Nicholasville, KY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 6-108 defines what counts as unsafe. An unsafe structure is one found dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants because it lacks minimum fire safeguards, contains unsafe equipment, or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated or structurally unsafe that partial or complete collapse is possible. A structure is unfit for human occupancy when the Administrative Official finds it unsafe, unlawful, unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, filthy or contaminated, or without ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities. An unlawful structure is one occupied by more persons than permitted or erected, altered or occupied contrary to law.

Section 6-110(a) directs the Administrative Official to order demolition and removal of a structure so old, dilapidated or out of repair that it is dangerous, unsafe or unsanitary and cannot reasonably be repaired. If the structure can be made safe, the owner chooses between repair and demolition. A structure on which normal construction has stopped for more than two years can also be ordered demolished. If the owner misses the deadline in the order, subsection (c) has the city demolish and remove the structure through a public agency or a private contractor, with the cost charged against the real estate as a lien. Under subsection (d) the city sells salvage materials at the highest price obtainable and remits the net proceeds, after expenses, to the person entitled to them.

Notice comes first. Section 6-107 requires a written notice that describes the real estate, states the violation, sets a reasonable correction time and tells the owner of the right to appeal. It is served by personal delivery, by certified or first-class mail, or by posting on the structure if mail is returned. An owner who has received a compliance order cannot sell, transfer, mortgage or lease the property until the order is satisfied or the new party signs a notarized acknowledgment.

For a vacant structure that is unfit but not in danger of collapse, section 6-108(b) lets the official post a condemnation placard and order it closed up so it is not an attractive nuisance. Section 6-301(c) separately requires vacant structures and vacant land to be kept clean, safe, secure and sanitary so as not to cause a blighting problem. Appeals go to the Code Enforcement Board under section 6-111.