ADU Permit Fees & Costs in Washington, District of Columbia

Required Documents

Washington requires the following documents for this permit application.

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through DC Department of Buildings.

1. 1

   Pre-Application Consultation

   Consult with DC Department of Buildings to discuss ADU proposal, zoning compliance, and special overlay requirements

2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 6

   Address Plan Review Comments

   Submit revised plans and supplemental documents to address examiner comments and corrections

7. 7

   Fee Payment

   Pay calculated building permit fees and any applicable zoning verification fees

8. 8

   Building Permit Issuance

   Receive building permit and notice to proceed with construction

9. 9

   Construction Inspections

   Schedule and pass required inspections: foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, energy code, and final occupancy inspection

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

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.

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