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Vacated & Condemned Buildings (VBML)

Vacated Building Maintenance License (VBML)

The Vacated Building Task Force's goal is to reduce vacant buildings through rehabilitation and demolition. Our primary tool is the Housing Docket and the amended Vacant Building Maintenance License (VBML) ordinance.

The owner of a building that is ordered vacated due to code violations must obtain a VBML by filing an application and paying the applicable fee. The owner must then perform any maintenance necessary to meet the VBML 13 point preservation requirements. Liability insurance must be maintained by the owner for as long as the building is ordered vacated.  The VBM License will only be issued after the insurance is obtained, the VBML application is filed along with the fee, and the building preservation repairs completed.

If the owner has a legitimate development plan for the property, and compliance with the VBML would constitute an unreasonable burden on the plan, the owner may petition the Director of Buildings and Inspections for relief by paying the associated fee and filing the petition on the petition form available below. The petition is reviewed by the Director of Buildings and Inspections who will then issue a decision to the applicant. If the applicant does not agree with the Director's decision, they may appeal to the  Board of Housing Appeals. 

Note: An empty building without code violations doesn't need to be licensed.

Neighborhood Database  VBML FAQ's and Petition for Suspension 

VBML Application Form

Hazard Abatement

The Hazard Abatement Program is responsible for demolishing vacated and condemned buildings, as well as barricading open, abandoned structures. About 100 structures are demolished and an average of 500 buildings are barricaded annually.

You can report complaints by phone at 513-591-6000 or online.

Register A Complaint

Once we receive a complaint, the building is inspected. If deemed dangerous and unsafe, it will be condemned.

  • After buildings are condemned -- and if the owner fails to comply with the condemnation order -- the buildings are placed in a public nuisance hearing process to determine if the City will demolish the building.
  • If, as a result of the public hearing, the building is declared a public nuisance, the City will demolish the building and invoice the owner of the property for the total cost.