Register or Report a Vacant Blighted Structure

City ordinance prohibits property owners from maintaining vacant blighted structures. Owners of these properties are required to improve them to meet minimum requirements within a specified timeframe. These properties are also subject to periodic inspections and monitoring fees.

Online

Step 1.Report a Code Violation Online

Complete the brief form below to let us know about this issue. 

Report a Vacant Blighted Structure

Step 2.Review and Inspection

An inspector will review the report and visit the property within three days. If the property is determined to be in violation, they will initiate a new case and provide the appropriate notice to the property owner. If a case already exists, it will be updated. The inspector will continue to follow up as needed. 

These types of violations generally are not resolved quickly. Our team attempts to get plans from the owner, and it can take time before they are completely resolved. These properties are required to undergo periodic inspections until the case is resolved. 

By Phone

Step 1.Call 311

You can report this issue by calling 311 or (269) 337-8000.  

Step 2.Review and Inspection

An inspector will review the report and visit the property within three days. If the property is determined to be in violation, they will initiate a new case and provide the appropriate notice to the property owner. If a case already exists, it will be updated. The inspector will continue to follow up as needed. 

These types of violations generally are not resolved quickly. Our team attempts to get plans from the owner, and it can take time before they are completely resolved. These properties are required to undergo periodic inspections until the case is resolved. 

Register a Property

Step 1.Register a Property

Complete the brief online form below to register a vacant blighted property. 

Register a Vacant Blighted Structure Online

You can also complete a paper form and return it by mail or in person to: 

City of Kalamazoo
Community Planning & Economic Development
245 N Rose Street Suite 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Vacant Blighted Structure Registration(PDF, 82KB)

The property will be inspected after you submit a registration. If it is found to meet the criteria for vacant blighted structures, a case will be created.  

Step 2.Inspections of Property

If your are registering a property that we haven't already contacted you about, an inspector will visit the property and assess its condition. It may be possible that your property does not meet the requirements for monitoring per city ordinance. 

Properties that are considered vacant blighted are inspected at regular intervals until the structures are either repaired or demolished. The frequency of inspections is based on the property's condition. An inspection fee is assessed for each inspection.

Step 3.Provide Plans and/or Get Permits

If you are planning to make repairs and didn't upload plans with your registration, provide a plan and time frame for these repairs within 21 days. If you intend to demolish the structure, you should obtain a Permit to Wreck within 45 days. 

Step 4.Follow Up

Our staff will continue to perform regular inspections and follow up on the status of the property until the case is resolved. If you need additional time to meet a deadline for a repair, please let us know in writing before the deadline passes. If you do not request an extension in advance, you may be assessed a fee for missing the deadline.