How To Obtain The District Of Columbia Home Occupation Permit (Apr. 2026)

After forming your DC Limited Liability Company (LLC) by filing your Articles of Organization with the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP), you must obtain the necessary zoning approvals before applying for your business license.

If you plan to run your LLC from home or a residential area in general, you must obtain a Home Occupation Permit in the District of Columbia. This confirms that your business complies with the district zoning rules and residential use regulations. Without this permit, you can’t legally perform full business operations and may face fines.

In this article, I will explain how to obtain the District of Columbia Home Occupation Permit, when your LLC needs to obtain one, and how to complete your DC Home Occupation Permit application and required documentation.

The District Of Columbia Home Occupation Permit Overview

If you’re operating a business from home in Washington, D.C., you must follow the permitted use rules and obtain the Home Occupation Permit (HOP) from the Department of Buildings (DOB) under 11 DCMR Subtitle U. This confirms compliance with district rules and shows that you’re operating legally.

Your residence must be located in an approved mixed-use or residential zone. This includes apartments, single-family homes, flats, mixed residential-commercial areas, and certain alley lots.

You must obtain a HOP if you operate in a qualifying location, regardless of whether you rent or own, reside in a house or apartment, or operate the LLC part-time or full-time, as long as your business activities don’t negatively affect the surrounding neighbourhood.

Generally speaking, you should receive your HOP within 1-2 weeks once the district receives your application. The process will take longer if the DOB needs to conduct an inspection of your LLC.

You can see the overall application process in the picture below.

1. How Much Is The HOP?

Your total HOP filing fee is $72.60 according to BOD’s fee schedule. This can be paid online by credit card or debit card. You must also obtain a Letter of Good Standing, which costs $50, to complete the application process.

Therefore, your total cost for obtaining your HOP is $122.60.

While you have no renewal fees, you must apply for a new HOP if you change your business activity or move to a new DC address.

How To Complete Your DC HOP Application

All other business types require you to obtain an HOP before getting your Basic Business License.

To begin, you first need an Access DC account. Continue reading the sections below if you already have an account.

If you don’t, I will guide you through how to get one later in my article. You can scroll down to the relevant section before coming back here if that is the case.

1. Getting Started

Navigate to the Access DC login page and click “Log in”. Then, log in with your email and password.

Click the “Citizen Access Portal Bookmark” button, or use this alternative link: Citizen Access.

2. Create Citizen Access Profile

Click “Sign in” once you’ve been directed to the Citizen Access page.

a. Pick Your Contact Type

You should automatically have an account here with your Access DC account. Next, select your contact type.

Click the dropdown list to see your available options and choose the most suitable option. Examples include “Occupant,” “Owner,” and “Tenant.”

b. Provide Your Contact Information

You should now see the required contact information fields. State your:

• First name and last name.
• Address: Address line, city, state, and ZIP code.

Click “Submit” once everything is completed.

c. Register Successfully

You should then be notified by the online system that your account has been successfully registered.

3. Access Your Filing Form

a. Navigate To The Vacant Building Enforcement Forms Page

Click the “Building” tab at the top of the page and choose “Request a Building Permit“.

Then, check the box to agree to the general disclaimer terms. Finally, click “Continue Application” at the bottom of the page.

b. Locate Your HOP Form

In this section, you must locate your HOP form. Click “Building20” to show the dropdown list.

Choose “Home Occupation Permit” from the list and click “Continue Application” to proceed.

4. Step 1: Page 1

a. Add Your Residence Address

The first part of Step 1 requires you to add your residence address.

Provide your home (residence) address in the applicable fields. This is the address that will be on your HOP.

Click “Search & Validate” once you’ve entered your full address. 

The system will automatically verify it against the District of Columbia city records.

b. Provide Your Premise Information

Next, you must provide your premise information. Describe your residence and confirm your business status. Follow these steps to complete this section correctly:

1. Use the dropdown menu to select your type of residence.
2. Choose if you’re the owner or tenant of the residence.
3. BZA (Board of Zoning) Order Number: You can leave this section blank in most cases. Enter the order number if your residence has a BZA Adjustment Order.
4. State whether you’re currently operating a different business at the residence by choosing “Yes” or “No” to the relevant question. Select “No” if this is your first time applying for a HOP at the address. Choose “Yes” if you already have a HOP but have changed your type of business. You must apply for a new HOP if you changed the type of business you’re operating.

c. Complete The Parcel Section

Once you’ve verified your address, this field will be automatically populated.

