Why Rialto Has Some of the Strictest Property Maintenance in the State

Rialto maintains 136 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with property maintenance. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Rialto falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Rialto requires vacant and abandoned properties, most often bank-owned homes in foreclosure, to be registered with the city and kept free of graffiti, weeds, dead vegetation, trash, junk and abandoned furniture or vehicles under Section 15.62.050. Front and side yards must stay landscaped to the neighborhood standard, and any pool or spa must be drained or secured behind a locked six-foot fence.

Key details: Registration trigger: Notice of default or evidence of vacancy. Registration deadline: 10 days after inspection/abandonment finding. Securing deadline: 72 hours after property becomes vacant. Pool rule: Drained or 6-ft locked fence. Property inspections: Weekly by local management company.

Section 15.62.100 authorizes civil penalties up to $1,000 per day for violating the maintenance or registration requirements, capped at $100,000 per parcel per year, plus interest at ten percent annually on unpaid amounts. The city can also administratively abate the nuisance itself under Section 15.62.080 and bill the responsible party for cleanup, boarding and legal costs, or pursue summary abatement for conditions posing an immediate safety threat.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Rialto actively enforces its vacant lot maintenance requirements.

Property Blight

Rialto treats abandoned, partially destroyed, unsecured or hazardous structures as public nuisances and can order rehabilitation, repair or demolition after a fifteen-day notice and hearing before the property maintenance hearing board, with costs becoming a lien on the property.

Key details: Governing sections: RMC 18.72.010(B), 18.72.020, 18.72.030. Notice to abate: 15 days before hearing set. Hearing body: Property maintenance hearing board. Unabated cost recovery: Lien / special assessment on property. Hearing location: 150 S. Palm Ave., Rialto City Hall.

Failure to abate a declared nuisance lets the city rehabilitate, repair or demolish the structure itself under Section 18.72.020, with the cost assessed against the property as a lien or special assessment collected the same way as delinquent municipal taxes, including the same penalties and tax-sale procedures.

This is one of the stricter rules in Rialto's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Rialto is tougher than many cities when it comes to property maintenance. Out of the 2 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Rialto, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Rialto's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.