Westminster, CO Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 11-9-2(E) of the Westminster Municipal Code lists the specific defects that make a structure "unsafe": inadequate fire egress, structural stress exceeding one and one-half times the code's allowable working stress, damage from fire, flood, or neglect that leaves the structure weaker than a new building of the same type, walls out of plumb, 33 percent or more deterioration of supporting members, and any building that has become an attractive nuisance, a harbor for vagrants, or unfit for human habitation. A vacant structure that is not secured against entry is automatically deemed unsafe.

Once the Building Official inspects and finds a building unsafe, the Code gives two enforcement paths. Where the nuisance presents imminent danger of serious injury, the Building Official may take summary abatement action under Section 8-4-4(A) without waiting on the owner. Otherwise the owner receives a written Notice to Abate under Section 8-4-4(B) describing the unsafe conditions, listing the corrective action required, and setting a deadline; the notice must also warn that unresolved violations can be prosecuted in Municipal Court, with abatement costs assessed against the responsible party and recorded as a lien on the property. Occupied buildings that are placarded unsafe must be vacated immediately, and if the structure sits vacant for more than two years without construction progress, the Building Official can ask Municipal Court to compel the owner to finish the work or demolish the structure. Repair work must meet the current Building Code before the building can be reoccupied.