5 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Historically the unincorporated county had no franchised carts, so trash-can storage was governed only by the Title 9 nuisance and waste-accumulation rules. Starting July 1, 2026, mandatory three-cart collection brings standardized 96-gallon black (trash), blue (recycling), and green (organics) containers to franchised unincorporated zones, with placement set by the hauler.
Unincorporated Imperial County treats accumulated trash, junk, and other deteriorating conditions as a public nuisance under Title 9. Section 90501.20 makes it a misdemeanor or infraction to let trash, rubbish, garbage, cans, bottles, paper, or refuse accumulate on private property where it can support vermin, and Division 13 provides the abatement and cost-lien process.
Owners of vacant parcels in unincorporated Imperial County must keep them free of overgrown weeds, accumulated trash, junk, and abandoned vehicles. These conditions are nuisances under Title 9: Division 18 covers weeds, §90501.20 covers waste accumulation, and Division 26 covers inoperative vehicles, all abatable with a cost lien.
Garage and yard sales are allowed in unincorporated Imperial County residential zones without a special use permit, but Title 9 limits each sale to two consecutive days and no more than two sales per year, contained on the property. Directional signs not removed within 24 hours after the sale are fined $50, and violations are a misdemeanor.
Title 9, Division 18 makes it unlawful for any owner or occupant in unincorporated Imperial County to let land become overgrown and infested with weeds and other vegetation. The county uses a 'fire menace when dry' and 'noxious or dangerous' standard rather than an inch measurement, with a misdemeanor penalty and a cost-lien abatement process.
See every category we cover for Imperial County — parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Imperial County Ordinance Hub →