What is a Certification of Zoning?
Developers, architects, lawyers, realtors, tax assessors, land owners, and others in the land use business often require definitive authentication of zoning classification of property for due diligence purposes. A Certification of Zoning is used as a means of gaining official written recognition of zoning from the DC Government.
Office of Zoning (OZ) Certifications of Zoning can be requested online using the Interactive Zoning Information System (IZIS) (click here to go to IZIS). The response will be provided within 10 business days. Per OZ procedure, the request must include the name and address of the person making the request, the square and lot numbers of the property, and the address of the property. This process involves a $50 fee and must be accompanied by a PDF copy of a plat (no larger than 11" x 17") of the property, prepared by the DC Surveyor or an engineer licensed in the District of Columbia.
The Director of the Office of Zoning has the option to request additional information from the person requesting the certification so as to clarify the location of the lot, the dimensions of the lot or the location of any improvements thereon. The certification will bear the Director's certification of the zoning district which the official records of the Zoning Commission show as applicable to the particular lot and square. The Director of the Office of Zoning may waive any portion of these rules for good cause shown
What is a Zoning Compliance Letter?
A Zoning Compliance Letter falls under the purview of the Office of Zoning Administration (OZA) at the Department of Buildings (DOB) and responds to questions about zone district, zoning violations, certificates of occupancy, uses, etc. Please use the following link to request a Zoning Compliance Letter from DOB:
https://dob.dc.gov/page/zoning-services
For more information regarding your request, please contact DOB at (202) 671-3500, email DOB's customer service team at [email protected], or submit a request through the DOB's online intake form for further assistance.
What is a Zoning Certification?
A Zoning Certification is issued by the Office of Zoning Administration (OZA) at the Department of Buildings (DOB) to certify the zoning district and that the use of a specified property is in compliance with the DC Zoning Regulations. These certifications are usually required in the Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) process. For more information, please contact DOB at (202) 671-3500, email DOB's customer service team at [email protected], or submit a request through the DOB's online intake form for further assistance.