Permit guides › Washington, D.C. › DC-CR-02

Supplemental (Trade) Permits: Electrical, Plumbing, Gas, Mechanical: Washington, D.C. restaurant guide

Department of Buildings (DOB)

What it is

Separate permits for electrical (including fire alarm), plumbing, gas, air-conditioning/refrigeration, fuel-burning equipment, boilers and pressure vessels.

When a restaurant needs it

Whenever trade work is done, which is nearly every restaurant build-out.

How to apply

The licensed contractor for each trade applies on the Citizen Access Portal, usually tied to the main building permit.

Documents you’ll need

Contractor's DC trade license
Main building permit number
Fixture/outlet/equipment counts per DOB trade submission requirements

Fee

Varies — see DOB fee schedule (unit-based, e.g., electrical outlets priced per group of 10)

Processing time

Often same-day online once the building permit is issued

Renewal

Closes at final inspection

Who files

Only DC-licensed contractors for each specific trade may apply.

Good to know

Supplemental permits cannot be issued online for properties in historic or fine-arts districts; expect extra review there.

Official source

DOB: get a supplemental permit · DOB fee schedule

Get your personalized Washington, D.C. permit plan

Answer a few questions about your space and get every permit in order, with a timeline, a cost range, walkthroughs, and every application filled in for you to sign with Open.

Build my free plan

Last reviewed 2026-10-06. Guidance only, not legal advice.