ADU Permit Submission Checklist in Washington, District of Columbia
Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Washington, District of Columbia — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Submission method
- Online
- Typical fee range
- $3,750 – $15,675
- Review time
- Varies by jurisdiction
- Inspections
- 8 inspections required
ADU Permit Checklist
Washington — 6 required, 0 optional
Forms & Applications(1)
Plans & Diagrams(2)
Supporting Documents(3)
This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Washington before submission.
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Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Washington, District of Columbia — tailored to your project details.
- Required forms: DC Building Permit Application, and more
- Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
- Fee breakdown: $1,250–$9,500 estimated total
- Step-by-step DC Department of Buildings portal submission guide
- Inspection prep checklist (8 items)
- Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents
Washington requires the following documents for this permit application.
DC Building Permit Application
Completed DC Form 200 (Building Permit Application) submitted through DC Department of Buildings online portal
Architectural Drawings
Complete architectural drawings prepared and signed by a DC-licensed architect, including floor plans, elevations, sections, and wall sections
Site Plan
Site plan showing property lines, building footprint, setbacks, parking, tree canopy, and existing utilities with proposed modifications
Energy Code Compliance Certification
Energy Star certification or compliance statement with HVAC sizing calculations and insulation specifications
Historic District Compatibility Statement
If property is in historic district, statement showing compatibility with Historic Preservation Review Board guidelines or HPRB approval letter
Proof of Service to ANC
Proof that applicant has served notice to Advisory Neighborhood Commission before permit approval
Permit Process
Follow these steps to submit your permit application through DC Department of Buildings.
- 1
Pre-Application Consultation
Consult with DC Department of Buildings to discuss ADU proposal, zoning compliance, and special overlay requirements
- 2
Historic Preservation Review (if applicable)
If property is in Historic District, submit application to Historic Preservation Review Board and obtain approval
You'll need: Historic District Compatibility Statement
- 3
Advisory Neighborhood Commission Notification
Notify ANC for the ward and provide notice period before permit application
You'll need: Proof of Service to ANC
- 4
Submit Plans and Building Permit Application
Submit complete building permit application with architectural drawings, site plan, energy code compliance, and all supporting documents through DC Building Permits online system
You'll need: DC Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Energy Code Compliance Certification
- 5
Plan Examination Review
DC Department of Buildings conducts comprehensive review of plans for compliance with zoning, building code, energy code, and ADA requirements
- 6
Address Plan Review Comments
Submit revised plans and supplemental documents to address examiner comments and corrections
- 7
Fee Payment
Pay calculated building permit fees and any applicable zoning verification fees
- 8
Building Permit Issuance
Receive building permit and notice to proceed with construction
- 9
Construction Inspections
Schedule and pass required inspections: foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy code, and final occupancy inspection
Fees and Timeline
Fee Breakdown
| Fee | Range | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Permit Fee | $2,500 – $9,500 | Verified |
| Plan Review Fee | $1,250 – $6,175 | Verified |
Inspections Required
Foundation inspection and waterproofing certification
Foundation inspection and waterproofing certification
Framing and structural member inspection per IBC standards
Framing and structural member inspection per IBC standards
Electrical systems inspection including panel upgrade and ci
Electrical systems inspection including panel upgrade and circuit capacity
Plumbing rough-in and final connection inspection
Plumbing rough-in and final connection inspection
Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection
Mechanical systems and HVAC installation inspection
Energy code compliance inspection including insulation and a
Energy code compliance inspection including insulation and air sealing
ADA accessibility features inspection if applicable
ADA accessibility features inspection if applicable
Final occupancy inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issu
Final occupancy inspection and Certificate of Occupancy issuance
Authority Sources
Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a adu permit in Washington?
- Yes. Washington requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
- How long does adu permit approval take in Washington?
- Processing times in Washington vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 9 steps. Contact Washington Development Services for current timelines.
- What documents are required for a adu permit in Washington?
- Washington requires 6 documents including DC Building Permit Application, Architectural Drawings, Site Plan, Energy Code Compliance Certification, and others. See the full list above for details.
- What happens if I build without a adu permit in Washington?
- Building without a permit in Washington can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
- Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Washington?
- Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Washington's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
- How much does a adu permit cost in Washington?
- ADU permit fees in Washington typically range from $3,750 to $15,675, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Washington.
Related Permits
Other permits in Washington
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