Locate these numbers in 2 steps if it isn’t automatically completed:

1. Log in to SCOUT. Use your same Access DC login details.
2. Search your address number.

You can look for your number in the SSL (Square, Suffix, and Lot) line. Enter them with no spaces between if your number has a suffix and lot number digits. For example: 517708190161.

If not, replace them with 4 spaces. For example: 5177 0161.

d. State Your Applicant Contact Information

Next, use your “Applicant Contact Information” section to tell the district who is submitting your application and how you can be contacted. Complete this section as follows:

• Enter the applicant’s full name, email address, and phone number.
• Select who is completing the application from the dropdown menu.

e. Check The Property Owner Information

This section should be automatically completed once you’ve validated your address based on the land records.

Your name should appear as an associated owner if you own your own home. Otherwise, it will show the landlord or property owner information.

f. Complete The Permit Expeditor Section (Optional)

Complete this section only if you’re working with a licensed professional or permit expediter who is submitting the application on your behalf.

If this is the case, follow these steps:

1. Select “Look Up” to search for a licensed permit expediter or professional.
2. Select the applicable option.
3. Their professional license account must have a current email address to receive notifications.
4. They must complete the Permit Expediter Registration Form before you can select them if their name doesn’t appear on the list.

You can leave this field as is and click “Continue Application” if you don’t need to complete this section.

5. Step 2: General Information

a. General HOP Conditions

a1. Business Information And Type

In the first section of the general information section, you need to provide your main business information and type.

Choose “Limited Liability Company” from the dropdown menu for the “This application is for” section.

In the “Partner/Trade Name” field, you’ll be asked if you want your certificate to show your LLC name or a registered DBA (trade name).

• LLCs with a trade name: Provide your full LLC name (e.g., John Doe LLC) and leave the trade name registration field blank.
• LLCs without a trade name: Enter your DBA/Trade name (e.g., John Doe Market) and state whether it’s registered with the DLCP.

a2. Describe Your Business

Next, choose your applicable business category from the dropdown menu. You will need to perform additional steps or provide extra documentation for certain categories. I’ll explain this in more detail further down in my article.

After this, provide a brief business description. You can write a few words or a couple of sentences.

Example: “I bake cakes” or “The business will offer professional consulting services and won’t have any retail sales or on-site manufacturing.”

a3. Sale Of Goods Or Products

Once you’ve described your business, the system will ask, “Will your proposed operation involve the sale of goods or products?” Select “Yes” or “No” accordingly.

Continue to the next question if you selected “No.”

You need to explain how your home-based business operates if you selected “Yes.” This is because retail sales are not allowed in residential areas. Provide the following information:

• What products do you sell.
• Where and how inventory is stored.
• Whether products are customized, branded, or modified.
• How the products are made or obtained.
• Whether customers or suppliers will visit the home.
• How sales and deliveries are handled.

Example: You could write something like this if you run a home-based graphic design or print-on-demand business:

“I design custom logos, marketing materials, and digital artwork from my home office. I work entirely on a computer and do not keep physical inventory. Any printed materials are produced by third-party vendors and shipped directly to customers. All client communication and orders are handled online, and I do not expect any in-person customers or deliveries to my residence.”

a4. State Your Number Of Employees

For the next section, state how many people will be employed at your home occupation site. Enter “0” if you’re the only person working in the business.

For the question “Of these persons, how many are residents of the subject address?”, state the number of residents in your house who work for your company. This must be at least 1 (yourself).

a5. Property Square Footage

Next, add the following details regarding your property’s square footage:

• Total square footage: Either measure it or find it in your home’s floor plan or deed. This is usually listed in your lease if you live in an apartment. Check websites such as Zillow and Realtor(dot)com to find the square footage if you live in a house.
• Available square feet used in operation: Measure the room or rooms being used for your business operations. This must include the area where you’ll store inventory and produce items or work on projects.
• The percentage of available square feet: This is automatically calculated from the square footage already entered, meaning no action is required. No more than 25% of the dwelling’s floor area can be used.

Example: Enter 25 sq ft if you have a 5ft x 5ft home office.

a6. Clarify Any Architectural Or Structural Modifications

Next, the online system will ask: “Will the operation of your proposed business require any architectural or structural modifications to your residence?“

Choose “Yes” or “No” accordingly. You’ll be asked for your Building Permit Number if you answered “Yes.”

