{"data":{"id":"us-dc/d.c.-code-42-3131.12","jurisdiction":"us-dc","citation":"D.C. Code § 42-3131.12","heading":"Vacant building maintenance standard.","body":"A building shall be adequately maintained if:\n\n(1)\nDoors, windows, areaways, and other openings are weather-tight and secured against entry by birds, vermin, and trespassers, and missing or broken doors, windows, and other openings are covered with 1/2 inch CDX plywood that is weather protected, tightly fitted to the opening, and secured by screws or bolts;\n\n(2)\nThe roof and flashing are sound and tight, will not admit moisture, and are drained to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior;\n\n(3)\nThe building storm drainage system is adequately sized and installed in an approved manner and functional;\n\n(4)\nThe interior and exterior is maintained in good repair, structurally sound, free from debris, rubbish, and garbage, and sanitary so as not to threaten public health or safety;\n\n(5)\nThe structural members are free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads;\n\n(6)\nThe foundation walls are plumb, free from open cracks and breaks, and vermin-proof;\n\n(7)\nThe exterior walls are free of holes, graffiti, breaks, and loose or rotting materials, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint;\n\n(8)\nThe cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features are safe, anchored, and in good repair, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint;\n\n(9)\nAll balconies, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar features are in good repair, anchored, safe and sound, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint;\n\n(10)\nChimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances are structurally safe, sound, and in good repair, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint;\n\n(11)\nOpenings in sidewalks are safe for pedestrian travel;\n\n(12)\nAccessory and appurtenant structures such as garages, sheds, and fences are free from safety, health, and fire hazards; and\n\n(13)\nThe property on which a structure is located is clean, safe, and sanitary and does not threaten the public health or safety.","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/42-3131.12","current_through":"2026-08-20 (D.C. Law 26-175)","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-08-29T05:44:07Z","sha256":"da864479b9e812c5619d225f4b6c42eb7e5825e51ee291e9f69405a582321357","source_id":"us-dc","stale":false,"prev":"us-dc/d.c.-code-42-3131.11","next":"us-dc/d.c.-code-42-3131.13"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}