How Much Does a Building Permit Cost in Washington, DC? (2026 Guide)
DC calculates permit fees based on signed construction contract cost, with unique rules for historic districts covering much of the city.
Are you a contractor? See live permit data for Washington DC.
Research source-published project activity in Washington DC. Contractor, owner, and contact fields appear only where the source provides them; publishing cadence is shown on the city page.
View Washington DC permit data →If you're a contractor or builder working in Washington, DC, the Department of Buildings (DOB) handles all construction permits through a valuation-based fee system. DC's permitting process has unique complications — historic districts covering large swaths of the city, federal overlay zones, and Commission of Fine Arts review.
Washington DC Building Permit Costs at a Glance
DC calculates permit fees based on the signed construction contract cost (not just the estimate).
Residential permit costs:
- Projects $1,001–$1,000,000: $37 for the first $1,000, plus $18.50 for each additional $1,000
- A $50,000 kitchen remodel: approximately $944 in permit fees
- Historic district properties: reduced rate of $36.30 sole permit fee
Commercial permit costs:
- Projects over $1,000,000: $18,648 for the first $1M, plus $15.50 for each additional $1,000
- A $2M commercial project: approximately $34,148 in permit fees
Where to Apply for a Building Permit in DC
- Online portal: ProjectDox at dob.dc.gov/projectdox
- In-person payment: Office of Tax and Revenue, 1101 4th Street SW
- Phone: 202-442-4400
Special Requirements to Know About
Historic districts cover a huge portion of DC. Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, and dozens of other neighborhoods are designated historic districts requiring design review.
The reduced historic permit fee is a silver lining. Properties in historic districts pay a flat $36.30 permit fee instead of the standard valuation-based calculation.
Federal overlay zones add another layer. Projects near the U.S. Capitol or major federal buildings may require Commission of Fine Arts review.