Lincoln, Neb., Mun. Code ch. 21.05 § 21.05.160
Section 108.1 Amended; Unsafe Structures and Equipment; General
Operative Text
Section 108.1 and subsections 108.1.1 through 108.1.5 of the International Property Maintenance Code are amended to read as follows: 108.1 General. When a structure or equipment is found by the code official to be unsafe, or when a structure is found unfit for human occupancy, or is found unlawful, such structure shall be condemned pursuant to the provisions of this code. 108.1.1 Unsafe structures. An unsafe structure is one that is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the event of fire or other life threatening event, or because such structure contains unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse is possible. 108.1.2 Unsafe equipment. Unsafe equipment includes any boiler, heating equipment, electrical wiring or device, flammable liquid containers or other equipment on the premises or within the structure which is in such disrepair or condition that such equipment is a hazard to life, health, property or safety of the public or occupants of the premises or structure. 108.1.3 Structure unfit for human occupancy. A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is a nuisance or lacks ventilation, illumination, or heating facilities or other essential requirements of this code, or the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public. Whenever the health officer finds that such structure, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin- or rat-infested, contains filth and contamination, or is a nuisance, such structure shall be unfit for human occupancy and the health officer shall make such finding to the code official. 108.1.4 Unlawful structure . An unlawful structure is one found in whole or in part to be erected, altered, or maintained or occupied contrary to this code. 108.1.5 Dangerous structure or premises. For the purposes of this code, any structure or premises that has any or all of the conditions or defects described below shall be considered dangerous: Any door, aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of egress that does not conform to the approved building or fire code of the City as related to the requirements for existing buildings. The walking surface of any aisle, passageway, stairway, exit or other means of egress is so warped, worn loose, torn or otherwise unsafe as to not provide safe and adequate means of egress. Any portion of a building, structure or appurtenance that has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood, deterioration, neglect, abandonment, vandalism or by any other cause to such an extent that it is likely to partially or completely collapse, or to become detached or dislodged. Any portion of a building, or any member, appurtenance or ornamentation on the exterior thereof that does not have sufficient strength or stability, or is not anchored, attached or fastened in place so as to be capable of resisting natural or artificial loads of one and one-half times the original designed value. The building or structure, or part of the building or structure, because of dilapidation, deterioration, decay, faulty construction, the removal or movement of some portion of the ground necessary for the support, or for any other reason, is likely to partially or completely collapse, or some portion of the foundation or underpinning of the building or structure is likely to fail or give way. The building or structure, or any portion thereof, is clearly unsafe for its use and occupancy as determined by the code official or his designated employee. The building or structure is neglected, damaged, dilapidated, unsecured or abandoned so as to become an attractive nuisance to children who might play in the building or structure to their danger, becomes a harbor for vagrants, criminals or immoral persons, or enables persons to resort to the building or structure for committing a nuisance or an unlawful act. Any building or structure has been constructed, exists or is maintained in violation of any specific requirement or prohibition applicable to such building or structure provided by the approved building or fire code of the City, or any law or ordinance to such an extent as to present either a substantial risk of fire, building collapse or any other threat to life and safety. A building or structure, used or intended to be used for dwelling purposes, because of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement, inadequate light, ventilation, mechanical or plumbing system, or otherwise, is determined by the code official to be unsanitary, unfit for human habitation or in such a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease. Any building or structure, because of a lack of sufficient or proper fire-resistance-rated condition, fire protection systems, electrical system, fuel connections, mechanical system, plumbing system or other cause, is determined by the code official to be a threat to life or health. Any portion of a building remains on a site after demolition or destruction of the building or structure or whenever any building or structure is abandoned so as to constitute such building or portion thereof as an attractive nuisance or hazard to the public. (Ord. 19349 §16; March 1, 2009).
Lincoln Municipal Code § 21.05.160 establishes the framework under which a code official may condemn a structure or its equipment when it is found to be unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or otherwise unlawful. The provision defines specific categories—unsafe structures, unsafe equipment, structures unfit for human occupancy, unlawful structures, and dangerous structures or premises—each with detailed criteria such as risk of collapse, fire hazards, sanitation failures, and inadequate means of egress. A health officer may also make findings of unfitness based on unsanitary conditions, vermin infestation, or filth, which are then referred to the code official for formal action.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Lincoln, Neb., Mun. Code § 21.05.160, property owners and managers are generally expected to maintain all structures and equipment in a condition that meets the minimum safeguards outlined in the International Property Maintenance Code as locally amended. Compliant operators routinely inspect and address issues such as structural integrity, fire protection systems, egress pathways, electrical and heating equipment, ventilation, and sanitation before conditions deteriorate to the point that a code official could classify the property as unsafe, unfit, or dangerous. Keeping thorough maintenance records and promptly correcting identified deficiencies are practices commonly associated with avoiding a condemnation finding under this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Lincoln, Neb., Mun. Code § 21.05.160 gives tenants a basis to understand when their housing may legally be classified as unsafe, unfit for human occupancy, or dangerous—categories that include conditions such as risk of collapse, fire hazards, vermin infestation, lack of adequate heat or ventilation, and unsafe egress. Tenants who believe their dwelling meets one or more of these conditions may consider reporting concerns to Lincoln's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and, if warranted, condemn the property under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand what options may be available when a structure is found to fall within the definitions established by § 21.05.160.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 5, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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