The Vacant to Vibrant Amendment Act of 2025 aims to tackle the challenges posed by vacant and blighted properties in the District of Columbia through a series of comprehensive measures. Key provisions include the establishment of a tangled title information sheet to assist heirs in transferring property ownership, a will registry for safekeeping wills, and a single-family home rehabilitation program that offers grants for necessary repairs. The bill also introduces payment plans for delinquent real property taxes, requiring online requests and detailed agreements from the Office of Tax and Revenue. Additionally, it mandates the Department of Buildings to develop strategic enforcement plans for managing vacant properties, including predictive models and interagency collaboration.
The legislation further amends existing laws related to the registration and maintenance of vacant buildings, requiring owners to register properties within 90 days of vacancy and adhere to specific maintenance standards. It outlines penalties for noncompliance and establishes a process for appointing receivers for properties deemed nuisances. The bill also modifies tax rates for vacant and blighted properties, introducing a progressive increase over time to incentivize rehabilitation. Furthermore, it creates a Vacant and Blighted Property Rehabilitation Tax Credit and tax abatements for redevelopment, aiming to revitalize neighborhoods and improve community safety. The act will take effect upon approval from the Mayor and includes provisions for congressional review.