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.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Washington, DC
DC requires a Public Space permit and noise variance for outdoor amplified music. Rooftop bars and restaurants on 14th Street, U Street, and H Street NE oper...
Washington, DC
Washington DC sets strict decibel caps under DCMR Title 20 Chapter 27. Residential daytime limit is 60 dBA and nighttime drops to 55 dBA, measured at the rec...
Washington, DC
DC bans all gas-powered leaf blowers citywide as of January 1 2022 under the Leaf Blower Regulation Amendment Act (DC Law 22-286). Only electric and battery ...
Washington, DC
DC requires a Residential Permit Parking (RPP) sticker for overnight street parking in most residential zones. Non-residents are generally limited to 2 hours...
Washington, DC
DC encourages EV charging with rebates through DOEE and allows public right-of-way charging via DDOT's curbside EV pilot. Multifamily buildings over 50 units...
Washington, DC
Retaining walls over 4 feet in DC require a building permit from the Department of Buildings and must meet the DC Construction Code. Walls on property lines ...
See how Washington's weed ordinances rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.