District Of Columbia 2025-2026 Regular Session

District Of Columbia Council Bill B26-0053 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
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4	4	_____________________________ 1
5	5	Councilmember Robert C. White, Jr. Chairman Phil Mendelson 2
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9	9	Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau Councilmember Charles Allen 6
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13	13	Councilmember Christina Henderson Councilmember Janeese Lewis George 10
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18	18	A BILL 15
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21	21	18
22	22	IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 19
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27	27	To require the Department of Aging and Community Living to create a tangled title information 24
28	28	sheet and to require funeral service providers to give the information sheet to survivors of 25
29	29	a deceased District resident; to amend Title 18 of the District of Columbia Official Code 26
30	30	to allow for the creation of an electronic will registry; to establish a single family home 27
31	31	rehabilitation program; to amend Chapter 8 of Title 47 of District of Columbia Official 28
32	32	Code to establish payment plans for the payment of delinquent real property taxes; to 29
33	33	amend Title 29 of the District of Columbia Official Code to require all commercial 30
34	34	registered agents to accept service of process by electronic mail; to amend Subchapter II 31
35	35	of Chapter 31A of Title 42 and Chapter 12 of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official 32
36	36	Code to conform the notice process provisions in Subchapter I and amendments to Title 33
37	37	29; to amend An Act To provide for the abatement of nuisances in the District of 34
38	38	Columbia by the Commissioners of said District, and for other purposes, to amend 35
39	39	definitions, factors for establishing vacancy or blight, and exemptions from registration, 36
40	40	to require the submission of vacant building maintenance plans, and to allow the Mayor 37
41	41	to petition the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for vacant property receivership 38
42	42	actions; to amend the Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986 to 39
43	43	require the Department of Buildings to establish an expedited permit review process for 40
44	44	certain construction and building permits for Class 3 and 4 properties; to amend Section 41
45	45	47-812 of the District of Columbia Official Code to establish new tax rates for Class 3 42
46	46	and 4 properties; to amend Chapter 13A of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official 43
47	47	Code to establish a new process for tax sales of Class 3 and 4 properties; and to amend 44
48	48	Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code to establish a tax credit for the 45
49	49	renovation or rehabilitation of Class 3 or 4 properties and to establish a tax abatement for 46
50	50	2
51	51
52	52	the renovation or rehabilitation of Class 3 or 4 properties that are used for commercial 47
53	53	purposes. 48
54	54	49
55	55	BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 50
56	56	act may be cited as the “Vacant to Vibrant to Amendment Act of 2025”. 51
57	57	TABLE OF CONTENTS 52
58	58	TITLE I. PREVENTION OF VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTIES. ......................... 2 53
59	59	SUBTITLE A. TANGLED TITLE INFORMATION SHEET. ........................................... 2 54
60	60	SUBTITLE B. ELECTRONIC WILL REGISTRY. ............................................................ 3 55
61	61	SUBTITLE C. SINGLE FAMILY HOME REHABILITATION PROGRAM................. 5 56
62	62	SUBTITLE D. REAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT PLANS............................................ 7 57
63	63	TITLE II. SERVICE OF PROCESS REFORMS................................................................... 16 58
64	64	TITLE III. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY REGISTRATION 59
65	65	IMPROVEMENTS..................................................................................................................... 18 60
66	66	TITLE IV. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY INCENTIVES AND TAXES........... 46 61
67	67	SUBTITLE A. EXPEDITED PERMIT REVIEW FOR VACANT AND BLIGHTED 62
68	68	PROPERTIES........................................................................................................................ 46 63
69	69	SUBTITLE B. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY TAX RATES.......................... 47 64
70	70	SUBTITLE C. TAX SALE PROCEDURE FOR VACANT AND BLIGHTED 65
71	71	PROPERTIES........................................................................................................................ 48 66
72	72	SUBTITLE D. VACANT AND BLIGHTED HOME REVITALIZATION TAX 67
73	73	CREDIT.................................................................................................................................. 56 68
74	74	SUBTITLE E. TAX ABATEMENT FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF VACANT AND 69
75	75	BLIGHTED COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.................................................................... 59 70
76	76	TITLE V. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT; EFFECTIVE DATE....................................... 65 71
77	77	3
78	78
79	79	TITLE I. PREVENTION OF VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTIES. 72
80	80	SUBTITLE A. TANGLED TITLE INFORMATION SHEET . 73
81	81	Section 102. Definitions. 74
82	82	For purposes of this section, the term: 75
83	83	(1) “Department” means the Department of Aging and Community Living. 76
84	84	(2) “Funeral services establishment” shall have the meaning as § 3–402(11). 77
85	85	(3) “Survivor of the deceased” means a spouse, child, or companion of the 78
86	86	deceased with whom funeral services are being arranged. 79
87	87	Sec. 103. Tangled Title disclosure. 80
88	88	(a) Within 180 days of the effective date of the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 81
89	89	2024, the Department shall, in consultation with the Department of Housing and Community 82
90	90	Development and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, create and make publicly 83
91	91	available a tangled title information sheet detailing the steps necessary for an heir or heirs, after 84
92	92	the death of a title property owner, to legally transfer the property to avoid a tangled title. The 85
93	93	information sheet shall also include information on legal service providers who offer low-cost or 86
94	94	no-cost services for probate, estate, and trust administration. 87
95	95	(b) No later than five days after the final disposition of the deceased, a funeral service 88
96	96	establishment shall provide the tangled title information sheet made available by the Department 89
97	97	to survivors of the deceased. 90
98	98	91
99	99	SUBTITLE B. ELECTRONIC WILL REGISTRY. 92
100	100	Sec. 104. Title 18 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows: 93
101	101	(a) The table of contents is amended by adding a new chapter 10 to read as follows: 94
102	102	4
103	103
104	104	“Chapter 10. Register of wills. 95
105	105	“§ 18-1001. Electronic register of wills.”. 96
106	106	(b) A new chapter 10 is added to read as follows: 97
107	107	“§ 18-1001. Electronic register of wills. 98
108	108	“(a) An electronic will that meets the requirements of the Uniform Electronic Wills Act 99
109	109	(D.C. Official Code § 18-901 et seq.) may be deposited by a testator, or by the testator’s agent, 100
110	110	with the Register of Wills to be safely kept until delivered or disposed of as hereinafter provided. 101
111	111	“(b)(1) The will shall be deposited electronically and in a manner which would track any 102
112	112	viewing or modification after deposit of the will. 103
113	113	“(2) The will is not to be delivered or opened except as provided in this section. 104
114	114	“(3) Upon payment of the required fee, the Register of Wills shall give a receipt to 105
115	115	the testator or testator’s agent. 106
116	116	“(c) The Register of Wills shall retain a permanent copy of an electronic will and a copy 107
117	117	of any other document associated with the will, in paper, photographic, magnetic, mechanical, 108
118	118	electronic, digital, or any other medium if the copy is maintained in a manner that: 109
119	119	“(1) Is clear and legible; 110
120	120	“(2) Accurately reproduces the original document in its entirety, including any 111
121	121	attachments to the document; 112
122	122	“(3) Is capable of producing a clear and legible hard copy of the original 113
123	123	document; and 114
124	124	“(4) Preserves evidence of any signature contained on the document. 115
125	125	“(d) During the lifetime of the testator, a deposited will may be delivered only to the 116
126	126	testator, or to a person authorized by the testator in writing to receive it. 117
127	127	5
128	128
129	129	“(e)(1) The will shall be opened by the Register of Wills after being informed of the death 118
130	130	of the testator. 119
131	131	“(2) The Register of Wills shall notify the personal representative named in the 120
132	132	will that the will is on deposit with the Register of Wills. 121
133	133	“(3) The will shall be retained by the Register of Wills as a deposited will until 122
134	134	offered for probate. 123
135	135	“(4) If the proper venue for the probate of the will is in another court, the will 124
136	136	shall be transmitted to such Court; provided, that before such transmission a true copy thereof 125
137	137	shall be made and retained in the Court in which the will was deposited. 126
138	138	“(f) The Register of Wills shall develop procedures for a testator or testator’s agent to 127
139	139	withdraw and/or replace a registered will during the lifetime of the testator.”. 128
140	140	SUBTITLE C. SINGLE FAMILY HOME REHABILITATION PROGRAM. 129
141	141	Sec. 106. Definitions. 130
142	142	(a) For purposes of this section, the term: 131
143	143	(1) “Department” means the Department of Housing and Community 132
144	144	Development. 133
145	145	(2) “Eligible homeowner” means an owner (or owners) who: 134
146	146	(A) Own a single-family residential property; 135
147	147	(B) Whose household income is 120% of median family income or less; 136
148	148	(C) Has resided in the single-family residential property as a primary 137
149	149	residence for at least 3 years; 138
150	150	(D) Is current on all mortgage payments for the last 12 months; 139
151	151	(E) Is current on all District and federal taxes; and 140
152	152	6
153	153
154	154	(E) Possesses current homeowners insurance. 141
155	155	(3) “Median family income” means the median family income for a household in 142
156	156	the Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area as set forth in the periodic calculation provided by 143
157	157	the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, adjusted for family size 144
158	158	without regard to any adjustments made by the United States Department of Housing and Urban 145
159	159	Development for the purposes of the programs it administers. 146
160	160	(4) “Single-family residential property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–147
161	161	803(6). 148
162	162	Sec. 107. Single-family home rehabilitation program. 149
163	163	(b) The Department may offer grants of up to $60,000 to an eligible homeowner to pay 150
164	164	for the following: 151
165	165	(1) Accessibility modifications to adjust physical barriers within the property for a 152
166	166	person with limited mobility or other physical impairments; 153
167	167	(2) Repairs or replacement of the roof; or 154
168	168	(3) Repairs to the foundation, structurally significant damaged wood or other 155
169	169	materials; or 156
170	170	(4) Significant repairs to electrical, plumbing or heating and cooling systems. 157
171	171	(c)(1) The Department shall work with qualifying applicants to develop a scope of work, 158
172	172	select a licensed and certified contractor, and manage the construction. 159
173	173	(2) Any payments to contractors shall be made by the Department on behalf of the 160
174	174	eligible homeowner. 161
175	175	(d) The Mayor may issue rules to implement the provisions of this section in accordance 162
176	176	with subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2. 163
177	177	7
178	178
179	179	SUBTITLE D. REAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT PLANS. 164
180	180	Sec. 108. Title 47 is amended as follows: 165
181	181	(a) Chapter 8 is amended as follows: 166
182	182	(1) The table of contents is amended by adding a new section designation to read 167
183	183	as follows: 168
184	184	“47-870. Real property tax payment plans.”. 169
185	185	(2) A new section 47-870 is added to read as follows: 170
186	186	“§ 47-870. Real property tax payment plans. 171
187	187	“(a) For purposes of this section, the term: 172
188	188	“(1) “Eligible homeowner” means an owner (or owners): 173
189	189	“(A) Who receives the homestead deduction pursuant to § 47-850; and 174
190	190	“(i) Can demonstrate hardship; or 175
191	191	“(ii) Is 65 years of age or older. 176
192	192	“(2) “Tax liabilities” means both property real property taxes which are 177
193	193	delinquent and real property taxes which are currently due but not yet delinquent. Tax Liabilities 178
194	194	do not include: 179
195	195	“(A) Amounts, which may have been previously sold at a tax sale; 180
196	196	“(B) Business improvement district (BID) taxes; 181
197	197	“(C) Tax Increment Financing (TIF) payments; 182
198	198	“(D) Payments In Lieu of Taxes (PILOTs); 183
199	199	“(E) Southeast Water and Sewer (SEWS) assessments; 184
200	200	“(F) Special Energy Assessment assessments; or 185
201	201	“(G) Amounts certified by external agencies pursuant to § 47-1340. 186
202	202	8
203	203
204	204	“(b) Real property tax payment plans with eligible homeowners are authorized for all 187
205	205	amounts due on real property tax liabilities subject to the following terms and conditions: 188
206	206	“(1) Eligibility for a real property tax payment plan shall require a showing of 189
207	207	financial hardship or inability to pay based on individual circumstances. 190
208	208	“(2) Real property tax payment plans shall be computed on a 12-month basis. Tax 191
209	209	Liabilities are to be paid in equal installments over that 12-month period; 192
210	210	“(A) No down payment shall be required; 193
211	211	“(B) Payments shall be made by direct ACH debit from the eligible 194
212	212	homeowner’s bank account to the District. If there are insufficient funds for the debit, the eligible 195
213	213	homeowner shall also be liable for a fee imposed by the District for the dishonored payment; 196
214	214	“(C) An eligible homeowner cannot have more than one payment plan 197
215	215	active at a time; 198
216	216	“(D) An eligible homeowner cannot apply for a payment plan for periods 199
217	217	covered under a payment plan that he or she previously defaulted on; 200
218	218	“(E) If there is a reclassification of a property, a homestead or 201
219	219	senior/disabled audit, or the granting of tax relief applications during the term of a payment plan, 202
220	220	the existing payment plan shall terminate, and the eligible homeowner can reapply for the same 203
221	221	periods; and 204
