District of Columbia
Site Plans & Permit Drawings in DC
Permit-ready site plans and drawings for properties in the whole district, drafted from your address to your local permit office’s rules. No site visit.
- All of DC
- No site visit
- Local rules checked
- Licensed PE partner
Quick answer
Do You Need a Site Plan for a Permit in DC?
Yes, most building permits in DC need a site plan: a scaled drawing of the lot, existing buildings and the new work, with distances to the property lines. Permits for the whole district are issued by the DC Department of Buildings. We check that office’s requirements before quoting.
- Permits issued by
- DC Department of Buildings
- Building code
- Local adoption of the International Codes; editions vary by city and county
- Area
- One district, one permit office
- Site visit
- None. We draft from parcel records, aerial imagery and your documents
Coverage
Every Neighbourhood in DC
The District of Columbia is a single jurisdiction, so one permit office covers every address, from Georgetown to Anacostia. We prepare drawings for properties anywhere in DC.
Local conditions
What to Know About Permits in DC
What changes the drawings in the District. Exact numbers like setbacks and frost depth are set locally; we look them up for your address.
- Who reviews your permitPermits for the whole district are issued by the DC Department of Buildings.
- Flood zonesCheck your parcel on FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center. In a mapped flood zone, permit offices in District of Columbia usually want the zone shown on the site plan, and some work needs an elevation certificate. FEMA flood map
Services
Drawings We Prepare in DC
Every service, for any property in the state. Ordered together, the sheets are drawn to match.
- Site PlansLot lines, setbacks and new work
- Floor PlansExisting and proposed layouts
- Elevation DrawingsHeights, roof pitch, materials
- 3D RenderingsRealistic views for HOAs and buyers
- Subdivision PlansLot split layouts
- Engineer-Stamped PlansSealed where our PE partner is licensed
- Full Permit SetsEvery sheet, drawn to agree
- Permit CorrectionsRevisions after reviewer comments
Deck & PorchUsually, for attached decks or decks more than 30 inches above the ground.
FenceOften, especially for fences over 6 feet, front-yard fences or corner lots.
Pool & SpaYes, almost everywhere, for in-ground pools and most above-ground pools and spas.
Shed & OutbuildingOften for sheds over about 120 to 200 square feet, or with power.
ADUYes. An ADU is a dwelling, so it needs a full building permit.
Home AdditionYes, any addition that adds floor area needs a building permit.
Nearby states
DC FAQ
Permits in DC
Short answers to what people ask before ordering. Ask anything else in your quote request.
Get Price QuoteDo you serve every district in DC?
Yes. We prepare drawings for any address in the District of Columbia.
Who issues building permits in DC?
Permits for the whole district are issued by the DC Department of Buildings.
Does DC have a statewide building code?
Not one single code for every address. Cities and counties in District of Columbia adopt editions of the International Codes, so the rules depend on where the property is.
Do you need to visit my property in DC?
No. We work from your address, county parcel records, aerial imagery and any survey, plans or photos you send.
Can you provide engineer-stamped plans in DC?
Our licensed Professional Engineer partner seals eligible plans in the states where they’re licensed. We confirm coverage for your project before you pay.