Little Rock, AR Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Repairs must start within
- 15 days of notice
- Repairs must finish within
- 90 days of notice
- Vacate deadline
- 30 days of order
- Max fine
- $1,000 (or $500/day continuing)
- Enforcing office
- Building official
Summary
Little Rock can placard, order repaired, or demolish any dangerous or dilapidated building and bill the owner for the cost.
Whenever the building official declares a building, structure, manufactured home or mobile home to be dangerous or unfit for human habitation, the official shall give notice of such declaration to the owner by placarding the building, structure, manufactured home or mobile home.(b)Service of the written notice shall be sent by regular mail and by certified mail, return receipt requested. Additional notice may be provided by delivery to the owner personally, or by leaving the notice at the usual place of abode of the owner with a responsible adult.(c)The owner shall initiate repairs within fifteen (15) days of the notice and shall complete repairs within ninety (90) days of the notice.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
The building official may declare a building, structure, manufactured home, or mobile home dangerous, dilapidated, substandard, or unfit for human habitation and placard it under Sec. 20-28. The owner must start repairs within 15 days and finish within 90 days. If the owner can't be found or refuses to comply, Sec. 20-29 lets the city abate, demolish, or secure the property by order of the board of directors and charge the owner all costs incurred.
Violations & Fines
Failing to repair, secure, or demolish as ordered is a violation of Sec. 20-24, punishable under Sec. 1-9: a fine up to $1,000 (double for repeat offenses), or up to $500 per day for a continuing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Little Rock demolish a dangerous building without the owner's consent?
How long does an owner have to fix a placarded building?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
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