Property Maintenance in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
5 verified property maintenance rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Trash Bin Storage
Trash bins in Santa Monica must be stored properly when not out for collection. The Resource Recovery & Recycling Division provides collection services. Bins should be placed curbside on collection day and promptly returned.
Santa Monica Trash Bin Storage & Placement
Some RestrictionsProperty Blight
Santa Monica enforces strict property maintenance under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Deteriorated fences, unsightly structures, and unmaintained landscaping are violations. Properties must be maintained to not diminish neighboring property values or enjoyment.
Santa Monica Property Blight & Nuisance Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Vehicle Code Section 22660 (Local Authority to Adopt Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Ordinances)
22660. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a city, county, or city and county may adopt an ordinance establishing procedures for the abatement and removal, as public nuisances, of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof from private or public property, and for the recovery, pursuant to Section 25845 or 38773.5 of the Government Code, or assumption by the...
Vacant Lot Maintenance
Santa Monica has a specific vacant property maintenance program under SMMC Ch. 13.04. All vacant properties must be maintained in non-blighted, safe, and secure condition. The program prevents community blight from lack of maintenance and security.
Santa Monica Vacant Lot Maintenance Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsSnow & Sidewalk Clearing
Snow is not applicable in Santa Monica due to its coastal Southern California climate. There are no snow removal or sidewalk clearing ordinances. Property owners maintain adjacent sidewalks under general maintenance duties.
Santa Monica Snow & Sidewalk Clearing Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Streets and Highways Code Section 5610 (Adjacent Property Owner Sidewalk Maintenance Duty)
5610. The owners of lots or portions of lots fronting on any portion of a public street or place when that street or place is improved or if and when the area between the property line of the adjacent property and the street line is maintained as a park or parking strip, shall maintain any sidewalk in such condition that the sidewalk will not endanger persons or property and maintain it in a co...
Garage Sale Rules
Garage sales in Santa Monica are generally permitted for residential properties without a formal permit. Sales should be occasional and not create nuisance conditions. The property maintenance code SMMC Ch. 13.02 applies to maintaining orderly premises.
Santa Monica Garage Sale Property Maintenance
Few RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
Property Maintenance in Los Angeles County →