as an Airbnb if the owner does not live in the primary unit, because it is not the host's primary residence.
Washington DC does not require owner-occupancy as a general condition for accessory apartments under Zoning Subtitle U § 253. The principal dwelling and accessory apartment may both be rented, subject to standard DC rental licensing through the Department of Buildings (DOB) Rental Accommodations Division and the Office of Tax and Revenue Clean Hands certification. This places DC among the more permissive jurisdictions nationally, similar to California after AB 881 (2019).
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.
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 encourages rainwater harvesting through DOEE's RiverSmart Homes program, which offers rebates up to $1,000 per rain barrel and cost-share for cisterns. Captured water may be used for irrigation but not potable use.
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 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.
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 zones. Some historic districts prohibit visible artificial turf. PFAS concerns have driven calls for municipal and school use bans.
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 cannot prohibit managed native gardens that comply with property maintenance standards.
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 list through DOEE and conducts annual abatement sweeps on vacant parcels.
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.
Every elevator in DC must be inspected annually by a DCRA-licensed elevator inspector and maintained by a licensed elevator contractor under DC Code 6-1401 and DCMR Title 12-A Chapter 30.
The DC Lead Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act requires landlords of pre-1978 properties to disclose lead hazards, perform clearance inspections, and abate any identified lead paint when a child under six lives there.
DC landlords must keep rental units free of rodents and insects under the housing code, DCMR Title 14 Chapter 8, and respond promptly to infestation reports. Repeated tenant complaints can trigger DCRA inspections and abatement orders.
Any scaffold, sidewalk shed, or supported access platform in DC requires a DCRA construction permit and must follow DC Construction Code Chapter 33, including pedestrian protection, lighting, and load ratings.
DC requires NFPA 13 or 13R sprinkler systems in all new multi-family buildings of three or more units and in many substantial renovations under the DC Construction Code, with DCRA permitting and DC Fire/EMS inspecting installations.
DC childcare centers must meet OSSE licensing rules, DCRA Certificate of Occupancy requirements, fire inspections, and lead and IPM standards before operating, with stricter ratios and exit requirements than ordinary residential or office uses.
DC adopted the IgCC-based Green Construction Code in DCMR Title 12-K, requiring most new commercial and large multi-family projects to meet enhanced energy, water, and material standards alongside the Building Energy Performance Standards program.
DC's Human Rights Act bans housing providers from discriminating against renters based on lawful source of income, including Housing Choice Vouchers, SSI, child support, veterans' benefits, and other lawful payment sources.
DC's Rental Housing Act prohibits landlords from threatening, intimidating, or constructively evicting tenants through utility shutoffs, false eviction notices, or sustained pressure aimed at forcing tenants out.
The DC Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers and Local Rent Supplement Program subsidies; landlords accepting vouchers must pass DCHA inspection and use the agency's HAP contract for rent payments.
DC limits residential security deposits to one month's rent, requires interest-bearing escrow, and obligates landlords to itemize deductions and return the balance within 45 days of move-out.
When a DC landlord displaces tenants for substantial rehab, demolition, condo conversion, or owner-occupancy, the Rental Housing Act requires statutory relocation payments based on bedroom count and household status.
Under DC's just-cause regime, no-fault evictions are permitted only for narrowly defined reasons such as owner-occupancy, substantial rehab, demolition, change of use, or sale to a buyer who will occupy.
All rental properties in DC must be registered with the Department of Buildings (formerly DCRA) and comply with the Housing Code (14 DCMR). Landlords must obtain a Basic Business License with a Rental Housing endorsement and register rent-controlled units with the Rent Administrator.
DC provides strong just-cause eviction protections under the Rental Housing Act (DC Code Section 42-3505.01). Landlords may only evict tenants for specific enumerated reasons, and tenants have the right to cure most violations before eviction proceedings can begin.
DC has one of the strongest rent control programs in the United States under the Rental Housing Act of 1985 (DC Code Section 42-3501.01 et seq.). Rent increases for covered units are capped at CPI + 2% annually (or CPI + 5% for units where the tenant is not elderly or disabled). The 2024 RENTAL Act modified some provisions.
DC's Office of the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services runs the Encampment Protocol, scheduling cleanups with at least 14 days posted notice and partnering with outreach providers before any disposal of property.
