CERTIFI Washington DC
Occupancy made easy. CERTIFI is the Washington DC platform for obtaining Certificates of Occupancy for real property.
CERTIFI For Certificates Of Occupancy
Section: Investor Intel
Author: Susan Isaacs, Washington DC Real Estate Strategist
What Is CERTIFI?
It’s the DC Department of Buildings’ online platform for obtaining Certificates of Occupancy.
You must get a Certificate of Occupancy before occupation and use of your building.
On October 23, 2023, Certifi, began submission and tracking of CofO applications, and issuance of related permits. Certifi allows users to see which documents are required for various DOB reviews, clarifies and simplifies the application process by allowing users to move through a step-by-step path based on their project’s needs, and increases transparency and efficiency of the review process for applicants and DOB reviewers.
The Process
Apply by searching property address, validate identity, then select application type. Complete the generated application form, upload the required documents, and select a date for required CofO inspection(s).
DOB reviews the application, may request additional information, or, if no additional input or changes are required, generates a draft CofO for the applicant’s approval.
Once the draft is approved, payment is required, then a download of the final CofO version is made available for download and the certificate must be posted onsite.
What About Pending Applications?
Applications active prior to implementation of Certifi but not completed by December 4, 2023 require submission of a new application using Certifi.
Who Needs A Certificate of Occupancy?
A Certificate of Occupancy ensures compliance with zoning and building codes.
In the District, anyone using a building or land for purposes other than a single-family home, and those making significant changes to a dwelling or business venue must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) prior to occupation of the property. This includes:
All businesses operating in commercial spaces
Multi-Family Residences. Buildings with two or more dwelling units (like two-family flats, apartments)
All Rental Properties. Owners of multi-unit properties, or single family homes, townhomes and condos used as rentals
New Construction/Major Renovations: For new buildings or significant changes to existing ones
Who is Exempt?
Single-Family Homes: Owners using their property as a single-family residence in specific residential zones (R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-3).
CERTIFI Resources
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The DC Real Estate Investment Compass
These articles were originally published in my Tools section at realestateinthedistrict.com. Now they live here—on DC Real Estate Channel.
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