Washington, DC Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)

C. Code § 8-803 governs how litter, solid-waste and sanitation complaints move from a report to enforcement. " The Department of Public Works runs at least 4 designated Vector Control SWEEP inspectors under § 8-803(b-1) and (b-2), whose primary job is investigating high-rodent-infestation areas and housing providers' compliance with solid-waste storage rules. What counts as a reportable "nuisance" is defined by cross-reference in § 8-803(a) to the regulations listed in § 8-802(a), which include Chapters 10A and 10B of Title 8, several sections of Title 8 of the DC Health Regulations, and specific Solid Waste Collection container rules.

Once the Mayor finds an actionable nuisance, § 8-803(c) requires a notice of violation served on the owner, an authorized agent, the building superintendent, or another responsible individual, by certified mail, or by posting it conspicuously on the property if the owner cannot be identified. Under § 8-803(d) that notice must state the location, date and time of the violation, the law violated, the fine amount, the action needed to abate it, the recipient's right to request a hearing, and reinspection details. The recipient then has 14 calendar days to respond under § 8-804(a) by admitting, admitting with explanation, or denying the violation; admitting requires paying the fine and certifying the nuisance is abated, while admitting with explanation or denying schedules a hearing before a hearing examiner under § 8-805.