D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 10-A, § 511
511.1 Despite the advancing age of Washington, DC’s building stock, most of the District’s housing is in good condition. The number of vacant and abandoned units has continued to decline since 2006, and reinvestment in housing stock has occurred in all parts of Washington, DC. There are still threats, however. Demolition by neglect remains an issue in some neighborhoods, while other neighborhoods face the risk of housing being converted to non-residential uses, such as medical offices and nonprofits. The long-term conservation of housing requires policies and actions that promote housing rehabilitation, upkeep, and modernization while discouraging conversion to non-residential uses.
511.2 As noted above, housing conservation programs are particularly important for the District’s older adults (residents 60 years old and above), many of whom are on fixed incomes. Older adults make up 11 percent of the District’s population, but they represent over 27 percent of its homeowners. These older adults may need low-interest loans, grants, tax credits, income from home sharing arrangements and accessory dwelling units, and other programs and arrangements that reduce the financial burden of homeownership. Similar efforts are needed to assist extremely low-income households. Their housing units are often overcrowded and have structural problems and code compliance issues that affect their habitability.
Discourage the conversion of viable, quality housing units to non-residential uses, such as offices and hotels. Use, and as needed update, zoning regulations to avoid the loss of housing in this manner.
Support voluntary, philanthropic, nonprofit, private, and District-sponsored programs that assist residents in the upkeep of their homes and properties, particularly programs that provide low-interest loans and grants for low-income residents, older homeowners, and people living with disabilities.
Maintain and simplify tax relief measures for homeowners, especially older adults and those with low incomes, faced with rising assessments and property taxes by using common income definitions and progressive relief according to need. These measures should reduce the pressure on long-term residents, especially low-income owners, to sell their homes and move out of the District.
Implement programs to reduce and mitigate potential health hazards in older homes, such as lead pipes, mold, and carbon monoxide. Programs to increase the environmental sustainability of the housing stock and residential construction are
also encouraged.
Improve the enforcement of housing codes to prevent deteriorated, unsafe, and unhealthy housing conditions, especially in areas of Washington, DC with persistent code enforcement problems. Ensure that tenants are provided information on tenant rights, such as how to obtain inspections, contest petitions for substantial rehabilitation, purchase multi-family buildings, and vote in conversion elections.
Address persistent tax and housing code violations through negotiated sales of title sale of properties by putting properties in receivership, foreclosing on tax-delinquent properties, enforcing higher tax rates on vacant and underused property, and through tenants’ rights education, including use of TOPA. Whenever possible, identify alternative housing resources for persons who are displaced by major code enforcement activities.
See the Historic Preservation Element for additional policies on homeowner tax credits.
Review existing tax relief programs for District homeowners and consider changes to unify and simplify programs to help low- and moderate-income households address rising property assessments. Consider using the MFI as a standard for establishing need and eligibility.
Continue to offer comprehensive home maintenance and repair programs for low- and moderate-income owners and renters of single-family homes. These programs should include counseling and technical assistance, as well as zero interest and deferred interest loans and direct financial assistance.
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 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)).