222	222	“(F) Property will not be sold at a tax sale during the time a payment plan 205
223	223	is active. 206
224	224	“(3) While enrolled in a payment plan, an eligible homeowner shall remain 207
225	225	current on real property taxes that come due. 208
226	226	9
227	227
228	228	“(4)(A) An eligible homeowner may be declared in material breach of a real 209
229	229	property payment plan if he or she fails to make the required payments; provided, that a material 210
230	230	breach may not be declared earlier than the sixty-fifth day from the agreed upon due date and the 211
231	231	forty-fifth day from the mailing of a notice of risk of material breach. 212
232	232	“(B) An eligible homeowner who has been declared in material breach of a 213
233	233	payment plan may have his or her payment plan reinstated if he or she pays a lump sum equal to 214
234	234	as much as twice the regular monthly payment due together with the missed payments as well as 215
235	235	any payments currently due. 216
236	236	“(5) An eligible homeowner may be declared in default if he or she has failed to 217
237	237	cure a material breach within 45 days of the date the eligible homeowner is declared in material 218
238	238	breach. If an eligible homeowner is declared in default of a payment plan, such plan shall be null 219
239	239	and void. 220
240	240	“(c) Requests for property tax payment plans entered into pursuant to this section shall 221
241	241	made online at MyTaxDC.gov. A payment plan agreement confirmation shall be provided to the 222
242	242	eligible homeowner and shall contain the following: 223
243	243	“(1) The monthly payment amount; 224
244	244	“(2) The past due date; 225
245	245	“(3) The length of the plan, including the number of payments; 226
246	246	“(4) The total amount agreed due under the plan; 227
247	247	“(5) A statement of the delinquent tax periods covered by the plan as well as an 228
248	248	itemized statement of the amounts due for each period specifying the amount due for principal, 229
249	249	interest, penalties, and any other charges or fees; 230
250	250	10
251	251
252	252	“(6) A statement that the eligible homeowner is required to remain current on real 231
253	253	property taxes during the length of the agreement, as well as an explanation of how current 232
254	254	payments should be tendered in order to avoid misapplication of payments to delinquent taxes. 233
255	255	“(7) A brief explanation of how payments will be applied to the delinquency; 234
256	256	“(8) A brief explanation of the consequences of breach and default on the payment 235
257	257	plan; and 236
258	258	“(9) A statement that payments are to be remitted to the District electronically by 237
259	259	direct debit, and that the payments will be withdrawn from the eligible homeowner’s account on 238
260	260	the monthly payment due date. If there are insufficient funds for the debit, the eligible 239
261	261	homeowner shall also be liable for a fee imposed by the District for the dishonored payment. 240
262	262	“(d)(1) If an eligible homeowner fails to make a required payment within 20 days of an 241
263	263	agreed-upon payment due date, a notice of risk of material breach shall be sent to the eligible 242
264	264	homeowner. The notice shall include a statement that the eligible homeowner is at risk of 243
265	265	material breach, the entire amount required to cure the missed payment(s) as well as any 244
266	266	payments currently due, and a brief description of the consequences of a material breach. 245
267	267	“(2) If an eligible homeowner is declared in material breach of a payment plan, a 246
268	268	notice of material breach shall be sent to the eligible homeowner that includes a clear statement 247
269	269	that he or she has been declared in material breach, the date on which the material breach was 248
270	270	declared, the entire amount required to cure the missed payments as well as any payments 249
271	271	currently due and lump sum payments that may be required, and a clear statement that failure to 250
272	272	make the required payment will result in default.”. 251
273	273	(b) Section 47-1341 is amended as follows: 252
274	274	(1) Subsection (a)(2) is amended to read as follows: 253
275	275	11
276	276
277	277	“(2) The notice required pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be in 254
278	278	substantively the following form and may include a payment coupon or enclosed bill: 255
279	279	“THIS IS A NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY FAILURE TO PAY TAXES WILL HAVE SERIOUS 256
280	280	CONSEQUENCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE LOSS OF TITLE TO THE PROPERTY 257
281	281	“Subject Property: [Identify by taxation square, suffix, and lot number, or parcel and lot number, 258
282	282	and by premises address, the real property to be sold] 259
283	283	“TO AVOID TAX SALE YOU MUST PAY $ [Amount Subject to Sale] by May 31, 20__. 260
284	284	“The amount that you must pay to avoid the tax sale may be less than the total amount owed on 261
285	285	the real property account. This amount may include fees or fines due to other DC agencies that 262
286	286	have been certified to the Office of Tax and Revenue to be included in a tax sale pursuant to D.C. 263
287	287	Code § 47-1340. 264
288	288	“According to the Mayor’s tax roll, you own or may have an interest in the real property listed 265
289	289	above. Notice is given that unless you pay the amount stated above or fall within one of the 266
290	290	limited exemptions from the tax sale, the Office of Tax and Revenue may sell this real property 267
291	291	at tax sale. 268
292	292	“If the property is sold at tax sale, the purchaser may have the right to file a lawsuit to foreclose 269
293	293	on the property. You must act now to avoid additional costs and significant expenses, as well as 270
294	294	potential loss of title to the property. 271
295	295	“Payment to the “DC Treasurer” may be made online at MyTaxDC.gov or at a mailed (with 272
296	296	payment coupon from tax bill) to the Office of Tax and Revenue, DC Government Real Property 273
297	297	Taxes, P.O. Box 718095, Philadelphia, PA 19171-8095 (please write your square, suffix and lot 274
298	298	numbers on the check). You should keep a copy of your proof of payment in case there is a later 275
299	299	dispute about the payment. 276
300	300	12
301	301
302	302	“If payment is not made before May 31, 20__, the amount listed on this notice may no longer be 277
303	303	accurate. In that case, you must contact the Office of Tax and Revenue at ______ to obtain an 278
304	304	updated payoff amount. 279
305	305	“YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING A HARDSHIP 280
306	306	FORBEARANCE, A REAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT PLAN, OR FREE LEGAL 281
307	307	SERVICES. PLEASE SEE THE NEXT PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 282
308	308	“Should you have additional questions, please call the Customer Service Center for the Office of 283
309	309	Tax and Revenue at (202) 727-4TAX (4829). 284
310	310	“RESOURCES FOR REAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 285
311	311	“Real Property Tax Ombudsman. Homeowners and other interested parties may be eligible for 286
312	312	assistance from the Real Property Tax Ombudsman. If you need assistance with a tax sale or 287
313	313	related property tax matters, contact the Real Property Tax Ombudsman at ___________. 288
314	314	“Classification Disputes. If your real property is classified as vacant or blighted and you believe 289
315	315	this classification is incorrect, contact the Vacant Building Enforcement Unit of the Department 290
316	316	of Buildings at ______ for information on how to appeal the property classification. 291
317	317	“Hardship Forbearance. You may be eligible to defer, or postpone, payment of the past due 292
318	318	amount. For information on how to apply for this deferral, please contact the Office of Tax and 293
319	319	Revenue at ___________. 294
320	320	“Senior Citizen and Low-Income Tax Relief. Senior citizens and low-income households may 295
321	321	have additional rights to defer property taxes. If you think you may be eligible for this tax relief, 296
322	322	please contact the Office of Tax and Revenue at _______ for more information. 297
323	323	13
324	324
325	325	“Additional Legal Services. Free and reduced-cost legal services may be available to low- and 298
326	326	moderate-income households. You can get a list of service providers from the Real Property Tax 299
327	327	Ombudsman (above). 300
328	328	“Housing Counseling Services. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 301
329	329	(“HUD”) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice 302
330	330	on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. You can get a list of HUD-303
331	331	approved housing counseling agencies from the Real Property Tax Ombudsman (above).”. 304
332	332	(2) Subsection (b-1)(2) is amended to read as follows: 305
333	333	“(2) The notice required pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be in 306
334	334	substantively the following form, and may include a payment coupon or enclosed bill: 307
335	335	“THIS IS A NOTICE OF DELINQUENCY. FAILURE TO PAY TAXES IMMEDIATELY MAY 308
336	336	HAVE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES WHICH MAY INCLUDE LOSS OF TITLE TO THE 309
337	337	PROPERTY 310
338	338	“Subject Property: [Identify by taxation square, suffix, and lot number, or parcel and lot number, 311
339	339	and by premises address, the real property to be sold] 312
340	340	“TO AVOID TAX SALE YOU MUST PAY $[Amount Subject to Sale] by [Last Business Day 313
341	341	before tax sale] 314
342	342	“The amount that you must pay to avoid the tax sale may be less than the total amount owed on 315
343	343	the real property account. This amount may include fees or fines due to other DC agencies that 316
344	344	have been certified to the Office of Tax and Revenue to be included in a tax sale pursuant to D.C. 317
345	345	Code § 47-1340. 318
346	346	“According to the Mayor’s tax roll, you own or may have an interest in the real property listed 319
347	347	above. Notice is given that unless you pay the amount stated above or fall within one of the 320
348	348	14
349	349
350	350	limited exemptions from the tax sale, the Office of Tax and Revenue may sell this real property 321
351	351	at tax sale. 322
352	352	“If the property is sold at tax sale, the purchaser may have the right to file a lawsuit to foreclose 323
353	353	on the property. You must act now to avoid additional costs and significant expenses, as well as 324
354	354	potential loss of title to the property. 325
355	355	“Payment to the “DC Treasurer” may be made online at MyTaxDC.gov or at a mailed (with 326
356	356	payment coupon from tax bill) to the Office of Tax and Revenue, DC Government Real Property 327
357	357	Taxes, P.O. Box 718095, Philadelphia, PA 19171-8095 (please write your square, suffix and lot 328
358	358	numbers on the check). You should keep a copy of your proof of payment in case there is a later 329
359	359	dispute about the payment. 330
360	360	“If payment is made less than 10 calendar days before [the last business day before tax sale], you 331
361	361	must provide a copy of the receipt directly to the Office of Tax and Revenue in order to ensure 332
362	362	that your property is removed from the tax sale. 333
363	363	“You may FAX the receipt to (202) 478-5995; EMAIL the receipt to [email address]; or HAND-334
364	364	DELIVER a copy of the paid receipt to a Tax Sale Unit representative in the Customer Service 335
365	365	Center located at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite 270W, Washington, DC 20024. 336
366	366	“Do not mail your paid receipt. 337
367	367	“YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSISTANCE, INCLUDING A HARDSHIP 338
368	368	FORBEARANCE, A REAL PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT PLAN, OR FREE LEGAL 339
369	369	SERVICES. PLEASE SEE THE NEXT PAGE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. 340
370	370	“Should you have additional questions, please call the Customer Service Center for the Office of 341
371	371	Tax and Revenue at (202) 727-4TAX (4829). 342
372	372	“RESOURCES FOR REAL PROPERTY TAXPAYERS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 343
373	373	15
374	374
375	375	“Real Property Tax Ombudsman. Homeowners and other interested parties may be eligible for 344
376	376	assistance from the Real Property Tax Ombudsman. If you need assistance with a tax sale or 345
377	377	related property tax matters, contact the Real Property Tax Ombudsman at ___________. 346
378	378	“Classification Disputes. If your real property is classified as vacant or blighted and you believe 347
379	379	this classification is incorrect, contact the Vacant Building Enforcement Unit of the Department 348
380	380	of Buildings at _______ for information on how to appeal the property classification. 349
381	381	“Hardship Forbearance. You may be eligible to defer, or postpone, payment of the past due 350
382	382	amount. For information on how to apply for this deferral, please contact the Office of Tax and 351
383	383	Revenue at ___________. 352
384	384	“Senior Citizen and Low-Income Tax Relief. Senior citizens and low-income households may 353
385	385	have additional rights to defer property taxes. If you think you may be eligible for this tax relief, 354
386	386	please contact the Office of Tax and Revenue at _______ for more information. 355
387	387	“Additional Legal Services. Free and reduced-cost legal services may be available to low- and 356
388	388	moderate-income households. You can get a list of service providers from the Real Property Tax 357
389	389	Ombudsman (above). 358
390	390	“Housing Counseling Services. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 359
391	391	(“HUD”) sponsors housing counseling agencies throughout the country that can provide advice 360
392	392	on buying a home, renting, defaults, foreclosures, and credit issues. You can get a list of HUD-361
393	393	approved housing counseling agencies from the Real Property Tax Ombudsman (above).”. 362
394	394	TITLE II. SERVICE OF PROCESS REFORMS. 363
395	395	Sec. 201. Title 29 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows: 364
396	396	(a) Section 29-104.03 is amended as follows: 365
397	397	(1) Paragraph (1) is amended by striking the word “and” at the end. 366
398	398	16
399	399
400	400	(2) Paragraph (2) is amended by striking the period at the end and inserting the 367
401	401	phrase “; and” in its place. 368
402	402	(3) A new paragraph (3) is added to read as follows: 369
403	403	“(3) Electronic mailing address.”. 370
404	404	(b) Section 29-104.04 is amended as follows: 371
405	405	(1) Subsection (a)(2)(A) is amended by striking the word “address” and inserting 372
406	406	the word “address(es)” in its place. 373
407	407	(2) Subsection (a)(2)(B) is amended by striking the phrase “address of the 374
408	408	business office of that person.” and inserting the phrase “physical or electronic mailing address 375
409	409	of the business office of that person, pursuant to § 29-104.03.” in its place. 376
410	410	(c) Section 29-104.05 is amended as follows: 377
411	411	(1) Subsection (a)(3) is amended by striking the word “address” and inserting the 378
412	412	word “address(es)” in its place. 379
413	413	(2) Subsection (b) is amended to read as follows: 380
414	414	“(b) A commercial registered agent listing statement shall include the information 381
