Davis, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- DMC § 23.01.030(2), (11), (12)
- State cross-reference
- Health & Safety Code § 17920.3
- Correction window
- 30 days, or immediate if dangerous
- Can pair with
- Stop work order, § 23.04.030
- Owner liability
- Full abatement cost + attorney fees
Summary
A Davis building that is dilapidated, fire-hazardous or otherwise unsafe, or that meets the state definition of a substandard building under Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3, is a public nuisance under Municipal Code Section 23.01.030. The code compliance administrator can order repairs or demolition through a formal notice and order.
(2) Any dangerous, unsightly, or blighted condition that is detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of the public; ... (11) Any condition of a building or structure deemed to be unsafe or that in the discretion of the code compliance administrator or the department head, would constitute a threat to public safety, health, or welfare, or poses a security problem by reason of dilapidation, fire hazard, disaster, damage or other similar occurrence specified in this Code or any other applicable law; (12) Any condition of a building or portion thereof which constitutes a substandard building, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3 or its successor;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4915048; v22 updated 2026-05-19).
Full Breakdown
030(2) declares any dangerous, unsightly or blighted condition detrimental to public health, safety or welfare a nuisance, and paragraph (11) extends that to any building or structure the code compliance administrator or department head determines, in their discretion, to be unsafe or a security problem because of dilapidation, fire hazard, disaster or damage. 3 is likewise a Davis nuisance. 050 routes them to a notice and order rather than a simple notice of violation. 030 that halts any permitted project work until the violation is fixed. 05, including attorney fees.
Violations & Fines
Violating the abatement chapter is a misdemeanor under Section 23.02.030, punishable by a fine of up to one thousand dollars, up to six months in county jail, or both, with each day of continuing violation charged as a separate offense. The city can also pursue civil action, summary abatement of an urgent hazard, and recovery of its costs and attorney fees as a special assessment lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building 'substandard' under Davis code?
How long do I have to fix a dangerous building violation?
Can the city stop construction while a violation is pending?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davis
California rules heatmap·Compare Davis to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
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