Franklin, TN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- State authority
- T.C.A. § 13-21-101 et seq.
- Public officer
- City building official
- Repair-vs-demolish test
- 50% of structure value
- Occupying violation
- Class B misdemeanor
Summary
Franklin's unsafe and unsanitary structures ordinance lets the building official order repair, vacate-and-close, or demolition of any structure found unfit for human occupancy due to dilapidation, fire hazards, or unsanitary conditions.
the board of mayor and aldermen finds that from time to time there exists in the city a structure which is unfit for human occupation due to dilapidation, defects increasing the hazards of fire, accident or other calamities, lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities, or due to other conditions which render such dwelling unsafe or unsanitary, or dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the city.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 30 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
Under § 12-1401, adopted pursuant to T.C.A. § 13-21-101 et seq., the board of mayor and aldermen designates the building official as public officer to investigate and act on unfit structures. After notice and a hearing before the Building and Streets Standards Board of Appeals (§ 12-1404), the officer issues an order: repair if the cost is 50% or less of the structure's value, or removal/demolition if it exceeds that threshold (§ 12-1405). If the owner does not comply, the officer may repair, close, or demolish the structure and assess the cost as a lien on the property, collected like delinquent property taxes (§§ 12-1406-12-1408).
Violations & Fines
Occupying or facilitating occupancy of a structure ordered vacated is a Class B misdemeanor; abatement costs become a lien on the property, second only to tax liens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides if a Franklin structure must be demolished?
What happens if the owner ignores the order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Franklin
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