D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 1016
1016.1 Enforcement programs are necessary to encourage consistent compliance with District property maintenance codes, as well as with historic preservation laws, permits, and approvals. Inspections and enforcement programs require cooperation among building code officials in the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, the HPO, and the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings (BCIB). Active engagement by residents and neighborhood groups also helps to support these programs.
Protect historic properties from unauthorized building activity, physical damage, and diminished integrity through systematic monitoring of construction and vigilant enforcement of the preservation law. Use enforcement authority, including civil fines, to ensure compliance with the conditions of permits issued under the preservation law.
Historic properties shall be maintained in a manner consistent with the District property maintenance codes applicable to all properties. Encourage voluntary compliance by property owners, but when necessary for serious violations, take enforcement action to compel remedial action.
Prevent demolition of historic buildings by neglect or active intent through enforcement of effective regulations, imposition of substantial civil fines, and when necessary, criminal enforcement proceedings against those responsible.
Improve enforcement of preservation laws through a sustained program of inspections, imposition of appropriate sanctions, and expeditious adjudication. Strengthen interagency cooperation and promote compliance with preservation laws through enhanced public awareness of permit requirements and procedures. Ensure that protections remain in place during any public health emergency.
Hold both property owners and contractors accountable for violations of historic preservation laws or regulations and ensure that outstanding violations are corrected before issuing permits for additional work. Ensure that fines for violations are substantial enough to deter infractions, and necessary action taken to collect fines.
SOURCE: District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; 31 DCR 1049 (March 9, 1984)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Element Comprehensive Plan
Amendment Act of 1984, effective March 16, 1985 (D.C. Law 5-187; 32 DCR 873 (February 15, 1985)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-129; 37 DCR 55 (January 5, 1990)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1989 NCPC-Recommended Amendments, and Closing of Public Alleys in Square 669, S.O. 88-452, Act of 1990, effective May 23, 1990 (D.C. Law 8-132; 37 DCR 2213 (April 6, 1990)); as amended by District Government Land Use Temporary Amendment Act of 1994, effective October 1, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-190; 41 DCR 5360 (August 12, 1994)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendments Act of 1994, effective October 6, 1994 (D.C. Law 10-193; 41 DCR 5536 (August 19, 1994)); as amended by District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1984 Land Use Amendment Act of 1994, effective March 21, 1995 (D.C. Law 10-235; 42 DCR 30 (January 6, 1995)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 18, 1996 (D.C. Law 11-110; 43 DCR 530 (February 9, 1996)); as amended by Second Technical Amendments Act of 1996, effective April 9, 1997 (D.C. Law 11-255; 44 DCR 1271 (March 7, 1997)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 1998, effective April 27, 1999 (D.C. Law 12-275; 46 DCR 1441 (February 19, 1999)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 1999, effective April 12, 2000 (D.C. Law 13-91; 47 DCR 520 (January 28, 2000)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2006, effective March 8, 2007 (D.C. Law 16-300; 54 DCR 924 (February 2, 2007)); as amended by Technical Amendments Act of 2008, effective March 25, 2009 (D.C. Law 17-353; 56 DCR 1117 (February 6, 2009)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2010, effective April 8, 2011 (D.C. Law 18-361; 58 DCR 908 (February 4, 2011)); as amended by Comprehensive Plan Amendment Act of 2021, effective August 21, 2021 (D.C. Law 24-20; 68 DCR 006918 (July 16, 2021)).