Daviess County, KY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

03 lists what counts as a public nuisance outside Owensboro's corporate limits, including any residence, building, outbuilding or structure in a state of dilapidation, disrepair, deterioration or decay, faulty construction, overcrowded, open, vacant, abandoned, fire-damaged to the point of being uninhabitable, in danger of collapse, or dangerous to anyone on or near the property; a structure abandoned for a minimum continuous six-month period that becomes an attractive nuisance to children or diminishes neighboring property values is separately listed. 07 lets the Solid Waste Coordinator, who also serves as Code Enforcement Officer, condemn a structure found unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or unlawful.

An unsafe structure is one dangerous to life, health, property or safety because it lacks fire safeguards or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated or structurally unstable that partial or complete collapse is possible; a dangerous structure or premises under subsection (F) includes blocked or unsafe means of egress, fire or vandalism damage likely to cause collapse, and buildings that have become an attractive nuisance or harbor for vagrants or criminals. 09, if the violator does not comply with a written notice, the county may remove or abate the condition itself, and the abatement cost becomes the owner's personal liability and a lien against the real property; an unpaid bill after 30 days is filed with the County Clerk as a lawful lien. 10, appointed by the County Judge/Executive with Fiscal Court approval.