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Evansville, IN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
EMC § 15.15.100(C)
First violation penalty
$100 civil penalty
Max court penalty
up to $5,000
Notice period
10 to 60 days to cure
Enforcing office
Dept. of Code Enforcement

Summary

Evansville requires every vacant structure and vacant lot to be kept clean, safe, secure, and sanitary so it does not become a blighting problem, enforced under the city's Property Maintenance Code.

All vacant structures and premises thereon or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance G-2026-12, passed June 22, 2026).

Full Breakdown

Evansville Municipal Code § 15.15.100(C) requires owners to maintain vacant structures and vacant land in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition so they do not cause a blighting problem or threaten public health and safety. The Department of Code Enforcement issues a written notice giving the owner 10 to 60 days to correct a violation; if the deadline passes, the City can obtain a court order to enter and correct the condition itself, then bill the owner for the work and record a lien against the property for the cost, which is collected like delinquent property taxes.

Violations & Fines

Uncorrected blight violations carry civil penalties of $100 for a first offense, $250 for a second, and $500 for a third within a calendar year, plus up to $5,000 in court-ordered fines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as a blighted property in Evansville?
Any vacant structure or vacant land not kept clean, safe, secure and sanitary under EMC § 15.15.100(C): the same test the Property Maintenance Code applies to occupied premises.
Can the City fix a blighted property itself?
Yes. After notice and a missed deadline, the department can get a court order to enter and correct the property, then bill the owner and record a lien under EMC §§ 15.15.070–.080.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Evansville

Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome RestrictionsVacant Lot MaintenanceSome RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk ClearingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Towing & Impound RightsSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: EV ChargingFew RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Evansville rules

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