Buckeye, AZ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Placard
- "Condemned" posted on structure
- Occupancy
- prohibited once placarded
- Non-compliance
- city demolishes, bills owner
- Unpaid cost
- becomes a lien on property
- Appeal window
- 15 days to hearing officer
Summary
Buckeye's Property Maintenance Code lets the code official placard an unsafe structure 'Condemned,' bar occupancy, and, if the owner won't comply, secure or demolish it and place the cost as a lien against the property.
108.4 Placarding. Upon failure of the responsible party to comply with the notice provisions within the time given, the code official shall post on the premises or on defective equipment a placard bearing the word "Condemned" and a statement of the penalties provided for occupying the premises, operating the equipment or removing the placard. ...108.5 Prohibited occupancy. Any occupied structure condemned and placarded by the code official shall be vacated as ordered by the code official.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 22 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 15-2-8, Buckeye adopts the Property Maintenance Code (2006 International Property Maintenance Code as locally amended). If a structure is vacant and unsafe, the code official may order it secured, and if it's unfit for habitation may post a placard reading "Condemned" and order it vacated; occupying a condemned structure or removing the placard is itself a violation. If the responsible party fails to secure or demolish as ordered, the city may do the work through a public agency or private contractor, and the cost becomes a lien against the real estate. Notice-to-abate decisions can be appealed to an independent hearing officer within 15 days.
Violations & Fines
Occupying a placarded 'Condemned' structure, or ignoring a securing or demolition order, lets the city do the work and bill the owner; the cost attaches as a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if a house in Buckeye is condemned?
Who pays to demolish a dangerous building in Buckeye?
Can a notice to abate be appealed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buckeye
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