David Maloff calls for urgent review of DC residential permitting procedures

The Performance Oversight Hearing for the District of Columbia's Executive Administration and Labor Committee took place on March 6, 2025, chaired by Anita Bonds. The meeting focused on critical issues surrounding the Department of Buildings (DOB) and its permitting and inspection processes.

David Maloff, a former president of the DC Federation of Citizens Associations, presented two significant requests to the committee. He urged for an immediate arms-length internal review of the DOB's residential permitting and inspections, particularly concerning projects classified under DC code 33 0 7 that have been deemed dangerous. Maloff highlighted that hundreds of such permits were issued in the previous year, with a concerning number distributed across various wards.

Maloff proposed that a member from the city administration or the deputy mayor for planning and economic development be assigned to lead a brief, cost-effective 30-day review. He emphasized the need for this review to include staff from other executive branches, such as the Office of Risk Management and potentially the DC Auditor's Office, to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.

He referenced a tragic incident involving a property collapse in Ward 1 that resulted in a worker's death, underscoring the urgent need for reform in the DOB's processes. Maloff expressed concern that the mayor should not solely depend on the DOB's internal assessments, which may be conflicted, for understanding the implications of such incidents and for broader agency reviews.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges within the DOB and the pressing need for oversight and reform to enhance public safety and accountability in the district's construction practices. The committee's response to Maloff's requests and the subsequent actions taken will be crucial in addressing these significant concerns.