Compton, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

5 times the California Building Code's allowed working stress, earthquake or fire damage that has cut structural strength below code minimums, portions likely to fall or collapse, 33% or more damage to structural members (or 50% to a non-supporting wall), unsanitary or uninhabitable dwelling conditions found by the Health Officer, and any building left abandoned, vandalized, and unsecured for more than six months. Substandard residential buildings are those failing the California Building Code's Housing Code volume. 4 declares all such buildings public nuisances subject to abatement.

The Building Official inspects and reports, then the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board, or a Hearing Officer the City Manager appoints, holds a hearing on notice posted and served at least 10 days ahead, issuing written findings within 60 days. Orders must specify repair if the building can reasonably be fixed, vacation if it endangers occupants' health or safety, or demolition where damage reaches 50% or the structure is a fire hazard. Every order sets a start date of not less than 10 nor more than 30 days after issuance, with the Building Official or Board able to grant extensions up to 120 days for good cause.

An owner has 10 days after service to appeal to the Board or Hearing Officer, who may affirm, modify, or annul the order; an unappealed order becomes final on the 11th day. If the owner doesn't comply, the Department may sell the building's materials or repair or demolish it using the Repair and Demolition Fund, then assess the cost as a lien on the property, adding an administrative surcharge of up to 30% of costs but not less than $100. Assessments of $50 or more may be paid in as many as five annual installments carrying interest of up to 6% per year.