Garden Grove, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Garden Grove enforces property blight and nuisance standards under Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 (Property Maintenance) and Chapter 1.20 (Nuisance Abatement). Properties, both occupied and vacant, must be maintained in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition. Conditions classified as blight or nuisance include: accumulation of junk, trash, or debris on the property; abandoned, dismantled, or inoperable vehicles; overgrown vegetation and weeds; peeling, faded, or deteriorated exterior paint; broken or boarded windows; damaged fencing or walls; graffiti; stagnant water; and excessive outdoor storage visible from the street. The city conducts both complaint-driven and proactive code enforcement inspections. Property owners receive a notice of violation specifying the conditions and a compliance deadline, typically 10 to 30 days depending on the severity. If the owner fails to correct the violation, the city may proceed with administrative citations, nuisance abatement hearings, and cost recovery. In extreme cases, the city may abate the nuisance and place a lien on the property for costs incurred. The city's Code Enforcement division works with property owners to achieve voluntary compliance when possible.