I have been dealing with this issue for a while. I live next to a abandoned/vacant row house. Its been like that for 20+ years. The interior is completely guted. There aren't even floors. The exterior is collapsing. Bricks fall off the building and major cracks are visible. I have had the building department come out several times. They take photos and proclaim that it is a danger. I have even had my city council representative involved.

My understanding is the city will put a lien on the house. The owner will have numerous court appearances. The city hopes this will bother the owner to repair or sell. If not, by the end of the process the city will tear down the building and give the owners the bill. The whole process takes 2 years. Sadly I have no idea if the process has actually started or even what the status is.