Property Maintenance in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
3 verified property maintenance rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Property 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
Some 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 requires owners of vacant or substantially vacant properties to register them with the city, maintain them in a safe and non-blighted condition, and pay ongoing monitoring fees: with tiered inspection and security standards.
Property Maintenance: Vacant Lots
Significant RestrictionsSanta Monica Municipal Code §§ 13.04.010, 13.04.030, 13.04.040, 13.04.045
§ 13.04.010. Purpose. All vacant property shall be maintained in a non-blighted, safe, and secure condition, consistent with the requirements of this Chapter. § 13.04.030(m). "Vacant property" means any property that is substantially vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned for more than ninety days, unless significant construction, pursuant to an active building permit, is taking place or an inspecti...
Snow & 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
Some 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...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
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