Faulkner County, AR Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing ordinance
- Ord. 2005-018, amended through Ord. 2018-013
- Enforcing agency
- Faulkner County Sheriff's Office
- Notice period
- 30 days written notice to correct
- Grievance window
- 15-day sworn affidavit to Sheriff
- Fine range
- $500 to $1,000, doubled on repeat
- County remedy
- Repair, raze or abate and lien property
- Effective date
- April 18, 2006
Summary
Faulkner County makes it a misdemeanor to keep any building or structure in such an unsanitary condition that it becomes a menace to the health and safety of nearby residents. The Sheriff issues written notice with 30 days to fix the problem before prosecuting, and the county can step in, repair or raze the structure, and place a lien on the property for its costs.
2) That it should be unlawful for any person(s), firm, corporation, partnership, association of persons, owners, agent, occupant, or anyone having supervision or control of any lot, tract, parcel of land or portion thereof, occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, within the limits of Faulkner County, Arkansas, to maintain, use, place, deposit, leave, or permit to be, or remain on any public or private property, any items, conditions or ... actions, continuous violations of which are declared to be and constitute an unsanitary condition ... d. Any building, or other structure, kept in such an unsanitary condition that it is a menace to the health and safety of people residing in the vicinity thereof, or presents a more than ordinary health hazard. ... Upon conviction of any one (1) specified violation, such person(s) shall be punished by a fine of at least five hundred dollars ($500.00) and not to exceed one thousand dollars ($ ... 1,000.00). The one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) maximum can be doubled if the person(s) is convicted for a repeat violation of this Ordinance.
Full Breakdown
Faulkner County's unsanitary conditions ordinance, Ord. 2005-018 as amended through Ord. 2018-013, bans maintaining any lot, tract or parcel, occupied or unoccupied, improved or unimproved, anywhere in the unincorporated county in a condition that constitutes an unsanitary condition, a list the ordinance says is illustrative and not exclusive. Among the named conditions is any building or other structure kept in such an unsanitary condition that it is a menace to the health and safety of people residing nearby or presents more than an ordinary health hazard.
The Sheriff or another law enforcement agent who finds reasonable grounds for a violation must give the responsible person written notice explaining the alleged violation, deliver a copy of the ordinance, and allow 30 days to voluntarily correct the condition before the Sheriff refers the case to the Prosecuting Attorney with supporting photographs and documentation. § 14-14-104 if no address is on file. A person who disputes the citation has 15 days from the citation to file a sworn affidavit of grievance with the Sheriff.
If the condition still isn't fixed, a county agent designated by the Quorum Court can abate it directly, including repairing the property or removing or razing an ordered structure under Act 1984 of 2005, and bill the owner for the cost, secured by a lien against the property plus interest, title-search fees and attorney's fees if the county has to sue to collect. The ordinance took effect April 18, 2006.
Violations & Fines
Violating the unsanitary conditions rule is a misdemeanor. A first conviction on one specified violation draws a fine of at least $500 and up to $1,000; a repeat conviction can double the $1,000 ceiling to $2,000. A continuing violation is capped at a $500 daily fine. All fines go to the county general fund, and the county can separately recover its abatement, repair or razing costs plus attorney's fees through a property lien.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building an unsanitary condition under Faulkner County's ordinance?
How much notice does the county give before enforcing this rule?
Can Faulkner County tear down a dangerous building itself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Faulkner County
Compare Faulkner County to another location·View the Arkansas property maintenance overview
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