DC combats vacant and blighted property through the Department of Buildings' Vacant Property Unit under DC Code section 42-3131.05 et seq. Vacant buildings pay 5 percent of assessed value in tax (Class 3), and blighted buildings pay 10 percent (Class 4). The Nuisance Abatement Task Force and OAG pursue chronic offenders. Registration and exterior maintenance are mandatory.
DC's vacant and blighted property regime is among the nation's toughest. Under DC Code 42-3131.05, owners must register any vacant building with the Department of Buildings Vacant Building Unit within 30 days of vacancy. Class 3 (vacant, maintained) property tax rate is 5 percent of assessed value, and Class 4 (vacant and blighted) is 10 percent — versus 0.85 percent for owner-occupied homes. Designation to Class 4 requires findings of blight conditions including broken windows, peeling paint, structural damage, rodent infestation, or graffiti under DCMR 14-108. Owners have 90 days to abate before Class 4 designation takes effect. The Nuisance Abatement Task Force (MPD, OAG, DOB, DC Health, and Fire) coordinates on problem properties and can obtain receivership under DC Code 42-3651.06. DOB inspectors issue notices of violation with 10-30 day cure periods; non-compliance leads to civil fines, municipal abatement billed back to the owner, and tax liens. Grants and exemptions exist for active rehabilitation, substantial renovation, and short-term marketing periods. The Office of the Attorney General pursues major blight cases, including the high-profile reclamation of abandoned row houses through nuisance actions.
Failure to register vacant: $2,000 fine. Blighted classification: 10 percent property tax (Class 4) versus 0.85 percent owner-occupied. Notice of violation: 10-30 days to cure, $500-$2,000. Municipal abatement lien: actual cost plus 10 percent admin fee. Receivership for chronic offenders.
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