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Vacant Buildings Section

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1. What are the procedures for getting a building registered as a vacant building - what happens to vacant buildings?

First, make sure the City is aware that the building is vacant. Call the Information and Complaint line (651-266-8989) to report a vacant building and an inspector will come out to check. A list of vacant buildings in Saint Paul is available online. Follow the link at the bottom of this response for more info.

City ordinance requires vacant buildings be registered with the City. After you call, the inspector who responds will determine whether this building should be registered as a vacant building or not.

The City monitors vacant buildings to see if they are secured, if they are being rehabilitated, or to determined whether they should be torn down. If a building is not secured, the inspector can order the owner to secure it and, if necessary, the City can board-up and secure the building.

2. When does a building get condemned? What happens when it is condemned?

A condemnation happens when a structure is deemed dangerous or unfit for human habitation due to fire hazards, unsanitary conditions, severe rodent and pest infestation, lack of basic facilities, faulty construction or dilapidation. An inspector will order the structure vacated, sometimes immediately, but usually after a short compliance period has expired and the occupants are given 1 to 30 days notice to find alternative shelter. If principal violations are corrected prior to the vacation date, the order to vacate will be lifted. If principal violations are corrected after the vacate date, once corrected the dwelling can be reoccupied.