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

Section 3-13-3(a) of the Orange County Codified Ordinances declares developed property a public nuisance when it is not maintained per Sections 3-13-7 and 3-13-8 and is in a condition detrimental to the health, safety, or welfare of the public or adjoining property. Section 3-13-7 sets specific minimum standards: structures may not remain partially destroyed, abandoned, unsecured, or in a state of partial construction more than 30 days; exterior surfaces and roofs must be free of significant cracks, missing materials, warping, or dry rot; painted surfaces must prevent decay, cracking, and peeling; all structures, walls, and fencing must be kept free of graffiti (per Title 3, Division 16); broken windows and replacement of windowpanes with non-glass materials are prohibited; and walls, fences, and trash enclosures must be free of significant cracks, leaning, or missing panels. The County uses the Division 14 nuisance-abatement process to compel correction. Enforcement is by OC Development Services Neighborhood Preservation, which works to maintain healthy, safe communities in the unincorporated areas. Report blight via the Neighborhood Preservation Hotline (714-667-8853) or myOCeServices.ocgov.com.