Burlington Takes Action on 'Problem Properties'

City officials target vacant and distressed buildings to bring them back to productive use.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:25pm

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An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph showing the hazy outline of a run-down building, its windows boarded up and walls covered in graffiti, conveying a sense of urban decay and the need for renewal.As Burlington tackles its housing crisis, the city's efforts to revive neglected properties offer a glimmer of hope for transforming urban eyesores into vibrant community assets.Burlington Today

Burlington, Vermont is cracking down on what city officials call 'problem properties' - vacant or dilapidated buildings that are underutilized. The goal is to enforce the city's vacant building ordinance, which gives landlords deadlines to improve properties or face fines. The mayor has directed the permitting and inspections department to step up enforcement, with 32 problem properties currently on the list. City leaders will meet monthly to discuss these buildings, with the priority being to secure them from intruders and ensure they remain weatherproof. Renovating these properties for more housing units is seen as a win-win for the city, which is facing a housing crisis.

Why it matters

Burlington is grappling with a housing shortage, and bringing vacant or distressed buildings back into productive use could help address this issue. The city's crackdown on 'problem properties' aims to hold landlords accountable and transform eyesores into much-needed housing. This effort reflects Burlington's broader goals of revitalizing neighborhoods, improving public safety, and boosting the local economy.

The details

The city's 'problem properties' initiative targets vacant or dilapidated buildings that have fallen into disrepair. Under the vacant building ordinance, landlords are given deadlines to improve these properties or face fines of over $1,000. If buildings remain in poor condition, the city can take further enforcement action. The permitting and inspections department is leading this effort, with 32 problem properties currently on the list. City leaders will meet monthly to discuss these buildings and determine next steps.

  • In 2015, the Bove's restaurant in Burlington closed, leaving the building vacant and deteriorating.
  • The mayor recently directed the permitting and inspections department to step up enforcement of the city's vacant building ordinance.

The players

Mark Bove

The owner of the former Bove's restaurant building, which is now on the city's 'problem properties' list.

Bill Ward

The director of the Permitting & Inspections Department in Burlington, who is leading the city's efforts to address problem properties.

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What they’re saying

“It pains us to see it in this condition.”

— Mark Bove, Property Owner

“We were sort of at a crisis point, so to speak, that the city was in a final stage of we needed something to happen.”

— Bill Ward, Permitting & Inspections Director

What’s next

The city plans to continue its monthly meetings to discuss problem properties and determine the next steps for enforcement and renovation. The priority is to secure these buildings and ensure they remain weatherproof while working with property owners to bring them back to productive use.

The takeaway

Burlington's crackdown on 'problem properties' is a proactive approach to addressing the city's housing crisis and revitalizing neighborhoods. By holding landlords accountable and transforming vacant or distressed buildings into livable spaces, the city aims to boost its housing supply and improve the overall appearance and safety of its communities.