DC permit guide · checked October 23, 2026
Soil Boring Permits in DC: The DOEE, DOB & DDOT Guide
In Washington, DC, soil borings are regulated as wells. Here's who issues what, which borings are exempt, and when your building permit needs a geotechnical report.
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How to get a soil boring permit in DC
Get a DOB soil boring permit number
On private property, start with DOB's Soil Boring Permit. Plans show the number of borings and their locations.
In public space, get a DDOT number
Borings in a roadway, sidewalk, tree space or alley first need a DDOT tracking number from the TOPS permit system.
Apply to DOEE in SGS
File the well construction application in DOEE's Surface and Groundwater System with a work plan, site plan and environmental questionnaire.
Call Miss Utility before drilling
Notify 811 at least 96 hours, and no more than 10 days, before you dig, not counting weekends and holidays.
Exempt or not?
Usually exempt from the DOEE well permit
- Stormwater infiltration tests and stormwater practices
- Shallow holes 10 ft deep or less, above the seasonal water table, 25 ft or more from surface waters and wetlands, built to DOEE standards and closed within 5 business days
Usually needs the permit
- Geotechnical borings for foundations and retaining walls
- Environmental borings and monitoring wells
- Borings deeper than 10 ft or into the water table
- Any boring in public space (DDOT first)
When your building permit needs a geotechnical report
Use a USDA soil report to
- See the mapped soil, drainage and water table before scoping borings
- Brief your geotechnical engineer and plan reviewer
- Spot shallow bedrock, wet soils or Urban land early
A geotechnical engineer provides
- Site-specific borings and lab testing
- Bearing capacity and foundation recommendations
- The geotechnical report DOB reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
Soil boring permits in DC, answered from DOEE, DOB and DDOT sources.
Do I need a permit for soil borings in DC?
Usually, yes. DC's well regulations (21 DCMR Chapter 18) treat any test hole, shaft or soil excavation, including soil borings, as a well, and most need a DOEE well construction permit. DOB issues the soil boring permit number that starts the process on private property.
Which borings are exempt from the DOEE permit?
DOEE exempts stormwater infiltration tests and stormwater practices, and shallow holes that are 10 feet deep or less, above the seasonal water table, at least 25 feet from surface waters and wetlands, built to DOEE's standards and closed within 5 business days. Check DOEE's well permit page for the exact conditions.
What if the boring is in the sidewalk or street?
Work in public space, such as a roadway, sidewalk, tree space or alley, first needs a DDOT tracking number from the TOPS public space permit system. Then apply to DOEE.
Does my DC building permit need a geotechnical report?
Where the building code calls for one. DOB's plan review checklist requires a geotechnical report where required by IBC Sections 1705.6 and 1803, and DOB lists a geotechnical report as a required submission for foundation permits. DC currently enforces the 2017 DC Construction Codes, based on the 2015 IBC.
How far ahead do I call Miss Utility in DC?
At least 96 hours and no more than 10 days before digging, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays (D.C. Code § 34-2704). Dial 811 or use Miss Utility's online ticket system.
Can a USDA soil report replace soil borings?
No. A USDA soil report maps the soil type, drainage, water table and restrictive layers regionally. It helps you scope borings and brief your engineer, but it doesn't replace site-specific borings, lab tests or a geotechnical report.
See the soil before you drill
Free soil type and drainage preview for any DC address. Full report from $19.
Sources
Official DC sources, last checked October 23, 2026.
More soil tools and guides
- Soil Type LookupFree soil type, drainage and hydric rating for any address.
- Soil Report for Permit DrawingsA preliminary soil PDF for site plans and permit sets.
- DC DOEE Soil & Stormwater ChecklistErosion control and stormwater triggers, step by step.
- Hydric Soil & Drainage ScreeningHydric rating, drainage class, flooding and water table.
- Septic Soil Suitability ReportUSDA septic absorption field rating for a property.
- SSURGO Parcel Reports for EngineersComponent, horizon and engineering data by address.
- SSURGO Soil Data APISoil data by address or coordinates, as JSON.
This guide summarizes official DC sources. It is general information, not legal or engineering advice. Confirm requirements with DOEE, DOB and DDOT before you drill.
This report is based on USDA-NRCS SSURGO regional soil-survey data and is intended for preliminary screening only. It is not a geotechnical investigation, soil boring report, environmental assessment, or permit approval.