You can use the DOB’s eRecords service to look up your Building Permit Number.

a7. Visits To Your Business Premises By Clients, Non-Resident Employees, And Delivery Persons

Underneath, answer “Yes” or “No” to the question “Will the business involve any visits to the premises by clients, non-resident employees, delivery persons, etc?“

If you answered “Yes,” you need to confirm that you will have no more than 8 visitors per day/hour. Alongside this, you need to certify that the property owner approves visitors for business purposes.

• Choose “Yes” if you own the home.
• Check with your landlord before applying if you’re renting.

b. Proposed Operational Hours

Once you’ve discussed the HOP conditions, you need to indicate your business operating hours.

To begin, click “Add a Row.”

Select your operating days and hours using the dropdown menus in the pop-up window.

You can choose a single day or a range (such as Monday to Friday). Select your opening and closing times and click “Submit” to close the pop-up window.

Click “Continue Application” once you’ve added your operating hours.

6. Step 3: Required Documents

In Step 3, you must upload the required documents. All applications must show proof of residency using the following forms:

1. DC-issued identification card (such as a driver’s license).
2. PEPCO electric utility bill or a Washington gas utility bill.

You must also upload the following documents when applying for your LLC’s HOP:

• Approved Articles of Organization.
• Letter of Good Standing (request one via CorpOnline for $50).

To begin, click “Add.”

Then, choose the appropriate file from your device and confirm that it appears in the upload window. Once you’ve added the required fields, click “Continue” to upload them.

Note: I advise uploading PDF or image files (PNG/ JPG).

Once you’re back on the main page, choose the correct document type from the dropdown list for each uploaded file. Then, click “Continue Application” once everything is added.

Some specific business types may require additional documentation. I’ll explain the different business types and required documentation in the following sections.

a. Tenant Proof Of Residency

You must provide proof that you live at your residence if you’re a tenant (you rent the house). This can be a:

• DC-issued driver’s license or ID.
• Gas or electric utility bill.
• Copies of existing HOPs (if you already operate a business there).

Alongside this, you need to get consent from the property owner. To do this, your property manager or landlord must complete an Owner Consent Form online once you’ve successfully applied for your HOP.

b. Licensed Professionals

You must upload proof of your DC license if you’re a licensed professional. Examples include:

• Architects. 
• Attorneys.
• Doctors.
• Dentists.
• CPAs.
• Funeral directors.
• Registered nurses.
• Real estate professionals.

Check the Occupational and Professional Licensing page of the DLCP to obtain this.

c. Child Development Homes (CDH)

Additional safety documents are needed if your business is a CDH:

• Written and graphic fire evacuation plans.
• A copy of the applicant’s driver’s license.

You can contact the DC Fire Marshal at 202-442-4532 if you have any questions regarding the above application. Their operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:15 A.M. to 4:45 P.M.

d. Lodging Or Bed & Breakfast Requirements

If you operate as a Bed & Breakfast or offer lodging, you need to get a Building Plat from the DC Surveyor’s Office. Once obtained, upload it alongside your filing when applying for your HOP.

Your PLAT must show all existing structures and available parking for guests and owners.

Complete your application online using the Citizen Access Portal. If you want to learn more about how to do this, you can read the official instructions.

Following this, you need to email your building plat to the Office of the Surveyor to obtain a digital certification signature. You can find further instructions in the Building Plat Digital Certification Guide.

Processing time & fees:

• Regular: $60.50 (3–5 business days).
• Expedited: $88.00 (by 2 P.M. the next business day).

Contact the DC Surveyor’s Office at 202-671-3500 or file a contact form. Their operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. (they open at 9:30 A.M. on Thursdays).

e. Cottage Food

You must submit additional documents when applying for your HOP if you’re operating a cottage food business. These include:

• Proof of calibrated scales: This must come from the Office of Weights and Measures at the DLCP (if your food is sold by weight).
• A Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) Certification.
• A DC-issued Food Protection Manager ID card: This is issued by the DC Health Department based on your CFPM certification.
• A Cottage Food Business Registry Application: This must be submitted to the DC Health Department at 2201 Shannon Place SE, Washington, DC 20020.

Each application requires you to pay a $50 application review fee. This can be paid to DC Health by check, money order, cash, or credit/debit card (checks must be made payable to DC Treasurer). 

For more information, read this official guide: Cottage Food Businesses.

