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 Councilmembers Sawyer, Kashmann, and Torres are partnering to strengthen the NADB ordinance. In August 2024, Denver City Councilmembers Sawyer, Kashmann, and Torres convened a monthly working group with the Mayor's Office, Community Planning & Development (CPD), City Attorney's Office (CAO), Department of Public Health & Environment (DPHE), Public Safety (DPD and DFD), Office of Social Equity & Innovation (OSEI), and Human Rights & Community Partnerships (HRCP). As a result of these working group meetings, the City Agencies have started a first-of-its-kind in Denver Neglected & Derelict Buildings Task Force.