DC residents demand independent review of Department of Buildings after safety inspection failures

The Performance Oversight Hearing held by the District of Columbia's Committee on Executive Administration and Labor on January 29, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the Department of Buildings (DOB) and its permitting and inspection processes. Chairperson Anita Bonds led the session, where residents and advocates voiced their frustrations over safety issues related to residential construction.

One resident, who has faced ongoing challenges with DOB, called for an independent review of the department's handling of residential permits, particularly concerning projects classified as dangerous. The resident reported that 7,000 permits were issued last year, yet DOB has allegedly failed to comply with court orders to provide necessary safety inspection information. This lack of transparency has raised alarms about public safety, especially following a recent construction collapse that resulted in a worker's death.

The resident emphasized that if DOB cannot ensure safety information is shared with affected neighbors, it should halt permit issuance until proper protocols are established. They urged the Executive Office of the Mayor to conduct an examination of DOB's processes by external personnel to ensure accountability and public safety.

In addition to concerns about DOB, the hearing also addressed issues within the Mayor's Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC). Fritz Muhlhauser, co-chair of the DC Open Government Coalition, criticized MOLC for failing to publish opinions related to Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) appeals, which is a legal requirement. He noted that while backlogs have been reduced, the publication of opinions remains a significant issue, with many opinions not accessible to the public. Muhlhauser called for increased transparency and better accessibility of these documents to ensure that citizens can effectively engage with government processes.

The hearing underscored the need for improved communication and transparency within city agencies, particularly regarding public safety and access to information. As the committee continues its oversight, the testimonies presented may lead to further investigations and potential reforms aimed at enhancing the accountability of the DOB and MOLC.