You can contact DC Health at (202) 442-5955 or email [email protected] if you have any related questions.

7. Step 4: Review Your Information

Once you’ve uploaded your required documentation, carefully review the information entered so far in your HOP application. Make any required changes before continuing to the next section.

Then, check the agreement box at the bottom of the page. This discusses the purpose of the permit and states that it is non-refundable once submitted.

Click “Continue Application” once everything is complete.

8. Step 5: Screening Application

Your application needs to be screened before being moved to the payment step. Therefore, your application will be shown on the Building Records page once you’ve clicked “Continue Application.”

Once you’re sent an email, the district will review your application and supporting documents. The DOB may need to contact you to set up an inspection if required.

9. Step 6: Make Your Payment

Once the screening process is complete, the DOB will notify you so you can make your HOP payment. To do this, navigate to the Citizen Access page and locate your application in the Building Records page. As stated above, click on the Building tab to find it.

Provide your credit card or debit card information and pay the required $72.60 filing fee. Once paid, wait for your permit to be approved by the DOB.

What’s Next Once You’ve Submitted Your HOP Application?

The DOB should approve your HOP application in approximately 1-2 weeks once filed. This is generally the case unless they need to schedule an inspection of your home.

You will receive an email with your permit attached as a PDF document once your HOP is approved. Make sure you print your approved permit and keep a copy with your official business records.

1. What If My HOP Is Denied?

You will be sent a letter from the DOB if your permit is denied. In this, the department will explain the reasons why your filing was rejected.

If this happens, you can complete the required changes to make your home compliant (if applicable and mentioned in your denial letter) or rent a different office/commercial space to perform your business operations.

2. The No Renewal Requirement Explained

Your HOP is valid forever once obtained. Therefore, you have NO renewal filings or renewal fees.

However, you will need a new permit if one of the following situations applies:

1. You move to a new location in the District of Columbia.
2. You change your business or occupation.

Creating Your Access DC Account: A Step-By-Step Guide

1. Navigate To The Portal

To begin, navigate to the Access DC login page and click “Sign up“. If you can’t find the sign-up button, you can use this link instead: Access DC sign up.

2. Enter Your Personal Information And Create A Password

Next, complete the following personal information:

• Your full name (your first name and last name).
• Your email address (this will be your username).
• Your contact phone number.

Following this, you must create a password. This must follow certain district rules to avoid rejection:

• Contain at least one uppercase and one lowercase letter.
• Be at least 8 characters.
• Contain at least one special symbol.
• NOT contain any part of your first name, last name, or username.

3. Complete The Email Verification Process

After providing your personal information and setting a password, the online system will send a verification email. This will be sent to your email, which also acts as your username.

Log in to your email account and click “Activate account.” This will be in the email sent by the district.

4. Verify Your Phone Number (Optional)

Once you click “Activate account,” you’ll be taken to the phone verification page. You can choose to verify your phone number or access your dashboard by clicking “Continue.”

The DOB Key Contact Information

If you have any queries regarding your HOP, you can contact the DOB using the following details:

• Phone: 202-671-3500.
• Online chat: Click the speech bubble on the DOB website.
• Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., Thursday: 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

Why Is It So Important To Obtain A HOP?

1. Penalties

Under the DC Code § 6–641.09, you can NOT legally use land or a building until your HOP has been issued.

The potential penalties for violating this law include:

• Civil fines, penalties, and fees under DC law.
• Daily fines: $100 for each day that the violation continues.
• Legal action: This includes court orders to correct/remove the violation, stop the work or use, or prevent occupancy of the land or building. These may be brought by the DC Attorney General or affected neighbours.
• Cease and desist orders: These order your business to immediately stop the illegal construction work. These come from the DOB.

Under the DC Code § 6–1406, the following consequences may apply to anyone found to violate the Construction Code provisions or orders:

• Fines of up to $2,000.
• Imprisonment for up to 90 days.
• Both if you violate construction codes and related orders.

2. You Can’t Obtain A Business License

Every Washington, D.C. LLC must obtain a District-Level Business License before beginning operations. However, you must obtain a HOP before starting your license applications under the DLCP ’s guidelines.

Your LLC faces several negative consequences if you attempt to operate without the required business license(s).

Example: Under the DC Code § 47–2604, an insurance company operating without the required license may be fined $100 per day and face additional civil penalties and fees.

Frequently Asked Questions