Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs

By far the worst customer service and unprofessionalism I have ever delt with. It took over a year to transfer a license to DC and was given different information by each staff member I spoke with. Was instructed we needed a DC business license which was a horrible process, spent hundreds of $$ getting it only to find out in the end it wasn't even needed. Very disappointed with how unorganized this organization is.

Absolutely amazed by the professionalism and helpfulness of everyone. From security to the awesome customer service in permits the visit to DCRA was better than we could have hoped. We needed to get a permit for a home renovation and the process of applying for a permit was seamless. Christine in permits was extremely helpful in teaching us how to set up an account and navigate the online system to apply. The whole process was quick and surprisingly enjoyable!

I schedule two virtual appointments and both times the meeting Point of Contact POC did not call or respond. Normally people in professional settings get reprimanded and/or fired for no call/no shows. I gave up on the virtual meetings, and I decided to take off work and visit the DCRA office in person . Office was closed with no signage for reason of closure during normal business hours. I later discovered it was due to DC Emancipation Day. However this was not communicated on the DCRA Website or DCRA building. Second visit to office, I walked upstairs to ask zoning permit questions. The woman working the front desk initially told me I had to have an appointment. I replied I had two appointments where both meeting POCs did not call or show and asked to speak to the POCs listed in the emails. After my response the woman at the front desk finally offered to answer my zoning related questions that only took 3 minutes of her time. There is a huge opportunity for improvement of scheduling meetings, hours of operation, and improvement of attitude to help customers who are doing business with DCRA. It shouldn't take 8 hrs of effort calling, emailing, scheduling and finally showing up in person to obtain an answer to a few questions. I'm very disappointed with the level of service I have received. I also noted from others experiences with DCRA I am not the only one who had to take unreasonable efforts to receive a response from DCRA.

Now I understand why people doing construction without permit. Getting permit from someone who don’t know what they do is painful and taking a lot of the time and money . To repair drywall need to pass review over 10 persons . When I seen DC water and art agency need to review it I know they are idiots .

I have been scammed by a Contractor, Brown One StopService , LLC, Joseph Brown , Owner for $4000.00 to repair a retainer wall, and I have been contacting DCRA to see if any mediation will be given. I’m so upset

Excellent resource for small business owners, have been here several times and have always gotten what I needed. Sometimes the lines get long so be sure to bring something to do and be aware that they stop providing many of their services at 4pm even though they close at 4:30.

Had a great experience at DCRA today 6/8/22. I was served in the licensing division by Ms. Hyman and Kevin "Voice Over" Young. They were very efficient, professional and accommodating to all my questions and concerns. Job well done to you both!!!

Every experience I've had with DCRA has gone horribly. Submitting permits has been a nightmare when it seems their site always has bugs to fix. And, when you try to call customer service you will wait on hold for upwards of an hour before you reach a customer service representative, or even worse you're left to leave a message that never gets a response back. We also will wait for weeks just to get approval on our permits. Do better.

Horrific experience and it's not over yet. This is the worst DC Gvt. office ever. No one knows anything, no one follows the DCRA guidelines/policies. How does DCRA put a STOP WORK Order on your home, never notified the property owner of the SWO, NOTHING. After one and a half years of trying to get this resolved I now have to go down there and take care of this. This is DCRA's error and I'm suffering the consequences. Just awful.. so much for the digital transformation....heck I cant a straight answer and a little bit of equitable assistance not just talk.

Hate them. They flipped my house and had $50,ooo worth of inspection issues I made them fix. Their signature kitchen is supposed to fool you about the rest of the lipstick on snake