Lexington County, SC Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Article III of Chapter 14, enacted by Ord. No. 20-07 on July 28, 2020, gives Lexington County's building official, or a designee, authority under Sec. 14-71 to act against any dwelling, building or structure in the county that is unfit for human habitation because of dilapidation, fire or accident hazards, inadequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or other conditions dangerous to health, safety or morals; a majority of county council must approve before the official can repair, close or demolish the structure. The process starts with a complaint and investigation under Sec.

14-72: the building official serves the owner and any other parties in interest with a hearing notice held ten to 30 days later, at which the strict rules of evidence used in a courtroom do not apply. If the official finds the property unfit under Sec. 14-73, the written order requires the owner either to repair, alter or improve the structure, if that is reasonable relative to its value, or to remove or demolish it if repair is not. Sec. 14-74 lets the county post a placard reading "This structure is unfit for human habitation; the use or occupation of this building for human habitation is prohibited and unlawful" if the owner fails to comply, and Sec.

14-75 authorizes the county to remove or demolish the structure itself. Sec. 14-76 makes the cost of that work a lien against the property, collected through the courts, with any resulting demolition contract bid under the county's procurement ordinance. Complaints and orders are served personally or by certified mail, or by newspaper publication for two consecutive weeks if the owner cannot be located, under Sec. 14-78, and a copy is filed with the clerk of court as a lis pendens notice.