Vacant Structure Grading

Color Coding of Exterior Markers
You take notice of the "C" painted on a vacant building.

Most persons assume it means the building is condemned, but that is not the case for many of the buildings.

This is our guide in knowing which vacant structures have been inspected and how we rate the structure’s safety. Should someone have to respond to the structure, the "C" indicates a level of safety, warning the responder of whether to trust the building’s structural stability.

Color Coding Guide: Ratings are designated by the color of the "C".
	Red	= Condemned, imminent collapse is expected
	Yellow	= Condemned, structurally unsafe
	White	= May be condemned, structurally inadequate
	Blue	= Vacant, minor structural problem
	Green	= Vacant, no immediate hazard

No matter what the color of the grading, NEVER ENTER A VACANT STRUCTURE!
Even if the building is structurally sound, there may be other dangers present and it is private property.

A red "C" is rare; usually if we find a structure to be ready to collapse we will have the hazard removed.

A yellow or white "C" will usually result in the building being cleaned and sealed, as in the photograph above. This is done to preserve the building from further deterioration until action can be taken, as well as deterring entry into the building. The yellow-marked building will be demolished, while the white-marked building may yet be evaluated for rehabilitation.

A blue or green "C" is rare. While the blue-marked building may be vacant, it represents an opportunity for reinvestment and re-use, becoming a home for another family. Most homes that are simply vacant due to sale by the current owners would be marked with a green "C," but we do not usually mark these as it would detract from the sale and the real estate agent’s sign serves the purpose of the "C."