Consumer Services & Outreach
Raze Permit
| Title: | Raze Permit |
|---|---|
| What does it mean? | When an applicant intends to raze a building, a Raze Permit must be obtained from DCRA. As part of the approval process for this permit, DC Water reviews the plans to determine whether there is water or sewer infrastructure that may be impacted by the raze. DC Water requires any water or sewer laterals affected to be abandoned at the public main (not the property boundary) prior to razing the building. DC Water will execute (sign-off) the DCRA utility clearance letter after the abandonment has been performed or coincident with the applicant obtaining a permit to perform the raze. |
| Does this apply to me? | If you wish to raze a structure that has water and sewer service laterals you will need approval from DC Water to obtain your Raze Permit from DCRA. |
| When do I apply? | It is advisable that the applicant commence the application process at least 90 days prior to the desired raze date. The applicant should consult DCRA for a more accurate time needed to process a Raze Permit. However, since the applicant must abandon all water and sewer services at the main, thus, requiring a Public Space Permit and excavation work the applicant is encouraged to start this process very early in the design phase of the project. |
| What do I need to submit? | DC Water will request existing conditions and/or demolition plans (drawn to scale) showing the property boundary, footprint of the building to be demolished, water and sewer service laterals to remain or to be abandoned and public water and sewer mains that are in the general vicinity of the proposed demolition work. Also include the zero balance receipt for water and sewer bills paid at the address. |
| Where do I go and apply? | Go to DCRA and fill out a Raze Permit Application Bring your plans to the DC Water Permit Operations Department at 1100 4th St. SW Suite 310 Washington, DC 20024 for review. Take your Water & Sewer Availability Certificate and the DC Water clearance letter back to DCRA to obtain your Raze Permit. |
| How long will it take? | If the applicant has already disconnected water and sewer service lines at the main and paid any outstanding utility fees then DC Water's review timeframe for this is one week or less. |
| What do I Receive? | DC Water will sign off on the raze release letter. |
| What are DC Water's fees for this? |
The fee for a small and large water lateral abandonments can be found in the fee schedule. All outstanding water and sewer bills must be paid in full before DC Water will sign-off on the Raze Permit. DC Water will accept payment of checks or money order made payable to DC Water. Credit Cards are also accepted at the 1100 4th St. SW office |
| Related Activities: | If a water service or sewer lateral is being abandoned at a main that is in public space, a Public Space Permit is required. |
| For more Info, call: | Permit Operations Department at 202-646-8600. |
| Regulatory Info | |
| Additional Information: | It is the owner/developers responsibility to abandon all water service and sewer lateral connections and costs associated with the abandonment at the public main (not at the property boundary). This includes excavation, backfill and restoration of the public space. DC Water crews will perform the disconnect of the corporation stop and plug the water main. |
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