Warrick County, IN Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Section 157.03(A) declares weeds, rank vegetation, garbage and junk that violate the chapter to be public nuisances due to the danger to public health, safety and welfare, and § 157.03(B) makes it a violation for an owner to allow the accumulation to affect a neighborhood or community, as determined by the Hearing Authority, the Code Enforcement Officer or the district County Commissioner. The chapter's definitions at § 157.02 reach broadly: GARBAGE covers putrescible food waste plus refuse, rubbish and yard waste, while JUNK includes, without limitation, abandoned vehicles, vehicle parts, scrap iron and other metals, wood, paper, rags, rubber tires, bottles, and dismantled household appliances whether operable or not.

Because these definitions are not limited to occupied or improved property, an empty lot accumulating scrap or dumped debris is covered the same as a residential yard. Unlike weeds, which the county can abate itself once the abatement period runs, § 157.03(F)(2) requires garbage and junk violations to go through the Warrick County Superior or Circuit Court: the Code Enforcement Officer or County Attorney must file an action seeking a court order of abatement before the county or its designee can remove the material. The chapter exempts agricultural and industrial operations, forestry operations, and land where agricultural crops are cultivated, and it does not reach Warrick County's own municipal corporations or governmental units. Abatement and administrative costs are billed to the owner afterward and are appealable to the Hearing Authority within ten calendar days.