Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup
Key FactsOrdinance TextFull BreakdownViolationsFAQSourcesMore in Bartholomew County

Bartholomew County, IN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Enforcing agency
Bartholomew County Health Officer
Vacate deadline
30 days after placarding
Owner secures dwelling within
10 days of condemnation
County steps in after
10 days, bills owner
Maximum fine
$500 per violation, § 152.999
Appeal path
Hearing before Health Officer, § 152.122

Summary

In unincorporated Bartholomew County, the Health Officer can condemn and placard any dwelling that is damaged, decayed, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested enough to endanger occupants or the public, or that lacks adequate light, ventilation or sanitary facilities. A condemned dwelling must be vacated within 30 days and secured against entry, and if the owner doesn't secure it the county does the work and bills the owner for the cost.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Bartholomew County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Any dwelling or dwelling unit which shall be found to have any of the following defects and continue uncorrected, under the terms of § 152.135 shall be condemned as unfit for human habitation and shall be so designated and placarded by the Health Officer: (A) One which is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested that it creates a serious hazard to the health of the occupants or of the public; ... Any dwelling or dwelling unit condemned as unfit for human habitation, and so designated and placarded by the Health Officer shall be vacated within 30 days or as ordered by the Health Officer, as which time the owner must secure the placarded dwelling against entry thereafter.

View official code

Full Breakdown

122. 116 lists the defects that trigger condemnation: a dwelling so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested that it creates a serious hazard to occupants or the public; one lacking illumination, ventilation or sanitary facilities adequate to protect health; or one whose general condition or location is otherwise dangerous. 117 requires the occupants to vacate within 30 days, or sooner if the Health Officer orders it, and the owner must then secure the dwelling against further entry. 119 makes it unlawful for anyone to deface or remove the placard without that approval.

120 requires the owner to secure the dwelling immediately once occupants have vacated. 121 lets the county secure the building itself and bill the owner for the cost. 138.

Violations & Fines

Defacing or removing a condemnation placard without the Health Officer's written approval violates § 152.119. Reoccupying a placarded dwelling before that approval is given violates § 152.118. An owner who fails to secure a condemned dwelling within ten days faces county abatement under § 152.121, with the cost billed back; any Chapter 152 violation carries a fine up to $500 under § 152.999, with each day past the abatement deadline a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions get a house condemned in Bartholomew County?
Section 152.116 condemns any dwelling so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe or vermin infested that it's a serious hazard to occupants or the public, or one that lacks adequate light, ventilation or sanitary facilities. The Health Officer designates and placards the structure as unfit for human habitation once those defects go uncorrected.
How long do I have to move out of a condemned house?
Section 152.117 gives occupants 30 days to vacate after the Health Officer placards the dwelling, or less time if the Health Officer's order specifies a shorter deadline. Once vacated, the owner must immediately secure the building against entry through any door, window or other opening.
Can the county fix up my condemned property and bill me?
Yes. Section 152.121 gives an owner ten days after condemnation and placarding to secure the dwelling. If that deadline passes without action, the county assumes the duty of securing the facility itself, and every cost incurred is assessed and presented to the owner for repayment.
Can I fight a condemnation order?
Section 152.122 entitles anyone aggrieved by a condemnation or placarding notice to request and receive a hearing before the county Health Officer. The broader hearing procedure at §§ 152.135 through 152.138 also allows a further appeal to the Board of the County Health Department.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bartholomew County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsLight RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsVacant Lot MaintenanceSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsLight RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Bartholomew County rules

Compare Bartholomew County to another location·View the Indiana property maintenance overview

Get notified when Property Blight in Bartholomew County, IN changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.