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Sacramento County, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Light Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 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.

City-specific rules exist: Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, Florin, Elk Grove, Sacramento, and Isleton have their own property blight rules that differ from Sacramento County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

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.

Source: Sacramento County Municipal CodeView official code

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?
No. Sacramento County Code Enforcement covers only the unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities such as Sacramento, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and Galt have their own separate code enforcement and blight rules.
Can I store appliances or auto parts in my yard?
Per County guidance, items like appliances, electronics, automotive parts, tires, and scrap materials must be kept inside a fully enclosed structure. Stored outdoors where they are visible and create blight, they can be cited as a nuisance.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Sacramento County

All Sacramento County rules

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Property Blight in Cities Across Sacramento County