Sec. 4.5. (a) In Indiana, especially in urban areas, there exist a large number of unoccupied structures that are not maintained and that constitute a hazard to public health, safety, and welfare.

     (b) Vacant structures often become dilapidated because the structures are not maintained and repaired by the owners or persons in control of the structures.

     (c) Vacant structures attract children, become harborage for vermin, serve as temporary abodes for vagrants and criminals, and are likely to be damaged by vandals or set ablaze by arsonists.

     (d) Unkept grounds surrounding vacant structures invite dumping of garbage, trash, and other debris.

     (e) Many vacant structures are situated on narrow city lots and in close proximity to neighboring structures, thereby increasing the risk of conflagration and spread of insect and rodent infestation.

     (f) Vacant, deteriorated structures contribute to blight, cause a decrease in property values, and discourage neighbors from making improvements to properties.

     (g) Structures that remain boarded up for an extended period of time also exert a blighting influence and contribute to the decline of the neighborhood by decreasing property values, discouraging persons from moving into the neighborhood, and encouraging persons to move out of the neighborhood.

     (h) Vacant structures often continue to deteriorate to the point that demolition of the structure is required, thereby decreasing available housing in a community and further contributing to the decline of the neighborhood.

     (i) The blighting influence of vacant, deteriorated structures adversely affects the tax revenues of local government.

     (j) The general assembly finds that vacant, deteriorated structures create a serious and substantial problem in urban areas and are public nuisances.

     (k) In recognition of the problems created in a community by vacant structures, the general assembly finds that vigorous and disciplined action should be taken to ensure the proper maintenance and repair of vacant structures and encourages local governmental bodies to adopt maintenance and repair standards appropriate for the community in accordance with this chapter and other statutes.

As added by P.L.14-1991, SEC.10. Amended by P.L.1-1992, SEC.186.