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As part of Councilmember Wells’ efforts to keep our constituents informed on matters important to them, he has asked me to begin bringing you updates on rulemaking actions of District government executive agencies. For those who don’t know what this involves – rulemaking is where the government agencies put forth to the public changes they want to make in the rules and regulations under which they operate and also in the way they intend to carry out the laws promulgated by the Council. By law, prior to their adoption, these proposed changes must go out to inform the public and afford to interested persons the opportunity to submit data on their views and comment either orally or in writing. (DC Code §2-501 et seq.) The public is notified of the suggested changes through publication in the DC Register not less than thirty (30) days prior to the effective date of the proposed adoption, repeal, amendment of the rule. Generally, unless there is an emergency as determined by the Mayor, rules that are not published in this way prior to their adoption, are considered invalid. Once adopted by the agency, a compilation of these rules can be found in the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations. By October 19, 2008 new rules will be in place through the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulating the use and placement of mobile storage containers. Among other things, these new rules will require that the mobile storage companies obtain annual permits, obtain insurance for the units and pay a $100.00 fee for the placement of these containers on public space. These rules also require that the mobile storage units be placed only in the street (not on the sidewalk or in tree boxes) and not in violation of rush hour or street sweeping or other parking restrictions. Of significance to Ward 6 residents, anyone wishing to rent one of these units will now have to obtain and post a public space permit 72 hours in advance of the placement of the unit and pay a $50.00 fee to rent the location in front of or adjacent to the address of the specific location where the unit will be placed. Renters of the units will also be required to obtain and post 72 hours in advance of placement emergency no parking signs in the area of the address of the location. Dimensions of containers will be restricted to 8’Wx12”Lx8’H with an additional fee of $25.00 for longer containers. Units may not remain in the street longer than five (5) days. Important to note also, the public space permit may be revoked by the director of the DDOT for failure to follow these rules. From time to time I will provide quick updates on new and proposed rules for the agencies in the District. If there is any area of particular significance to you that you would like me to keep an eye out for changing regulations please let me know and I will pay particular attention to your requests and post updates here. UPDATE [10/14/2008]: All persons wishing to comment on the proposed rulemaking may file comments through October 17, 2008 to Karina Ricks, Associate Director, District of Columbia Department of Transportation 2000 14th St.,. NW, 5th Floor, Washington, DC 20009 or electronically at
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. Copies of the proposal are available at cost by writing to the above address and are also available on the Department we site at ddot.dc.gov.
Readers have left 2 comments. (1) Untitled
2008-10-09 20:23:24 It's about time !
What about dumpsters? For months, there has been a fenced in dumpster on the right hand side of 6th St. NE, as you approach Constitution. The fenced in area is huge enough to provide parking for the construction crew's jumbo truck, a pile of gravel, as well as the dumpster. (2) Untitled
2008-10-14 11:45:57 Thank you for your comments. To answer your question about dumpsters, they are already regulated by the Department of Health and the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs. If you find that the dumpster is unsightly or poorly maintained, the first thing to do is to determine if it is on private property or public space and if it is being used for a commercial business or for a private residence. That will decide which agency takes responsibility for regulating its use. After that, feel free to call our office at 724.8072 and provide us with the address and we will follow up with the appropriate agency to get better maintenance on the dumpster. |
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