415	415	regarding acceptance by the agent of service of process in a form other than a written record as 382
416	416	provided for in § 29-104.12(e), including but not limited to, electronic mail.” 383
417	417	(d) Section 29-104.12(e) is amended to read as follows: 384
418	418	“(e) Service of process, notice, or demand on a registered agent and a commercial 385
419	419	registered agent shall be in a written record. Service may be made on a commercial registered 386
420	420	agent by electronic mail or other forms, and subject to such requirements, as the agent has stated 387
421	421	in its listing under § 29-104.05 that it will accept; provided, that commercial registered agents 388
422	422	17
423	423
424	424	may not require service by physical mail as a condition for accepting service by electronic 389
425	425	mail.”. 390
426	426	Sec. 202. Sec. 47-1203 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows: 391
427	427	(a) Subsection (a) is amended as follows: 392
428	428	(1) Paragraph (1) is amended as follows: 393
429	429	(A) Subparagraph (A) is amended to read as follows: 394
430	430	“(A) When mailed by first class mail to the owner’s mailing address as updated in the 395
431	431	real property tax records of the Office of Tax and Revenue.”. 396
432	432	(B) Subparagraph (D) is amended by striking the period semicolon at the 397
433	433	end and inserting the phrase “; or” in its place. 398
434	434	(C) Subparagraph (E) is struck. 399
435	435	(D) Subparagraph (F) is redesignated as subparagraph (E). 400
436	436	(2) Paragraph (2) is amended to read as follows: 401
437	437	“(2) Any notice to a corporation shall, for the purposes of §§ 47-1201 to 47-1206, 402
438	438	be deemed to have been served on such corporation if served on its agent registered pursuant to 403
439	439	Subchapter IV of Chapter 1 of Title 29, or on the president, secretary, treasurer, general manager, 404
440	440	or any principal officer of such corporation in a manner hereinbefore provided for the service of 405
441	441	notices on natural persons holding property in their own right; and notices to a foreign 406
442	442	corporation shall, for the purposes of §§ 47-1201 to 47-1206, be deemed to have been served if 407
443	443	served personally on any agent of such corporation, or if left with any person of suitable age and 408
444	444	discretion residing at the usual residence or employed at the usual place of business of such agent 409
445	445	in the District of Columbia.”. 410
446	446	(3) Paragraph (3) is struck. 411
447	447	18
448	448
449	449	(b) Subsection (b)(1) is amended to read as follows: 412
450	450	“(b)(1) All special assessments authorized to be levied by the District of Columbia for 413
451	451	public improvements, with the exception of assessments levied in condemnation proceedings, 414
452	452	may be paid without interest within 30 days from the date of service of notice. Interest of 1.5% 415
453	453	for each month or part thereof shall be charged on all unpaid amounts from the expiration of 30 416
454	454	days from the date of service. If any such assessment or any part thereof shall remain unpaid 417
455	455	after the expiration of 1 year from date of service of notice, the property against which said 418
456	456	assessment was levied may be sold for such assessment or unpaid portion thereof with interest 419
457	457	and penalties thereon at the next ensuing annual tax sale conducted under Chapter 13A of this 420
458	458	title, in the same manner and under the same conditions as property sold for delinquent general 421
459	459	taxes, if said assessment with interest and penalties thereon shall not have been paid in full prior 422
460	460	to said sale.”. 423
461	461	TITLE III. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY REGISTRATION 424
462	462	IMPROVEMENTS . 425
463	463	Sec. 301. An Act To provide for the abatement of nuisances in the District of Columbia 426
464	464	by the Commissioners of said District, and for other purposes, approved April 14, 1906 (34 Stat. 427
465	465	114; D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.01 et seq.), is amended as follows: 428
466	466	(a) The table of contents for Chapter 31A, Subchapter II is amended as follows: 429
467	467	(1) Strike the section designation “42–3131.05a. Notice by mail.” and insert the 430
468	468	section designation “42–3131.05a. Notice.” in its place. 431
469	469	(2) A new section designation 42–3131.05b is added to read as follows: 432
470	470	“42–3131.05b. Determination of vacancy and blight.”. 433
471	471	19
472	472
473	473	(3) Strike the section designation “42–3131.06. Registration of vacant buildings.” 434
474	474	and insert the section designation “42–3131.06. Registration of vacant buildings; renewal.” in its 435
475	475	place. 436
476	476	(4) A new section designation 42–3131.06a is added to read as follows: 437
477	477	“42–3131.06a. Exemptions.”. 438
478	478	(5) Strike the section designation “42–3131.07. Registration and renewal 439
479	479	procedure.” and insert the section designation “42–3131.07. Registration and renewal procedure. 440
480	480	[Repealed].” in its place. 441
481	481	(6) Strike the section designation “42–3131.12. Vacant building maintenance 442
482	482	standard.” and insert the section designation “42–3131.12. Vacant building maintenance standard 443
483	483	and plan.” in its place. 444
484	484	(7) Strike the section designation “42.3131.16. Transmission of list by Mayor.” 445
485	485	and insert the section designation “42.3131.16. Transmission of list by Mayor; reconciliation of 446
486	486	information.” in its place. 447
487	487	(8) Strike the section designation “42–3131.17. Transmission of list of blighted 448
488	488	vacant buildings by Mayor.” and insert the section designation “42–3131.17. Transmission of list 449
489	489	of blighted vacant buildings by Mayor. [Repealed].” in its place. 450
490	490	(9) Strike the section designation “42–3131.18. Publication of list by the 451
491	491	Department of Buildings.” and insert the section designation “42–3131.18. Publication of vacant 452
492	492	and blighted vacant building information by the Department.” in its place. 453
493	493	(10) Strike the section designation “42–3131.19. Vacant and blighted vacant 454
494	494	buildings belonging to foreign governments.” and insert the section designation “42–3131.19. 455
495	495	20
496	496
497	497	Vacant and blighted vacant buildings belonging to foreign governments. [Repealed].” in its 456
498	498	place. 457
499	499	(11) A new section designation 42–3131.20 is added to read as follows: 458
500	500	“42–3131.20. Vacant and blighted vacant building receivership.” 459
501	501	(12) A new section designation 42-3131.21 is added to read as follows: 460
502	502	“42.3131.21. Vacant and blighted building report and plan.” 461
503	503	(13) A new section designation 42–3131.22 is added to read as follows: 462
504	504	“42–3131.22. Rules.” 463
505	505	(b) Section 5 (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.05) is amended to read as follows: 464
506	506	“(1) “Blighted vacant building” means any vacant building that is in such a condition as 465
507	507	to pose a danger to the health, safety, and general welfare of the community. 466
508	508	“(2) “Commercial unit” means a building, or a part of a building, zoned for commercial 467
509	509	purposes under the zoning regulations of the District of Columbia. 468
510	510	“(3) “Dwelling unit” means a room, or group of rooms forming a single unit, designed, or 469
511	511	intended to be used, for living and sleeping, whether or not designed or intended for the 470
512	512	preparation and eating of meals or to be under the exclusive control of the occupant. The term 471
513	513	“dwelling unit” shall not include a room, or group of rooms forming a single unit, in a hotel or 472
514	514	motel licensed in the District of Columbia, actively operating as a hotel or motel. 473
515	515	“(4) “Fit for occupancy” means ready for immediate occupancy by a tenant without more 474
516	516	than minor cosmetic changes. 475
517	517	“(5) “Multifamily residential building” means a building containing two or more 476
518	518	dwelling units. 477
519	519	“(6) “Occupied” means: 478
520	520	21
521	521
522	522	“(A) For purposes of a dwelling unit, the use of one’s residence in improved real 479
523	523	property on a regular basis; or 480
524	524	“(B) For purposes of a commercial unit, use consistent with zoning regulations, 481
525	525	for which there is a current valid certificate of occupancy, and (i) paid utility receipts for the 482
526	526	specified period, executed lease agreements, or sales tax return, or (ii) other evidence of use of 483
527	527	the building that the Mayor may require by rule. 484
528	528	“(7) “Owner” means one or more persons or entities with an interest in real property in 485
529	529	the District of Columbia that appears in the real property tax records of the Office of Tax and 486
530	530	Revenue, and a tax sale purchaser under § 47-1353(b) or the purchaser’s assignee, as applicable, 487
531	531	except where the owner of record is challenging or appealing the vacant status of the real 488
532	532	property for the same period. 489
533	533	“(8) “Owner of record” means the person or persons named in the public record as the 490
534	534	title holder of the property. 491
535	535	“(9) “Real property” shall have the same meaning as § 47-802(1). 492
536	536	“(10) “Related owners” or “related ownership” exists when a deduction for a loss from 493
537	537	the sale or exchange of properties between taxpayers would be disallowed under section 267 of 494
538	538	the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, approved August 16, 1954 (68A Stat. 78; 26 U.S.C. § 267); 495
539	539	provided, that the exclusion under section 267(a)(1) for a loss in a distribution in a complete 496
540	540	liquidation shall not apply. 497
541	541	“(11) “Relative” means a spouse, domestic partner, sibling, parent, grandparent, child, 498
542	542	grandchild, or the sibling's child, spouse, or domestic partner. 499
543	543	“(12) “Vacant building” means any real property improved by a building that is not 500
544	544	lawfully occupied on a regular and habitual basis by the owner, a tenant, or other person having 501
545	545	22
546	546
547	547	the permission of the owner; provided, that in the case of residential buildings, the Mayor 502
548	548	determines that there is no resident for which an intent to return and lawfully occupy the building 503
549	549	can be shown.”. 504
550	550	(b) Section 5a (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.5a) is amended to read as follows: 505
551	551	“Sec. 5a. Notice. 506
552	552	“(a) Notice shall be deemed to be served properly on the date when mailed by first class 507
553	553	mail to the owner of record of the vacant building at the owner’s mailing address as updated in 508
554	554	the real property tax records of the Office of Tax and Revenue. 509
555	555	“(b)(1) In addition to the notice requirement of subsection (a) of this section, the Mayor 510
556	556	shall cause notice to be posted on the premises; provided, that the official notice shall be mailed 511
557	557	pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. 512
558	558	“(2) Unless the vacant property is eligible for an exemption pursuant to § 42–513
559	559	3131.06a of this chapter, the notice shall not be posted by difficult-to-remove adhesive. 514
560	560	“(c) A courtesy copy of the notice provided pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall 515
561	561	be mailed or electronically mailed to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in which the 516
562	562	vacant building is located. The courtesy copy required by this subsection shall not be construed 517
563	563	to satisfy, nor be construed as necessary to satisfy, the notice requirement of subsection (a) of this 518
564	564	section.”. 519
565	565	(c) A new Section 5b (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.05b) is added to read as follows: 520
566	566	“Sec. 5b. Determination of vacancy and blight. 521
567	567	“(a) When making a determination that a building is vacant, the Mayor shall consider the 522
568	568	following: 523
569	569	“(1) Neighbor complaints; 524
570	570	23
571	571
572	572	“(2) Advisory Neighborhood Commission certification; 525
573	573	“(3) Accumulated mail, fliers, or newspapers; 526
574	574	“(4) Past due utility notices, disconnected utilities, or utilities not in use; 527
575	575	“(5) Presence of overgrown vegetation, dead or diseased trees, or noxious weeds; 528
576	576	“(6) Absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with habitation; 529
577	577	“(7) The building is open to casual entry or trespass; and 530
578	578	“(8) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant. 531
579	579	“(b) When making a determination that a vacant building is a blighted vacant building, 532
580	580	the Mayor shall consider the following: 533
581	581	“(1) The incidence of illegal activity, as documented by police reports; 534
582	582	“(2) Whether the vacant building is the subject of a condemnation proceeding 535
583	583	before the Board of Condemnation and Insanitary Buildings; 536
584	584	“(3) Referrals to the Department of Buildings from other District agencies; 537
585	585	“(4) One or more windows, doors, or other means of entry are missing or boarded 538
586	586	up; 539
587	587	“(5) Collapsing, missing or deteriorating walls, roof, stairs, porches, balconies, 540
588	588	chimneys, and other building elements; 541
589	589	“(6) Siding or exterior walls that are seriously damaged, missing, or deteriorating; 542
590	590	“(7) Trash and debris are improperly stored or accumulated on the premises; 543
591	591	“(8) The building shows visible signs of vandalism such as graffiti; 544
592	592	“(9) The presence of mold, algae, abandoned or wild animals, or insect or pest 545
593	593	infestation; 546
594	594	“(10) Any other criteria the Mayor deems relevant. 547
595	595	24
596	596
597	597	“(c) For purposes of this section, the term “Advisory Neighborhood Commission 548
598	598	certification” means a resolution approved by a majority vote of an Advisory Neighborhood 549
599	599	Commission in which the building is located requesting that the Mayor classify a building as 550
600	600	vacant or blighted vacant.”. 551
601	601	(d) Section 6 (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.06) is amended to read as follows: 552
602	602	“Sec. 6. Registration of vacant buildings; renewal. 553
603	603	“(a) Except as provided in § 42–3131.06a of this chapter, the owner of a vacant building 554
604	604	shall, within 180 days after it becomes vacant, register the building and pay the registration fee. 555
605	605	The Mayor may extend the time for good cause. 556
606	606	“(b)(1) Each application for the registration of a vacant building shall be in a form 557
607	607	prescribed by the Mayor and shall contain the following information: 558
608	608	“(A) The street address of the vacant building; 559
609	609	“(B) The date on which the building became vacant; 560
610	610	“(C) The name, street address, telephone number, and electronic mail 561
611	611	address of the owner of record; except as provided in subsection (f) of this section; 562
612	612	“(D) The name, address, telephone number, and electronic mail address of 563
613	613	a person based in the District who is responsible for the security and maintenance of the 564
614	614	property, if other than the owner of record; 565
