Allentown, PA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Property Maintenance Code § 301.3
- Adopted
- Ordinance No. 16137, 5-21-2025
- Weed limit
- 10 inches around vacant structure
- Pre-reoccupancy step
- Inspection and certificate of compliance
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 90 days jail
- Enforcing agency
- Bureau of Building Standards & Safety
- Lien repayment window
- 30 days after City abates
Summary
Allentown requires vacant structures, premises and unimproved land to be kept clean, safe, secure and sanitary so they don't cause blight, under the City's 2025 Property Maintenance Code. Owners must get a compliance inspection before reoccupying a vacant building, keep the yard clear of trash and overgrowth, and secure openings against trespassers and vermin.
301.3 Vacant structures and land. Vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety and in addition must conform to the following: (1) Prior to occupancy, any vacant structure must be inspected and receive a certificate of compliance and/or a certificate of occupancy. ... (3) Grass, weeds, or vegetation around the building shall not be in excess of 10 inches and be pruned back from walls to allow good airflow, and any yard area, front, side and rear, shall be cleared and maintained free of trash, solid debris or any other material that causes litter and accumulated to unhealthy conditions. ... (5) Properties shall be maintained securely as not to be accessible by unauthorized persons, vermin, rats and other pests through any of the openings.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4995055; v49 updated 2026-06-26; through 06-26-2026).
Full Breakdown
3 of the Property Maintenance Code, adopted May 21, 2025 by Ordinance No. 16137 as part of Allentown's Chapter 455 amendments to the International Property Maintenance Code, sets standards specifically for vacant structures and vacant land, separate from the City's general weed ordinance. Before any vacant structure can be reoccupied, it must be inspected and receive a certificate of compliance or certificate of occupancy. Yard areas front, side and rear must stay clear of trash, solid debris or other litter-causing material, and grass, weeds or vegetation around the building cannot exceed 10 inches.
Pools and spas on the property must be kept in working order with clear water, or drained, kept dry and properly fenced and covered. The property must be secured so unauthorized persons, vermin, rats and other pests cannot get in through open doors, windows or other openings. Accessory structures such as sheds, trellises, awnings and fences must stay structurally safe, and the roof, foundation, chimneys, stairs, porches and decks must all be maintained free of structural defects and hazardous conditions. Utilities to a vacant building must be safely turned off and disconnected to remove fire hazards, and the property cannot be used to store highly combustible or explosive materials. 1).
Violations & Fines
Failing to maintain a vacant structure or lot under § 301.3 is a summary offense: conviction before a Magisterial District Judge brings a fine of up to $1,000 or up to 90 days in jail, or both, with each day after notice counting as a separate offense (§ 106.4). The Code Official can also send City crews or a contractor to correct the violation and bill the owner, placing a lien on the property that must be repaid within 30 days (§ 106.5).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a vacant lot in Allentown need to be mowed?
What has to happen before someone can move back into a vacant building in Allentown?
What can the City do if a vacant property isn't maintained?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Allentown
Compare Allentown to another location·View the Pennsylvania property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.