Salt Lake City, UT Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforced by
- Building official / building services
- Notice before city acts
- At least 10 days
- Cost recovery
- Property tax lien
- Legal basis
- 1997 Uniform Dangerous Buildings Code
- Status once declared
- Automatic public nuisance
Summary
Salt Lake City's building official can order repair, vacation, or boarding of any building declared dangerous, then repair or board it at the owner's expense after 10 days' notice if the owner fails to act.
If the property owner does not comply with the notice and order issued pursuant to this chapter within the time specified in the notice and order, the building official or designees may cause the building to be repaired, vacated, or temporarily boarded to the extent necessary to correct the conditions which render the building dangerous as set forth in the notice and order. Any such repair, vacation, or boarding shall be completed and the cost thereof paid and recovered as set forth in this chapter.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-21: Code current through: Ord. 40-26, passed June 16, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 18.48 implements the 1997 Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings. The building official inspects suspect structures and, upon finding conditions like structural failure, fire damage, or unsanitary/unfit-for-habitation status, issues a notice and order. If the owner doesn't comply within the specified time, the city repairs, vacates, or boards the building and recovers costs through a property tax lien. Dangerous buildings are automatically declared public nuisances under § 18.48.120. Appeals run through Chapter 18.12.
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain a boarded building or keep it vacated after abatement is unlawful, with each day a separate offense punishable under Chapter 18.24; unrecovered abatement costs become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building "dangerous" under Salt Lake City's code?
What happens if I ignore a dangerous building notice and order?
Can I appeal a dangerous building notice and order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Salt Lake City
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Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Salt Lake County handle property blight.