DC requires vacant lot owners to maintain their properties free of trash, debris, and overgrown vegetation under the DC Housing Code (14 DCMR) and vacant property laws. Grass and weeds must be kept below 8 inches, and lots must be secured against unauthorized entry.
Owners of vacant lots in DC must register the property with the Department of Buildings and maintain it to housing code standards. Vegetation must be kept below 8 inches. Lots must be free of litter, debris, abandoned vehicles, and standing water. Fencing or other barriers may be required to prevent unauthorized access and illegal dumping. The District may perform maintenance on neglected vacant lots and bill the owner, placing a lien on the property if costs are not paid. Community organizations may apply to use vacant lots through the District's urban agriculture or community garden programs.
Failure to maintain vacant lots results in fines starting at $500, elevated vacant property tax rates, and potential District-ordered maintenance at the owner's expense with lien placement.
Washington, DC
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Washington, DC
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See how Washington's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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