615	615	“(E) A signed vacant building maintenance plan required pursuant to § 42–566
616	616	3131.12 of this chapter. 567
617	617	“(2) If at any time the information provided pursuant to paragraph (1) of this 568
618	618	subsection is no longer valid, the owner shall file a new registration within ten days containing 569
619	619	25
620	620
621	621	current information. There shall be no additional fee to provide current information pursuant to 570
622	622	this paragraph. 571
623	623	“(c) At the time of application for the initial registration or renewal of registration of a 572
624	624	vacant building, the owner shall arrange with the Mayor for the inspection of the building. On 573
625	625	receiving an application for the initial registration or renewal of registration of a vacant building, 574
626	626	the Mayor shall thereafter inspect the building. The Mayor shall approve the initial registration or 575
627	627	the renewal of registration for one year if: 576
628	628	“(1) The application for registration contains all of the information required 577
629	629	pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. 578
630	630	“(2) The building has been maintained in accordance with the requirements of § 579
631	631	42–3131.12; and 580
632	632	“(3) The vacancy of the building will not: 581
633	633	“(A) Be detrimental to the public health, safety, and welfare; 582
634	634	“(B) Unreasonably interfere with the reasonable and lawful use and 583
635	635	enjoyment of the other premises within the neighborhood; and 584
636	636	“(C) Pose a hazard to police officers or firefighters entering the building in 585
637	637	an emergency. 586
638	638	“(4) The building complies with the fire, building, and housing codes of the 587
639	639	District of Columbia; 588
640	640	“(5) The continuance of any maintenance work or condition of occupancy is not 589
641	641	dangerous to life or property; 590
642	642	“(6) No false statements or misrepresentations have been made upon the 591
643	643	registration application; 592
644	644	26
645	645
646	646	“(7) Orders on a building have been complied with and the building complies 593
647	647	with any applicable occupancy requirements; 594
648	648	“(8) An adequate water supply or facilities for firefighting purposes is furnished 595
649	649	as required in the fire code; and 596
650	650	“(9) The Mayor is permitted to inspect the building before initial registration, 597
651	651	during the registration period, and before a renewal of registration. 598
652	652	“(d) If the owner of a vacant building fails to comply with the provisions of subsection 599
653	653	(c) of this section, both initially and throughout the registration period, the Mayor may deny or 600
654	654	revoke the owner’s registration and may subject the owner to the penalties provided in § 42–601
655	655	3131.10. 602
656	656	“(e)(1) After the initial designation of a property as vacant or blighted, the Mayor shall 603
657	657	not be required to perform additional inspections or surveys to sustain that classification. 604
658	658	“(2) After the Mayor has made a final determination that a building is a vacant 605
659	659	building or a blighted vacant building, that final determination shall remain in effect until the 606
660	660	owner submits information to the Mayor sufficient to warrant a change to that classification. 607
661	661	“(f)(1)(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, no person except the 608
662	662	owner of record or an authorized agent of the owner of record, with proof of authorization from 609
663	663	the owner of record, may register a building as vacant. 610
664	664	“(B) The Mayor, upon a showing that the owner of record is physically 611
665	665	unable to register the property, may allow a relative of the owner of record to register the 612
666	666	building as vacant; provided, that the relative can show proof of being a relative and, to the 613
667	667	satisfaction of the Mayor, that the owner of record is physically unable to register the property. 614
668	668	27
669	669
670	670	“(2) This subsection shall not in any way limit the Mayor's authority to register as 615
671	671	vacant or blighted any property whose owner fails to register it as required by this chapter.”. 616
672	672	(e) A new section 6a (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.06a) is added to read as follows: 617
673	673	“Sec. 6a. Exemptions. 618
674	674	“(a) A vacant or blighted vacant building shall not be subject to the registration 619
675	675	requirements of § 42–3131.06 if it is: 620
676	676	“(1) Owned by the government of the United States or its instrumentalities; or 621
677	677	“(2) Authorized as exempt from real estate taxes by the United States Department 622
678	678	of State's Office of Foreign Missions on the basis of its use for diplomatic or consular purposes 623
679	679	or for the official business of an international organization. 624
680	680	“(b) A vacant building shall not be subject to the increased real property tax rates for 625
681	681	vacant buildings in § 47-812(b-10) if it is: 626
682	682	“(1) Exempted by the Mayor in extraordinary circumstances and upon a showing 627
683	683	of substantial economic or personal hardship as determined in subsection (c) of this section; 628
684	684	“(2) In compliance with the requirements of § 42–3131.12 and applicable 629
685	685	property maintenance code standards for the District of Columbia and the owner or his or her 630
686	686	agent has been actively seeking in good faith to rent or sell the building; provided, that an 631
687	687	exemption under § 42-3131.06a(b)(2) shall only be available for a period not to exceed: 632
688	688	“(A) Half a tax year from the initial listing, offer, or advertisement of sale 633
689	689	in the case of single-family residential buildings; 634
690	690	“(B) Two tax years from the initial listing, offer, or advertisement of sale 635
691	691	for multifamily residential buildings; or 636
692	692	28
693	693
694	694	“(C) Two tax years from the initial listing, offer, or advertisement of rent 637
695	695	or sale for commercial buildings; 638
696	696	“(3) For a period not to exceed 3 tax years, the subject of a probate proceeding or 639
697	697	the title is the subject of litigation (not including a foreclosure of the right of redemption action 640
698	698	brought under Chapter 13A of Title 47 [§ 47-1330 et seq.]). The tax year in which the exemption 641
699	699	under § 42-3131.06a(b)(3) starts is determined by the filing date of the applicable probate 642
700	700	proceeding and/or litigation; 643
701	701	“(4) For a period not to exceed 2 tax years, the subject of a pending application 644
702	702	for a necessary approval for development before the Board of Zoning Adjustment, the Zoning 645
703	703	Commission for the District of Columbia, the Commission on Fine Arts, the Historic 646
704	704	Preservation Review Board, the Mayor’s Agent for Historic Preservation, the Department of 647
705	705	Public Works, or the National Capital Planning Commission; or 648
706	706	“(5) For a period not to exceed half a tax year, the owner of the property or his or 649
707	707	her agent has an active building permit application that is being reviewed and processed by the 650
708	708	District, and the owner is actively seeking in good faith to obtain a building permit for the 651
709	709	purposes of making the building fit for occupancy; or 652
710	710	“(6) For a period not to exceed 3 tax years, under active construction or 653
711	711	undergoing active rehabilitation, renovation, or repair, and there is a valid active building permit 654
712	712	to make the building fit for occupancy. During the half tax year in which the exemption is 655
713	713	requested, the building must be under active construction or undergoing active rehabilitation, 656
714	714	renovation, or repair under a valid active building permit. The term “active construction” means 657
715	715	the conducting of activities that contribute directly to the completion of improvements 658
716	716	contemplated or shown on active permits. 659
717	717	29
718	718
719	719	“(c)(1) To qualify for an exemption for substantial economic or personal hardship 660
720	720	pursuant to subsection (b)(1) of this section, an owner must demonstrate: 661
721	721	“(A) He or she was a debtor in an individual bankruptcy action within the 662
722	722	last 12 months; 663
723	723	“(B) He or she experienced a significant medical event that prevented him 664
724	724	or her from engaging in normal work or business activities for at least a period of 30 days; 665
725	725	“(C) He or she was involuntarily terminated from employment and was 666
726	726	unemployed for at least 60 days within the last 12 months; 667
727	727	“(D) He or she is: 668
728	728	“(i) 60 years of age or older and is receiving social security 669
729	729	disability insurance; 670
730	730	“(ii) 65 years of age or older and has a household income that does 671
731	731	not exceed 120% of the median family income and has experienced medical, personal, or 672
732	732	financial hardship in the past 180 days; 673
733	733	“(E) He or she was impacted by a fire at the property that was not the 674
734	734	result of criminal activity or negligence as identified by a Fire and Emergency Medical Services 675
735	735	investigation; or 676
736	736	“(F) He or she was impacted by a natural disaster at the property. 677
737	737	“(2) The exemption may be granted for a period not to exceed one tax year from 678
738	738	the required registration date, subject to renewal on the basis of continuing extraordinary 679
739	739	circumstances and substantial undue economic hardship. The Mayor may withdraw the 680
740	740	exemption at any time. 681
741	741	30
742	742
743	743	“(d)(1) The cumulative time period for exemption from registration and fee requirements 682
744	744	for a vacant building under the same, substantially similar, or related ownership shall not exceed 683
745	745	3 tax years. 684
746	746	“(2) The limitations set forth in paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply to 685
747	747	vacant buildings that benefit from an exemption under subsection (a) of this section. 686
748	748	“(e) The total cumulative time for exemptions granted under subsection (b) of this section 687
749	749	to any property shall not exceed 5 tax years in any 12-year period, excluding exemptions granted 688
750	750	under subsection (a) of this section.”. 689
751	751	(f) Sec. 7 (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.07) is repealed. 690
752	752	(g) Sec. 9 (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.09) is amended to read as follows: 691
753	753	“(a) Except as provided in § 42–3131.06a(a), the owner of a building shall register the 692
754	754	building and pay registration fees within 180 days after it becomes a vacant or blighted vacant 693
755	755	building. 694
756	756	“(b) Fees for registration and renewal shall be as follows: 695
757	757	“(1) The initial registration fee shall be $350. 696
758	758	“(2) The renewal registration fee shall be $500. 697
759	759	“(c) The Mayor may increase the fees in subsection (b) of this section through rules 698
760	760	issued pursuant to § 42–3131.21.”. 699
761	761	(h) Section 10 (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.10) is amended to read as follows: 700
762	762	“(a)(1) The failure of the owner of a vacant or blighted vacant building to register and 701
763	763	pay all required fees under § 42-3131.06(a) or § 42-3131.09 after notice of the designation of the 702
764	764	owner’s building as vacant or blighted vacant, the determination of delinquency of registration or 703
765	765	fee payment, the denial or revocation of registration, the filing by an owner of any false or 704
766	766	31
767	767
768	768	misleading registration-related information, or the refusal of the owner of a vacant or blighted 705
769	769	vacant building to permit the Mayor to inspect the building shall be subject to a civil penalty of 706
770	770	up to $1,000 for the first violation, $2,500 for the second violation, and $5,000 for the third and 707
771	771	subsequent violations. 708
772	772	“(2) The Director of the Department of Buildings shall provide the Office of the 709
773	773	Attorney General with a list of all owners who fail to register and pay the required fee after 710
774	774	notice. 711
775	775	“(b) If the owner of a vacant building fails to maintain the building in compliance with 712
776	776	the requirements of § 42–3131.12 or, having obtained a vacant property registration, 713
777	777	subsequently fails to comply with the other registration requirements under § 42–3131.06, the 714
778	778	Mayor, in addition to issuing civil penalties pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, may: 715
779	779	“(1) Charge the owner with failure to comply and enforce all applicable penalties 716
780	780	under this chapter; and 717
781	781	“(2) Take other action as required by the Construction Codes or Construction 718
782	782	Codes Supplement of the District of Columbia to bring the building into compliance with those 719
783	783	codes. 720
784	784	“(c) Criminal prosecutions under § 42-3131.05 through § 42-3131.15 shall be brought in 721
785	785	the name of the District of Columbia by the Attorney General for the District of Columbia.”. 722
786	786	(i) Section 11(b) (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.11(b) is amended by striking the phrase 723
787	787	“Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs” and inserting the phrase “Department of 724
788	788	Buildings” in its place. 725
789	789	(j) Section 12 (D.C. Official Code § 42–3131.12) is amended to read as follows: 726
790	790	“Sec. 12. Vacant building maintenance standard and plan. 727
791	791	32
792	792
793	793	“(a) The owner of a vacant building shall comply with the following maintenance 728
794	794	requirements: 729
795	795	“(1) The exterior of the building shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging, or 730
796	796	similar markings; 731
797	797	“(2) Exterior walls shall be free of holes, breaks, and loose or rotting materials; 732
798	798	“(3) The interior of the building, and the property on which the building is 733
799	799	located, shall be free from debris, rubbish, and garbage; 734
800	800	“(4) Exposed metal and wood surfaces on the exterior of the building and any 735
801	801	accessory or appurtenant structures shall be protected from the elements and against decay or 736
802	802	rust; 737
803	803	“(5) The cornices, belt courses, corbels, terra cotta trim, wall facings, and similar 738
804	804	decorative features shall be safe, anchored, and in good repair; 739
805	805	“(6) All balconies, canopies, marquees, signs, metal awnings, stairways, fire 740
806	806	escapes, standpipes, exhaust ducts, and similar features shall be in good repair, anchored, safe 741
807	807	and sound; 742
808	808	“(7) Doors, windows, areaways, and other openings shall be weather-tight and 743
809	809	secured against entry by birds, vermin, and trespassers, and missing or broken doors, windows, 744
810	810	and other openings shall be covered with 1/2 inch CDX plywood that is painted in accordance 745
811	811	with the predominant tone of the building and is weather protected, tightly fitted to the opening, 746
812	812	and secured by screws or bolts; 747
813	813	“(8) The roof and flashing shall be sound and tight, not admit moisture, and 748
814	814	drained to prevent dampness or deterioration in the walls or interior; 749