Under DC's Homeless Services Reform Act, when temperatures drop below 32 degrees the city activates Hypothermia Alert and must provide shelter to any resident who requests it, with no eligibility prescreening.
Unlike many US cities, DC has no general sit-lie ordinance criminalizing sitting or lying on sidewalks; conduct is regulated through narrow obstruction, panhandling, and federal-property rules rather than a blanket ban.
Licensed DC medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation centers must sit at least 300 feet from any pre-K, elementary, or secondary school, and may not cluster within 300 feet of another dispensary.
DC Initiative 71 (2014) lets adults 21+ grow up to six cannabis plants at home, with no more than three mature flowering at one time, exclusively for personal use.
Because the Harris Amendment blocks taxed retail sales, DC tolerates adult-to-adult gifting under Initiative 71, but commercial "I-71 gifting" delivery shops face crackdown under the 2022 Medical Cannabis Amendment Act.
The DC Medical Cannabis Amendment Act of 2022 created a social equity license tier reserving slots for residents with prior cannabis convictions or who lived in designated disproportionately impacted areas for at least five years.
Under Initiative 71 (effective February 2015) and DC Code Section 48-904.01, DC residents 21 and older may grow up to 6 cannabis plants at home, with no more than 3 being mature at any time. Home cultivation is for personal use only, and sales remain illegal.
DC's medical marijuana program regulates dispensary locations under DC Code Title 7, Chapter 16B and 22-C DCMR. Dispensaries must be at least 300 feet from schools, recreation centers, and youth-serving facilities. Commercial sales for recreational use remain prohibited due to Congressional interference.
DC Code 7-1721.02 bans sale, delivery, and distribution of any tobacco, vape, or nicotine product to anyone under 21, with photo ID required for buyers who appear under 30.
DC's Flavored Tobacco Product Prohibition Amendment Act of 2021 bans retail sale of menthol cigarettes, flavored cigars, flavored vape liquids, and flavored hookah within 300 feet of any school.
Vape shops in DC need a tobacco retail license under DC Code 7-1721.04, must verify ID for buyers under 30, may not sell flavored e-liquids, and must keep all products behind the counter or in locked cases.
DC restaurants must provide plastic straws and stirrers only on request under the Sustainable DC Omnibus Act, and beginning 2024 all single-use stirrers must be compostable.
The Anacostia River Cleanup and Protection Act (DC Disposable Bag Act of 2009) imposes a 5-cent fee on every disposable carryout bag, with funds earmarked for Anacostia River restoration.
The Sustainable DC Omnibus Act bans expanded polystyrene foam food containers, cups, plates, and trays at any DC food service business or institution effective January 2016.
Effective January 2024, DC food service businesses including third-party delivery platforms may provide disposable utensils, napkins, and condiment packets only when customers affirmatively request them.
DC Department of Health inspects food establishments at least twice yearly under DC Code 7-731, posting full inspection reports online and requiring critical violations to be corrected within 10 days.
DC Code 8-2103 requires property owners to keep premises free of rats, with the Rodent Control Division authorized to enter and abate at owner expense, especially after the 2017-2024 rat surge.
DC operates needle exchange programs through DOH-funded providers since Congress lifted the funding ban in 2007, with HIPS, Family Medical and Counseling, and others offering free syringes and sharps containers.
DC landlords must disclose any bed bug infestation in the prior 120 days under DC Code 42-3502.22, treat infestations at the landlord's expense, and provide tenants with educational materials.
DC declared a climate emergency in 2019 and committed to carbon neutrality by 2050 through Sustainable DC 2.0, the Clean Energy DC Act, and the Carbon-Free DC plan administered by DOEE.
DC banned the sale and use of gasoline-powered leaf blowers effective January 1, 2022 under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act of 2018, with enforcement led by DOEE and a $500 civil fine per violation.
DC prohibits idling any motor vehicle for more than three minutes while parked, stopped, or standing under DCMR Title 20 Section 900, enforced by DOEE and MPD with civil fines starting at $1,000 for commercial vehicles.
The Procurement Practices Reform Act and Mayor's Order 2017-018 require District agencies to buy environmentally preferable products, including EPEAT electronics, ENERGY STAR appliances, and recycled-content paper as part of Sustainable DC 2.0 goals.
