Rapid City, SD Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Trigger
- Any of 13 listed conditions in Section 108.1.5
- Authority
- Code official may condemn, close, or order repair
- Utility shutoff
- Disconnection authorized for emergency hazards
- Cost recovery
- Emergency repair costs pursued against owner, can become lien
- Appeal
- Hearing before appeals board under RCMC Ch. 15.04
Summary
Rapid City's amended Property Maintenance Code, Section 108.1.5, lists thirteen specific conditions, from imminent collapse and fire damage to unfit-for-habitation sanitation problems, that make a structure or premises legally dangerous, triggering condemnation, closure, or repair orders from the code official.
108.1.5 Dangerous structure or premises. ... For the purpose of this code, any structure or premises that has any or all of the conditions or defects described as follows shall be considered to be dangerous: ... ... 3. Any portion of a building, structure or appurtenance that has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, deterioration, neglect, abandonment, vandalism or by any other cause to such an extent that it is likely to partially or completely collapse, or to become detached or dislodged. ... ... 9. A building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, ventilation, mechanical or plumbing system, or otherwise, is determined by the code official to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease. 10. Any building or structure, because of lack of sufficient or proper fire-resistance-rated construction, fire protection systems, electrical system, fuel connections, mechanical system, plumbing system or other cause, is determined by the code official to be a threat to life or health.
Full Breakdown
5 to spell out exactly what makes a building dangerous under the city's code. The list runs from unsafe egress and structural members overloaded beyond their limit state, to fire, wind, or flood damage severe enough to risk partial or total collapse, to buildings so decayed, undermaintained, or unsanitary that the code official determines they are unfit for human habitation or a threat to life or health. 1 gives the official authority to disconnect utility service in an emergency where a hazard to life or property exists.
If the owner will not close up a condemned structure, the city can do it through a public agency or private contractor and bill the property owner. 04. 5, which requires written notice describing the violation, a reasonable correction period, and disclosure of the right to appeal and the city's right to file a lien.
Violations & Fines
Costs the city incurs from emergency repairs or forced closure become a debt the city can pursue against the owner through legal action, and unpaid correction costs can become a lien on the property. Owners who ignore a correction notice remain subject to the penalties set in Section 15.04.300 and can request a hearing before the appeals board under Chapter 15.04 before the city acts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building 'dangerous' under Rapid City's code?
Can the city close up my building without my consent?
Who pays for emergency repairs the city orders?
Can I appeal an order on my property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rapid City
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