Modesto's Property Maintenance Code, MMC § 9-9.509, declares blighted or deteriorating conditions public nuisances. The Code Enforcement Unit issues administrative citations and civil penalties against owners of properties with visible junk, debris, broken structures, or neglected landscaping.
Modesto Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9, Article 5, Section 9-9.509 identifies actionable nuisance conditions including: accumulation of weeds, dirt, litter, rubbish, or debris constituting visual blight; broken windows or structural deterioration causing appreciable diminution of surrounding property values; and neglected or inadequately maintained landscaping. The Code Enforcement Unit (CEU), operating under the Modesto Police Department, responds to complaints and conducts inspections. Upon finding a violation, CEU issues a notice to comply. If the owner fails to remedy the condition, administrative citations are issued. Major violations may be referred for civil penalty assessment. The city also lists 'junk and debris in public view' and 'unmaintained vacant properties' as common code violations.
Administrative citations: $100 (first), $250 (second), $500 (third). Civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day for major violations; total capped at parcel/structure value.
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Modesto, CA
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