NE URBS RUINIS DEFORMETUR

ne urbs ruinis deformetur (nee <<schwa>>rbz roo-I-nis di-for-m<<schwa>>-t<< schwa>>r). [Latin] Scots law. Lest the city should be disfigured by ruinous houses. • The phrase appeared in reference to the jurisdiction of the Dean of Guild, who presided over construction projects, to order repairs to or demolition of unsafe buildings.

[Blacks Law 8th]