Lafayette, IN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Chapter 13.05, Unsafe Buildings, defines "vacant and abandoned structure" at § 13.05.010 using factors such as a prior enforcement order on the property, boarded or closed-off windows or entrances, multiple broken window panes, doors that are smashed through, broken off, unhinged or left continuously unlocked, terminated gas, electric or water service, accumulated rubbish, trash or debris, or a deteriorating condition falling below minimum community safety and sanitation standards, combined with no owner, tenant or authorized occupant in place. The "enforcement authority" for this chapter is the city engineer or an authorized designee.

Section 13.05.030 declares any building or property meeting the chapter's "unsafe premises" definition a public nuisance to be abated by repair, rehabilitation, demolition or removal. Section 13.05.140 layers on specific owner duties once a structure is designated vacant and abandoned: securing it against unlawful entry, keeping grass and weeds below 10 inches, removing dead or broken trees and limbs, clearing adjacent sidewalks of snow and ice, preventing debris and garbage accumulation, removing peeling paint, and keeping the foundation sound and watertight; boarding used to secure doors or windows is temporary, and boards left up more than 90 days must be painted to match the exterior.

The fine schedule in § 13.05.140(D) runs $500 after the first 90 days, $1,000 after the second, $1,500 after the third, and $2,000 for every 90-day period after that. Section 13.05.140(E) exempts properties in open probate or recently fire-damaged within 90 days. Chapter 13.05 also adopts Indiana Code §§ 36-7-9-1 through 36-7-9-28 and 36-7-36-1 through 36-7-36-10 by reference at § 13.05.040, and § 13.05.100 lets the city recover abatement costs plus a $225 average processing expense, with unpaid balances becoming a lien or special tax assessment.