Property Maintenance in Monterey County, CA (2026)

2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Monterey County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Monterey County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Property Blight

The county's Property Maintenance Code (Ch. 18.14) makes a blighted structure or premises a public nuisance: vacant buildings and land must stay clean, safe, and sanitary so they don't "cause a blighting problem," weeds over four inches are prohibited, and the Building Official can order repair, abatement, or demolition at the owner's cost.

Monterey County Property Blight Standards

Significant Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 18.14.040(A), (B)(3)

All vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem or adversely affect the public health or safety. ... Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of four (4) inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Monterey County's Agricultural Commissioner can move onto private property, including vacant and unimproved land, to eradicate officially classified noxious weeds under Monterey County Code § 10.46.040 when an owner neglects to control them. The County then bills the owner for the full cost of eradication, due within 30 days, or places a lien on the property if unpaid.

Monterey County Noxious Weed Abatement Rules

Some Restrictions

Monterey County Code § 10.46.040

Eradication of weeds in Group 1 which occur in small outlying infestations will be undertaken in accordance with one of the following programs:1.If the infestation is of such size that the cost to the County would be less than other abatement proceedings, then the entire cost of eradication will be borne by the County.2.If the property owner neglects or abandons his or her Group 1 noxious weeds...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Property Maintenance by City in Monterey County

1 cities in Monterey County have their own property maintenance rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

SalinasPop. 163,542

3 verified rules • Property Blight, Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

All Monterey County ordinances

See every category we cover for Monterey County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Monterey County Ordinance Hub →