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Stark County, OH Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

County rule
None: city/township controls lots
Canton vacant buildings
Register under Chapter 1353
Vacant-building bond
At least $10,000 cash bond
Junk vehicle
48 hours (ORC 4513.63)
Weeds on lots
Canton Chapter 551 applies

Summary

Stark County runs no general vacant-lot code; cities and townships do. Canton requires vacant and foreclosed buildings to register (Chapter 1353). Statewide, a junk motor vehicle left on private property 48+ hours is an abandoned junk vehicle (ORC 4513.63).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Stark County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

"Abandoned junk motor vehicle" means any motor vehicle ... Left on private property for forty-eight hours or longer without the permission of the person having the right to the possession of the property.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Vacant-land upkeep is handled by your municipality or township, not countywide. Canton requires owners of vacant, foreclosed, or REO properties to register under Codified Ordinances Chapter 1353, post a maintenance and re-occupancy plan, and post a cash bond of at least $10,000 to secure the property; a neglected vacant building is declared a public nuisance. High grass and weeds on vacant lots are controlled under Canton Chapter 551. Under Ohio Revised Code 4513.63, a junk motor vehicle left on private property for 48 hours or more without permission is an abandoned junk motor vehicle subject to removal. The Stark County Health Department addresses nuisance conditions on unincorporated parcels.

Violations & Fines

Failure to register a vacant building or abate weeds and junk lets the city abate and lien the cost; abandoned junk vehicles may be removed after the statutory notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who maintains vacant lots in Stark County?
The city or township where the lot sits. Canton enforces weed, junk, and vacant-building rules; unincorporated lots fall under township zoning and the county Health Department for nuisances.
How long before a car on a lot is abandoned?
Under ORC 4513.63, 48 hours. A junk motor vehicle left on private property that long without the owner's permission becomes an abandoned junk vehicle subject to removal.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Stark County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions

All Stark County rules

Compare Stark County to another location·View the Ohio property maintenance overview

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