815	815	33
816	816
817	817	“(9) The building storm drainage system shall be adequately sized and installed in 750
818	818	an approved manner and functional; 751
819	819	“(10) The structural members shall be free of deterioration and capable of safely 752
820	820	bearing imposed dead and live loads; 753
821	821	“(11) The foundation walls shall be plumb, free from open cracks and breaks, and 754
822	822	vermin-proof; 755
823	823	“(12) Chimneys, cooling towers, smokestacks, and similar appurtenances shall be 756
824	824	structurally safe, sound, and in good repair; 757
825	825	“(13) Openings in sidewalks shall be safe for pedestrian travel; 758
826	826	“(14) The property on which the building is located shall be free from excessive 759
827	827	vegetation and debris; and 760
828	828	“(15) The property on which the building is located, as well as any accessory or 761
829	829	appurtenant structures, shall be free from safety, health, or fire hazards. 762
830	830	“(b) The owner of a vacant property or his or her agent shall submit a vacant property 763
831	831	maintenance plan with the registration form required pursuant to § 42–3131.06. The plan shall 764
832	832	include the following: 765
833	833	“(1) The name, address, and contact information (telephone number and 766
834	834	electronic mail address where applicable) of the person submitting the plan; 767
835	835	“(2) Contact information for the person designated to manage and maintain the 768
836	836	property; 769
837	837	“(3) A copy of a letter or notice to properties immediately adjacent to the vacant 770
838	838	building advising residents of the name and contact information of the person designated to 771
839	839	manage and maintain the property; 772
840	840	34
841	841
842	842	“(4) A plan for actively monitoring, maintaining, and securing the property for the 773
843	843	anticipated or expected period of vacancy that demonstrates how the property will be maintained 774
844	844	in accordance with subsection (a) of this section; 775
845	845	“(5) Any other information deemed necessary by the Mayor for purposes of 776
846	846	effectuating this section.”. 777
847	847	(k) Section 15 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.15) is amended to read as follows: 778
848	848	“(a) Within 15 days after the designation of an owner’s building as a vacant building, the 779
849	849	determination of delinquency of registration or fee payment, the denial or revocation of 780
850	850	registration, or the designation of a vacant building as a blighted vacant building, the owner may 781
851	851	petition the Mayor for reconsideration by filing the form prescribed by the Mayor. 782
852	852	“(b) Within 60 days after receiving a petition pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, 783
853	853	the Mayor shall issue a notice of final determination to the owner of the vacant building. The 784
854	854	petition shall be deemed denied, and it shall have the same effect of the issuance of a notice of 785
855	855	final determination, if the Mayor does not act upon the petition within 60 days. 786
856	856	“(c) Within 15 days after the date of the notice of final determination under subsection (b) 787
857	857	of this section, or within 15 days after the expiration of the time period under subsection (b) of 788
858	858	this section, an owner may file an appeal with the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission for the 789
859	859	District of Columbia on the form prescribed by the Mayor; provided, that the notice of final 790
860	860	determination or passive appeal under subsection (b) of this section shall be a prerequisite to 791
861	861	filing an appeal with the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission for the District of Columbia. 792
862	862	The Real Property Tax Appeals Commission may not extend the time to file an appeal. 793
863	863	“(d) After receiving a notice of appeal from an owner as required under subsection (c) of 794
864	864	this section, the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission for the District of Columbia shall 795
865	865	35
866	866
867	867	provide by mail or electronic mail to the Advisory Neighborhood Commission in which the 796
868	868	vacant building is located, at least 15 days before any scheduled hearing on the appeal, the 797
869	869	following information related to the building at issue: 798
870	870	“(1) The name of the owner of the building, and the address of the building, 799
871	871	including square, suffix and lot numbers; 800
872	872	“(2) The determination under review; and 801
873	873	“(3) The date, time, and location of the hearing. 802
874	874	“(e) The District, through the Office of the Attorney General, may appeal a decision of 803
875	875	the Real Property Tax Appeals Commission to the Superior Court of the District of Columbia 804
876	876	within 90 days after the receipt of a written decision.”. 805
877	877	(l) Section 16 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.16) is amended to read as follows: 806
878	878	“(a) No less than once a week, the Mayor shall transmit to the Office of Tax and Revenue 807
879	879	a list of buildings: 808
880	880	“(1) Registered as vacant or blighted vacant; 809
881	881	“(2) Designated as vacant or blighted vacant; and 810
882	882	“(3) For which the time period to issue a notice of final determination under § 42-811
883	883	3131.15(b) has expired or a notice of final determination has been issued under § 42-3131.15 and 812
884	884	administrative appeals have been exhausted or expired. 813
885	885	“(b) The list shall be in the form and medium prescribed by the Office of Tax and 814
886	886	Revenue. 815
887	887	“(c) Buildings shall remain on the list required by this section until a change in 816
888	888	classification is approved. 817
889	889	36
890	890
891	891	“(d) The Mayor and the Office of Tax and Revenue shall develop a procedure to reconcile 818
892	892	any material differences between information retained by the Department of Buildings regarding 819
893	893	buildings registered as vacant or designated as blighted vacant, and buildings taxed as Class 3 or 820
894	894	4, on at least a monthly basis.”. 821
895	895	(m) Section 17 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.17) is repealed. 822
896	896	(n) Section 18 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.18) is amended to read as follows: 823
897	897	“Sec. 18. Publication of vacant and blighted vacant building information by the 824
898	898	Department. 825
899	899	“(a) The Department of Buildings shall maintain, on a publicly available website, a 826
900	900	database or list of vacant and blighted buildings. The database or list shall, at a minimum, 827
901	901	contain the following information: 828
902	902	“(1) The address of the building, including the square, suffix, and lot number of 829
903	903	the property on which the building is located; 830
904	904	“(2) The Advisory Neighborhood Commission and Ward in which the building is 831
905	905	located; 832
906	906	“(3) The date on which the building was determined to be a vacant or blighted 833
907	907	vacant building or registered as a vacant or blighted vacant building pursuant to § 42-3131.06; 834
908	908	“(4) The type of exemption the building has received, the date on which the 835
909	909	building received an exemption, and the number of half tax years the building has been exempt, 836
910	910	if applicable; 837
911	911	“(5) The number of months the building has been registered vacant or designated 838
912	912	as blighted vacant; 839
913	913	“(6) The last date on which the property was inspected by the Department; and 840
914	914	37
915	915
916	916	“(7) The current tax classification of the property.”. 841
917	917	(o) Sec. 19 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.19) is repealed. 842
918	918	(p) A new section 20 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.20) is added to read as follows: 843
919	919	“Sec. 20. Vacant and blighted vacant building receivership. 844
920	920	“(a) The Mayor may petition the Superior Court of the District of Columbia for the 845
921	921	appointment of a receiver to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell a vacant or blighted vacant building, 846
922	922	upon the occurrence of any of the following, each of which is deemed a nuisance per se: 847
923	923	“(1) The vacant building has been registered as vacant for at least 12 months, 848
924	924	excluding any exemptions provided pursuant to § 42–3131.6a, and at least one notice of 849
925	925	infraction for which a final order has been issued by the Office of Administrative Hearings has 850
926	926	not been abated by the owner 30 days after the issuance of the final order; 851
927	927	“(2) The vacant building has been registered as vacant for at least 36 months, 852
928	928	excluding any exemptions provided pursuant to § 42–3131.6a; 853
929	929	“(3) The blighted vacant building has been designated as blighted vacant for at 854
930	930	least 12 months, excluding any exemptions provided pursuant to § 42–3131.6a; or 855
931	931	“(4) The vacant or blighted vacant building is subject to a condemnation order by 856
932	932	the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings pursuant to § 6-903. 857
933	933	“(b) The Mayor shall give notice to the owner of the building no less than 90 days prior 858
934	934	to the filing of a petition. 859
935	935	“(c) The petition for appointment of a receiver shall include: 860
936	936	“(1) A copy of the registration form or designation form; 861
937	937	“(2) A copy of the final order from the Office of Administrative Hearings, if 862
938	938	applicable; and 863
939	939	38
940	940
941	941	“(3) A verified pleading that identifies and states the qualifications of the 864
942	942	proposed receiver. 865
943	943	“(c) The petition for the appointment of a receiver shall name as respondents: 866
944	944	“(1) The owner of the property; 867
945	945	“(2) Any lien holder of record; and 868
946	946	“(3)(A) The plaintiff in a proceeding to foreclose the right of redemption. 869
947	947	“(B) Failure to name the plaintiff shall not prevent the action from going 870
948	948	forward but shall prevent the receiver’s lien for expenses incurred from rehabilitating, 871
949	949	demolishing, or selling the building from having priority over the plaintiff’s lien interest. 872
950	950	“(d)(1) After filing a petition and before a receiver is appointed, the Mayor shall 873
951	951	give notice of pendency and nature of the proceedings by certified mail to the last known 874
952	952	addresses of all judgment creditors and lien holders with a recorded interest in the property. This 875
953	953	notice is not required for respondents named under subsection (c) of this section. 876
954	954	“(2) Within 30 days after the date on which the notice was mailed, a judgment 877
955	955	creditor or lien holder with a recorded interest in the property may apply to intervene in the 878
956	956	proceeding and to be appointed a receiver. A creditor or lien holder whose interest is not recorded 879
957	957	does not have standing to intervene in the proceeding and is not eligible to be appointed a 880
958	958	receiver. 881
959	959	“(3) Failure to give notice to any judgment creditors or lien holders as required by 882
960	960	this subsection shall not prevent the action from going forward but shall prevent the receiver’s 883
961	961	lien for expenses incurred from rehabilitating, demolishing, or selling the building from having 884
962	962	priority over that person’s lien interest. 885
963	963	39
964	964
965	965	“(e)(1) Instead of appointing a receiver to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell the building, the 886
966	966	Court may permit an owner, mortgagee, or other person with an interest in the property to 887
967	967	rehabilitate or demolish it, if the person: 888
968	968	“(A) Demonstrates the ability to complete the rehabilitation or demolition 889
969	969	within a reasonable time; 890
970	970	“(B) Agrees to comply with a specified schedule for rehabilitation or 891
971	971	demolition of the building; and 892
972	972	“(C) Posts bond, in an amount determined by the court, as security for the 893
973	973	performance of the required work in compliance with a specified schedule. 894
974	974	“(2)(A) The Mayor may apply to the court for immediate revocation of a person’s 895
975	975	appointment pursuant to this subsection if the person appointed is not proceeding with due 896
976	976	diligence or in compliance with the specified schedule. 897
977	977	“(B) In the event that the court revokes the person’s appointment and 898
978	978	appoints a receiver, the bond posted under subparagraph (C) of paragraph (1) of this subsection 899
979	979	shall be applied to the subsequently appointed receiver’s expenses for rehabilitating, 900
980	980	demolishing, or selling the building. 901
981	981	“(f)(1) If no qualified person with an ownership interest requests an appointment to 902
982	982	rehabilitate or demolish the property, or if an appointee is dismissed, the court shall appoint a 903
983	983	receiver of the property for the purposes of rehabilitating and managing the property, 904
984	984	demolishing the property, or selling it to a qualified bidder. 905
985	985	“(2) On the appointment of a receiver to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell the 906
986	986	property, all parties are divested from any authority to act in furtherance of those goals. 907
987	987	40
988	988
989	989	“(3) A receiver appointed to rehabilitate, demolish, or sell a vacant building has 908
990	990	no duty to, and is not personally liable for failing to, maintain the property or protect the property 909
991	991	from casualty or loss. 910
992	992	“(g) A receiver appointed to rehabilitate or demolish a vacant building, in addition to all 911
993	993	necessary and customary powers, has the right of possession with authority to: 912
994	994	“(1) Contract for necessary labor and supplies for rehabilitation or demolition. 913
995	995	“(2) Borrow money for rehabilitation or demolition from an approved lending 914
996	996	institution or through a government agency or program, using the receiver’s lien against the 915
997	997	property as security; 916
998	998	“(3) Manage the property for a period of up to 2 years and apply the rent received 917
999	999	to current operating expenses and to repayment of outstanding rehabilitation expenses; and 918
1000	1000	“(4) Foreclose on the receiver’s lien or accept a deed in lieu of foreclosure. 919
1001	1001	“(h)(1) A receiver appointed to sell a vacant building, in addition to all necessary and 920
1002	1002	customary powers, may sell the property to the high bidder at public auction. 921
1003	1003	“(2) The receiver must post a notice of a public auction 60 days prior to the date 922
1004	1004	on which the auction will be held. The notice must contain: 923
1005	1005	“(A) The address of each building for sale at the public auction; 924
1006	1006	“(B) A description of each building for sale at the public auction, including 925
1007	1007	the size and type of the building; and 926
1008	1008	“(C) Any other information deemed necessary by the receiver. 927
1009	1009	“(3) The minimum bid required to purchase a building at a public auction shall be 928
1010	1010	$5,000. 929
1011	1011	41
1012	1012
1013	1013	“(4) Before any sale, applicants to bid in a public auction or the proposed buyer in 930
1014	1014	a private sale must demonstrate that: 931
