What Are Post Card Permits?
In Washington D.C. there is an online method to procure a permit for limited predefined work without having to submit a full building permit, including drawings. This is called a Post Card permit.
Post Card permits get their name by being so limited that the scope could be written on... a postcard. There are six categories with a total of forty-six predefined scope areas, see figure 1. Some specific examples are below;
Interior demolition of non-bearing elements in a space up to 5,000 square feet (464.5 square meters)
Installation of not more than 10 new outlets and not more than 10 new lighting fixtures for a residential, commercial or industrial project.
Installation of not more than 1 new air conditioning unit, up to a maximum of 10-tons of equivalent refrigerating effect.
Installation of not more than 1 new plumbing fixture, on a residential, commercial or industrial project.
This is applicable for both residential and commercial properties. The only exception is if your property is in a historically designated area you cannot apply for a Post Card permit. There is a method for Historical Property - Special Permit for minor repairs, but it has to be completed in the Permit Center.
Figure 1: A screen shot from DCRA’s website.
The method to obtain a Post Card permit is:
Visit Website: https://dcra.dc.gov/node/1423966
Create login credentials
Login
Navigate to the permit application page
Select Post Card Permit type
Fill out the application
Address
Basic information
If the contractor is applying provide the contractor’s license number
Pick specific Post Card scope
Owner contact information
Permit expediter: This can be ignored
Review application
Pay fees: ~$40
Receive the permit: Via email
If you’re in another jurisdiction other than Washington D.C. you should visit your jurisdiction’s website for a similar permit procurement procedure. This can be an excellent way to get a permit with little effort or time wasted.
