DC Fire and EMS and the Department of Buildings enforce property maintenance under DCMR Title 14 Chapter 8 and the 2017 DC Fire Code (NFPA-based). Vacant lots and overgrown properties must be kept free of combustibles, debris, and excessive vegetation. Although wildfire risk is minimal, urban brush accumulation triggers fire code citations and abatement liens.
DC incorporates the 2015 International Fire Code with DC amendments (published as the 2017 DC Fire Code) under DCMR Title 12-H. Fire Code section 304 (general precautions against fire) prohibits accumulation of waste materials, weeds, grass, vines, and other vegetation that constitute a fire hazard. The Property Maintenance Code at DCMR 14-800 et seq. requires exterior property to be kept free of weeds or plant growth exceeding 10 inches and free of rubbish or garbage. DC Fire and EMS Department's Fire Prevention Division conducts inspections on referral or complaint, while the Department of Buildings (DOB, formerly DCRA) handles property maintenance notices of violation and civil infractions. Vacant properties are separately regulated under DC Code section 42-3131.05 (vacant building registration) and must be secured and maintained. The Office of the Attorney General can pursue nuisance abatement. Common complaints involve vacant row houses in Wards 7 and 8, alley lots, and abandoned commercial properties. When owners ignore notices, the District abates the hazard and places a tax lien for the cost plus administrative fees.
Property maintenance notice: 14-30 days to abate. Civil infraction: $150-$500 per DCMR 16-3201 Schedule. Fire Code violation: up to $2,000. District abatement: actual cost plus 10% administrative fee, recorded as tax lien on property under DC Code 42-3131.13.
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