The Terre Haute administration presented an updated property‑maintenance code on July 10 aimed at preventing buildings from deteriorating to the point of condemnation and demolition.

Mayor Sackman told the council the ordinance “provides a b, c, d, e, f, all the way to z system” to allow building inspectors to set and enforce minimum safety standards and to work with property owners before properties reach condemnation. City Engineer Marcus Maurer said the update is designed to stop long‑term leakage, decay and other deferred maintenance that have destroyed historic buildings in the city.

The draft ordinance covers exterior property areas and structural elements — roofs and drainage, exterior walls, handrails and guards, windows and doors, fences and basement hatchways — and adds a process for enforcement alongside discretion to work with owners who show plans and progress. It would also require permits and a registration process for removal of large trees on private property; council members asked staff to clarify permit fees, contractor registration and the process for low‑income homeowners to access assistance.

Devin Huebner, systems administrator for the Terre Haute Police Department, and Marcus Maurer answered technical questions from councilors about office space, timelines, and when inspections would require police accompaniment. Council members raised concerns about possible overreach into private property, the risk that enforcement might fall hardest on low‑income owners, and the need for an exception process for natural disasters and storm cleanup. Mayor Sackman and staff said they will research funding sources and existing nonprofit programs that can help low‑income residents pay to fix dangerous trees or roofs.

On a procedural motion, the council voted to take action on General Ordinance 3 (the property‑maintenance code). Councilmembers and the administration said the ordinance will not immediately take effect; staff described a planned ramp‑up and additional staffing to implement the code. No final adoption occurred at the July 10 meeting; staff said they expect to return with refined language, permitting workflows and outreach materials before implementation.