Charleston, WV Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Building Department (code enforcement agency)
- Authorizing statute
- W. Va. Code § 8-12-16
- Fine range
- $10 to $500 per violation
- Jail exposure
- Up to 30 days
- Cost recovery
- City may file a property lien
Summary
Charleston's code enforcement agency can order repair, closing, or demolition of any structure deemed unsafe, unsanitary, or dangerous, with written notice, a correction deadline, and cost recovery through a property lien.
The code enforcement agency may order the repair, alteration, improvement, closing, demolition, or removal of any structure, dwelling, or building that is determined by a code official to be unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous or detrimental to the public safety or welfare in accordance with the procedures set forth in this article.(b)In order to make a determination regarding the classification of a structure as unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous, or detrimental to the public safety or welfare pursuant to this article, and to determine and enforce the appropriate remedy for any such structure, code officials shall be entitled to make inspections, perform investigations, issue notices, require corrective measures, obtain search warrants from and/or present complaints to the municipal judge, and exercise all other powers and duties authorized by West Virginia Code § 8-12-16, as it may be amended. (Bill No. 7767, 11-6-2017)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56).
Full Breakdown
Charleston's Building Department (code enforcement agency) can order the repair, alteration, closing, demolition, or removal of any structure, dwelling, or building found unsafe, unsanitary, dangerous, or detrimental to public safety under Ch. 14, Art. VI, Sec. 14-251 through 14-260, enacted under W. Va. Code § 8-12-16. Code officials inspect, issue written notice describing the condition, required corrective measures, and a deadline, and may proceed to demolition if the owner doesn't respond. Owners get notice of the right to seek a circuit court injunction. The city bills all correction or demolition costs to the owner and may file a lien against the property to recover them.
Violations & Fines
Violating this article is punishable under the Code's general penalty: a fine of $10 to $500, up to 30 days in jail, or both, and each continuing day of violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Charleston demolish a dangerous building without the owner's consent?
Who pays for the demolition?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Charleston
Compare Charleston to another location·View the West Virginia property maintenance overview
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