Sacramento County, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Sacramento County only
- Cited nuisance code
- Sacramento County Code 16.18.401
- State standard
- CA Health & Safety Code 17920.3
- Junk/rubbish storage
- Only inside a fully enclosed structure
- Report blight
- Code Enforcement (916) 875-5656
- Enforcement approach
- Voluntary compliance, then abatement
Summary
In unincorporated Sacramento County, accumulating junk, garbage, rubbish, inoperable vehicles, or storing materials that create visual blight outside a fully enclosed structure is a public nuisance enforced by County Code Enforcement under the Sacramento County Code.
22660. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a city, county, or city and county may adopt an ordinance establishing procedures for the abatement and removal, as public nuisances, of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof from private or public property, and for the recovery, pursuant to Section 25845 or 38773.5 of the Government Code, or assumption by the local authority, of costs of administration and the removal. (Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 126, Sec.
Full Breakdown
Sacramento County Code Enforcement handles property blight in the unincorporated areas (outside the City of Sacramento and other incorporated cities). The County's published guidance states it is unlawful for any person to store or keep junk, garbage, and/or rubbish outside a fully enclosed structure. Materials treated as junk/rubbish include scrap metals (except in heavy industrial zones), automotive parts, tires and equipment, appliances and electronics, damaged or worn outdoor furniture, packing materials and containers, and scrap building materials or wood. These items must be stored inside a fully enclosed structure.
401 among its blight provisions). 3 to determine substandard conditions in inhabited dwellings. Enforcement aims for voluntary compliance through notification and education; if a property owner does not comply, the County can pursue abatement, including removing junk, rubbish, and junk vehicles. Conditions visible from adjacent property or the public right-of-way that constitute visual blight or reduce the neighborhood's aesthetic appearance are specifically targeted. Report blight to Sacramento County Code Enforcement at (916) 875-5656.
Violations & Fines
Code Enforcement seeks voluntary compliance through notice and education. Continued non-compliance can lead to County abatement (removal of junk, rubbish, and junk vehicles) with costs charged to the property owner, plus administrative penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this apply inside the City of Sacramento?
Can I store appliances or auto parts in my yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
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