Blog

Just one of the many things I investigate and work on that folks don't know about.
Executive Summary: SMD 8A01 Vacant Property Report
This report outlines the current status, exemptions, and compliance indicators for 57 tracked properties within SMD 8A01 based on Department of Buildings (DOB) and Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) data. To report a vacant property anywhere in the district go to: https://inspections.dob.dc.gov/forms/vacant_property_inspection/step_1
Key Highlights at a Glance
- Total Tracked Properties: 57
- Average Duration Vacant: 4.1 years (ranging from 0.1 years to 12.6 years)
- Active Vacancies with Housing Code / Site Violations: 6 properties
- Long-Term Vacancies (10+ Years): 7 properties
- Active Property Exemptions: 26 properties (Construction, Real Estate Listing, Probate, Hardship)
- Properties Verified/Designated Occupied: 3 properties
Property Status Breakdown
| Status Category | Total Properties | Percentage | Description / Notes |
| Vacant (Standard) | 49 | 86.0% | Designated vacant structure without active flag violations |
| Vacant with Violations | 5 | 8.8% | Vacant structures with active building or safety violations |
| Vacant Lot | 1 | 1.8% | 1409 22nd St SE |
| Vacant Lot with Violations | 1 | 1.8% | 1511 Young St SE |
| Status Pending / Unlisted | 1 | 1.8% | 1828 Minnesota Ave SE |
High-Priority Concerns: Properties with Active Violations
Six properties in the district require targeted code enforcement and monitoring due to active property violations:
- 1941 Naylor Rd SE — Vacant w/ Violations (10.6 years vacant)
- 1913 P St SE — Vacant w/ Violations (6.6 years vacant)
- 1605 17th St SE — Vacant w/ Violations (4.8 years vacant; Exempt - Construction)
- 1502 19th St SE — Vacant w/ Violations (4.1 years vacant)
- 1900 Naylor Rd SE — Vacant w/ Violations (3.8 years vacant; Occupied designation approved)
- 1511 Young St SE — Vacant Lot w/ Violations (1.0 year vacant)
Long-Term Vacancies (10+ Years)
Seven properties in SMD 8A01 have been recorded as vacant for a decade or longer. Tracking these properties is vital for community safety, neighborhood stabilization, and economic development along main commercial corridors like Minnesota Avenue SE.
| Property Address | Years Vacant | DOB/Workflow Exemption Status |
| 1622 R St SE | 12.6 | Exempt – Construction |
| 1601 17th St SE | 12.6 | Standard Vacant (No Active Exemption) |
| 1415 Young St SE | 12.4 | Exempt – Listing |
| 1844 Minnesota Ave SE | 12.4 | Exempt – Listing |
| 1816 Minnesota Ave SE | 11.0 | Standard Vacant (No Active Exemption) |
| 1941 Naylor Rd SE | 10.6 | Vacant w/ Violations |
| 1820 Minnesota Ave SE | 10.0 | Exempt – Construction |
DOB Exemption & Inspection Tracking
Properties categorized as vacant may be granted temporary tax/regulatory exemptions under specific legal provisions.
Active Exemptions Breakdown
- Construction / Renovation Exemptions (17): Properties under active permits or rehabilitation plans (e.g., 2229 Nicholson St SE, 1951 Fairlawn Ave SE, 1618 17th St SE).
- Real Estate Listing Exemptions (6): Properties actively listed on the market for sale or lease (e.g., 2308 Minnesota Ave SE, 1504 19th St SE, 1844 Minnesota Ave SE).
- Probate / Title Litigation Exemptions (2): Properties in legal estate resolution (e.g., 1508 16th St SE, 1506 19th St SE).
- Financial Hardship Exemption (1): 1823 Q St SE.
Inspections & Status Reclassifications
- Verified Occupied upon Inspection:1509 19th St SE1613 17th Pl SE1900 Naylor Rd SE (Occupied Designation Approved)
- 1509 19th St SE
- 1613 17th Pl SE
- 1900 Naylor Rd SE (Occupied Designation Approved)