§ 42-3131.05b — Determination of vacancy and blight.

District of Columbia § 42-3131.05b

• Jurisdiction: District of Columbia
• Title 42: Real Property.
• Ch. 31A: Abatement of Nuisance Property.
• Subch. II: Registration of Vacant Buildings.

Text

(a) When making a determination that a building is vacant, the Mayor shall consider the following:

(1) Neighbor complaints;

(2) Advisory Neighborhood Commission certification;

(3) Accumulated mail, fliers, or newspapers;

(4) Past due utility notices, disconnected utilities, or low utility usage inconsistent with regular and habitual occupancy;

(5) Presence of overgrown vegetation, dead or diseased trees, or noxious weeds;

(6) Absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with habitation;

(7) Building is open to casual entry or trespass; and

(8) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.

(b) When making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, the Mayor shall consider the following:

(1) Incidence of illegal activity, as documented by police reports;

(2) Whether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding before the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings;

(3) Referrals to the Department of Buildings from other District agencies;

(4) One or more windows, doors, or other means of entry are missing or boarded up;

(5) Collapsing, missing, or deteriorating walls, roof, stairs, porches, balconies, chimneys, and other building elements;

(6) Siding or exterior walls that are seriously damaged, missing, or deteriorating;

(7) Trash and debris are improperly stored or accumulated on the premises;

(8) Building shows visible signs of vandalism, such as graffiti;

(9) Presence of mold, algae, abandoned or wild animals, or insect or pest infestation; and

(10) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.

Legislative History

Apr. 14, 1906, 34 Stat. 115, ch. 1626, § 5b