Apple Valley, MN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Apple Valley Code of Ordinances § 155.360 is the property maintenance regulation adopted by the Apple Valley City Council in Dakota County, Minnesota. The Council's stated aim is to preserve property values, protect neighborhood character and correct conditions that expose people to unsafe or unhealthy surroundings. It applies to every owner and occupant of property in a commercial, industrial or residential zoning district. It does not apply to unimproved land left in a natural condition, or to vacant buildings and accessory structures scheduled for demolition or removal, and even those must be secured so they present no public danger.

The code defines a hazardous building, property or condition as one that is a fire risk or a danger to public safety and health because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, physical damage, unsanitary condition or abandonment. Division (D)(3)(f) then bars anyone from maintaining a property, building or accessory structure in that state. Related standards sit beside it: exterior walls free of holes and rotting material, roofs that are weather-resistant, structural members able to carry their loads, and windows and doors kept in good repair.

Enforcement runs through an Apple Valley peace officer or another designated city official, and the City also authorizes designated Dakota County public health or human services employees to help enforce the section. The official serves a written notice on the occupant and on the owner of record, by hand or U.S. mail. The notice must list each nuisance, the repairs needed, a reasonable deadline and the City's authority to abate and collect its costs. If the owner refuses entry, the official can seek a warrant or court order. The City can hire a third party to abate the nuisance when the owner or occupant gives written consent, and otherwise pursues its other legal remedies. Under § 94.01, the owner or occupant has five days from the mailed notice to abate before the City performs the work, and unpaid charges are specially assessed against the property.