Clark Construction, general contractors.

[Totally Tunsie]

30. Over the past several days, I've seen posts here on DU that say permits

for construction work on the WH aren't required. Taking the shortcut, I googled the question and received the following response:

AI Overview
No approval needed to start demolition for Trump's ballroom ...
No, the White House does not require local construction permits because it is a federal property, but it is subject to its own set of federal reviews and approvals. Federal projects, like those at the White House, operate under different rules than public projects and are not subject to local building codes or the need to obtain permits from local jurisdictions like the District of Columbia Department of Buildings. Instead, they must undergo a review process involving the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) and other federal bodies, though the White House may assert its own authority and may not seek approval for certain projects.

No local permits: The White House is a federal property, and federal entities are not required to get permits from local authorities when working on their own properties.

Internal and federal reviews: The White House is subject to federal reviews and oversight, particularly from the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) for major projects, though its authority can be contested or superseded.
Specific project reviews: Projects are reviewed for aesthetics and environmental impacts, and the White House has sometimes asserted that it doesn't need approval for certain demolition or construction work, even as some reports indicate that federal law requires review of any exterior construction project.
Security is the priority: Safety and security are paramount, and the US Secret Service can intervene to prevent any construction that could jeopardize the President or Vice President.

Does the White House need to pull permits? :
Aug 1, 2025 — Federal Government doesn't need local jurisdiction permits when doing work on properties they own.