Owensboro, KY Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Owensboro Municipal Code § 5-137(b)(9) declares dilapidated structures a public nuisance: buildings, walls and other structures damaged by fire, decay or otherwise, in a state of dilapidation or deterioration so severe they no longer provide shelter or working sewer, plumbing, electrical or heating facilities, or that are unsound, in danger of collapse, and dangerous to the public, or that stand vacant, abandoned and open to trespassers. Section 5-137(d) further defines a 'problem structure,' covering buildings with walls out of plumb, 33 percent or more damage to supporting members (or 50 percent to non-supporting members), inadequate egress, disconnected utilities, or extensive broken glass and peeling paint, among other tests.

Under § 5-137(c), when there's imminent danger of collapse the code enforcement officer can order occupants to vacate immediately and post a notice reading 'This Structure Is Unsafe and Its Occupancy Has Been Prohibited.' Under § 5-137(h), Demolition General, the officer may order the owner to demolish and remove a structure that is too dilapidated to reasonably repair, or order repair-or-demolition at the owner's option if repair is feasible, or order demolition after two years of halted construction. A demolition permit from the public works department is required (§ 5-138), with fees starting at $75 for small residential structures and $150 for larger commercial buildings, doubled if demolition starts before the permit issues, and a $20,000 bond required if a shared party or fire wall is affected.

A problem structure damaged by fire or crime that is secured from entry may stand for up to 90 days before an owner must apply for a repair or demolition permit.