District Of Columbia § 42-3131.05 - Definitions.
Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 42-3131.05 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-3131.05. Definitions.
42-3131.05For the purposes of this subchapter, the term:
“Blighted vacant building” means a vacant building that is determined by the Mayor to be unsafe, insanitary, or which is otherwise determined to threaten the health, safety, or general welfare of the community.
In making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, the Mayor shall consider the following:
Whether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding before the Board of Condemnation and Insanitary Buildings;
Whether the vacant building is boarded up; and
Failure to comply with the following vacant building maintenance standards:
Doors, windows, areaways, and other openings are weather-tight and secured against entry by birds, vermin, and trespassers, and missing or broken doors, windows, and other openings are covered;
The exterior walls are free of holes, breaks, graffiti, and loose or rotting materials, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements and against decay or rust by periodic application of weather-coating materials, such as paint; or
All balconies, porches, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, accessory and appurtenant structures, and similar features are safe and sound, and exposed metal and wood surfaces are protected from the elements by application of weather-coating materials, such as paint.
“Commercial unit” means a building, or part of a building, zoned for commercial purposes under the zoning regulations of the District of Columbia.
“Dwelling unit” means a room, or group of rooms forming a single unit, designed, or intended to be used, for living and sleeping, whether or not designed or intended for the preparation and eating of meals or to be under the exclusive control of the occupant. The term “dwelling unit” shall not include a room, or group of rooms forming a single unit, in a hotel or motel licensed in the District of Columbia, actively operating as a hotel or motel.
“Fit for occupancy” means ready for immediate occupancy by a tenant without more than minor cosmetic changes.
“Occupied” means:
For purposes of a dwelling unit, the use of one’s residence in improved real property on a regular basis; and
For purposes of a commercial unit, use consistent with zoning regulations, for which there is a current valid certificate of occupancy, and (i) paid utility receipts for the specified period, executed lease agreements, or sales tax return, or (ii) other evidence of use of the building that the Mayor may require by rule.
“Owner” means one or more persons or entities with an interest in real property in the District of Columbia that appears in the real property tax records of the Office of Tax and Revenue, and a tax sale purchaser under or the purchaser’s assignee, as applicable, except where the owner of record is challenging or appealing the vacant status of the real property for the same period.
“Real property” means real property as defined under .
“Related owners” or “related ownership” exists when a deduction for a loss from the sale or exchange of properties between taxpayers would be disallowed under section 267 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved August 16, 1954 (68A Stat. 78; 26 U.S.C. § 267); provided, that the exclusion under section 267(a)(1) for a loss in a distribution in a complete liquidation shall not apply.
“Vacant building” means real property improved by a building which, on or after April 27, 2001, has not been occupied continuously; provided, that in the case of residential buildings, a building shall only be a vacant building if the Mayor determines that there is no resident for which an intent to return and occupy the building can be shown. When determining whether there is a resident, the Mayor shall consider the following:
Electrical, gas, or water meter either not running or showing low usage;
Accumulated mail;
Neighbor complaint;
No window covering;
No furniture observable;
Open accessibility;
Deferred maintenance, including loose or falling gutters, severe paint chipping, or overgrown grass; and
The dwelling is boarded up.
Annotations
became effective on Dec. 4, 2014, but was repealed prior to its effective date by emergency D.C. Act 20-377, § 7114, eff. July 14, 2014, 61 DCR 7598, by emergency D.C. Act 20-449, § 7104, eff. October 10, 2014, 61 DCR 10915, by emergency D.C. Act 20-566, § 7104, eff. January 9, 2015, 62 DCR 884, and by , § 7104, 61 DCR 9990.
Section 601 of provided: “The Mayor may issue rules to implement the Abatement and Condemnation of Nuisance Properties Omnibus Amendment Act of 2000 in accordance with the District of Columbia Administrative Procedure Act.”
Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 42-3131.05
What does D.C. Code § 42-3131.05 cover?
Section 42-3131.05 ("Definitions.") is part of the D.C. Code, the codified statutory law of District Of Columbia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite District Of Columbia § 42-3131.05?
A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 42-3131.05" (District Of Columbia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of District Of Columbia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the District Of Columbia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed District Of Columbia attorney.
How does District Of Columbia § 42-3131.05 apply to my situation?
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Sources & Verification
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