Marion, OH Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Chapter 1360 defines what makes a building dangerous. Under § 1360.01, the list covers buildings whose structural parts are out of plumb or position, buildings so dilapidated, decayed or overloaded that they cannot provide basic shelter or safety for habitation, fire hazards, unsanitary buildings, and buildings damaged to an extent of 50% or more of their fair market value. Division (F) reaches vacant buildings that lack reasonable maintenance and cause deterioration and a blighting influence on nearby properties, or that are vacant and not secured or sealed against entry, and division (G) reaches buildings frequented by malefactors or disorderly persons who are not lawful occupants. Section 1360.02 declares all of them public nuisances.

The Safety/Service Director orders the remedy under § 1360.04: immediate vacation if the building endangers occupants, repair if it can reasonably be repaired, and demolition if it is 50% or more damaged or decayed, cannot be repaired, is vacant and inadequately maintained with a blighting influence, or is a fire hazard. Section 1360.07 gives ten days to vacate, unless collapse is imminent, and 60 days to repair or demolish after service of notice.

If the owner does not comply, § 1360.08 has the Director post the building as not to be occupied. For a vacant blighting building under § 1360.01(F), the Director abates the condition after fourteen days from service of notice, and costs unpaid within ten days after demand are certified by the Clerk of Council to the Marion County Auditor as a lien on the tax duplicate under R.C. § 715.261. Demolition contracts are advertised for bids for two weeks and go to Council, and only the lowest and best bid is accepted. Section 1360.09 adds that a fire damaged building must be secured within 48 hours and remediated within one year or it becomes a public nuisance. Section 1360.08(D) directs liberal construction to prevent urban blight and deterioration.