Insanitary means unhealthy conditions, especially the lack of freedom from infective, deleterious influences, including non-water-tight roofs, walls, floors, doors, windows; improper grading, drainage; open plumbing/sewer lines; defective electrical systems; fire danger; presence of or conditions which encourage breeding of rats, rodents, or disease-carrying insects; and general, filthy conditions.

Members of the Board for the Condemnation of Insanitary Buildings (BCIB) are full-time DC government employees, appointed by the Mayor:

• Two members from the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, which provides administrative support;
• One member each from the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development; Department of Housing and Community Development; Department of Public Works; Office of Property Management; and the Office of Planning’s Historic Preservation Office.