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.
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 combat heat islands documented by DOEE in vulnerable wards.
DC requires erosion and sediment control plans for all land-disturbing activities under 21 DCMR Chapter 5. Construction sites must implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prevent sediment from leaving the site and entering the District's waterways.
DC enforces comprehensive stormwater management regulations under 21 DCMR Chapter 5 (Sections 501-547), administered by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Projects disturbing 5,000+ sq ft of soil must submit a Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and retain stormwater on-site using green infrastructure.
While DC is not a coastal city, it regulates development along the Anacostia River, Potomac River, and Rock Creek through floodplain management rules and the Anacostia Waterfront Development Zone under DC Code Section 2-1226.36. Waterfront projects face enhanced stormwater and environmental review requirements.
DC participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates construction in FEMA-designated flood zones under 20 DCMR Chapter 31. Buildings in the 100-year floodplain must be elevated or floodproofed, and substantial improvements trigger full compliance requirements.
DC regulates grading and drainage through the Department of Buildings (DOB) and DOEE. Grading permits are required for significant changes to site topography, and all drainage must be directed away from neighboring properties and toward approved stormwater infrastructure.
Washington DC regulates waterfront development along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers through Subtitle C of the 11 DCMR Zoning Regulations, the Anacostia Waterfront Development Zone (AWDZ), and the Comprehensive Plan's waterfront elements.
The DC Comprehensive Plan, last amended 2021, sets the legally binding Future Land Use Map and Generalized Policy Map that the Zoning Commission uses to evaluate planned-unit developments and zoning map amendments.
DC's Inclusionary Zoning program (Title 11 ZR58) grants up to 20% bonus density and floor-area-ratio in exchange for setting aside 8-10% of units as affordable, administered by DHCD with rents tied to the area median income.
DC's zoning regulations allow higher density and reduced parking minimums within a quarter mile of Metro stations under Title 11 Subtitle C, supporting Comprehensive Plan goals to direct 75% of new growth to transit corridors.
Residents must report visible water leaks, broken hydrants, and sewer backups to DC Water (DCWASA) within 24 hours via the 24/7 emergency line, under DC Code 34-2202.05 and DC Water rate schedule rules.
DC Water operates Blue Plains Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant producing Class A biosolids and beneficial-reuse water, reducing Potomac River discharges under EPA Chesapeake Bay TMDL and the Clean Rivers Project consent decree.
DDOT licenses shared dockless scooter operators under the Shared Fleet Devices Permit, capping each operator's fleet, requiring lock-to technology, and enforcing sidewalk riding bans citywide under Title 18 DCMR.
DDOT operates 100+ miles of bike lanes including 30+ miles of protected lanes under Vision Zero (Mayor's Order 2015-291), targeting zero traffic fatalities by 2024 and codifying motor-vehicle parking-in-bike-lane fines at $200.
DDOT manages curb space through metered parking, loading zones, parklets, and Pick-Up/Drop-Off (PUDO) zones for ride-hail under the Curbside Management Study (2020) and 18 DCMR 2400, generating over $90 million annually.
DC's Urban Forestry Division and DOEE share a 40% citywide tree canopy goal under the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act, prioritizing planting in heat-vulnerable Wards 5, 7, and 8 documented at less than 25% canopy.
DC designates trees with a circumference of 100 inches or more as Heritage Trees under the Urban Forest Preservation Act. Heritage Trees have the highest level of protection and generally cannot be removed except when they pose an imminent safety hazard or are dead/dying.
DC requires replacement planting or payment into the DC Tree Fund when protected trees are removed. The number and size of replacement trees depends on the circumference of the removed tree. The Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016 strengthened replacement requirements.
The DC Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act (DC Law 21-259) requires a permit to remove any Special Tree (44-100 inch circumference) and prohibits removal of Heritage Trees over 100 inches except for hazard. Fees and replacement are required.
DC has strong tree protection under the Urban Forest Preservation Act of 2002 (DC Law 14-309) and the Tree Canopy Protection Amendment Act of 2016. Removing any tree with a circumference of 55 inches or more (Special Tree) requires a permit from DDOT's Urban Forestry Division.
