1. (a) When making a determination that a building is vacant, the Mayor shall consider the following:

   1. (1) Neighbor complaints;
   2. (2) Advisory Neighborhood Commission certification;
   3. (3) Accumulated mail, fliers, or newspapers;
   4. (4) Past due utility notices, disconnected utilities, or low utility usage inconsistent with regular and habitual occupancy;
   5. (5) Presence of overgrown vegetation, dead or diseased trees, or noxious weeds;
   6. (6) Absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with habitation;
   7. (7) Building is open to casual entry or trespass; and
   8. (8) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.

2. (b) When making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, the Mayor shall consider the following:

   1. (1) Incidence of illegal activity, as documented by police reports;
   2. (2) Whether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding before the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings;
   3. (3) Referrals to the Department of Buildings from other District agencies;
   4. (4) One or more windows, doors, or other means of entry are missing or boarded up;
   5. (5) Collapsing, missing, or deteriorating walls, roof, stairs, porches, balconies, chimneys, and other building elements;
   6. (6) Siding or exterior walls that are seriously damaged, missing, or deteriorating;
   7. (7) Trash and debris are improperly stored or accumulated on the premises;
   8. (8) Building shows visible signs of vandalism, such as graffiti;
   9. (9) Presence of mold, algae, abandoned or wild animals, or insect or pest infestation; and
   10. (10) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant.

History

Apr. 14, 1906, 34 Stat. 115, ch. 1626, § 5b

Oct. 1, 2025, D.C. Law 26-41, § 202(c)