Washington, DC

The Washington, DC retail market is consistently viewed as one of the top retail markets in the U.S., and has been ranked the #1 retail investment market by both Marcus and Millichap and ChainLinks & Terranomics. Your business location can determine the following:

• accessibility to your target market,
• the type of occupancy permit you will need,
• which government incentive programs you qualify for, etc.

Find a Location

The proximity of your business to your customers makes a difference in the volume of traffic you receive. Learn about your community and how to pick the right site with these resources. 

District Department of Transportation Maps
The District Department of Transportation releases maps of traffic volumes across the District. These maps can be useful when selecting a business location. 

Office of Planning Map Library
Various maps that give you access to helpful data.

Office of Planning Online Mapping Tools
A collection of online mapping tools that provide access to many kinds of information about the District.

Entrepreneur.com
This site gives useful insight on selecting a business location. 

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
The WMATA site shows where Metrorail and Metrobus routes operate to help potential customers and employees travel to your business. 

Retail Site Search
Get site location assistance and find retail and restaurant space in Washington, DC

Incubators
Incubators for start-ups.

Make Sure the Location is Compliant

Make sure the location of your business is compliant with DC building codes and zoning regulations.

Office of Zoning
Check zoning regulations by contacting the Office of Zoning at (202) 727-6311.

Permit Center
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs regulates and issues permits relating to new constructions, alterations, or repairs. 

Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy

Apply for the required documentation related to the use of your building or office space.

Certificate of Occupancy

Relocate a Business to DC

Few cities offer businesses the opportunities, and incentives, and support that you will find in the District of Columbia.

The Washington, DC Economic Partnership serves as a first point of contact for companies considering relocation to DC by providing market information and resources. Visit the WDCEP online or call (202) 638-7333 to find information specific to your business.

The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development offers a variety of information and resources useful for new and existing businesses, such as incentives and tax-exempt bonds.

For companies interested in locating within a neighborhood business district, the Department of Small and Local Business Development operates several programs related to the organization, design, promotion, and economic restructuring of commercial areas.