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
Section 23.01.030(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. Paragraph (12) folds in state law directly: any building or portion of a building that is a substandard building as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3 is likewise a Davis nuisance.
Because these findings usually involve structural or technical code problems, illegal construction or conversions, illegal plumbing, mechanical or electrical work, or unsafe or substandard housing, Section 23.04.050 routes them to a notice and order rather than a simple notice of violation. A notice and order must be corrected within thirty calendar days of issuance, or immediately if there is an imminent danger risk, and it can be paired with a stop work order under Section 23.04.030 that halts any permitted project work until the violation is fixed.
The property owner remains responsible for the condition under Section 23.01.040 regardless of any lease or contract with a third party, and if the city has to abate the condition itself, the owner is billed for the full cost of the work under Article 23.05, 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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