The BBL Inspection Checklist, printed as the Basic Business License Checklist, is the inspection form of the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) for a Basic Business License (BBL). It belongs to the DC business license process and lists 20 items, A through T, each marked Passed, Failed or N/A for a one family dwelling, a two family dwelling or another property type. On this page you can fill out the form online on FillingPDF and download or print the completed PDF; the original PDF is published by DLCP at dlcp.dc.gov.
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What is BBL Inspection Checklist – Washington, DC?
The BBL Inspection Checklist, printed on the form as Basic Business License Checklist, is the DC Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DLCP) inspection form on which a dwelling is rated item by item as Passed, Failed or N/A for the Basic Business License (BBL).
The top of the form identifies the property: one family dwelling, two family dwelling or other, whether the property is occupied, the BBL CAP#, the address, the unit number, the inspection date and the inspector's name. A warning tells you not to occupy uninhabitable spaces such as a basement, crawlspace, deck, den, garage or sleeping rooms.
Items A through T cover:
- smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (A, B);
- space, ceiling height, light and ventilation (C, D, E);
- exit doors, emergency escape openings and sleeping room conditions (F, G, H);
- walls, windows, floors, steps and handrails (I to L);
- electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling, water heating and appliances (M to R);
- the exterior of the property and a fire extinguisher (S, T).
The form ends with an overall Passed or Failed result, the inspector's signature and badge number, and a Received By line for the owner or agent. It says that violations not listed on the checklist can be cited under the current DC 2013 PMC and must be abated before the Basic Business License is issued.
Who needs to file BBL Inspection Checklist – Washington, DC?
The checklist is used in the Basic Business License inspection of a dwelling. The inspector completes the property details, rates items A through T, gives the overall result and signs with a badge number. The owner or agent signs on the Received By line, which also asks for the name and phone number.
The form also speaks to the landlord or operator: it says they are required to be aware of the Lead Based Paint notification requirements and points to www.wpa.gov/lead and www.hud.gov/offices/lead for more information.
The checklist is for the property types printed at the top: one family dwelling, two family dwelling, or another type written on the Other line. It does not describe who must apply for a Basic Business License or who is exempt, so check with DLCP for that.
When to file BBL Inspection Checklist – Washington, DC
The checklist is completed on the inspection date, which is one of the entries at the top of the form. It prints no separate filing deadline.
If any item is marked Failed, the form tells you to correct the failed items and call (202) 442-9557, Option '6' to schedule a re-inspection. Violations not listed on the checklist are subject to citation under the current DC 2013 PMC and must be abated before the Basic Business License is issued. All repairs must be done in a workmanship manner per DC 2013 PMC 102.5.
How to fill out BBL Inspection Checklist – Washington, DC
Mark the dwelling type and occupancy
At the top, mark One Family Dwelling, Two Family Dwelling or Other and write the type on the Other line. Mark Yes or No for whether the property is occupied.
Enter BBL CAP# and address
Write the BBL CAP#, the property address and the Unit # in the lines provided.
Record inspection date and inspector
Enter the Inspection Date and the Inspector Name.
Rate smoke and carbon monoxide items
For items A and B, mark Passed, Failed or N/A. Item A covers smoke alarms on every level, near and in sleeping rooms; item B covers a carbon monoxide detector near sleeping rooms where a fuel burning appliance is present.
Rate space, light and exit items
Mark items C through F: sleeping room space, ceiling height, light and ventilation, and exit and security doors openable without keys.
Rate escape openings and sleeping rooms
Mark item G against the emergency escape and rescue opening dimensions printed on the form, and item H for gas meters and fuel burning appliances in sleeping rooms.
Rate surfaces, windows and railings
Mark items I through L: walls, ceiling, doors and windows; windows and doors with hardware and screens; floors, steps and walking surfaces; and handrails, guards and balustrades.
Rate utilities and appliances
Mark items M through R: electrical outlets, switches and fixtures, required receptacles, plumbing fixtures, heating and AC, water heating with the pressure relief valve pipe, and installed appliances.
Rate exterior and fire extinguisher
Mark item S for the maintained exterior (roof, gutters, downspouts, walkways, porches) and item T for a visible, readily accessible fire extinguisher.
Give the result and inspector signature
Mark the overall Passed or Failed, then add the Inspector Signature and Badge#.
Complete the Received By line
The owner or agent enters their name, signature and phone number under Received By.
Review and download the completed PDF
Check that every item has a mark and the property details are correct. Download or print the completed PDF from FillingPDF; if items failed, follow the re-inspection instruction printed at the bottom.
How to submit BBL Inspection Checklist – Washington, DC
The checklist names one contact channel, the telephone line for scheduling a re-inspection; it prints no mailing address, portal or office hours.
- Phone: after correcting failed items, call (202) 442-9557, Option '6' to schedule a re-inspection.
- At the inspection: the inspector completes and signs the form, and the owner or agent signs on the Received By line with name and phone number.
The form does not say where completed copies are filed, so ask DLCP how the checklist is handled. FillingPDF lets you fill out and download the PDF; any handling of the checklist follows the DLCP channels above.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Leaving an item from A to T without Passed, Failed or N/A, so the inspection result is unclear.
- Occupying uninhabitable spaces such as a basement, crawlspace, deck, den, garage or sleeping rooms; the form warns against it.
- Installing smoke alarms within 36 in. horizontally of a ceiling-suspended (paddle) fan blade tip, of a door to a bathroom with a shower or tub, or of a forced air supply register.
- Placing a carbon monoxide detector away from the sleeping rooms when a fuel burning appliance is present; item B calls for it in their vicinity.
- Certifying an emergency escape opening that needs keys, tools or extra force to open, or that is smaller than the minimum net clear opening sizes in item G.
- Failing to call (202) 442-9557, Option '6' to schedule a re-inspection after correcting failed items.
- Assuming only the listed items matter; violations not on the checklist can be cited under the DC 2013 PMC and must be abated before the license is issued.
- Leaving the Received By line without the owner or agent name, signature and phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BBL Inspection Checklist?
It is the DLCP inspection form, printed as Basic Business License Checklist, on which a dwelling is rated Passed, Failed or N/A on items A through T. It ends with an overall result, the inspector's signature and badge number, and the owner or agent's receipt.
Is the BBL checklist part of getting a DC business license?
Yes. The checklist belongs to the Basic Business License (BBL) inspection. It states that violations must be abated before the Basic Business License is issued. It does not describe the rest of the application, so ask DLCP about other steps.
What happens if an item on the BBL checklist fails?
Correct the failed items and call (202) 442-9557, Option '6' to schedule a re-inspection. The form also says all repairs must be done in a workmanship manner per DC 2013 PMC 102.5.
Can I be cited for problems that are not on the checklist?
Yes. The form says violations not listed on the checklist are subject to citation under the current DC 2013 PMC and must be abated before the Basic Business License is issued.
Who signs the BBL Inspection Checklist?
The inspector signs next to the overall Passed or Failed result and adds a badge number. The owner or agent writes their name, signature and phone number on the Received By line.
What are the emergency escape opening requirements in item G?
Item G lists a minimum net clear opening of 5.7 sq. ft. (or 5 sq. ft. if the unit is at grade level), height of 24 inches, width of 20 inches, and a finished sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor. A window well must be 9 sq. feet and 36” wide with a fixed ladder.
Can I fill out the BBL Inspection Checklist online?
You can fill out the PDF online on FillingPDF and download or print it. FillingPDF is independent of DLCP and does not file or deliver the checklist; follow DLCP's channels, such as the re-inspection phone line, for next steps.
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