Contact Branch Chief: Abdi Musse Phone Number: (202) 535-2240

Location 51 N Street, NE, 5th floor       Washington, DC 20002

Hours of Operation 8:15 am to 4:45 pm

What Do We Do?
The mission of the Inspection and Enforcement Branch is to coordinate, facilitate, manage, and plan activities to protect the water quality and aquatic resources in the Potomac and Anacostia watersheds. The Branch develops and implements an efficient and effective inspection and enforcement program in support of the regulation of land-disturbing activities.

The specific functions of the Branch are:

1. Conduct inspections of soil erosion and sediment control and storm water management facilities at construction sites for compliance with the regulations.
2. Review and approve “As-Built” plans of storm water management facilities submitted to the District for compliance with design standards and specifications.
3. Investigate soil erosion, water drainage and related complaints and take the necessary action(s) to resolve them.
4. Conduct preventive maintenance inspections of storm water management facilities to ensure proper functioning of these facilities.

Why Would I Need an Inspection?
Land disturbing activities are regulated under law. The Inspection and Enforcement Branch performs the functions listed above as part of its mandate to implement the inspection and enforcement component of the soil erosion and sedimentation control and storm water management regulations.
These regulations are outlined in Chapter 5 of Title 21, District of Columbia Municipal Regulations.

How Do I Apply for an Inspection?
All land disturbing activity unless specifically exempted from the soil erosion and sedimentation control regulations, require a building permit. After obtaining a building permit from the DC Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the owner/contractor is required to call the Inspection and Enforcement Branch at least 24 hours before the start of excavation or grading to schedule a pre-construction meeting or an initial site inspection.

Types of Inspections the Branch Performs

• Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Inspection
  Inspectors are authorized to conduct periodic inspections of all land disturbing activity at construction sites to ensure compliance with approved plans and to determine if the measures in the approved plans are providing effective control. Inspectors also conduct final inspections within four (4) weeks after receiving notice of project completion to ensure compliance with final stabilization as specified in the approved plan.
   
• Storm Water Management Construction Inspection
  Inspectors are authorized to conduct on-site inspections of all storm water management facilities constructed in the District of Columbia. Inspections are performed at different stages of construction as specified in the sequence of construction to ensure compliance with the approved plans. A pre-construction meeting is the first step in a storm water management facility inspection. At this meeting an inspection schedule and requirements are discussed.

  The owner/contractor is responsible for notifying the Inspection and Enforcement Branch at least 24 hours before construction for pre-construction meeting and within one (1) week after completion of the facility for final inspection. The registered professional engineer with responsibility to certify the As-Built plan is required to submit the As-Built plan for the storm water management facility to the Branch within twenty-one (21) days after final inspection.
   

• Storm Water Management Facility Inspection for Preventive Maintenance
  Inspectors perform inspection of scheduled maintenance and servicing of all storm water management facilities in operation in the District of Columbia. If maintenance is required after initial inspection of the facility, a letter of notification is sent to the owner or person designated as being responsible for maintenance. Inspectors also ensure that the maintenance schedule and agreements are recorded with the Recorder of Deeds in the Office of Tax and Revenue as a specific Declaration of Covenant.

Please call (202) 535-2977 for inspection scheduling and lodging complaints.