The District sets its own minimum wage well above the federal floor, requiring most private employers to pay at least $17.95 per hour with annual CPI adjustments under DC Code 32-1003.
DC operates a fully employer-funded Universal Paid Family Leave program providing up to 12 weeks of partially-paid leave for parental, family-care, medical, and prenatal needs, administered through DOES.
DC has not enacted a citywide predictable-scheduling law, but employers must maintain detailed time records, follow accrued sick and safe leave rules, and post DOES wage-hour notices in every workplace.
Hotels and short-term lodging in DC must collect a 14.95% sales tax on room charges, plus a 1% surcharge dedicated to the Convention Center Marketing Fund, remitting both to the Office of Tax and Revenue.
Employers receiving DC government contracts or assistance, including major hotels with city-supported financing, must pay covered workers the annually adjusted DC Living Wage, which exceeds the standard minimum wage.
When a DC hotel, food service contractor, or building services employer changes ownership, the new operator must retain existing non-managerial workers for a 90-day transition period under the Displaced Workers Protection Act.
The District restricts Metropolitan Police Department cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, prohibits honoring civil ICE detainers, and bars use of DC resources to investigate residents' immigration status.
DC does not require private employers to use the federal E-Verify system, though federal contractors performing work in the District remain subject to FAR Subpart 22.18 E-Verify obligations under federal law.
DC massage establishments must hold a Health-Establishment Basic Business License, employ only therapists licensed by the DC Board of Massage Therapy, and meet sanitation and inspection requirements set by DC Health.
Selling tobacco, vapor products, or hookah in the District requires a DCRA Tobacco Retailer endorsement under DC Code 7-1721 et seq., with strict limits on flavored products and proximity to schools.
Pawnbrokers and secondhand merchants in DC must hold a Secondhand Dealer license, report acquisitions to MPD's electronic property system, and hold purchased goods for at least 18 days before resale.
Urinating or defecating in public spaces in the District is a civil infraction under DC Code 22-1321 and DCMR Title 16, carrying fines but generally not criminal arrest unless aggravated.
DC prohibits smoking in nearly all enclosed workplaces, restaurants, bars, and public buildings under DC Code 7-1701, with extended outdoor restrictions near entrances, bus stops, and playgrounds.
Although DC Initiative 71 legalized adult possession of small amounts of cannabis, public consumption remains illegal under DC Code 48-911.01 and federal land rules, with fines and possible arrest.
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 devices (including propane grills) on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction in apartment buildings, condos, rowhouses, and similar R-2 residential occupancies. The DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department (FEMS) Fire Prevention Division enforces. Sprinklered buildings have an exception; single-family rowhouses are also exempted.
Washington DC requires Department of Buildings (DOB) permits for built-in outdoor kitchens that involve gas line installation, electrical work, plumbing, or permanent structures. The applicable codes are the DC Construction Codes (DCMR 12) and the DC Fuel Gas Code. In any of DC's 65+ historic districts (Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Logan Circle, Mount Vernon Square, etc.), the Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) must approve the design before DOB issues a permit.
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-family buildings. In single-family rowhouses and yards, smoker use is governed by general DC nuisance law and the DC Department of Energy and Environment air-quality rules. Persistent wood-smoke complaints can be enforced as a public nuisance, and historic-district HPRB review applies to any permanent installation.
Washington DC has no city ordinance specifically regulating inflatable holiday displays on private property. The primary city concerns are (1) public-space encroachment if inflatables extend into sidewalks or tree boxes, (2) noise from compressors during quiet hours, and (3) HPRB review for inflatables anchored to historic structures. The actual regulators are condominium associations, cooperative boards, and HOAs, which commonly prohibit or restrict inflatables in common areas.
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 general nuisance law, the residential noise ordinance for amplified audio displays, and Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) jurisdiction over permanent fixtures in historic districts. The primary regulators are condominium associations, cooperative boards, and HOAs in newer developments such as The Yards, NoMa, and CityCenterDC.
Washington DC does not regulate lawn ornaments on private property through a specific ordinance. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allowed without permits. The principal restrictions are Historic Preservation Review Board (HPRB) review for ornaments visible in a historic district and the public-space rules that prohibit ornaments in the DDOT-controlled right-of-way (sidewalks and tree boxes). Most multi-unit buildings have condo or co-op rules governing balconies and rooftops.
