Skip to content

Get Accurate Washington, D.C. Roofing Codes and Reports Instantly

The Nation’s Capital Meets Flat-Roof & Cool-Roof Challenges

OneClick Code provides up-to-date building and roofing codes for Washington, D.C., including the 2017 DC Construction Codes based on the 2015 ICC family and the DC Energy Conservation Code’s cool-roof requirements for low-slope roofs.  With local storm history and smart calculators for permit fees, ventilation, and shingle waste, D.C. contractors and estimators get everything they need to handle flat roofs, cool-roof mandates, and urban permit rules—saving time, reducing risk, and protecting profit on every project.

WASHINGTON

Washington, D.C.’s Evolving Roofing Code Highlights

Permit Thresholds

Most roof replacements or recovery projects in Washington, D.C. require a building permit, especially when more than 25% of the roof area is altered or when the project involves structural changes, low-slope membranes, drainage upgrades, or energy-code–triggered improvements.

Ice & Water Shield Requirements

An ice barrier underlayment is required on roof edges and eaves of residential buildings where DC has direct jurisdictional authority, following the adopted 2017 DC Construction Code (IRC sub-section) Section 2017-12-B301

Ventilation Requirements

The 2017 DC Residential Code requires attic and enclosed roof-space ventilation sized according to net free ventilation area, unless the assembly is designed as an unvented conditioned roof, which must follow strict insulation and vapor-control provisions.

Energy / Cool-Roof Requirements

Under the 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code, low-slope roofs (≤ 2:12) must comply with cool-roof standards—typically requiring materials that meet minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) values across at least 75% of the roof area, unless an approved energy-modeling exemption is used.

General Roofing Code Requirements

Washington, D.C., follows the 2017 DC Construction Codes, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC, which set standards for roof coverings, flashing, drainage, underlayment, and rooftop structures. Specifically, Title 2017-12-A15 for Commercial and Title 2017-12-B9 for Residential structures govern roof-assembly rules, including approved materials, drainage via scuppers or secondary systems, and required weather protection, although other sections can have roofing regulations or roof covering relevant regulations like section 2017-12-B301, in which IWS is mentioned for Residential structures.

Key Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Counties/Zones for Roofing Contractors

High-impact zones

The Washington, D.C. metro area spans three code regimes (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), which means roofing rules, permits, and energy requirements can change as soon as you cross a bridge or beltway exit. For contractors bidding across the region, these counties are especially important:

  • District of Columbia (D.C.): Dense urban building stock, lots of low-slope and flat roofs, and mandatory cool-roof requirements for many low-slope residential roofs under the 2017 DC Energy Conservation Code. 
  • Montgomery County, MD: Climate Zone 4A with strict energy-efficiency and envelope standards (including roof insulation) under adopted IECC-based energy codes and local green-building initiatives. 
  • Prince George’s County, MD: Follows Maryland’s statewide building and energy codes, tying roofing work to IECC-driven envelope and insulation requirements along with local permitting and inspection processes. 
  • Arlington County, VA: Roofing projects must comply with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code plus local requirements around underlayment, ventilation, and fire-resistant materials. 
  • Fairfax County, VA: Most reroofs and roof replacements require permits and plan review to verify compliance with state building codes and local ordinances, impacting timelines and documentation. 

OneClick Code delivers jurisdiction-specific roofing code reports across the entire D.C. metro area, so contractors can see the exact rules, energy standards, and permit expectations for any address before bidding.

WASHINGTON DC

Why Washington, D.C. Roofing Codes Are Complex

Custom Local Code Amendments

Washington, D.C. uses its own amended version of the IBC/IRC, known as the DC Construction Codes, which reshape standard roofing rules. Contractors must navigate District-specific requirements that differ from surrounding Maryland and Virginia jurisdictions.

Insurance ready with every report.

Flat & Low-Slope Roof Challenges

D.C.’s housing stock is dominated by rowhouses and flat roofs, which trigger strict rules for drainage, flashing, scuppers, and roof-membrane performance. These assemblies must manage heavy rain, ponding water risks, and long-term waterproofing.

Flat roof

Strict Energy & Cool-Roof Standards

Under the DC Energy Conservation Code, many low-slope reroofs must meet cool-roof SRI requirements or pass alternative energy-compliance pathways. Slope, roof area replaced, and assembly type can all trigger additional energy obligations.

Energy

Permitting & Multi-Code Compliance

Most reroofs require a permit, and inspections cover structural, energy, and waterproofing standards simultaneously. This multi-layered review process means even small roofing projects must meet several code sections to pass.

Multi code compliance

Regional Multi-Jurisdiction Complexity

Contractors working across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia face three different code environments, each with unique amendments and permit processes. This makes accurate, address-specific compliance essential for metro-area roofing work.
Local code-1

Your All-in-One Solution

OneClick Code

OneClick Code provides Washington, D.C. roofing code reports, covering cool-roof requirements, flat-roof standards, drainage and flashing rules, and permit fee insights; all in one unified interface. With the D.C. metro spanning three different code environments (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), staying compliant can be challenging. OneClick Code gives contractors instant access to the exact codes adopted in each jurisdiction, along with print-ready documentation for estimates, inspections, and insurance claims.

shutterstock_1970590730

Why Washington, D.C. Contractors Choose OneClick Code

Whether filing an insurance claim on existing buildings or tracking down the appropriate jurisdiction, this task is often painful and time-consuming. OneClick Code helps contractors reference minimum requirements for Washington, D.C. construction codes based on the latest International Building Code (IBC) standard.

01

Accurate Estimates

Get address-specific roofing codes and energy requirements so your bids align with D.C., Maryland, and Virginia standards from the start — no guesswork or missed scope items.

Increased accuracy in estimates and projects
02

Reduce Risk of Fines

Avoid failed inspections and compliance issues by using reports built on the latest DC Construction Codes and surrounding county amendments.

Reduced risk of code violations and fines
03

Improved Estimating Efficiency

Spend minutes — not hours — gathering code information. OneClick Code delivers low-slope rules, cool-roof requirements, drainage standards, and permit insights in one simple report.

Improved project efficiency and timelines
04

Professional Results

Share polished, inspection-ready roofing code reports with adjusters, homeowners, and building officials to build trust and close more D.C. metro roofing jobs.

Enhance your professional credibility and client trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for roofing in Washington, D.C.?

Yes. Most roof replacements, recoveries, and major repairs in Washington, D.C. require a building permit. The District reviews projects for compliance with the DC Construction Codes, including structural, energy, and waterproofing requirements.

What roofing codes does Washington, D.C. follow?

D.C. uses the 2017 DC Construction Codes, based on the 2015 IBC/IRC with extensive local amendments. These codes govern roof coverings, drainage, cool-roof requirements, and rooftop structures.

Are cool roofs required in Washington, D.C.?

For many low-slope residential roofs, yes. Under the DC Energy Conservation Code, low-slope reroofs often must meet minimum Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) thresholds unless an approved energy-modeling alternative is used.

Can OneClick Code calculate permit fees for my D.C. roofing project?

Yes. OneClick code provides a Permit Fee Calculator and identifies the correct jurisdiction, as well as available permit fee details, along with code requirements, drainage rules, cool-roof standards, and assembly specifications for that exact address.

For Washington, D.C. Roofers

Whether you're working in Capitol Hill, Silver Spring, Arlington, or anywhere across the D.C. metro, OneClick Code brings clarity to a complex, multi-jurisdiction code environment. Stay compliant, efficient, and inspection-ready across D.C., Maryland, and Virginia with OneClick Code.

message-popups