Kingsport, TN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Article IX of Chapter 22 makes the building official the public officer for unfit structures and nuisance premises (Sections 22-550 and 22-582). Section 22-551 records the Board of Mayor and Aldermen's finding that deteriorating structures create blighting conditions and initiate slums.

The process starts in Section 22-585. A petition from a public authority or from at least five residents of the city, or the building official's own motion, triggers a preliminary investigation. If it finds a basis, the building official serves the owner and parties in interest with a complaint and a hearing notice, with the hearing set not less than ten days or more than 30 days after service.

Section 22-586 is the decision rule. After the hearing the building official states findings of fact in writing and serves an order. The value test looks only at the structure, not the land. If the structure can be made habitable for an expenditure of not more than 50 percent of its value, the order requires repair, alteration or improvement, or vacating and closing if the work is not done in time. If more than 50 percent would be needed, the order requires removal or demolition. Section 22-587 lets the building official post a placard reading that the building is unfit for human occupation or use.

When an owner does not comply, the city does the work and Section 22-589 turns the cost into a lien against the real property once notice is filed with the register of deeds. An affected person can file a bill in chancery court within 60 days after posting and service of the order (Section 22-591).

Division 3 covers overgrown or debris-strewn property. Under Section 22-619, an owner who does not remedy the condition within ten days of notice has it remedied at his cost. For owner-occupied residences, the lien attaches only after cumulative charges equal or exceed $500.00.