{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-42-3131.05b","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 42-3131.05b","heading":"Determination of vacancy and blight.","body":"(a)\nWhen making a determination that a building is vacant, the Mayor shall consider the following:\n(1)\nNeighbor complaints;\n(2)\nAdvisory Neighborhood Commission certification;\n(3)\nAccumulated mail, fliers, or newspapers;\n(4)\nPast due utility notices, disconnected utilities, or low utility usage inconsistent with regular and habitual occupancy;\n(5)\nPresence of overgrown vegetation, dead or diseased trees, or noxious weeds;\n(6)\nAbsence of furnishings or personal items consistent with habitation;\n(7)\nBuilding is open to casual entry or trespass; and\n(8)\nAny other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.\n\n(b)\nWhen making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, the Mayor shall consider the following:\n(1)\nIncidence of illegal activity, as documented by police reports;\n(2)\nWhether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding before the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings;\n(3)\nReferrals to the Department of Buildings from other District agencies;\n(4)\nOne or more windows, doors, or other means of entry are missing or boarded up;\n(5)\nCollapsing, missing, or deteriorating walls, roof, stairs, porches, balconies, chimneys, and other building elements;\n(6)\nSiding or exterior walls that are seriously damaged, missing, or deteriorating;\n(7)\nTrash and debris are improperly stored or accumulated on the premises;\n(8)\nBuilding shows visible signs of vandalism, such as graffiti;\n(9)\nPresence of mold, algae, abandoned or wild animals, or insect or pest infestation; and\n(10)\nAny other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.","path":["Title 42. Real Property.","Chapter 31A. Abatement of Nuisance Property.","Subchapter II. Registration of Vacant Buildings."],"source_url":"https://code.dccouncil.gov/us/dc/council/code/sections/42-3131.05b","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"60fe0e4a4b7fe0853e660994dfe1f4419e35b5619879e8e65020d4bbfe714b8a","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-42-3131.05a","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-42-3131.06"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}