The Department of Buildings enforces DC's weed and vegetation standards under DCMR Title 14 section 802 and DC Code section 8-2103. Grass and weeds over 4 inches on residential property and 10 inches on vacant lots trigger notices of violation. DC also maintains a noxious weed list through DOEE and conducts annual abatement sweeps on vacant parcels.
Vegetation maintenance on DC private property is governed by the Property Maintenance Code (DCMR Title 14 subtitle B) and the Litter Control Administration Act (DC Code section 8-801 et seq.). Section 14-802 requires that all exterior property and premises be kept free of weeds, plant growth, noxious vegetation, and dead trees that constitute a hazard. The practical enforcement threshold is grass over 4 inches on occupied residential lots and vegetation exceeding 10 inches on vacant lots. The Department of Buildings (formerly DCRA) issues Notices of Violation and Notices of Infraction with a typical correction period of 14 days. If the owner fails to act, DC arranges for abatement through the Department of Public Works (DPW) and bills the owner, with unpaid costs recorded as a tax lien under DC Code 42-3131.13. DOEE maintains a list of invasive and noxious species — including English ivy, Japanese knotweed, porcelain-berry, and lesser celandine — that property owners are encouraged but not mandated to control. The District's humid, growing-season-long climate means enforcement ramps up from April through October, with vacant lots in Wards 5, 7, and 8 receiving the highest complaint volume through 311.
First notice: 14 days to abate. Civil infraction: $150 (residential) to $500 (commercial/vacant). Failure to abate: District contractor mows at owner expense, typically $300-$800 plus $75 administrative fee. Costs become a tax lien if unpaid within 30 days.
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