District Of Columbia § 42-3131.12 - Vacant building maintenance standard.

Full text of District Of Columbia D.C. Code § 42-3131.12 — Vacant building maintenance standard., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 42-3131.12. Vacant building maintenance standard.

42-3131.12

A building shall be adequately maintained if:

(1)

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 with 1/2 inch CDX plywood that is weather protected, tightly fitted to the opening, and secured by screws or bolts;

(2)

The roof and flashing are sound and tight, will not admit moisture, and are drained to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior;

(3)

The building storm drainage system is adequately sized and installed in an approved manner and functional;

(4)

The interior and exterior is maintained in good repair, structurally sound, free from debris, rubbish, and garbage, and sanitary so as not to threaten public health or safety;

(5)

The structural members are free of deterioration and capable of safely bearing imposed dead and live loads;

(6)

The foundation walls are plumb, free from open cracks and breaks, and vermin-proof;

(7)

The exterior walls are free of holes, graffiti, breaks, 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;

(8)

The cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar decorative features are safe, anchored, and in good repair, 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;

(9)

All balconies, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar features are in good repair, anchored, safe and sound, 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;

(10)

Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances are structurally safe, sound, and in good repair, 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;

(11)

Openings in sidewalks are safe for pedestrian travel;

(12)

Accessory and appurtenant structures such as garages, sheds, and fences are free from safety, health, and fire hazards; and

(13)

The property on which a structure is located is clean, safe, and sanitary and does not threaten the public health or safety.

Annotations

Source: official District Of Columbia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About District Of Columbia § 42-3131.12

What does D.C. Code § 42-3131.12 cover?

Section 42-3131.12 ("Vacant building maintenance standard.") 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 § 42-3131.12?

A common citation format is "D.C. Code § 42-3131.12" (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 § 42-3131.12 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in District Of Columbia.