La Habra, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- La Habra Municipal Code § 8.16.030
- Adopted
- Ordinance CC 2026-01, April 6, 2026
- Notice period
- 10 days' written notice before hearing
- Appeal window
- 15 calendar days to city council
- Repeat violation penalty
- Treble abatement costs, Gov. Code § 38773.7
Summary
In the City of La Habra, Municipal Code Section 8.16.030 declares a damaged, dilapidated or structurally unsafe building a public nuisance, whether or not adequate egress exists or the property poses a fire hazard. The Community and Economic Development Department can order the owner to abate the condition, and unresolved violations proceed to a hearing officer, a city council appeal, and a lien against the property for abatement costs.
§ 8.16.030. Substandard property conditions designated. It is unlawful and hereby declared a public nuisance for any person owning, leasing, occupying or having charge or possession of any property in the city to maintain thereon any substandard property condition as defined by this code. Substandard property conditions shall include, but not be limited to: ... ... H. Maintaining buildings or structures, or portions thereof, which are damaged, dilapidated, or inadequately or improperly maintained such that they are structurally unsafe, or do not provide adequate egress, or which constitute a fire hazard, or which are otherwise dangerous to human life or which in relation to existing use constitute a serious threat to the public's health, safety and general welfare.
Full Breakdown
Section 8.16.030, adopted by Ordinance CC 2026-01 on April 6, 2026, designates twenty categories of substandard property conditions, including subsection H: buildings or structures that are damaged, dilapidated, or inadequately maintained so they are structurally unsafe, lack adequate egress, present a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life. The section also reaches buildings left in an unreasonable state of partial construction for six months or more. Once the director identifies a substandard building, Section 8.16.110 requires ten days' written notice by mail to the owner and posting on the property before a hearing officer hears the case under Section 8.16.120.
If the hearing officer finds a public nuisance, an abatement order sets a deadline and method of correction; the owner may appeal to the city council within fifteen calendar days under Section 8.16.130. If the owner does not abate in time, Section 8.16.150 lets the city manager abate the nuisance by city forces or private contract, and Section 8.16.180 converts the unpaid abatement cost into a special assessment against the property under California Government Code Section 38773.5. A second civil or criminal judgment against the same owner within two years can result in treble abatement costs under Government Code Section 38773.7.
Violations & Fines
A substandard building violation is a public nuisance abated through the notice, hearing and order process in Sections 8.16.100 through 8.16.170, not a standalone misdemeanor charge. Unpaid abatement costs become a special assessment on the property recorded with the Orange County recorder, collectible like ordinary municipal taxes, and a repeat violation within two years can be assessed at triple the abatement cost under Government Code Section 38773.7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a building a public nuisance in La Habra?
Who decides whether my building is a nuisance?
What happens if I don't fix a dangerous building myself?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in La Habra
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