Peoria, AZ Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

1 deems a structure unsafe if it has inadequate egress, lighting, or ventilation, poses a fire or shock hazard, is improperly occupied, or is simply an unsecured vacant building; the building official can order it taken down or made safe. 2 splits unsafe conditions into ordinary and 'imminent unsafe' conditions, the latter covering blocked exits, collapse risk, and unenclosed swimming pools among other listed defects. 7 lets the building official demand a detailed engineering evaluation from an Arizona-registered design professional, paid for by the owner, and failure to produce that report on time is grounds to proceed straight to vacate or demolish orders.

1 requires a written notice to the owner or occupant describing the defect and setting a repair deadline; missing it lets the City start formal abatement. 2 requires personal service or certified mail, declares the condition a nuisance, and can order immediate abatement, posting of no-entry signs, disconnection of unsafe equipment, or emergency demolition without notice when life or limb is at risk. If the owner doesn't act, the City may abate the condition itself and assess the cost against the property, or the building official can seek a Municipal Court order compelling abatement.

1 folds unsafe structures back into this same Building Code process rather than duplicating it. Appeals of an abatement order or notice of violation go to the Building Board of Appeals per Section 113, though an order to vacate or demolish an unsafe building is separately routed to that same Board.