Who enforces each one, what edition applies, and what changes next. 5 of 7 areas verified on primary sources. Federal OSHA state.
| Area | In force | Authority | Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire | DC Fire Code, part of the 2017 DC Construction Codes (based on the 2015 ICC/IFC family)Applies to new and existing buildings district-wide; effective May 29, 2020, with DC amendments under DCMR Title 12 (Fire Code Supplement). SourceVerified on the source | Dept of Buildings (DOB) adopts the code; FEMS Office of the Fire Marshal enforces and inspects | Rulemaking notice Fall 2026Full code-cycle update underway: DOB targets Fall 2026 for the 1st rulemaking notice, new edition targeted Fall 2027 (exact dates TBD) |
| Building | 2017 DC Construction Codes (2015 ICC family + 2014 NEC + 2013 ASHRAE 90.1, DC-amended); DCMR Title 12Governs new construction and alterations district-wide; effective May 29, 2020. DC is a single consolidated jurisdiction with no separate municipal building departments. SourceVerified on the source | DC Department of Buildings (DOB), district-wide | Rulemaking notice Fall 2026Full code-cycle update underway: DOB targets Fall 2026 for the 1st rulemaking notice, new edition targeted Fall 2027 (exact dates TBD) |
| Elevators | DC Elevator/Escalator Code (ASME A17.1/A17.3, edition tied to the 2015-ICC-family code cycle) under DCMR Title 12DOB (authority moved from DLCP on Oct 1, 2025) certifies conveyances: Periodic and Category-1 inspections annually (alternating), Category 5 every 5 years; certificates valid 2 years. SourceReported, in verification | DC Department of Buildings (DOB), Office of Construction and Building Standards | In force |
| Boilers | DCMR Title 12, Ch.10E (Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels); DC Code Sec.2-103/2-107 (Boiler Inspection Service)Boilers and unfired pressure vessels must be inspected at least annually by DOB or a licensed boiler-insurance inspector; a $50 annual Certificate of Inspection is posted on-site. SourceVerified on the source | DC Department of Buildings (DOB), Boiler Inspection Service | In force |
| Pools | Aquatic Facilities Regulations (Swimming Pools, Spa Pools and Saunas), DCMR Title 25-C, final rule effective Jun 9, 2017Covers water quality, circulation/turnover, lifeguards, and signage for public/commercial pools, spas and saunas; incorporated elements of the CDC Model Aquatic Health Code (2nd ed.). SourceVerified on the source | DC Department of Health (DC Health) | In force |
| Lodging | No standalone statewide hotel life-safety statute found; hotels licensed under DLCP's Lodging Business (Hotel) Basic Business LicenseDLCP issues the license via the BOSS portal and coordinates code compliance with other agencies; DCMR Title 14, Ch.13 (Hotels and Motels) covers room-occupancy density rules. SourceReported, in verification | DC Dept of Licensing & Consumer Protection (DLCP) licenses; DOB/FEMS enforce building and fire compliance | In force |
| Workplace | Federal OSHA jurisdiction; DC has no OSHA-approved State PlanPrivate-sector DC employers, including hotels, are covered directly by federal OSHA standards rather than a state-run plan. SourceVerified on the source | U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA (direct federal jurisdiction) | In force |
DC Fire Code, part of the 2017 DC Construction Codes (based on the 2015 ICC/IFC family). Applies to new and existing buildings district-wide; effective May 29, 2020, with DC amendments under DCMR Title 12 (Fire Code Supplement). Enforced by: Dept of Buildings (DOB) adopts the code; FEMS Office of the Fire Marshal enforces and inspects.
2017 DC Construction Codes (2015 ICC family + 2014 NEC + 2013 ASHRAE 90.1, DC-amended); DCMR Title 12. Governs new construction and alterations district-wide; effective May 29, 2020. DC is a single consolidated jurisdiction with no separate municipal building departments. Enforced by: DC Department of Buildings (DOB), district-wide.
Elevators: DC Department of Buildings (DOB), Office of Construction and Building Standards (DC Elevator/Escalator Code (ASME A17.1/A17.3, edition tied to the 2015-ICC-family code cycle) under DCMR Title 12). Boilers: DC Department of Buildings (DOB), Boiler Inspection Service (DCMR Title 12, Ch.10E (Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels); DC Code Sec.2-103/2-107 (Boiler Inspection Service)).
District of Columbia is a federal-OSHA state: the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA enforces workplace safety rules directly.
Fire: Rulemaking notice Fall 2026 (Full code-cycle update underway: DOB targets Fall 2026 for the 1st rulemaking notice, new edition targeted Fall 2027 (exact dates TBD)); Building: Rulemaking notice Fall 2026 (Full code-cycle update underway: DOB targets Fall 2026 for the 1st rulemaking notice, new edition targeted Fall 2027 (exact dates TBD)); Fall 2026: DOB's 1st Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (45-day comment) opens the next DC Construction Code cycle, covering all 12 code categories; exact date not yet set; Summer 2027: DOB's 2nd Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (30-day comment) on the next Construction Code edition; exact date not yet set.
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