Why is licensing required?

In order to ensure the safety of first responders and emergency personnel, as well as the health and safety of the general public and to support property values within the City, vacant structures within the corporate limits of the City of Hagerstown must be licensed and regularly inspected.


How long is the license valid?

Vacant residential structure licenses are good for one year. We will send you a license renewal form each year before the anniversary date, as long as you own the structure and it remains vacant. Please contact the office if you sell the unit or it is no longer vacant.


What is included in the inspection?

The exterior and interior of the vacant structure shall be inspected on an annual basis. The interior inspection is limited to the vacant portion(s) of the structure to assure compliance with all applicable property maintenance, fire and other City codes for unoccupied structures. Inspectors will be examining the general interior, attic & basement, plumbing, mechanical systems and fire protection, with a focus on ensuring the structure is safe and sound and will not present a danger to any responding emergency personnel. The exterior will be checked to ensure that doors and windows of a vacant structure are securely closed to prevent unauthorized entry and that the owner maintains the structure enough to ensure there is minimal negative economic effect on the neighborhood. A complete checklist of items to be inspected is available from Code Administration.


Are any non-condemned vacant residential structures exempt from being licensed?

Yes. For the calculation of the continuous twelve (12) month period required to satisfy the definition of Vacant Residential Structure, the following periods of time shall not be included:

1. The one (1) year period immediately following the issuance of a use and occupancy permit for new construction.

2. Any time period during which active work is being legally performed pursuant to a valid permit issued by the City.

3. Also, a structure that falls within the definition of a Commercial Structure pursuant to Chapter 232 of the City Code.


What about condemned Vacant Residential Structures?

In order for a condemned Vacant Residential Structure to be removed from the program the following must occur:

1. The structure must be the subject of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan that will restore the structure to habitability under permit, and

2. Said rehabilitation plan must address all conditions which may be in violation of the City’s Property Maintenance Code, Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code and Electrical Code, and

3. All required inspections must be made and work approved.


What happens if I fail to register my vacant residential structure?

Any owner violating the provisions of this City Code shall be guilty of a municipal infraction and subject to a fine of up to $500.00. Each day a structure is not in compliance with the code shall be deemed a separate and distinct violation.