Springfield, IL Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Building & Zoning
- Posted notice size
- At least 2 ft by 2 ft
- Repair/demolish window
- 15 days (unsafe) or 30 days (vacant)
- Demolition deadline
- Within 120 days of notice mailing
- Fine
- $50-$500/day; $250/day on repeat
- Lien filing deadline
- 180 days after cost incurred
Summary
Springfield's Department of Building and Zoning may order demolition of any building meeting the dangerous-building tests in City Code § 170.16.13: collapse risk, fire or storm damage, open and unsecured structures, or units unfit for habitation. Section 170.16.14 makes it unlawful to maintain or occupy such a building, and the city can post a two-foot notice, then demolish after 30 days if the hazard remains.
(a)No person shall maintain or permit the existence within the city of any dangerous building, as defined in section 170.16.13.(b)It shall be unlawful for the owner, occupant, or person in custody of any dangerous building to permit the building to remain in a dangerous condition, or to occupy the building or permit it to be occupied while it is or remains in a dangerous condition.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 82).
Full Breakdown
15, once a building inspector finds a structure is an imminent danger, open and vacant with an immediate and continuing hazard, or otherwise unsafe and dangerous, the department can act. For an immediate danger the department may demolish without prior notice. For an open and vacant hazard, the department posts a notice at least two feet by two feet on the building, then within 30 days sends a Notice to Remediate by certified mail to every owner of record and lienholder, publishes notice for three consecutive days in a local newspaper, and records the Notice to Remediate with the Sangamon County Recorder of Deeds.
If the owner has not repaired, enclosed, or demolished the structure within 30 days of mailing or the last publication date, the city gains the power to demolish; it may proceed within 120 days of mailing unless an owner files a court objection served on the Corporation Counsel. 15(d) instead sends a Notice to Repair or Demolish giving the owner 15 days before the department can sue in circuit court to compel demolition or repair. 16, superior to every prior lien except taxes, provided the city files notice of the lien with the Sangamon County Recorder within 180 days of incurring the cost; the city can also sue for a money judgment on that lien.
An owner served notice cannot sell the property without first giving the buyer a copy of the notice and getting a signed, notarized acknowledgment filed with the department.
Violations & Fines
Violating § 170.16.14 by maintaining or occupying a dangerous building carries a fine of $50 to $500 per day under § 170.16.17, with each day of the violation a separate offense. A second conviction for the same condition within one calendar year raises the minimum fine to $250 per day. The city can also pursue any other statutory or common-law remedy, including the demolition lien and money-judgment procedures in § 170.16.16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions make a Springfield building 'dangerous'?
How much notice does the city give before demolishing?
Can the city put a lien on my property for demolition costs?
Can I sell a property after receiving a dangerous-building notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Springfield
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