Boarded buildings

We explain when buildings can be boarded and for how long.

Overview

City law allows any building to be boarded for 60 days without penalty. See Reasons for boarding

Within 60 days of boarding, the owner must either:

If the owner does not do either in 60 days, the City may place the building on the Vacant Building Registration list.

See Vacant Building Registration

Boarded building

Reasons for boarding

Common reasons for boarding:

  • The City boards vacant buildings to keep them secure.
  • The owner may choose to board an unoccupied building.
  • The Police may board a building after a raid or fire.

Vacant and open to trespass

A vacant building that is not secure is a danger to the neighborhood because it:

  • Invites squatters
  • Can be a fire hazard
  • Is a danger to children

Boards help prevent these hazards.

Owner choice

The building owner chooses:

  • Not to occupy the building
  • To use boards to keep it secure

Police action or fire

The Police will board a building:

  • After they have raided the property and the building is vacant
  • If they have observed unsafe activities in a vacant building
  • After a fire to keep the building secure
Front stairs and doorway of a rowhome

Property maintenance

Find out what you need to do to maintain a property and pass inspections.
Maintain your property

Report an issue

Contact us

Regulatory Services

Phone

311 or 612-673-3000

Address

Public Service Building
505 Fourth Ave. S., Room 510
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday

Closed on City holidays

See list of City holidays