1015	1015	“(A) The applicants or proposed buyer have financial resources available 932
1016	1016	to rehabilitate the property; 933
1017	1017	“(B) The applicants or proposed buyer have experience rehabilitating 934
1018	1018	properties or have a contract or agreement with a person or organization that has experience 935
1019	1019	rehabilitating properties; and 936
1020	1020	“(C) The applicants or proposed buyers do not have any outstanding 937
1021	1021	property maintenance violations in the District, if applicable. 938
1022	1022	“(5) The receiver may charge a reasonable fee to applicants in connection with an 939
1023	1023	application to bid at a public auction or in connection with the solicitation of offers for a private 940
1024	1024	sale. 941
1025	1025	“(6) After deducting the expenses of the sale, the amount of outstanding taxes and 942
1026	1026	other government assessments, and the amount of the receiver’s lien, the receiver must apply the 943
1027	1027	remaining proceeds of the sale, first to the petitioner’s costs and expenses, and then to the liens 944
1028	1028	against the property in order of priority. 945
1029	1029	“(i)(1) Any costs or fees incurred by the receiver for purposes of rehabilitating, 946
1030	1030	demolishing, or selling a building pursuant to this subsection shall be a lien against the property. 947
1031	1031	The receiver’s lien shall have priority over all other liens and encumbrances, except taxes or 948
1032	1032	other government assessments. The receiver must allow the Mayor’s costs and expenses, 949
1033	1033	including reasonable attorney’s fees, to be paid to the extent that proceeds of a sale permit. 950
1034	1034	“(2) A receiver may foreclose on the lien by a sale of the building at a public 951
1035	1035	auction. After deducting the expenses of the sale, the receiver must apply the proceeds of the sale 952
1036	1036	42
1037	1037
1038	1038	to the liens against the building, in order of priority. In lieu of foreclosure, and only if the 953
1039	1039	receiver has rehabilitated the building, an owner may pay the receiver’s costs, fees, including 954
1040	1040	attorney’s fees, and expenses or may transfer all ownership in the property to either the receiver 955
1041	1041	or an agreed-on third party for an amount agreed to by all parties to the receivership as being the 956
1042	1042	property’s fair market value. 957
1043	1043	“(j) Following court ratification of a sale made pursuant to subsection (h) of this section, 958
1044	1044	the receiver must sign a deed conveying title to the buyer, free and clear of all liens, judgments 959
1045	1045	and other encumbrances. On court ratification of the sale, any secured interest of a lien or 960
1046	1046	judgment creditor automatically attaches to the proceeds from the sale to the extent that those 961
1047	1047	proceeds are available. 962
1048	1048	“(k) Upon sale of the property, the receiver must: 963
1049	1049	“(1) File with the court a final accounting; and 964
1050	1050	“(2) At the same time, file a motion with the court to dismiss the action. 965
1051	1051	“(l) The Mayor may contract with a nonprofit or for-profit organization to act as a 966
1052	1052	receiver pursuant to this section; provided, that any organization acting as a receiver must: 967
1053	1053	“(1) Not be delinquent on any fees, fines, taxes, or financial penalties owed to the 968
1054	1054	District; and 969
1055	1055	“(2) Have demonstrated experience with the management or sale of residential or 970
1056	1056	commercial properties; or 971
1057	1057	“(3) If the receiver will rehabilitate or demolish properties, have demonstrated 972
1058	1058	experience in the rehabilitation or demolition of residential or commercial properties.”. 973
1059	1059	(q) A new section 21 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.21) is added to read as follows: 974
1060	1060	“Sec. 21. Vacant and Blighted Building Report and Plan. 975
1061	1061	43
1062	1062
1063	1063	“(a) By January 1, 2026, the Mayor shall submit a report to the Council containing the 976
1064	1064	following information: 977
1065	1065	“(1) A description of predictive statistical models that could be used to identify 978
1066	1066	properties at risk of becoming vacant or blighted, as well as the data sources and information 979
1067	1067	technology infrastructure necessary to effectively implement these models; 980
1068	1068	“(2) A detailed description of proactive measures utilized by other jurisdictions in 981
1069	1069	the United States to enforce vacant and blighted property registration ordinances; and 982
1070	1070	“(3) An analysis and determination of the feasibility of utilizing proactive 983
1071	1071	measures to enforce the District’s laws regarding registration and maintenance of vacant and 984
1072	1072	blighted buildings. 985
1073	1073	“(b) By January 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter, the Mayor shall submit a 986
1074	1074	vacant and blighted property rehabilitation strategic plan to the Council. In developing the 987
1075	1075	strategic plan, the Mayor shall: 988
1076	1076	“(1) Analyze the extent and nature of interagency collaboration among District 989
1077	1077	agencies with respect to: 990
1078	1078	“(A) Enforcing legal requirements related to vacant and blighted buildings 991
1079	1079	in the District; and 992
1080	1080	“(B) Incentivizing the successful redevelopment or rehabilitation of vacant 993
1081	1081	and blighted buildings; 994
1082	1082	“(2) Review the use and effectiveness of existing incentives in the District that 995
1083	1083	support the redevelopment or rehabilitation of vacant and blighted buildings; 996
1084	1084	“(3) Review best practices for preventing vacancy and blight, and best practices 997
1085	1085	for redeveloping or rehabilitating vacant and blighted buildings; 998
1086	1086	44
1087	1087
1088	1088	“(4) Develop and refine performance metrics that measure the effectiveness of the 999
1089	1089	District’s programs, interventions, and incentives regarding vacant and blighted properties; and 1000
1090	1090	“(5) Consult with stakeholders, including the following: 1001
1091	1091	“(A) Advisory Neighborhood Commissions; 1002
1092	1092	“(B) Organizations with significant experience redeveloping or 1003
1093	1093	rehabilitating vacant or blighted buildings; and 1004
1094	1094	“(C) Organizations or individuals with policy or research expertise on: 1005
1095	1095	“(i) Implementing strategic code enforcement programs; 1006
1096	1096	“(ii) Development incentives; and 1007
1097	1097	“(iii) Developing performance measures.”. 1008
1098	1098	(r) A new section 22 (D.C. Official Code § 42-3131.22) is added to read as follows: 1009
1099	1099	“Sec. 22. Rules. 1010
1100	1100	“The Mayor, pursuant to subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, may issue rules to 1011
1101	1101	implement the provisions of this chapter. The proposed rules shall be submitted to the Council 1012
1102	1102	for a 45-day period of review, excluding days of Council recess. If the Council does not approve 1013
1103	1103	or disapprove of the proposed rules, by resolution, within the 45-day review period, the proposed 1014
1104	1104	rules shall be deemed approved.”. 1015
1105	1105	Sec. 302. Section 47-825.01a(e)(1)(B) of the District of Columbia Official Code is 1016
1106	1106	amended to read as follows: 1017
1107	1107	“(B)(i) If an owner is aggrieved by a notice of final determination issued 1018
1108	1108	pursuant to §42-3131.15 or the time period to issue a notice of final determination under that 1019
1109	1109	section has expired, the owner may file an appeal on the determination of vacancy with the 1020
1110	1110	Commission within 15 days after the date of the notice or expiration. The Commission may not 1021
1111	1111	45
1112	1112
1113	1113	extend the time to file an appeal. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the 1022
1114	1114	Commission shall render a decision on the appeal within 120 days after the filing. 1023
1115	1115	“(ii) An appeal to the Commission under this subparagraph shall be 1024
1116	1116	on the same terms and under the same conditions, to the extent reasonable, as if the appeal were 1025
1117	1117	brought under subparagraph (A) of this paragraph; except, that no worksheet shall be required to 1026
1118	1118	be mailed, the Department of Buildings shall be the responsible agency, and any supplemental 1027
1119	1119	filing shall be provided to the Commission and the Department of Buildings. 1028
1120	1120	“(iii) A response from the Department of Buildings shall be 1029
1121	1121	available for inspection at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing. 1030
1122	1122	“(iv) The Department of Buildings shall have the authority, as 1031
1123	1123	provided to OTR under subsection (f) of this section, to make redeterminations of vacancy and 1032
1124	1124	blight and any reclassifications that may be necessary. 1033
1125	1125	“(v) The Department of Buildings shall be entitled to a rehearing to 1034
1126	1126	establish the proper status, vacant or blight, and tax classification of the real property under the 1035
1127	1127	same conditions and to the same extent under paragraph (6) of this subsection; provided, that 1036
1128	1128	paragraph (6)(D) of this subsection shall not apply.”. 1037
1129	1129	TITLE IV. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY INCENTIVES AND TAXES. 1038
1130	1130	SUBTITLE A. EXPEDITED PERMIT REVIEW FOR VACANT AND BLIGHTED 1039
1131	1131	PROPERTIES. 1040
1132	1132	Sec. 401. (a) The Construction Codes Approval and Amendments Act of 1986, effective 1041
1133	1133	March 21, 1987 (D.C. Law 6-216; D.C. Official Code § 6-1401 et seq.), is amended by adding a 1042
1134	1134	new section 10e to read as follows: 1043
1135	1135	“Sec. 10e. Expedited permit review for vacant and blighted vacant properties. 1044
1136	1136	46
1137	1137
1138	1138	“(a) No later than 180 days after the effective date of the Vacant to Vibrant Amendment 1045
1139	1139	Act of 2024, the Department shall establish an expedited permit review process for permits 1046
1140	1140	described in subsection (b) of this section; provided, that the expedited permit review process 1047
1141	1141	shall only apply to permits for Class 3 and Class 4 properties. 1048
1142	1142	“(b) The following permits shall be eligible for an expedited permit review process 1049
1143	1143	established pursuant to subsection (a) of this section: 1050
1144	1144	“(1) A demolition permit; 1051
1145	1145	“(2) A raze permit; 1052
1146	1146	“(3) An addition, alteration, and repair permit; 1053
1147	1147	“(4) An alteration and repair permit; 1054
1148	1148	“(5) A sheeting and shoring permit; 1055
1149	1149	“(6) A new building permit; and 1056
1150	1150	“(7) Trade permits. 1057
1151	1151	“(c) The Department shall not charge additional fees beyond the standard permit fees for 1058
1152	1152	eligible applicants to utilize the expedited permit review process established pursuant subsection 1059
1153	1153	(a) of this section.”. 1060
1154	1154	SUBTITLE B. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY TAX RATES. 1061
1155	1155	Sec. 402. Section 47-812 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended by 1062
1156	1156	adding a new subsection (b-13) to read as follows: 1063
1157	1157	“(b-13)(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the sum of 1064
1158	1158	real property tax rates and special property tax rates for taxable Class 3 properties in the District 1065
1159	1159	of Columbia for the tax year beginning October 1, 2025, and each tax year thereafter, shall be as 1066
1160	1160	follows: 1067
1161	1161	47
1162	1162
1163	1163	“(A) For the first year in which the property is registered as vacant, the tax 1068
1164	1164	rate shall be the applicable tax rate for a Class 1A, Class 1B, or Class 2 property. 1069
1165	1165	“(B) For the second year in which the property is registered as vacant, the 1070
1166	1166	tax rate shall be $3 for each $100 of assessed value. 1071
1167	1167	“(C) For the third year in which the property is registered as vacant, the 1072
1168	1168	tax rate shall be $4 for each $100 of assessed value. 1073
1169	1169	“(D) For the fourth year, and any subsequent years, in which the property 1074
1170	1170	is registered as vacant, the tax rate shall be $5 for each $100 of assessed value. 1075
1171	1171	“(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, the sum of 1076
1172	1172	the real property tax rates and special real property tax rates for taxable Class 4 Properties in the 1077
1173	1173	District of Columbia for the tax year beginning October 1, 2025, and each year thereafter, shall 1078
1174	1174	be as follows: 1079
1175	1175	“(A) For the first year in which the property is designated as blighted 1080
1176	1176	vacant, the tax rate shall be the tax rate for a Class 1A, Class 1B, or Class 2 property. 1081
1177	1177	“(B) For the second year in which the property is designated as blighted 1082
1178	1178	vacant, the tax rate shall be $6 for each $100 of assessed value. 1083
1179	1179	“(C) For the third year in which the property is designated as blighted 1084
1180	1180	vacant, the tax rate shall be $8 for each $100 of assessed value. 1085
1181	1181	“(D) For the fourth year, and any subsequent years, in which the property 1086
1182	1182	is designated as blighted vacant, the tax rate shall be $10 for each $100 of assessed value.”. 1087
1183	1183	SUBTITLE C. TAX SALE PROCEDURE FOR VACANT AND BLIGHTED 1088
1184	1184	PROPERTIES. 1089
1185	1185	48
1186	1186
1187	1187	Sec. 403. Chapter 13A of Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended 1090
1188	1188	as follows: 1091
1189	1189	(a) The table of contents is amended by adding the following at the end: 1092
1190	1190	“Subchapter V. Procedures for Class 3 and 4 Properties. 1093
1191	1191	“§ 47-1390. Eligibility to foreclose on a Class 3 or 4 Property. 1094
1192	1192	“§ 47-1391. Pre-foreclosure action notice; publication requirements. 1095
1193	1193	“§ 47-1392. Parties. 1096
1194	1194	“§ 47-1393. Complaint form; notice to certain persons. 1097
1195	1195	“§ 47-1394. Foreclosure proceedings; right of redemption. 1098
1196	1196	“§ 47-1395. Tax sale notice; bidder qualifications; excess; tax deed.”. 1099
1197	1197	(b) Section 47-1330 is amended as follows: 1100
1198	1198	(1) New paragraphs (1A) and (1B) are added to read as follows: 1101
1199	1199	“(1A) “Class 3 property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–813(c-9)(4)(A). 1102
1200	1200	“(1B) “Class 4 property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–813(c-9)(5)(A).”. 1103
1201	1201	(c) Section 47-1332 is amended as follows: 1104
1202	1202	(1) Subsection (c) is amended to read as follows: 1105
1203	1203	“(c) The Mayor shall not sell any real property if: 1106
1204	1204	“(1) A forbearance authorization has been approved in writing by the Mayor for 1107
1205	1205	the applicable tax sale; 1108
1206	1206	“(2) The owner enters into a payment plan pursuant to § 47-870 prior to the date 1109
1207	1207	of the tax sale; 1110
1208	1208	“(3) For an improved Class 1A or 1B Property, the tax amount to be sold is less 1111
1209	1209	than $7,500; 1112
1210	1210	49
1211	1211
1212	1212	“(4) The real property is a Class 1A or 1B Property that is receiving a homestead 1113
1213	1213	deduction, with respect to which there is an outstanding non-void certificate of sale; provided, 1114
1214	1214	that no real property shall be excluded from sale solely pursuant to this paragraph if the non-void 1115
1215	1215	certificate of sale has been outstanding for 3 years or more; or 1116
