District of Columbia Building Codes

Important: DC LEAD PAINT DISCLOSURE AND RRP: FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS (EPA RRP Rule): • Applies to all pre-1978 residential buildings and child-occupied facilities • Contractors must be EPA-certified (or DC DOEE-certified) renovators • Firm must be EPA-certified • Lead-safe work practices required for all disturbed painted surfaces • Recordkeeping and occupant notification required DC-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS: • DC goes BEYOND federal EPA RRP Rule • DOEE administers lead programs locally • Pre-renovation lead testing may be required (not just disclosure) • Clearance testing after work completion in certain cases • DC Lead Hazard Prevention and Elimination Act SCOPE OF APPLICABILITY: • Most of DC housing stock is pre-1978 (approximately 75%+) • Row houses, townhomes, apartment buildings all affected • Commercial buildings near child-occupied facilities also covered WORK ACTIVITIES TRIGGERING RRP: • Window replacement or repair • Siding removal or disturbance • Exterior scraping/painting • Any work disturbing >6 sq ft interior or >20 sq ft exterior painted surface PENALTIES: • Federal: up to $37,500/day per violation • DC local: additional fines and stop-work orders • Criminal penalties for willful violations

Important: DC PARTY WALL FIRE RATING: CODE BASIS: • 2017 DC Building Code (IBC 2015), Section 706 • 2017 DC Residential Code (IRC 2015), Section R302.1 • DC Fire Prevention Code REQUIREMENTS: • 2-hour fire-resistance rating for party walls (fire walls) between dwelling units in row houses • Party walls must extend from foundation to underside of roof sheathing • Continuous and without openings (no penetrations allowed without fire-rated assemblies) • Applies to all row houses, townhomes, and attached dwellings ROOF INTERSECTION: • Party wall must extend to underside of roof sheathing minimum • Parapets NOT required if roof is fire-rated (1-hour minimum) for 4 feet on each side of wall • Alternative: party wall extends 30 inches above roof surface as parapet WHY THIS MATTERS FOR RESTORATION: • DC is predominantly row houses — party walls are everywhere • Roof replacement work near party walls must maintain fire rating • Any penetration of party wall (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) needs fire-rated assembly • Adjacent unit damage claims may involve party wall integrity assessment FIRE-STOPPING: • All gaps, joints, and penetrations in party walls must be fire-stopped • Use listed fire-stop systems (3M, Hilti, STI rated assemblies) • Document fire-stopping with photos for inspection COMMON ASSEMBLIES: • Double wood stud with 2 layers Type X gypsum each side = 2-hour • CMU (concrete masonry) 8-inch nominal = 2-hour • Existing brick party walls in older DC housing generally meet 2-hour rating

Important: CRITICAL DC REQUIREMENT: Unlike other jurisdictions where historic review may only apply to significant changes, DC requires HPO review for ANY visible exterior alteration in a designated historic district. THIS INCLUDES: • Roofing (any repair or replacement) • Siding and exterior cladding • Windows and doors (even in-kind replacement) • Gutters and downspouts • Trim, shutters, and decorative elements • HVAC equipment visible from street • Solar panels • Paint colors (sometimes) PROCESS: 1. Submit application to HPO (online at planning.dc.gov) 2. Most in-kind work qualifies for Expedited Review (1 business day) 3. HPO issues clearance letter 4. Include HPO clearance with building permit application 5. DOB will not issue permit without HPO clearance MATERIALS CONSIDERATIONS: • In-kind replacement (same material) is usually approved quickly • Different materials require justification and may need HPRB hearing • Some historic districts have specific material requirements