Chattanooga, TN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Emergency order
- Issued within 1 business day
- Hearing deadline
- 15 days to request City Court hearing
- Occupying condemned building
- Class B misdemeanor, T.C.A. § 13-21-110
- Demolition threshold
- 50%+ damaged, decayed or deteriorated
- Repair/demolition start
- Must begin within 30 days
- General penalty
- Up to $500, each day separate offense
- Enforcing office
- City of Chattanooga Code Official
Summary
Chattanooga's Code Official condemns any building matching the 23-part "unsafe structure" definition in City Code Chapter 21, from collapse risk to a missing kitchen sink. Condemnation makes the building a public nuisance under § 21-77: occupants must leave immediately, a red placard goes up, and the owner has 15 days to request a City Court hearing.
For purposes of this chapter, the term "unsafe structure" shall include any of the following: ... (e) Dangerous Structure or Premises. For the purposes of this chapter, any structure or premises that has any of the conditions or defects described below shall be considered dangerous: ... (3) Any portion of a Structure that has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, deterioration, neglect, abandonment, vandalism or by any other cause to such an extent that it is likely to partially or completely collapse or to become detached or dislodged... All unsafe structures within the terms of this division are deemed public nuisances and are subject to condemnation pursuant to the provisions of this division. For purposes of this chapter, such unsafe structures that have been condemned may be referred to herein as "condemned structures."
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 21-76 lists 23 conditions that make a building an "unsafe structure," covering everything from a foundation likely to collapse to a dwelling unit missing a properly connected kitchen sink, tub or shower, or flush toilet, to inadequate egress or window ventilation below 45 percent of openable area. Once the Code Official finds any of those conditions, § 21-77 deems the building a public nuisance subject to condemnation. Under § 21-78, the Code Official must issue a written emergency order to comply within one business day, stating the violation and a compliance deadline; ignoring that order can bring a citation to City Court.
The owner has 15 days from condemnation to request a hearing before City Court under § 21-79. § 13-21-110, and no companion animal may be kept inside. The Code Official posts a red condemnation placard under § 21-81, and removing it without authorization is a separate violation. Before anyone moves back in, § 21-82 requires a new certificate of occupancy from the building department, confirming every violation has been corrected. Under § 21-84, the Code Official must order demolition rather than repair once a structure is 50 percent or more damaged, decayed or deteriorated, cannot be feasibly repaired, or is a fire hazard; repair or demolition work must start within 30 days of the emergency order.
If the owner does not act, § 21-62 lets the city do the work and place a lien for the cost plus administrative fees against the property, collectible with property taxes through the Hamilton County Register of Deeds.
Violations & Fines
Occupying, renting or allowing occupancy of a condemned structure is a chapter violation and may also be charged as a Class B misdemeanor under T.C.A. § 13-21-110. Removing a condemnation placard without authorization is a separate offense. Absent a specific penalty, City Code § 1-8's general penalty applies: a fine up to $500, with each day the violation continues counted as a separate offense. Unpaid demolition or repair costs become a property lien collected like delinquent taxes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Chattanooga building an "unsafe structure"?
How fast do I have to leave once my building is condemned?
Can I challenge a condemnation order?
What happens if I don't fix or demolish a condemned building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.