1216	1216	“(5) For a Class 3 or Class 4 property, the owner has been delinquent for less than 1117
1217	1217	one year.”. 1118
1218	1218	(2) Subsection (e)(3)(A) is amended to read as follows: 1119
1219	1219	“(3)(A) The Mayor shall approve an application if the real property receives a 1120
1220	1220	homestead deduction and the tax amount to be sold is less than or equal to $12,500.”. 1121
1221	1221	(d) New sections 47-1390 through 47-1396 are added to read as follows: 1122
1222	1222	“Sec. 47-1390. Eligibility to foreclose on a Class 3 or 4 Property. 1123
1223	1223	“After the expiration of one year from the date of delinquency, the Mayor may file a 1124
1224	1224	complaint with the Superior Court to foreclose on a tax certificate or certificates for a Class 3 or 1125
1225	1225	4 property.”. 1126
1226	1226	“Sec. 47-1391. Pre-foreclosure action notice; publication requirements. 1127
1227	1227	“(a)(1) No less than 90 days prior to the filing of a complaint with the Court pursuant to § 1128
1228	1228	47-1393, the Mayor shall send written notice to the owner of record of the property at such 1129
1229	1229	owner’s mailing address as updated in OTR’s real property records.. 1130
1230	1230	(A) The notice shall inform the owner of the intent to file a complaint to 1131
1231	1231	foreclose on the tax certificate or certificates. The notice shall also contain the amount due as of 1132
1232	1232	the day of the notice, and state that the owner may pay the amount due, together with any 1133
1233	1233	additional interest, which may be owed prior to the filing date to halt any foreclosure action. 1134
1234	1234	50
1235	1235
1236	1236	“(2) The written notice pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be sent 1135
1237	1237	by first class mail. 1136
1238	1238	“(b) At any time after 60 days from the mailing of the notice required in subsection (a) of 1137
1239	1239	this section, the Mayor shall cause to be advertised once in not less than 2 newspapers of general 1138
1240	1240	circulation in the District that are published once every 2 weeks, notice that the listed properties 1139
1241	1241	will subject to foreclosure proceedings due to delinquent real property taxes. 1140
1242	1242	“Sec. 47-1392. Parties. 1141
1243	1243	“(a) The plaintiff in an action to foreclose a Class 3 or 4 property pursuant to § 47-1394 1142
1244	1244	shall be the District. 1143
1245	1245	“(b) The defendants in an action to foreclose a Class 3 or 4 Property pursuant to § 47-1144
1246	1246	1394 shall be: 1145
1247	1247	“(1) The record owner of the real property; 1146
1248	1248	“(2) If the real property is encumbered by a recorded life tenancy, the record life 1147
1249	1249	tenant and record remaindermen; 1148
1250	1250	“(3) If the real property is subject to a recorded estate for life or a recorded lease 1149
1251	1251	or ground rent for a term (with renewals) that is at least 30 years, the record owner of the fee 1150
1252	1252	simple title and the owner of the possessory interest as disclosed by a search performed in 1151
1253	1253	accordance with generally accepted standards of title examination of the records of the Recorder 1152
1254	1254	of Deeds; 1153
1255	1255	“(4) Any mortgagee of the real property, or any assignee of the mortgage of 1154
1256	1256	record, named as such in an unreleased mortgage recorded in the records of the Recorder of 1155
1257	1257	Deeds; 1156
1258	1258	51
1259	1259
1260	1260	“(5) The trustee of record under a deed of trust recorded against the real property 1157
1261	1261	and a holder of a beneficial interest in a deed of trust who files notice of the interest, which 1158
1262	1262	notice includes identification of the deed of trust, the book and page or roll and frame where the 1159
1263	1263	deed of trust is recorded, and the current address at which the holder may be served with a 1160
1264	1264	summons. 1161
1265	1265	“(c) If the identity of an owner cannot be ascertained, the unknown owner of the real 1162
1266	1266	property may be included may be included as a defendant by the designation: “Unknown owner 1163
1267	1267	of real property (insert a description of the real property in substantially the same form as the 1164
1268	1268	description that appears on the certificate of sale along with the street address, if any), the 1165
1269	1269	unknown owner’s heirs, devisees, and personal representatives and their or any of their heirs, 1166
1270	1270	devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest.” 1167
1271	1271	“Sec. 47-1393. Complaint form; notice to certain persons. 1168
1272	1272	“(a) A complaint filed to foreclose on a tax certificate or certificates for a Class 3 or 4 1169
1273	1273	Property shall, for each property listed in the complaint, contain: 1170
1274	1274	“(1) A description of the real property, by premises address, taxation square, 1171
1275	1275	suffix, and lot number, or parcel and lot number; 1172
1276	1276	“(2) The name(s) of the owner or owners of the property; 1173
1277	1277	“(3) A statement of the amount of taxes owed, including interest and penalties; 1174
1278	1278	and 1175
1279	1279	“(4) A request that the Court pass a judgment to foreclose on right of redemption. 1176
1280	1280	“(b) For each property listed in a complaint filed pursuant to subsection (a) of this 1177
1281	1281	section, a copy of the written notice provided to the owner pursuant to § 47-1391(a) shall be 1178
1282	1282	attached. 1179
1283	1283	52
1284	1284
1285	1285	“(c)(1) Upon filing a complaint with Superior Court pursuant to subsection (a) of this 1180
1286	1286	section, the Mayor shall send written notice of the action to all persons having a recorded 1181
1287	1287	interest, recorded claim, or recorded lien, including a recorded judgment, who have not been 1182
1288	1288	made a defendant in the action. 1183
1289	1289	“(2) The written notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be 1184
1290	1290	sent by first class mail and shall include as an attachment thereto a copy of the summons and 1185
1291	1291	complaint. 1186
1292	1292	“(d) The Mayor shall file a statement that the notice provisions of subsection (c) of this 1187
1293	1293	section have been complied with, or an affidavit stating that the address of the holder of the 1188
1294	1294	subordinate interest is not reasonably ascertainable. 1189
1295	1295	“Sec. 47-1394. Foreclosure proceedings; right of redemption. 1190
1296	1296	“(a)(1) Any defendant listed under § 47-1392(b) may file an answer and defense to the 1191
1297	1297	complaint within 30 after service of the notice and complaint. The answer may object to the 1192
1298	1298	proposed foreclosure upon one or more of the following grounds only: 1193
1299	1299	“(A) The real property is exempt from taxation or assessment pursuant to 1194
1300	1300	§ 47–1002; or 1195
1301	1301	“(B) The delinquent taxes or assessments identified in the tax certificate or 1196
1302	1302	certificates were in fact paid; 1197
1303	1303	“(2) If an answer and defense is filed by any defendant or other interested person, 1198
1304	1304	the matter shall be heard in a summary manner without other pleading, and the court shall 1199
1305	1305	pronounce judgment. 1200
1306	1306	“(b) Real property subject to a foreclosure proceeding pursuant to this section may be 1201
1307	1307	redeemed at any time before the close of business before a judgment is entered, by payment, as 1202
1308	1308	53
1309	1309
1310	1310	prescribed by the Mayor, of the total amount of delinquent taxes, inclusive of interest and 1203
1311	1311	penalties. 1204
1312	1312	“(c) In the event that no answer by any person having a right to answer pursuant to 1205
1313	1313	subsection (a) of this section is provided, the Court determines that the issue raised by the answer 1206
1314	1314	of the defendant is without merit, or there is a failure to redeem pursuant to subsection (b) of this 1207
1315	1315	section, the Court shall order the District to sell the property at a public auction to satisfy the 1208
1316	1316	amount of lien, fees, and costs. 1209
1317	1317	“(d) The Court shall tax as a part of the taxable costs all legal fees and charges 1210
1318	1318	necessarily paid or incurred in procuring searches relative to the title of the real property, 1211
1319	1319	prosecuting the foreclosure action, providing for a court-ordered sale (including advertising and 1212
1320	1320	auctioneer fees) and securing and maintaining a guardian ad litem. 1213
1321	1321	“(e) The District shall not be required to plead or prove various steps, proceedings, and 1214
1322	1322	notices for the assessment and levy of taxes or assessments against the real property and all such 1215
1323	1323	taxes and assessment shall be presumed to be valid. A defendant alleging any jurisdictional 1216
1324	1324	defect or invalidity in the tax or assessment, because said real property was not liable to taxation 1217
1325	1325	or assessment, must particularly specify in the defendant’s answer such jurisdictional defect or 1218
1326	1326	invalidity and must affirmatively establish such defense. 1219
1327	1327	“(f) A guardian ad litem shall be appointed to serve for all persons known or unknown 1220
1328	1328	who have or may have an interest in the real property subject to a foreclosure action and who are 1221
1329	1329	or may be minors or individuals adjudicated incompetent at the date of filing such a list. 1222
1330	1330	“Sec. 47-1395. Tax sale notice; bidder qualifications; excess; tax deed. 1223
1331	1331	“(a) No less than 90 days after a judgment is entered by the Court, the Mayor shall 1224
1332	1332	publicly notice any Class 3 and 4 Properties that will be sold at a tax sale as follows: 1225
1333	1333	54
1334	1334
1335	1335	“(1) In not less than 2 newspapers of general circulation in the District that are 1226
1336	1336	published once every 2 weeks, a public notice stating the listed real property will be sold at 1227
1337	1337	public auction and at the place named in the public notice; and 1228
1338	1338	“(2) A list of real property in the public notice on the Office of Tax and Revenue’s 1229
1339	1339	website. 1230
1340	1340	“(b) The list in the public notice shall contain the following: 1231
1341	1341	“(1) A description of the real property, by premises address, taxation square, 1232
1342	1342	suffix, and lot number, or parcel and lot number; 1233
1343	1343	“(2) The name of the person who last appears on the Mayor’s tax roll as the owner 1234
1344	1344	of the real property; 1235
1345	1345	“(3) The minimum bid required to purchase the property at tax sale. 1236
1346	1346	“(c) Before any sale, applicants to bid in a public auction must demonstrate that: 1237
1347	1347	“(1) The applicants or proposed buyer have financial resources available to 1238
1348	1348	rehabilitate the property; 1239
1349	1349	“(2) The applicants or proposed buyer have experience rehabilitating properties or 1240
1350	1350	have a contract or agreement with a person or organization that has experience rehabilitating 1241
1351	1351	properties; 1242
1352	1352	“(3) The applicants or proposed buyer do not have any unresolved notices of 1243
1353	1353	infraction related to property maintenance violations in the District, if applicable; and 1244
1354	1354	“(4) The applicant is current on all taxes and liabilities owed to the District. 1245
1355	1355	“(d) Real property sold at tax sale pursuant to this section shall be sold “as is.” There is 1246
1356	1356	no guarantee or warranty of any kind, express or implied, relative to: Title, eligibility to build 1247
1357	1357	55
1358	1358
1359	1359	upon or subdivide the property; zoning classification; size; location; fitness for any use or 1248
1360	1360	purpose; or any other feature or condition of a foreclosed property sold pursuant to this section. 1249
1361	1361	“(e) If the highest bid for a property sold pursuant to this section exceeds the minimum 1250
1362	1362	bid due upon the whole property, the excess must be refunded, following payment of any 1251
1363	1363	recorded liens, to the owner of the record of the property. In the event that no claim for the 1252
1364	1364	excess is received by the Mayor within three years after the date of the sale, the Chief Financial 1253
1365	1365	Officer shall deposit the excess in the General Fund of the District of Columbia. 1254
1366	1366	“(f) The Mayor shall issue a deed for any property purchased by a bidder at a tax sale 1255
1367	1367	held pursuant to this section. The deed shall be prima facie evidence of a good and perfect title in 1256
1368	1368	fee simple to the real property.”. 1257
1369	1369	SUBTITLE D. VACANT AND BLIGHTED HOME REVITALIZATION TAX 1258
1370	1370	CREDIT. 1259
1371	1371	Sec. 404. Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows: 1260
1372	1372	(a) The table of contents is amended by adding a new chapter designation to read as 1261
1373	1373	follows: 1262
1374	1374	“19. Vacant and Blighted Property Rehabilitation Credit.” 1263
1375	1375	(b) A new chapter 19 is added to read as follows: 1264
1376	1376	“CHAPTER 19. VACANT AND BLIGHTED PROPERTY REHABILITATION 1265
1377	1377	CREDIT. 1266
1378	1378	“47-1819.01. Definitions. 1267
1379	1379	“47-1819.02. Credit Established. 1268
1380	1380	“47-1819.03. Annual Cap. 1269
1381	1381	“47-1819.04. Application and Mayoral Certification. 1270
1382	1382	56
1383	1383
1384	1384	“Sec. 47-1819.01. Definitions. 1271
1385	1385	“For purposes of sections § 47–1806.17a through 47-1806.17g, the term: 1272
1386	1386	“(1) “Area median family income” means the median family income for the 1273
1387	1387	Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area as set forth by the United States Department of 1274
1388	1388	Housing and Urban Development, adjusted for household size. 1275
1389	1389	“(2) “Class 3 property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–813(c-9)(4)(A). 1276
1390	1390	“(3) “Class 4 property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–813(c-9)(5)(A). 1277
1391	1391	“(4) “Eligible development costs” means amounts paid or incurred by an eligible 1278
1392	1392	taxpayer after December 31, 2025 for the acquisition of eligible property, construction, 1279
1393	1393	substantial rehabilitation, demolition of structures, or environmental remediation. 1280
1394	1394	“(5) “Eligible property” means a Class 3 or Class 4 property that is: 1281
1395	1395	“(A) A house comprised of 4 or fewer residential units or a condominium 1282
1396	1396	unit; and 1283
1397	1397	“(B) Located in a qualifying census tract as determined by the Mayor as of 1284
1398	1398	the date of the application pursuant to § 47–1819.04. 1285
1399	1399	“(6) “Eligible taxpayer” means a taxpayer certified by the Mayor pursuant § 47–1286
1400	1400	1819.04(b) as eligible to claim the credit established under this chapter. 1287
1401	1401	“(7) “Qualifying census tract” means a census tract which has: 1288
1402	1402	“(A) A median family income which does not exceed 120% of the median 1289
1403	1403	family income of the District; 1290
1404	1404	“(B) A poverty rate that is not less than 130% of the poverty rate of the 1291
1405	1405	District; and 1292
1406	1406	57
1407	1407
1408	1408	“(C) A median value for owner-occupied homes that does not exceed the 1293
1409	1409	median value for all owner-occupied homes in the District. 1294
1410	1410	“(8) “Qualified homeowner” means an individual whose family income is 120% 1295
1411	1411	or less of the area median family income as of the date that a binding contract is entered into 1296
