Vacant Lot Maintenance: Santa Paula vs Simi Valley

I own a vacant lot in Santa Paula. What are my obligations?

Clear weeds over 6 inches, remove debris, and maintain fire safety. Fallow agricultural land must also be maintained. Annual inspections begin in spring.

What if people dump trash on my vacant lot?

Report to Community Development at (805) 933-4214 and Santa Paula PD at (805) 525-4474. You are responsible for cleanup, but the dumper faces up to $25,000 in penalties if caught.

Do fallow agricultural parcels need maintenance?

Yes. Even if not actively farmed, the lot must be cleared of excessive weeds and fire hazards. The fire department inspects all parcels annually.

What are my responsibilities as a vacant lot owner in Ventura County?

You must clear weeds annually (by early June), remove trash and debris, secure the property against unauthorized access, prevent illegal dumping, and comply with fire zone defensible space requirements. The county inspects vacant lots as part of its annual abatement program.

Can I be held responsible for illegal dumping on my vacant lot?

Yes. Property owners may be held responsible for cleanup costs even if they did not do the dumping. Securing your property with fencing and posting no-dumping signs can help prevent illegal dumping and demonstrate reasonable efforts.

How much does county abatement cost for a vacant lot?

County-performed weed abatement typically costs $500-$3,000 depending on lot size, plus $200-$500 in administrative fees. These costs are billed to your property tax bill. Performing your own abatement is significantly less expensive.