What criteria must a municipality's ordinance include when deciding to secure or demolish a building?

A municipality's ordinance must include a clear definition of what constitutes a substandard structure. This definition is essential because it establishes the parameters under which properties can be evaluated for potential condemnation or demolition. By explicitly defining a substandard structure, the ordinance provides a legal framework that guides the enforcement agents in determining whether a building poses a threat to public health and safety. This clarity helps ensure that decisions regarding securement or demolition are made uniformly and based on defined standards, thus protecting property owners' rights while addressing community welfare.

While available funding, a list of possible contractors, and public hearings for input may be relevant considerations in the broader context of code enforcement and demolition procedures, the foundational aspect that must be included in an ordinance for its enforcement is the clear definition of what makes a building substandard. This focus helps maintain the integrity of the enforcement process and the overall safety of the community.