311 Service Requests

Submitting a 311: The Most Important Step

Bottom Line Up Front

Whether you want a Street Tree Pruned, Bulk Trash Picked Up, or a Safer Street, it all starts with a 311 request.  Anyone can submit a 311 request by calling 311 (or 202-737-4404), sending a sms/text to 32311, going to 311.dc.gov, or even tweeting at @311DCgov.  For many issues, I cannot assist without 311 request to reference.

How To Submit an Effective 311

Abandoned Vehicle - On Public Property (or Private Property)

WHAT: The Abandoned Vehicle - On Public Property request is the way to get an abandoned vehicle parked on the street, or any public space, dealt with.  DPW aims to handle Abandoned Vehicles on Public Property within 13 business days.  If the vehicle is a Dangerous Vehicle, DPW aims to handle within 24 hours.

If the vehicle is parked on private property, you must submit an "Abandoned Vehicle - On Private Property" request.  If a vehicle is on private property, even if abandoned, there are more legal hurdles to address the issue and the process will take longer.  However, the 311 process is the same.

Please note, to qualify as abandoned the vehicle MUST be on public space for more than 48 hours and on private space for more than 30 days, AND it must be:

To qualify as a Dangerous Vehicle, it must be:

See DPW's page on Removal of Abandoned and Dangerous Vehicles for more information.

To see examples of Abandoned Vehicles - On Public Property, check out this news post.

RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SUBMITTING

Streetlight Repair Investigation

WHAT: This is the way to get a streetlight repaired OR adjusted.  Additionally, if your streetlight is blocked due to trees/branches, you can use this request as well.

RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SUBMITTING

Photo of telephone pole showing the pole number which is on a vertical black band with yellow numbers reading: 805404-660040.

The pole number here is 805404-660040.

Traffic Safety Input

WHAT: This is the way to make a street safer.  You can read more about Traffic Safety Inputs on DDOT's website.

RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SUBMITTING

TIP: If you have a video of the safety concern, upload it to YouTube (or other video hosting service) and include the URL (link) to the video in the "Additional Information" section!

Remember: a "Traffic Safety Input," is only for a single block or intersection.  If you want a whole street to be safer, put in a request for each block!

Tree Inspection

WHAT: If you are concerned about a public tree (street tree), such as the limbs pose a risk to your home, you are worried it could fall this is the request to use.  If it has already fallen, but is not an emergency, submit a Tree Removal request.  The Service Goal for this request is 5 business days, but can take up to 30.  If it has already fallen and has caused injuries, structural damage to a home, or is blocking the street, call 911!  You can learn more about DDOT Urban Forestry's requests on their site.

RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SUBMITTING

Tree Removal

WHAT: If the tree is already dead, badly damaged, or has fallen, submit a Tree Removal request.  While online it states it can take up to 180 days to resolve, if it is causing an issue, after you submit the 311 Contact Me or DDOT Urban Forestry and ensure the priority is elevated.  If it has already fallen and has caused injuries, structural damage to a home, or is blocking the street, call 911!  You can learn more about DDOT Urban Forestry's requests on their site.

RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN SUBMITTING