Unsafe Structures

Pursuant to Miami-Dade County Code Sec. 8-5

A building shall be deemed a fire hazard and/or unsafe if:

Vacant, unguarded and open at doors or windows
There is a accumulation of debris or other material therein representing a hazard of combustion
The building condition creates hazards with respect to means of egress and fire protection
It exhibits signs of structural stress such as cracks, unusual sagging, rotting of wood members, termite damage, or if ceilings, walls and roofs are collapsing or caving-in
Water service is disconnected
Work is performed without proper permits and inspections
As additionally defined in Chapter 8 of the Miami-Dade County Code

How to begin the compliance process of an Unsafe Structure Case:

Building shall be boarded to prevent further damage or to impede illegal entry and vandalism
Windows and doors shall be secured with minimum 1/2" plywood using established and approved securing methods
Floors and roof openings shall be secured, as well as any existing fences
The property will be kept clean
Power may be disconnected to prevent accidental electrocutions or electrical fires

NOTE: Securing the property only initiates the process required in the compliance process. An unsafe structure must be brought to 'living conditions' or be demolished if it is deemed beyond repair.

If property can be repaired:

If the structure can be repaired, property owner shall retain the services of a design professional
Plans will be submitted for approval to the City of Miami Building Department Plans Review Section and all required permits shall be obtained, and inspection processes met in a timely manner.

If compliance date cannot be met:

A one-time extension may be granted if request is found to have merit.

Once property is repaired:

When all repairs and inspections are completed, a ‘Certificate of Completion’ is signed by the Building Official, and a final inspection must be requested from the Unsafe Structures Section for the pending Compliance Case.
An Unsafe Structure inspector will go onsite to inspect the property and finding the property to be in compliance shall issue appropriate documentation
The lien payoff amount may be obtained by contacting 305-416-1177 or email unsafestructures@miamigov.com
When all fees have been paid and collected by the Finance Department, a request for Certificate of Lien cancellation may then be requested by contacting 305-416-1177 or email unsafestructures@miamigov.com

Please be advised that the recording process may take up to 6 weeks.

Valuation to demolish a structure beyond repair:

When in the opinion of the Building Official the structure is over 50% damaged, the Building Official will issue an order to demolish the unsafe structure
Demolition permit shall be obtained and inspection processes met including final inspection
Full payment of Lien charges must be paid prior to Unsafe Structure case being closed

For additional information or to contact our Unsafe Structures Division, you may email us at: unsafestructures@miamigov.com

To request a file search, you may use the following form: Unsafe Structure's File Search Request Form