In the beginning of this month new laws were enacted which impact the vacant properties in our city. I am sure everyone has been walking down a street and then seen a boarded up, overgrown house or building and thought that it was a shame and could be fixed up to become part of the neighborhood again. While I was reading DCRA's website I came across a page that discussed turning vacant properties into affordable housing which I thought was an unique and inspirational idea. Here is the article from the Post and the links to DCRA where you can report vacant properties in your neighborhood.
New DCRA Regulations for Vacant Properties
New laws go into effect for vacant properties
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/13/AR2010101302936.html
This month, the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs begins enforcement of new vacant property regulations using taxes to discourage property blight in the District. The new system gives the agency the authority to identify, inspect and classify commercial and residential properties as vacant or to deem a property blighted.
The Vacant Property Disincentivization Amendment Act of 2010 made several adjustments to the vacant property registration laws. Owners of vacant properties who do not qualify for one of four exemptions under District law will be required to pay a $250 registration fee. Their properties will be taxed at a rate of $5 per $100 of assessed value. Properties in poor or unsafe condition can also have their property deemed blighted with their properties taxed at a rate of $10 per $100 of assessed value. The owner must pay a $250 renewal fee each year until the property is legally occupied or qualifies for an exemption.
Visit http://dcra.dc.gov.
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