Vacant Lot Maintenance: Clovis vs Fresno
How do vacant lot maintenance rules compare between Clovis, CA and Fresno, CA?
Clovis has fewer restrictions than Fresno.
Clovis, CA
Fresno County
Vacant lot owners in Clovis must keep weeds under 12 inches and remove debris. Weed abatement program runs annually in spring; city can abate and lien.
View full Clovis rules →Fresno, CA
Fresno County
Fresno requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their properties free of weeds, debris, and hazardous conditions under FMC Chapter 10. Vacant lots must keep vegetation below 12 inches, be free of trash and illegal dumping, and maintain secure fencing if they present an attractive nuisance. The City conducts proactive enforcement sweeps of vacant lots, particularly during fire season when dry vegetation poses combustion risks.
View full Fresno rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clovis | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Weed Limit | 12 inches | - |
| Notice | Annual spring | - |
| Compliance Window | 30 days | - |
| Lien Surcharge | 25-40% admin | - |
| Code | CMC Title 8 | - |
| Code Section | - | FMC Chapter 10 |
| Weed Height | - | Must not exceed 12 inches |
| Fire Season | - | Enhanced enforcement during dry months |
| Abatement | - | City may clean and lien for costs |
| Citations | - | $100-$500 per violation |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clovis FAQ
Who is responsible for maintaining a vacant lot in Clovis?
The property owner is responsible for all maintenance, including weed abatement, trash removal, securing the lot against unauthorized entry, and removing graffiti within 48 hours. This applies regardless of whether the owner lives locally or out of the area.
What happens if a vacant lot in Clovis is not maintained?
Code Enforcement issues a notice of violation with a compliance deadline. If the owner does not comply, the city may issue administrative citations starting at $100 and escalating to $500. For fire hazards, the city can abate the lot directly and place a lien on the property to recover costs.
Fresno FAQ
How often do I need to maintain my vacant lot in Fresno?
Vacant lots must be maintained year-round with vegetation kept below 12 inches. During the dry summer months, the City increases enforcement due to fire risk from dry weeds and grass.
What happens if I don't maintain my vacant lot?
The City will issue a notice to abate, followed by administrative citations. If you still don't comply, the City may clean the lot and place a lien on your property for the cleanup costs.
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