1412	1412	between that individual and an eligible taxpayer for the sale of the eligible property. 1297
1413	1413	“(9) “Substantial rehabilitation” means amounts paid or incurred for rehabilitation 1298
1414	1414	of an eligible property if such amounts exceed $150,000 multiplied by the difference between the 1299
1415	1415	Consumer Price Index for the preceding tax year and the Consumer Price Index for the tax year 1300
1416	1416	2024 divided by the Consumer Price Index for tax year 2024. For the purposes of this paragraph, 1301
1417	1417	the Consumer Price Index for any real property tax year is the average of the Consumer Price 1302
1418	1418	Index for the Washington-Baltimore Metropolitan Statistical Area for all urban consumers 1303
1419	1419	published by the Department of Labor, or any successor index, as of the close of the 12-month 1304
1420	1420	period ending on September 30 of such tax year. 1305
1421	1421	“Sec. 47-1819.02. Credit established. 1306
1422	1422	(a) For tax years beginning after December 31, 2025, there is established a District of 1307
1423	1423	Columbia vacant and blighted home revitalization tax credit that may be claimed against taxes 1308
1424	1424	imposed under this subtitle. 1309
1425	1425	(b) The amount of the credit shall be 75% of the eligible development costs as certified 1310
1426	1426	by the Mayor to the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to § 47–1819.04(b). 1311
1427	1427	(c) The credit may exceed the tax liability under this chapter, including any minimum tax 1312
1428	1428	due under §§ 47-1807.02(b) or 47-1808.03(b), for that taxable year and shall be refundable to the 1313
1429	1429	eligible taxpayer, including an organization exempt under § 47–1802.01(a)(3) from taxation 1314
1430	1430	under this subtitle. 1315
1431	1431	58
1432	1432
1433	1433	(d) The credit may only be allowed if it: 1316
1434	1434	(1) Has been approved and certified by the Mayor to the Chief Financial Officer 1317
1435	1435	pursuant to § 47–1819.04: 1318
1436	1436	(2) Is claimed by an eligible taxpayer in the taxable year in which the substantial 1319
1437	1437	rehabilitation of the eligible property is completed; and 1320
1438	1438	(3) Is claimed in the manner and form prescribed by the Chief Financial Officer. 1321
1439	1439	“Sec. 47-1819.03. Annual Cap. 1322
1440	1440	“The Mayor may approve up to $2,500,000 in credits under this subchapter each fiscal 1323
1441	1441	year. 1324
1442	1442	“Sec. 47-1809.04. Application and Mayoral certification. 1325
1443	1443	(a) Before a taxpayer may claim a credit pursuant this subchapter, the taxpayer must 1326
1444	1444	apply to the Mayor requesting approval. 1327
1445	1445	(b) If a taxpayer’s application is approved in accordance with this subchapter, the Mayor 1328
1446	1446	shall certify to the Chief Financial Officer the following on before December 1 of the calendar 1329
1447	1447	year following the end of the fiscal year in which the credit was approved: 1330
1448	1448	(1) The name and taxpayer identification number of the eligible taxpayer; 1331
1449	1449	(2) The address of the eligible property (including square and lot); 1332
1450	1450	(3) That the eligible taxpayer’s application in accordance with this section was 1333
1451	1451	approved; 1334
1452	1452	(4) The date the substantial rehabilitation was completed; 1335
1453	1453	(5) That the eligible taxpayer sold the property to a qualifying homeowner; 1336
1454	1454	(6) The total amount of the eligible development costs incurred by the eligible 1337
1455	1455	taxpayer; 1338
1456	1456	59
1457	1457
1458	1458	(7) The total amount of the credit approved for the eligible taxpayer; and 1339
1459	1459	(8) Any other information requested by the Chief Financial Officer.”. 1340
1460	1460	SUBTITLE E. TAX ABATEMENT FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF VACANT 1341
1461	1461	AND BLIGHTED COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES. 1342
1462	1462	Sec. 405. Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended as follows: 1343
1463	1463	(a) Section 47-813 is amended as follows: 1344
1464	1464	(1) Subsection (c-9)(4) is amended to read as follows: 1345
1465	1465	“(c-9)(4)(A) Class 3 property shall be comprised of all improved real property that 1346
1466	1466	appears as vacant on the list compiled under § 42-3131.16. 1347
1467	1467	“(B) The Office of Tax and Revenue may request the Mayor to inspect the 1348
1468	1468	improved real property to determine whether the property is correctly designated or registered as 1349
1469	1469	vacant on the list compiled under § 42-3131.16.”. 1350
1470	1470	(2) Subsection (c-9)(5) is amended to read as follows: 1351
1471	1471	“(c-9)(5)(A) Class 4 Property shall be comprised of all improved real property that 1352
1472	1472	appears as blighted vacant on the list compiled under § 42-3131.16. 1353
1473	1473	“(B) The Office of Tax and Revenue may request the Mayor to inspect the 1354
1474	1474	improved real property to determine whether the property is correctly designated as blighted 1355
1475	1475	vacant on the list compiled under § 42-3131.16.”. 1356
1476	1476	(c) By adding new sections 47-861.01 through 47-861.04 to read as follows: 1357
1477	1477	“Sec. 47-861.01. Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted 1358
1478	1478	commercial properties – Definitions. 1359
1479	1479	“For purposes of §§ 47-861.01 through 47-861.04, the term: 1360
1480	1480	“(1) “Class 3 property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–813(c-9)(4)(A). 1361
1481	1481	60
1482	1482
1483	1483	“(2) “Class 4 property” shall have the same meaning as § 47–813(c-9)(5)(A). 1362
1484	1484	“(3) “Eligible development costs” means amounts paid or incurred for 1363
1485	1485	construction, substantial rehabilitation, demolition of structures, or environmental remediation of 1364
1486	1486	an eligible property. Eligible development costs shall not include land acquisition costs. 1365
1487	1487	“(4) “Eligible property” means a Class 3 or Class 4 property that: 1366
1488	1488	“(A) Shall be redeveloped to be used for commercial purposes as defined 1367
1489	1489	in paragraph 5 of this section; and 1368
1490	1490	“(B) Has been registered as a Class 3 or Class 4 property for at least 12 1369
1491	1491	months without any exemptions pursuant to § 42–3131.06a. 1370
1492	1492	“(5) “Used for commercial purposes” means use of real property primarily for 1371
1493	1493	conducting any trade, business, or profession, whether for profit or not, including providing 1372
1494	1494	goods or services or operating as a hotel or inn. 1373
1495	1495	“(6) “OTR” means the Office of Tax and Revenue. 1374
1496	1496	“Sec. 47-861.02. Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted 1375
1497	1497	commercial properties – Requirements. 1376
1498	1498	“(a) Subject to § 47-861.03, the Mayor may approve an abatement of the tax otherwise 1377
1499	1499	imposed under this chapter, in an amount calculated pursuant to § 47-861.03(a), for an eligible 1378
1500	1500	property if: 1379
1501	1501	“(1) Eligible development costs exceed $1.5 million. 1380
1502	1502	“(2) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, demonstrates to the 1381
1503	1503	satisfaction of the Mayor that the abatement shall materially assist the redevelopment project and 1382
1504	1504	the redevelopment project would not go forward without the abatement. 1383
1505	1505	61
1506	1506
1507	1507	“(3) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, enters into an agreement 1384
1508	1508	with the District that requires the owner, or its designee or assignee, to, at a minimum, contract 1385
1509	1509	with certified business enterprises for at least 35% of the contract dollar volume of the 1386
1510	1510	construction of the project, in accordance with § 2-218.46. 1387
1511	1511	“(4) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, executes a First Source 1388
1512	1512	Agreement for the construction and operation of the project. 1389
1513	1513	“(5) The property owner, or its designee or assignee, requests a letter from the 1390
1514	1514	Mayor stating that the proposed redevelopment project is eligible for the tax abatement, setting 1391
1515	1515	forth the expected amount of the abatement, as determined pursuant to § 47-861.03(a), and 1392
1516	1516	reserving that amount for the project. 1393
1517	1517	“(6) The Mayor transmits to the owner the eligibility and reservation letter 1394
1518	1518	requested under paragraph (4) of this section, subject to such conditions as may be imposed by 1395
1519	1519	the Mayor and subject to the adjustment of the abatement amount based on the certifications 1396
1520	1520	provided for in § 47-860.03(a) and the abatement cap set forth in § 47-861.03(b). 1397
1521	1521	“(b) The Mayor shall, as nearly as practicable, review requests for eligibility and 1398
1522	1522	reservation letters in the order in which each completed request is received. 1399
1523	1523	“(c) The Mayor shall transmit to OTR a copy of each eligibility and reservation letter 1400
1524	1524	transmitted by the Mayor to an owner pursuant to subsection (a)(5) of this section. 1401
1525	1525	“(d) An abatement of the tax otherwise imposed under this chapter shall not be provided 1402
1526	1526	for a property for which an eligibility and reservation letter was transmitted by the Mayor 1403
1527	1527	pursuant to subsection (a)(5) of this section if the project which was the basis upon which the 1404
1528	1528	eligibility and reservation letter was issued has not received a certificate of occupancy within 24 1405
1529	1529	62
1530	1530
1531	1531	months after the date the eligibility and reservation letter was transmitted; provided, that the 1406
1532	1532	Mayor may extend the 24-month period for up to 8 months as deemed necessary. 1407
1533	1533	“(e)(1) After the completion of a project for which an eligibility and reservation letter was 1408
1534	1534	issued, the Mayor shall, if the conditions set forth in this section and the eligibility and 1409
1535	1535	reservation letter have been met, and subject to the abatement cap set forth in § 47-860.03(b), 1410
1536	1536	issue the property owner a certification of tax abatement, subject to such conditions as the Mayor 1411
1537	1537	may impose. The Mayor shall provide a copy of the certification letter to OTR. The certification 1412
1538	1538	shall identify: 1413
1539	1539	“(A) The property to which the certification applies by square and lot, or 1414
1540	1540	parcel or reservation number; 1415
1541	1541	“(B) The full legal name of the property owner, including taxpayer 1416
1542	1542	identification number; 1417
1543	1543	“(C) The tax to which the certification applies; 1418
1544	1544	“(D) The portion of the property that is eligible; 1419
1545	1545	“(E) The commencement date of the abatement; 1420
1546	1546	“(F) Any other information OTR shall require to administer the abatement. 1421
1547	1547	“(2) The Mayor shall notify the property owner and OTR if any property or owner 1422
1548	1548	certified under paragraph (1) of this subsection becomes ineligible for the abatement. The notice 1423
1549	1549	shall be written, shall identify the ineligible property, the date that the property became 1424
1550	1550	ineligible, and any other information required by OTR to terminate the abatement. 1425
1551	1551	“Sec. 47-861.03. Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted 1426
1552	1552	commercial properties – Abatement period, abatement amount, and caps. 1427
1553	1553	63
1554	1554
1555	1555	“(a) For each property for which a certification of abatement was issued under § 47-1428
1556	1556	860.02(e), the real property tax imposed on the property under this chapter shall be abated as 1429
1557	1557	follows: 1430
1558	1558	“(1) Half of the otherwise applicable tax in each of the first six tax years 1431
1559	1559	following the tax year during which a certification of tax abatement is issued pursuant to § 47-1432
1560	1560	860.02(e); 1433
1561	1561	“(2) Two-thirds of the applicable tax in each of the seventh and eighth tax years 1434
1562	1562	following the tax year during which a certification of tax abatement is issued pursuant to § 47-1435
1563	1563	860.02(e); and 1436
1564	1564	“(3) Three-quarters of the applicable tax in each of the ninth and tenth tax years 1437
1565	1565	following the tax year during which a certification of tax abatement is issued pursuant to § 47-1438
1566	1566	860.02(e). 1439
1567	1567	“(b) The total amount of tax abatements the Mayor may approve or certify under § 47-1440
1568	1568	860.02 in each fiscal year, including amounts certified in prior years, shall be capped at the 1441
1569	1569	following amounts, subject to the availability of funding: 1442
1570	1570	“(1) For fiscal years 2027, 2028, and 2029, up to $3 million; and 1443
1571	1571	“(2) For each succeeding fiscal year after Fiscal Year 2029, up to $6 million. 1444
1572	1572	“(c) (1) Prior to the preparation by OTR of tax bills for each half-year installment of tax, 1445
1573	1573	the Mayor shall certify to OTR, by a date and in a form and medium prescribed by OTR, each 1446
1574	1574	property eligible to receive a real property tax abatement pursuant to a certification issued 1447
1575	1575	pursuant to § 47-860.02(e), and the portion of the tax to be abated under subsection (a) of this 1448
1576	1576	section for each such property with respect to such half-year installment bill. 1449
1577	1577	64
1578	1578
1579	1579	“(2) The certification required by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be 1450
1580	1580	accompanied by a statement from the Mayor specifying the total amount of the tax abatement 1451
1581	1581	under subsection (b) of this section for the semiannual period of the certification that is available 1452
1582	1582	to abate the taxes of the properties identified pursuant to paragraph (1) of this subsection. 1453
1583	1583	“(d) If the amount of tax to be abated for any semiannual billing period for all properties 1454
1584	1584	certified under subsection (c)(1) of this section exceeds the total dollar amount of tax abatements 1455
1585	1585	available as certified under subsection (c)(2) of this section, the available dollar amount shall be 1456
1586	1586	allocated pro rata among all properties certified under subsection (c)(1) of this section. 1457
1587	1587	“Sec. 47-861.04. Tax abatements for the redevelopment of vacant and blighted 1458
1588	1588	commercial properties – Rules. 1459
1589	1589	“The Mayor shall, pursuant to Subchapter I of Chapter 5 of Title 2, issue rules to 1460
1590	1590	implement §§ 47-861.01 through 47-861.03.”. 1461
1591	1591	TITLE V. FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT; EFFECTIVE DATE. 1462
1592	1592	Sec. 501. Fiscal impact statement. 1463
1593	1593	The Council adopts the fiscal impact statement in the committee report as the fiscal 1464
1594	1594	impact statement required by section 4a of the General Legislative Procedures Act of 1975, 1465
1595	1595	approved October 16, 2006 (120 Stat. 2038; D.C. Official Code § 1-301.47a). 1466
1596	1596	Sec. 502. Effective date. 1467
1597	1597	This act shall take effect following approval by the Mayor (or in the event of veto by the 1468
1598	1598	Mayor, action by the Council to override the veto), a 30-day period of congressional review as 1469
1599	1599	provided in section 602(c)(1) of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, approved December 1470
1600	1600	24, 1973, (87 Stat. 813; D.C. Official Code § 1-206.02(c)(1)), and publication in the District of 1471
1601	1601	Columbia Register. 1472