Vacant vs Blighted!

The New DC Vacant or Blighted&Vacant Rules went into effect on October 1, 2010. This new law seems to be very well-crafted to help protect neighborhoods and citizens from the deleterious effects of neglected property. In addition, it punishes the property owner who allows a home or business to lay fallow in this increasingly tight market! The following information is my understanding of the way the Rules are written, and how they are to be interpreted. IT IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE. PLEASE CONSULT A LAWYER FOR PRECISE INTERPRETATION OF THESE RULES, AND CERTAINLY, BEFORE ACTING ON THIS INFORMATION. It is simply the way it has been explained to me. The new rules can be found here: "http://www.dc.gov/DC/DCRA/Inspections/Housing+Code+Inspections/Register+or+Report+a+Vacant+Property/Complete+Guide+to+Vacant+Property+Compliance+FY+2011"


VACANT

The New Vacancy Rules do not apply to Condos or Coops or Vacant Lots or Multi-Unit Properties (unless the entire property is vacant!) A property is considered vacant if someone is not living there. (Simple enough, although the city must verify this, with two visits within a 45 day period.)  If it is determined to be vacant, the properties tax rate is changed to 5% (from the usual <1%) from the date it was vacant. In addition, the city may fine the property owner $2000 if they did not register it as vacant!

There are exceptions and exemptions, of course. You may get exemptions if your property or the title is subject to certain litigation; if it is pending certain zoning applications; if it is currently for rent or for sale; if it belongs to the city, or federal government; and, most commonly, if it is under active construction. But, they have closed the loophole of owners getting a $75 'permit' and not doing the work. The construction has to be active and have valid building permits, to make it fit for activity! Also, it is only good for a limited amount of time!
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Even if the property is Vacant, it STILL MUST BE MAINTAINED. If not, it can be additionally cited as Blighted!

BLIGHTED&VACANT

What is New and Interesting, is the category of Blighted. There are no 'standard' exemptions for blighted properties, although the city does have charitable 'Hardship' exemptions on a case to case basis. This means that the vacant properties can no longer allow to decay. Graffiti, trash, broken windows, etc are some of the items the city looks for. If a property is determined to be 'Blighted & Vacant" then the tax rate goes up to 10% per annum!!

REPORTING A PROPERTY

Is as simple as dialing 311. Call, and report a property as vacant, and/or blighted.

Citizens are encouraged to call (202) 442-4332 for an update on a property's status or email vacantproperty@dc.gov.

People, whether you believe it 'takes a village to raise a child' or not, it certainly takes neighbors to raise a neighborhood up in value, value to you, to your property, to your family and city.