Section 10-A510. H-2.2 HOUSING CONSERVATION AND MAINTENANCE

 

510.1Despite the advancing age of the District’s building stock, most of the city’s housing is in good condition. The number of vacant and abandoned units has declined sharply in the past five years, and there has been reinvestment in the housing stock in all parts of the city. There are still threats, however. “Demolition by neglect” remains an issue in some neighborhoods, while other neighborhoods face the risk of housing being converted to nonresidential uses such as medical offices and non-profits. The long-term conservation of housing requires policies and actions that promote housing rehabilitation, upkeep, and modernization—while discouraging conversion to non-residential uses. 510.1

 

510.2As noted above, housing conservation programs are particularly important for the District’s seniors (residents 65 years old and above), many of whom are on fixed incomes. Seniors make up 12 percent of the city’s population, but they represent nearly 30 percent of its homeowners. This suggests a need for low interest loans, grants, tax credits, and other programs that reduce the financial burden of home ownership on low income, elderly District residents. 510.2

 

510.3Policy H-2.2.1: Housing Conversion

 

Discourage the conversion of viable, quality housing units to nonresidential uses such as offices and hotels. Ensure that zoning regulations provide sufficient protection to avoid the loss of housing in this manner. 510.3

 

510.4Policy H-2.2.2: Housing Maintenance

 

Support voluntary, philanthropic, non-profit, private, and City-sponsored programs that assist District residents in the upkeep of their homes and properties, particularly programs that provide low interest loans and grants for low income residents and elderly homeowners. 510.4

 

510.5Policy H-2.2.3: Tax Relief

 

Maintain tax relief measures for low income homeowners and low income senior homeowners faced with rising assessments and property taxes. These measures should reduce the pressure on low income owners to sell their homes and move out of the District. 510.5

 

510.6Policy H-2.2.4: Energy Retrofits

 

Encourage energy efficiency retrofits that reduce water use, and home heating and cooling costs, thereby reducing monthly housing expenditures. 510.6

 

510.7Action H-2.2.A: Housing Code Enforcement

 

Improve the enforcement of housing codes to prevent deteriorated, unsafe, and unhealthy housing conditions, especially in areas of the city with persistent code enforcement problems. Ensure that information on tenant rights, such as how to obtain inspections, contest petitions for substantial rehabilitation, purchase multi-family buildings, and vote in conversion elections, is provided to tenants. 510.7

 

510.8Action H-2.2.B: Sale of Persistent Problem Properties

 

Address persistent housing code violations through negotiated sales of problem properties by putting properties in receivership, and through tenants’ rights education. Wherever possible, identify alternative housing resources for persons who are displaced by major code enforcement activities. 510.8

 

510.9Action H-2.2.C: Low Income Homeowner Tax Credit

 

Implement the ordinance passed by the District in 2002 to provide tax credits for long-term, low-income homeowners. 510.9

 

See the Historic Preservation Element for additional policies on homeowner tax credits

 

510.10Action H-2.2.D: Tax Relief

 

Review existing tax relief programs for District homeowners and consider changes to help low- and moderate-income households address rising property assessments. 510.10

 

The long-term conservation of housing requires policies and actions that promote housing rehabilitation, upkeep, and modernization- while discouraging conversion to nonresidential uses.

 

510.11Action H-2.2.E: Program Assistance for Low and Moderate Income Owners

 

Continue to offer comprehensive home maintenance and repair programs for low and moderate income owners and renters of single family homes. These programs should include counseling and technical assistance, as well as zero interest and deferred interest loans and direct financial assistance. 510.11

 

notation

The provisions of Title 10, Part A of the DCMR accessible through this web interface are codification of the District Elements of the Comprehensive Plan for the National Capital. As such, they do not represent the organic provisions adopted by the Council of the District of Columbia. The official version of the District Elements only appears as a hard copy volume of Title 10, Part A published pursuant to section 9a of the District of Columbia Comprehensive Plan Act of 1994, effective April 10, 1984 (D.C. Law 5-76; D.C. Official Code § 1 -301.66)) . In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions accessible through this site and the provisions contained in the published version of Title 10, Part A, the provisions contained in the published version govern. A copy of the published District Elements is available www.planning.dc.gov.