A municipality may require the vacation or demolition of a building through an ordinance. What must this ordinance include?

For an ordinance that requires the vacation or demolition of a building, it is essential to include a definition of what constitutes a substandard structure. This definition serves as a critical foundation for the ordinance, providing clear criteria that determine whether a particular building is deemed unsafe, unsanitary, or unfit for occupancy. This clarity helps property owners and residents understand the standards that must be adhered to and protects the municipality against legal challenges regarding the enforcement of the ordinance.

While hearings before the housing board and the right of inspection are important elements of the code enforcement process, having a clear definition within the ordinance itself is fundamental to establish the legal basis for any actions the municipality may take regarding substandard structures. It ensures that the process is not only transparent but also that it aligns with established safety and health standards. Including only the substandard structure definition means the ordinance could lack the necessary procedural components that involve due process for affected property owners, but the presence of this definition remains an integral element of any effective code enforcement strategy.