Vacant Properties

Vacant Property Process

Initial Notice is sent to property owners who have a property on the Vacant Property Database. This Notice is to inform the Owners of Code Enforcement staff's procedure, and what comes of a property that is not kept in compliance. 

After the Initial Notice has been sent, the Code Enforcement staff will begin their process with the first inspection taking place three (3) weeks after the Initial Notice. If the property is found to be in violation, a Notice of Violation will be sent, and a re-inspection will be conducted 7-10 days later. Three (3) weeks after the property has either been contracted or the case has been closed, due to compliance, a second inspection will be conducted by staff. At the point, the Code Enforcement staff will follow the same process as they did for the first inspection. 

Final Notice is sent to the Owner informing them that their property has been found in violation of the Vacant Property Database and will be placed on a reoccurring maintenance schedule for one (1) year. This Notice informs the Owner that the property will be set up on a three (3) week rotation for maintenance; also, the Final Notice informs the Owner of how to be removed from the reoccurring maintenance schedule, and who to contact. 

Vacant Property Violations

Grass & Weeds Sec. 10-127  All weeds, grass, brush or other unsightly matter shall be and maintained at a height less than eight (8) inches on a property within one hundred fifty (150) feet of any property line from the curb line to the center of the alley for unimproved alley easements.

Trash & Debris Sec. 10-169  All property shall be kept free of trash, debris rubbish, yard waste, or other impure or unwholesome mater of any kind.

Landscaping & Vegetation Sec. 10-128.5  All common vegetation on the premises shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner. All doors and windows of any structure shall be kept to a minimum of seventy-five (75) percent clear of any vegetation. All vegetation shall be pruned to prevent encroachments or obstructions across any sidewalk or driveway. All dead vegetation or landscaping that dies shall be removed or replaced.

Overhanging Limbs Sec 15.5-9  All trees, bushes, or other vegetation shall be pruned and maintained to prevent the obstruction of streetlights, the passage of pedestrians, vehicles, etc. the vision of traffic signs or obstructions of street or alley intersections. Minimum clearance of any overhanging portion thereof shall be ten (10) feet over sidewalks and fourteen (14) feet over all streets and alleys.

Boarding & Securing IPMC 108.2   Any vacant structure unfit for human habitation or occupancy that is not in danger of collapse shall be closed up so as not to be an attractive nuisance.