D.C. Code § 42-3131.12(Perm): Vacant building maintenance standard.

*NOTE: This codification is not the most current. To see the current law, click this link Current Version*

A building shall be adequately maintained if:

(a)

The owner of a vacant building shall comply with the following maintenance requirements:

(1)

The exterior of the building shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging, or similar markings;

(2)

Exterior walls shall be free of holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials;

(3)

The interior of the building, and the property on which the building is located, shall be free from debris, rubbish, and garbage;

(4)

Exposed metal and wood surfaces on the exterior of the building and any accessory or appurtenant structures shall be protected from the elements and against decay or rust;

(5)

The cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features shall be safe, anchored, and in good repair;

(6)

All balconies, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar features shall be in good repair, anchored, safe, and sound;

(7)

Doors, windows, areaways, and other openings shall be weather-tight and secured against entry by birds, vermin, and trespassers, and missing or broken doors, windows, and other openings shall be covered with 1/2 inch CDX plywood that is painted in accordance with the predominant tone of the building and is weather protected, tightly fitted to the opening, and secured by screws or bolts;

(8)

The roof and flashing shall be sound and tight, not admit moisture, and drained to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior;

(9)

The building storm drainage system shall be adequately sized and installed in an approved manner and functional;

(10)

The structural members shall be free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads;

(11)

The foundation walls shall be plumb, free from open cracks and breaks, and vermin-resistant;

(12)

Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances shall be structurally safe, sound, and in good repair;

(13)

Openings in sidewalks shall be safe for pedestrian travel;

(14)

The property on which the building is located shall be free from excessive vegetation; and

(15)

The property on which the building is located, as well as any accessory or appurtenant structures, shall be free from safety, health, or fire hazards.

(b)

The owner of a vacant property or his or her agent shall submit a vacant property maintenance plan with the registration form required pursuant to section 6. The plan shall include the following:

(1)

The name, address, and contact information (telephone number and electronic mailing address where applicable) of the person submitting the plan;

(2)

Contact information for the person designated to manage and maintain the property;

(3)

A copy of a letter or notice to properties abutting or immediately adjacent to the vacant building advising residents of the name and contact information of the person designated to manage and maintain the property;

(4)

A plan for actively monitoring, maintaining, and securing the property for the anticipated or expected period of vacancy that demonstrates how the property will be maintained in accordance with subsection (a) of this section; and

(5)

Any other information deemed necessary by the Mayor for purposes of effectuating this section.