When a property owner plans to perform underpinning work as part of their construction project, the property owner must inform the owners of adjacent buildings via certified notification letters. The property owner is also required to give adjacent property owners the opportunity to review the permit application and the proposed work plans.

The code (DCMR Title 12 District of Columbia Building Code Supplement, Section 3307) also states that the adjacent property owner should allow the person causing the construction to inspect and take photos of his or her premises for any damages before and after the proposed construction (during hours that are convenient to both parties).

These notifications can legally and financially protect both the owner of the property where work is being done and the adjacent properties if any damage occurs during the project. A sample notification letter is provided below.