Minneapolis, MN Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacancy threshold
- 6 months triggers nuisance condition
- Registration deadline
- 5 days after building becomes vacant
- Appeal window
- 21 days from director's order
- Admin fee
- 15% of abatement/demolition costs
- Penalty
- misdemeanor under § 1.30
Summary
Minneapolis can order a vacant building rehabilitated or demolished once it qualifies as a nuisance condition, typically vacant six months or failing code-compliance standards, under Chapter 249 of the city code.
A building within the city shall be deemed a nuisance condition if: (1) It is vacant and unoccupied for the purpose for which it was erected...and the building has remained substantially in such condition for a period of at least six (6) months; or (2) The building is unfit for occupancy as it fails to meet the minimum standards set out by city ordinances before a certificate of code compliance could be granted...
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Under Chapter 249, a building is a nuisance condition if it sits vacant and unoccupied for at least six months, or is unfit for occupancy under city code standards, or if evidence shows it has depressed neighboring property values. The director of regulatory services orders rehabilitation or demolition after inspecting the building against criteria like structural condition, rehab cost, and neighborhood impact. Owners get certified-mail notice plus published and posted notice, and may appeal to a nuisance condition process review panel within 21 days. Separately, any vacant building (condemned, unsecured 5+ days, or with unresolved code violations) must be registered with the city within 5 days and carries an annual vacant-building fee.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 249 or providing false vacant-building registration information is a misdemeanor under Minneapolis Code § 1.30. Abatement and boarding costs plus a 15 percent administrative fee are levied as a special assessment against the property, with 8 percent annual interest on unpaid balances.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a building sit vacant before Minneapolis acts?
Who decides whether a vacant building is demolished or repaired?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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