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Modesto, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
MMC § 9-9.509
First citation
$100
Max civil penalty
$2,500 per violation per day
Enforcement agency
Modesto Code Enforcement Unit
Contact
209-577-5250

Summary

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.

22660. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a city, county, or city and county may adopt an ordinance establishing procedures for the abatement and removal, as public nuisances, of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof from private or public property, and for the recovery, pursuant to Section 25845 or 38773.5 of the Government Code, or assumption by the local authority, of costs of administration and the removal. (Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 126, Sec. 1.)

Source: MMC § 9-9.509 – Modesto Municipal Code Title 9, Ch. 9, Art. 5View official code

Full Breakdown

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.

Violations & Fines

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What conditions can trigger a property blight citation in Modesto?
Accumulation of trash, rubbish, or debris visible from the street; broken windows; structural deterioration; and neglected landscaping all qualify under MMC § 9-9.509.
How much are fines for property blight violations?
Administrative citations start at $100, escalate to $250 then $500. Serious ongoing violations can draw civil penalties up to $2,500 per day under the Code Violation Legal Process.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Modesto

Snow & Sidewalk ClearingSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Veterinary Clinic ZoningSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Pet Groomer RulesSome RestrictionsSign Regulations: Freeway-Facing SignsSignificant Restrictions

All Modesto rules

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