Demolition by neglect

Demolition by neglect refers to the deliberate destruction of a building through abandonment or lack of maintenance.

Legal remedies
A number of states have laws specifically addressing demolition by neglect. South Dakota's statute gives localities the power to prevent demolition by neglect by enacting an ordinance that makes willful neglect of a historic property a misdemeanor. In West Virginia, local landmark commissions may establish standards "for the care and maintenance of certified landmarks" and withdraw certification if such positive maintenance is not continued. Other states, however, do not have enabling legislation which gives them sufficient power to prevent demolition by neglect. In California, despite the lack of any state authority for demolition by neglect provisions, several municipalities have incorporated such provisions into their local ordinances.