14 DCMR § 14-899
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
899.1 The provisions of § 199 of chapter 1 of this title and the definitions set forth in this section shall be applicable to this chapter. In addition, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed in sections 800.08 through 800.23 of this chapter: Growing Season - the time period from May 1st through October 31st of the same calendar year. Summary Abatement - the process by which DCRA may remove a nuisance from any premises, as described in this chapter, at the expense of the owner and before an administrative hearing challenging the notice. Untended Premises - premises that exemplify a lack a care, maintenance, or management in violation of the provisions of this chapter. Vegetative growth - vegetation of all types, including weeds, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, kudzu, plants with noxious odors, and grasses causing hay fever.
D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-899 establishes the key definitions that govern property maintenance and nuisance-abatement rules in this chapter of District of Columbia regulations. It specifies that the 'Growing Season' runs from May 1 through October 31, that 'Vegetative growth' covers a broad range of plants including weeds, invasive species, and allergy-causing grasses, and that 'Untended Premises' refers to property showing a lack of care or management in violation of chapter requirements. 'Summary Abatement' is defined as the process by which DCRA may remove a nuisance at the owner's expense before any administrative hearing takes place.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-899 should be aware that the definitions in this section set the interpretive framework for the entire chapter's maintenance obligations. Compliant operators generally ensure that vegetative growth—broadly defined to include weeds, invasive vines, and hay-fever-causing grasses—is managed throughout the Growing Season from May 1 to October 31. Operators also take note that DCRA has authority to conduct Summary Abatement, meaning the agency can remove nuisances and bill the owner before any administrative hearing is held, making proactive maintenance a practical priority.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in the District of Columbia can look to D.C. Mun. Regs. tit. 14 et seq. § 14-899 to understand how terms like 'Untended Premises' and 'Vegetative growth' are defined when evaluating whether a property may be in violation of local maintenance standards. If a property appears to lack care or is overrun with vegetation such as weeds, kudzu, or plants with noxious odors, these definitions help establish what conditions may constitute a violation during the Growing Season. Tenants who believe their premises qualify as 'Untended' under this section may consider contacting DCRA or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available complaint and enforcement pathways.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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