Public Space is defined as publicly owned property between the property lines on a street and includes, but is not limited to, the roadway, tree spaces, sidewalks, and alleys.
Agency Project Review and Permit Verification
Applicants are required to obtain written permit verification that specifies whether the project can be installed in public space, whether permits are required, and if other District agency approvals are needed for the proposed project. Letters are required from these DC agencies and offices:
- DC Department of Buildings (DOB) regarding construction or building permits. Any project that will require digging or ground disturbance of the construction footprint, which means the area of all impervious surfaces, including but not limited to buildings, roads and drives, parking areas, sidewalks, and the area necessary for construction. [Required]
- DC Department of Transportation (DDOT), Public Space Committee regarding public space and occupancy permits. [Required]
- DC Office of Planning (OP), Historical Preservation Office (HPO) to assess whether the project might impact historic property or designated areas. [Required]
- DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), ONLY for projects contemplating the use of property owned by DPR. [Required if project is on DPR property]
All written permit verification and agency project reviews must be provided directly from the agencies above on agency letterhead and addressed to CAH. If a permit is not required by the agencies above, a letter from the agency is still required and should indicate that no permits or approvals are needed from that agency. Each agency letter must be submitted with an application.
When emailing these entities, provide the:
- Project address.
- Plans, illustrations/images, and narrative description that explain what is proposed.
- A timeline for installation and whether the artwork is permanent or temporary.
- Detailed information about any ground disturbance that may be necessary (e.g., digging foundations, paving, resurfacing treatments, etc.) or scaffolding and any work done in public space to install the project.
Applicants are encouraged to plan early and contact the agencies in Addendum D regarding their process and to obtain written verification. Applications without written permit verification will be deemed incomplete and considered ineligible.
Agency contacts and more information are listed in Addendum D of this document.
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