Neglected and Derelict Properties

Neglected and Derelict Buildings (NADB) negatively impact the health, safety, and welfare of Denverites and Denver neighborhoods. These properties pose serious fire risks, create environmental hazards, are often structurally insecure, and attract crime, trespassing and other illegal activities.

NADBs are a resource drain for Denver:

• First responders - Denver Police Department (DPD), Denver Fire Department (DPD), and paramedics from Denver Health - are frequently called to these properties and spend hours resolving issues, significantly impacting response times to other calls.
• 311 calls (graffiti, overgrown weeds, general lack of maintenance, trespassing etc.) require attention and code enforcement by City employees.

That's why Councilmember Sawyer is partnering with Councilmembers Torres and Kashmann, Community Planning and Development, the Department of Safety, the Department of Public Health and Environment, and the City Attorney's Office to strengthen the ordinance. 

Learn more about the proposal by watching the July 22, 2024 presentation at City Council's Budget and Policy Committee.