District of Columbia Opening Checklist (Printable)

State section — District of Columbia

• District of Columbia health/public health program
• State or delegated fire authority
• Local building and planning departments

Washington, DC legality flow (exact order)

1. Register business + tax accounts (DC Business Portal/OTR) and confirm Clean Hands readiness.
2. Verify zoning/use and occupancy path with DOB before full design spend.
3. File DOB building/trade permits and C of O pathway as needed for scope.
4. Submit DC Health food establishment plan/license requirements and complete corrections.
5. Complete fire/life-safety approvals (DOB + FEMS where required), then pass final inspections.
6. Secure final operating licenses (DLCP, food, alcohol/public-space if applicable) before opening.

Required document packet

• Entity/EIN, OTR registration, lease + landlord authorization
• Coordinated stamped plan set (architectural/MEP/equipment/grease/hood)
• Menu + process narrative, certified food manager records, contractor insurance/licenses
• Commissioning and acceptance test records for ventilation, suppression, and utilities
• Final approvals binder: occupancy, health, fire, and operating license postings

Ward-relevant practical notes

• Wards 1/2/6: plan early for alcohol and public-space processes tied to nightlife/patio operations.
• Wards 3/4: older mixed-use buildings can trigger shaft, grease-line, and make-up-air redesigns.
• Wards 5/7/8: verify utility capacity and interceptor requirements before final TI budgeting.
• All wards: ANC/community timelines can affect alcohol/public-space scheduling.

Filing offices + official directory

• DLCP + DOB Service Center: 1100 4th St SW (Map)
• DC Health: 899 North Capitol St NE (Map)
• ABCA: 2000 14th St NW (Map)
• DOEE: 1200 First St NE (Map)
• Official links: Business Portal, DOB, DC Health, FEMS, ABCA, DC Code.

Opening task checklist