O'Fallon, MO Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

030: fire or storm damage making a structure dangerous, walls or members leaning enough that a plumb line through their center of gravity falls outside the middle third of the base, 33% or more deterioration of a supporting member, 50% or more deterioration of non-load-bearing walls, inadequate light, air, or sanitary facilities, insufficient fire egress, partially built structures with no substantial work in 90 days, and structures mid-demolition with no work in 14 days. 040 separately declares an uninhabited building that sits open or unsecured, letting in animals, children, or trespassers, a nuisance the owner must secure.

060 requires written notice to the owner, occupant, and mortgagee, describing the defect and setting a hearing before the Building Official no less than ten days after service, delivered by personal service, certified mail, or publication if those fail. 050, orders repair if the building can be brought into compliance, vacation if it is unsafe to occupy, or demolition if it is fifty percent or more damaged or is a fire hazard. 070 lets the Building Official have the City perform the repair, vacation, or demolition directly and certify the full cost, including third-party contractor bills, City Attorney time, and staff time billed in quarter-hour increments, to the Finance Director.

090 turns that cost into a special tax bill that becomes a personal debt of the owner and a lien against the property until paid. 080, and from there seek judicial review in the St. Charles County Circuit Court.