Jessamine County, KY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Decision-maker
- Board of Adjustments of the Jessamine County-City of Wilmore Planning Commission
- Owner answer deadline
- 10 days from service of the complaint
- Hearing window
- At least 10 but no more than 45 days after service
- Court challenge
- Petition circuit court within 30 days after the order is entered
- Cost recovery
- Lien on the real property, recorded with the County Clerk
Summary
In unincorporated Jessamine County, Kentucky, the Board of Adjustments can order the owner of an unfit structure to repair it, vacate and close it, or tear it down. If the owner does not comply, the County Officer can do the work and the cost becomes a lien on the real property.
If, after the notice and hearing, the Board of Adjustments determines that the structure under consideration is unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use, it shall state in writing its findings of fact in support of this determination and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner thereof an order requiring the owner: (A) To the intent and within the time specified in the order, to repair, alter or improve the structure to render it fit for human habitation, occupancy or use or, at the option of the owner, to vacate and close the structure; or (B) To remove or demolish the structure if the repair, alteration or improvement of the structure cannot be made or is not made within a reasonable time after the receipt of the order. ... (B) If the owner fails to comply with an order to remove or demolish the structure, the County Officer may cause the structure to be removed or demolished. (C) The amount of the cost of repairs, alterations or improvements, or vacating and closing, or removal or demolition shall be a lien upon the real property upon which cost was incurred and which may be recorded in the County Clerk's office.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 151 of the Jessamine County Code is the county's tool against dilapidated and dangerous buildings. The Fiscal Court, which the chapter calls the Governing Body, found in Section 151.02 that structures exist in the county that are unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use because of dilapidation, fire and accident hazards, or lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities. The chapter was adopted as Ord. 950-2, passed 1-18-2005.
The definition of structure is broad: any building or part of one used or occupied, or intended for use or occupancy, for human habitation or commercial or industrial purposes, including outbuildings and appurtenances.
The path to an order runs through a hearing. The County Officer issues a complaint to the owner, who can file an answer with the attorney for the Board of Adjustments within 10 days of service. The hearing falls at least 10 days but no more than 45 days after service. If the Board finds the structure unfit, Section 151.04 requires written findings of fact and an order that gives the owner a choice: repair, alter or improve the structure within the time the order specifies, or vacate and close it. Removal or demolition is ordered when repair cannot be made, or is not made within a reasonable time after the order is received.
Section 151.05 lets the County Officer step in when the owner does not comply. The officer can have the structure repaired, vacated and closed, or demolished, and can post the main entrance with a sign stating that the building is unfit and that its use or occupancy is prohibited and unlawful. When the county demolishes, the officer sells the salvaged materials, credits the proceeds against the cost and pays any balance to the persons entitled to it. The cost is a lien on the real property that can be recorded in the County Clerk's office.
Service of complaints and orders is personal or by certified mail. Where an owner cannot be found, the County Officer files an affidavit and service is made by publication under KRS Chapter 424, with a copy posted on the premises and recorded with the County Clerk. An owner who disagrees with the Board's order has 30 days after its entry to petition the circuit court for an injunction.
Violations & Fines
Chapter 151 prints no fine or jail term. The consequence of ignoring a Board of Adjustments order is county action at the owner's expense: repair, vacating and closing, or demolition, with the full cost recorded as a lien on the real property. After 10 days' notice to occupants of a vacated structure, the County Officer can ask the county district court for an eviction order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who decides that a building in unincorporated Jessamine County is unfit?
Can the county tear a building down without the owner's consent?
How long does an owner have to respond to a complaint?
Can an owner challenge a Board of Adjustments order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Jessamine County
Compare Jessamine County to another location·View the Kentucky property maintenance overview
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