A nuisance is a condition or use of property that interferes with adjoining landowners’ (neighbors) use and enjoyment of their properties; or endangers the life, health, enjoyment, or safety of others; or is offensive to others. Loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal or immoral activities (such as prostitution or illegal drug activity) on a property are common examples of nuisances.

Trash, litter, uncut grass or vegetation, untrimmed trees, graffiti, and abandoned motor vehicles and tires are also common subjects of nuisance abatement efforts—often undertaken by a city or town’s code compliance or code enforcement department or division.

Abatement is generally the act of stopping, eliminating, or nullifying some condition or activity. Nuisance abatement or abatement of a nuisance generally includes stopping or eliminating a noise, odor, unsightly condition, or other nuisance—or repairing or demolishing a home, apartment complex, or other building the owner has failed to maintain and that endangers the life, health, safety, or life enjoyment of persons in the neighborhood.

State laws (statutes) often provide local governments with certain nuisance abatement powers to compel the owner of a property to fix or remedy the conditions creating a nuisance—and if the owner fails to do so, the local government may do so, such as by demolishing or razing a building.

Under some circumstances the local government may choose to repair or rehabilitate the nuisance condition—or remove, remediate, transport, and dispose of materials or property on the premises that are creating the nuisance.

Local governments may also have the right to prohibit access to the premises by some or all persons, and to control access to the premises.

In Kentucky, nuisances are addressed under state statutes and local ordinances that empower local governments to regulate conditions and activities that negatively impact the health, safety, and enjoyment of property by individuals in the community. Examples of nuisances include loud noises, foul odors, unsightly conditions, and illegal activities. Local code enforcement departments are typically responsible for nuisance abatement efforts, which may involve compelling property owners to address issues such as trash accumulation, overgrown vegetation, and abandoned vehicles. If property owners fail to comply, the local government may intervene directly to remedy the situation, which can include cleaning up, making repairs, or even demolishing unsafe structures. Additionally, local authorities may restrict access to properties that pose a nuisance. Kentucky's legal framework ensures that local governments have the necessary authority to maintain community standards and protect the well-being of their residents.