South Bend requires vacant and abandoned buildings to be registered and maintained under Municipal Code Sec. 6-37.1, and owners must keep lots mowed. Grass or weeds nine inches or taller trigger abatement, with a $250 fee per mowing under Sec. 19-35.
Vacant property in South Bend is actively regulated. Municipal Code Sec. 6-37.1 requires owners to register and maintain vacant buildings, keeping them secured and up to the property-maintenance code. Vacant lots must be kept mowed: grass or weeds nine inches or taller is a violation, and Neighborhood Services & Enforcement sends the owner written notice. If the owner does not act, Venues, Parks & Arts crews mow the lot and the City bills the owner. Under Municipal Code Sec. 19-35 a $250 fine applies for each abatement, escalating to $500 per occurrence in the second year, on top of the mowing charge and administrative fees. Reinspection follows the timeline set by IC 36-1-6-2.
Overgrown or neglected lots draw notice, then City abatement billed to the owner. Sec. 19-35 sets a $250 fine per mowing, rising to $500 per occurrence in year two, plus service and administrative charges. Unregistered vacant buildings face separate penalties.
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See how South Bend's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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