Indiana § 36-7-9-4.5 Legislative findings; vacant or deteriorated structures

Indiana Statutes

§ 36-7-9-4.5 — Legislative findings; vacant or deteriorated structures

Indiana § 36-7-9-4.5

Title 36LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Art. 7PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Ch. 9Unsafe Building Law

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Bluebook

Ind. Code § 36-7-9-4.5 (2026).

Text

5.

(a)In Indiana, especially in urban areas, there exist a large number of unoccupied structures that are not maintained and that constitute a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare.

(b)Vacant structures often become dilapidated because the structures are not maintained and repaired by the owners or persons in control of the structures.

(c)Vacant structures attract children, become harborage for vermin, serve as temporary abodes for vagrants and criminals, and are likely to be damaged by vandals or set ablaze by arsonists.

(d)Unkept grounds surrounding vacant structures invite dumping of garbage, trash, and other debris.

(e)Many vacant structures are situated on narrow city lots and in close proximity to neighboring structures, thereby increasing the risk of conflagration and sp

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5. (a) In Indiana, especially in urban areas,
there exist a large number of unoccupied structures that are not
maintained and that constitute a hazard to public health, safety, and
welfare.
(b) Vacant structures often become dilapidated because the
structures are not maintained and repaired by the owners or persons in
control of the structures.
(c) Vacant structures attract children, become harborage for vermin,
serve as temporary abodes for vagrants and criminals, and are likely to
be damaged by vandals or set ablaze by arsonists.
(d) Unkept grounds surrounding vacant structures invite dumping
of garbage, trash, and other debris.
(e) Many vacant structures are situated on narrow city lots and in
close proximity to neighboring structures, thereby increasing the risk
of conflagration and spread of insect and rodent infestation.
(f) Vacant, deteriorated structures contribute to blight, cause a
decrease in property values, and discourage neighbors from making
improvements to properties.
(g) Structures that remain boarded up for an extended period of time
also exert a blighting influence and contribute to the decline of the
neighborhood by decreasing property values, discouraging persons
from moving into the neighborhood, and encouraging persons to move
out of the neighborhood.
(h) Vacant structures often continue to deteriorate to the point that
demolition of the structure is required, thereby decreasing available
housing in a community and further contributing to the decline of the
neighborhood.
(i) The blighting influence of vacant, deteriorated structures
adversely affects the tax revenues of local government.
(j) The general assembly finds that vacant, deteriorated structures
create a serious and substantial problem in urban areas and are public
nuisances.
(k) In recognition of the problems created in a community by vacant
structures, the general assembly finds that vigorous and disciplined
action should be taken to ensure the proper maintenance and repair of
vacant structures and encourages local governmental bodies to adopt
maintenance and repair standards appropriate for the community in
accordance with this chapter and other statutes.