Alhambra, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- § 6.26.030(A)(1)
- State cross-reference
- Health & Safety Code § 17920.3
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor or administrative fine
- Cost recovery
- Lien, treble costs possible
- Adopted
- Ord. 4667, Feb. 9, 2015
Summary
Alhambra Municipal Code § 6.26.030(A)(1) makes any dangerous, unsafe or substandard building, structure or property a public nuisance the moment it meets the Uniform Housing Code, Los Angeles County Building Code or Residential Code definition of substandard, or shows any condition listed in California Health and Safety Code § 17920.3. Owners face abatement orders, liens and misdemeanor prosecution under § 6.26.040.
The city council finds and declares that, notwithstanding any other provision of the Municipal Code, it is a public nuisance and unlawful for any person owning, leasing, occupying, or having charge of any property or premises in the city to allow, cause, create, maintain, or suffer, or permit others to cause, create, or maintain the following conditions on such property or premises: (A) Any real property or premises in the city with one or more of the following conditions: (1) Unsafe, substandard or dangerous structure, building or property. (a) Any dangerous building, unsafe building, unsafe structure, substandard building, or substandard property as defined by the Uniform Housing Code, Los Angeles County Building Code, or Los Angeles County Residential Code, as adopted and amended by the Alhambra Municipal Code. (b) Any building or structure, or portion thereof, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the conditions listed in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3, and any future amendments thereto.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
3, the state's substandard-housing statute covering defective plumbing, wiring, structural hazards, inadequate sanitation and similar hazards. 180 if the condition is an imminent hazard. 230 lets the city treble those costs when a responsible person fails to comply after a prior notice. 13, with every day of continued violation a distinct offense.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining a dangerous, unsafe or substandard building violates § 6.26.030(A)(1) and is punishable under § 6.26.040 as a misdemeanor per § 1.12.010, or by administrative fine under Chapter 1.13, at the city's election. Every day the condition continues is a separate offense. If the responsible person fails to abate after notice, the city may perform the work itself, record a lien for the full cost under § 6.26.220, and treble those abatement costs under § 6.26.230.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building substandard under Alhambra's nuisance code?
What happens if I don't fix a substandard building in Alhambra?
Is maintaining a substandard building a crime in Alhambra?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
California rules heatmap·Compare Alhambra to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
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