WASHINGTON - The District announced Tuesday it is slashing red tape for do-it-yourselfers and contractors seeking building permits for smaller home-improvement projects.

The city is allowing permit-seekers to skip the DCRA office and apply online or at the Virtual Permit Center at The Home Depot on Rhode Island Avenue NE.

The two self-serve kiosks, located inside the store, offer permit applicants a chance to pick up DCRA's "Postcard Permit" for home improvements. Applicants enter information on kiosk computers, pay the associated fee with a credit card, and print out a paper permit.

Mayor Adrian Fenty tested the system in a demonstration by jokingly applying for a permit to build "a new high fence to keep the media out." 

"It's the private sector model," said Fenty. "You do everything in one place and you do it fast."

The old model, a visit to DCRA, was not fast.

"Typically it can take anywhere from 24 to 48 hours to get a permit," said Anthony Lemma, a Home Depot employee. "Here, it'll be within minutes."

"Get the permit, get out of the store -- it saves them a couple of days, they can get right to work," he added.

The long waits at DCRA led many contractors to hire expiditers, like former DCRA worker Vincent Ford.

"Because most people don't know how to get through the system," Ford observed. "It's a complicated system."

Now, for simple jobs, handy homeowners and contractors can pick up their tools, supplies and permits in one place.

"This stuff that is really simple, like electrical, or windows, basement renovations and stuff like that," said Saud Nash, a contractor.

The kiosk is open the same hours as The Home Depot: 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday. You can also apply for and print the permits at home by going to the DCRA Web site.