Nuisance Abatements
IMPORTANT
The Lucas County Treasurer's Office collects nuisance abatement assessments but does not determine, create, modify, or remove them. Questions regarding the assessment itself should be directed to the City of Toledo.
What is a Nuisance Abatement Assessment?
A Nuisance Abatement Assessment is a charge placed against a property when the City of Toledo performs maintenance or corrective work to address code violations after the property owner has failed to comply with notice requirements.
Examples may include:
Grass and weed cutting
Trash and debris removal
Securing vacant structures
Board-up services
Demolition-related costs
Other property maintenance activities performed by the City
When these costs remain unpaid, the City of Toledo may certify them to the Lucas County Auditor for placement on the property tax duplicate as a special assessment. Once certified, the assessment becomes part of the property's tax obligation and is collected by the Lucas County Treasurer in the same manner as property taxes.
How Does the Process Work?
The City of Toledo identifies a code violation.
The property owner is notified and given an opportunity to correct the issue.
If the violation is not corrected, the City may perform the necessary work.
The cost of the work is billed to the property owner.
Unpaid charges may be certified as a special assessment.
The assessment is added to the property's tax bill and collected by the Lucas County Treasurer.
For information regarding code enforcement notices, inspections, or nuisance abatement activities, please contact the City of Toledo.
Why Is This Charge on My Tax Bill?
The Lucas County Treasurer's Office does not create nuisance abatement assessments. The assessment originates with the City of Toledo and is certified through the appropriate governmental process before being placed on the tax duplicate. Once certified, Ohio law requires the Treasurer's Office to collect the assessment along with other property taxes and special assessments.
Can the Treasurer's Office Remove the Assessment?
No. The Lucas County Treasurer's Office does not have authority to remove, modify, reduce, or waive a nuisance abatement assessment. Questions regarding the validity, amount, or certification of an assessment must be directed to the City of Toledo.
Appealing a Nuisance Abatement Assessment
If you believe a nuisance abatement assessment was assessed in error, you may be eligible to file an appeal with the City of Toledo.
Examples may include:
The property was not owned by you at the time of the violation.
The violation had already been corrected.
The assessment amount is incorrect.
The assessment was applied to the wrong property.
For appeal information and instructions, visit City of Toledo Nuisance Abatement Assessment Appeal.
Payment Options
Once certified to the tax duplicate, nuisance abatement assessments may be paid:
• As part of your regular property tax payment
• Through approved installment payment arrangements when applicable
• Through any payment method accepted by the Lucas County Treasurer's Office
Property owners should review their tax bill carefully to identify any special assessment charges. For payment assistance, please contact the Treasurer's Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a nuisance abatement charge and a property tax?
Property taxes fund local government services. A nuisance abatement assessment represents a specific cost incurred by the City of Toledo to correct a property condition and is collected through the property tax system.
Will unpaid nuisance abatements affect my property taxes?
Yes. Once certified, nuisance abatement assessments become part of the property's tax obligation and may contribute to delinquency if not paid.
Can I pay only the nuisance abatement portion?
Payment options vary depending on the status of the tax bill and any delinquent balances. Contact the Treasurer's Office for assistance.
Where can I find more information about property maintenance requirements?
The City of Toledo's Code Compliance Guide provides information about common property maintenance requirements, code violations, and enforcement procedures.
Who should I contact if I disagree with the assessment?
Questions regarding the assessment itself should be directed to the City of Toledo. The Treasurer's Office can assist with payment-related questions but cannot change the assessment. Visit the City's Nuisance Abatement Appeal page for current contact information and appeal instructions.