Aliso Viejo, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Subsection G of section 8.24.010 lists twelve conditions that make a building or structure an unsafe nuisance when present to a significant degree. They include exits of insufficient width or arrangement, damage from earthquake, wind, flood or any other cause that leaves structural strength appreciably below the building code minimum for a new structure, parts likely to fall, detach or collapse, and exterior ornamentation not anchored to resist wind pressure or earthquake forces. A structure that is manifestly unsafe for its use, or so damaged or deteriorated that it becomes an attractive nuisance to children or a harbor for vagrants or criminals, is covered too.

Dwellings get their own tests: a building used for dwelling purposes that is unsanitary or unfit for human habitation when so determined by the director of the health care agency, or one with light, air and sanitation facilities inadequate to protect the people living within. Subsection G also reaches buildings that are a fire hazard, buildings maintained in violation of AVMC Title 13, and any unpermitted structure, addition or attachment for which a permit is required and has not been obtained. Subsection F separately treats premises maintained in a condition detrimental to public health, safety or general welfare as a public nuisance under California Civil Code Sections 3479 and 3480.

The abatement route sits in Chapter 1.06, Article III. The city manager or a designee issues a letter of determination to the record owner stating the conditions and a correction period. If the conditions remain, a notice of hearing must be served not less than 30 calendar days before the hearing. Notices are posted on or in front of the premises and also served personally or by registered or certified mail. A hearing officer decides whether a nuisance exists and can order abatement within a set time, with an extension for good cause.

If the owner does not comply, the city manager can have the nuisance abated by city personnel or private contract, and the owner is liable for all costs including administrative costs. The owner then has 10 calendar days to appeal the written accounting to the city council. Unpaid costs become either a lien recorded under California Government Code Section 38773.1 or an assessment collected with property taxes, and they are also a personal obligation of the owner.