Recreational drone flight is heavily restricted in DC due to the Special Flight Rules Area (SFRA) and Flight Restricted Zone (FRZ) surrounding federal buildings and the National Mall. Most of DC falls within the FRZ where unauthorized drone flights are prohibited under federal law.
Commercial drone operations in DC require FAA Part 107 certification plus specific authorization to fly within the Special Flight Rules Area and Flight Restricted Zone. Waivers are rarely granted and require coordination with the FAA, TSA, and law enforcement.
DC regulates where and when trash and recycling bins can be placed at the curb. Bins must be at the curb during collection windows and stored on private property at all other times. Bins must not obstruct sidewalks or alleys.
DC mandates recycling for all residents and businesses under the Sustainable Solid Waste Management Amendment Act (DC Law 20-154). Single-stream recycling accepts paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastics #1-7. Contaminated recycling bins may be rejected.
DPW provides weekly trash and recycling collection for residential properties in DC. Trash is collected weekly and recycling every other week on designated days. All items must be in DPW-issued containers and placed at the curb during designated hours.
DC provides scheduled bulk trash collection for residential properties through DPW. Residents must schedule pickups through 311 or online. Construction debris, hazardous materials, and electronics are excluded from bulk collection and require special disposal methods.
DC food trucks must obtain multiple permits including a Mobile Roadway Vending license from DCRA, a DC Health Department food establishment license, and DDOT public space permits. Trucks must operate from designated vending zones and comply with distance restrictions from restaurants.
DC designates specific Mobile Roadway Vending (MRV) zones where food trucks may legally operate, managed by DDOT. Zones are assigned through an application process and trucks must not operate outside their assigned locations.
DC residents can prohibit unwanted solicitors by posting 'No Soliciting' signs, which solicitors are legally required to respect. Violating a posted no-soliciting notice can result in trespassing charges under DC Code.
Door-to-door solicitors and peddlers in DC must obtain a solicitor's license from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP). Charitable solicitors must register under the Charitable Solicitations Act (DC Code Section 44-1701 et seq.).
DC has a juvenile curfew under DC Code Section 2-1541 et seq. as amended by the Juvenile Curfew Emergency Amendment Act of 2025. Minors under 17 must be off the streets by 11 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends. The 2025 amendments extended applicability to 17-year-olds during summer months.
DC parks operated by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) are generally closed from dusk to dawn unless otherwise posted. National Park Service properties (the National Mall, Rock Creek Park, etc.) have separate hours enforced by US Park Police.
DC's zoning code (11 DCMR) establishes minimum setback requirements that vary by zone district. Residential zones typically require front yards of 12-20 feet, side yards of 5-8 feet, and rear yards of 20-25 feet. The Board of Zoning Adjustment may grant variances.
DC has the nation's most famous building height restriction under the federal Height of Buildings Act of 1910 (codified at 40 USC Section 3102). No building may exceed the width of the adjacent street plus 20 feet, with an absolute maximum of 130 feet for commercial buildings and 90 feet for residential.
DC's zoning code (11 DCMR) limits lot coverage and floor area ratio (FAR) by zone district. Low-density residential zones allow 40-60% lot coverage, while higher-density and commercial zones allow more. Green area (pervious surface) requirements also apply.
DC law requires property owners and occupants to clear snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to their property within 8 hours after snowfall ends, or by 8 hours after sunrise if snow falls overnight. This applies to both residential and commercial properties under DC Code Section 9-601 et seq.
DC regulates trash container storage and placement under the DC Municipal Regulations and DPW guidelines. Trash bins must be stored out of public view when not set out for collection and placed curbside only during designated collection hours.
DC has strong property maintenance and anti-blight laws under DC Code Title 42, Chapter 31C (Vacant and Blighted Property) and the housing code (14 DCMR). Vacant and blighted properties face increased tax rates and mandatory registration requirements.
DC requires vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of trash, debris, and overgrown vegetation under the DC Housing Code (14 DCMR) and vacant property laws. Grass and weeds must be kept below 8 inches, and lots must be secured against unauthorized entry.
DC does not require a permit for residential garage or yard sales. Sales must be conducted on private property and should not obstruct sidewalks or public rights-of-way. Signs advertising sales are subject to DDOT public space rules.
DC does not require a permit for occasional residential garage or yard sales. Sales must be held on private property and should not obstruct public sidewalks or rights-of-way. Regular or frequent sales may be classified as commercial activity.
DC does not impose a formal limit on the number of garage or yard sales a household may hold per year. However, frequent or regular sales may be classified as commercial vending activity and require a business license.
DC does not have specific time restrictions for residential garage or yard sales. However, sales must comply with DC's noise ordinance, and operating during early morning or late evening hours could result in noise complaints from neighbors.
DC law protects solar access rights and limits the ability of homeowners associations to restrict solar installations. The Clean Energy DC Omnibus Amendment Act supports solar adoption, and DC's solar easement law (DC Code Section 34-1431 et seq.) provides protections for solar access.
DC requires building permits for solar panel installations through the Department of Buildings (DOB). The District offers strong incentives including Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) and net metering. Installations in historic districts require additional review by the Historic Preservation Office.
DC protects political speech through permissive rules on political signs. Residential properties may display political signs without permits. Signs in public space are regulated by DDOT, and posting on utility poles or public structures is prohibited.
DC allows holiday displays on private property with minimal restrictions. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks, create fire hazards, or extend into public space without authorization. Electrical decorations must comply with DC electrical codes.
Garage sale signs in DC may be placed on private property without a permit but are prohibited on public property, utility poles, and street signs. Signs must not obstruct sidewalks or create traffic hazards.
DC does not have a comprehensive dark-sky ordinance, but outdoor lighting is regulated through the zoning code (11 DCMR), building code, and public space regulations. Light fixtures must be shielded to minimize glare and light trespass onto neighboring properties.
DC prohibits excessive outdoor lighting that spills onto neighboring properties through zoning and nuisance regulations. Property owners must direct and shield outdoor lights to prevent light trespass, and complaints can be filed through the 311 system.
Washington DC requires a fence permit from the Department of Buildings (DOB) for fence construction. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Rear yard fences can be up to 6 feet. Fences in public space require DDOT approval.
Washington DC allows residential security cameras without permits. DC is a one-party consent jurisdiction for audio recording. Video surveillance of publicly visible areas is permitted. The DC Private Security Camera System Incentive Program provides rebates for camera installation.
Washington DC is a one-party consent jurisdiction under DC Code 23-542. Only one participant in a communication needs to consent to recording. Intercepting communications without any party's consent is a felony.
Washington DC allows front yard food gardens on private property. However, much of DC's front yard area is public space owned by the city. Gardens in public space between the sidewalk and curb require a Public Space Permit from DDOT.
Washington DC does not have a specific ordinance banning or restricting bamboo. Bamboo that spreads onto neighboring properties or public space may be addressed as a nuisance. The DC Department of Energy and Environment manages invasive species programs.
Washington DC follows the DC Invasive Non-Native Plants list maintained by DOEE. Common invasive species include English ivy, porcelain berry, Japanese stiltgrass, and tree-of-heaven. The District actively manages invasive species in public lands.
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.
DC DOB prioritizes code enforcement by severity. Emergency safety complaints receive same-day or next-day response. Standard building code and housing complaints are typically investigated within 5-15 business days.
DC's most common code violations include unpermitted construction, illegal basement conversions, property maintenance failures, work exceeding permit scope, and zoning violations. DOB enforces the DC Construction Codes and Housing Code.
Washington DC exempts single garden storage sheds under 50 square feet and under 10 feet in height from building permits. Larger sheds require a building permit from DOB. All sheds must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements.
Washington DC requires fence permits from the Department of Buildings for residential fence construction. Front yard fences are limited to 4 feet. Rear/side fences can be up to 6 feet. Public space fences require a separate DDOT permit.
Washington DC requires deck permits from DOB for deck construction on single-family and two-family dwellings. Patios at grade (4 feet or less above grade) may not require permits. Decks in public space require DDOT permits.
Washington DC requires building permits for most home renovations. DOB enforces the DC Construction Codes. Work in historic districts requires additional HPO review. DC is among the stricter jurisdictions for permitting requirements.