Palmdale, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Section 8.36.070 defines a substandard property as any property within the City found to be a nuisance, or to have nuisance conditions, under Chapter 8.36's long list of blight triggers, ranging from broken windows and unsecured structures to outdoor storage of junk, dead landscaping, and buildings vacant more than 30 consecutive days without an active repair permit. Section 8.36.080 makes it 'the duty of the owner of any property within the City to prevent and abate nuisances on such property.'

Before issuing a formal notice, Section 8.36.090 lets the Enforcement Officer post informal information on the property explaining the violation and how to fix it. If the condition is not resolved, Section 8.36.100 requires a written notice describing the substandard conditions and generally gives the owner 30 days to correct them, served by personal service, certified mail, and posting on the property. Section 8.36.110 allows the City to record a formal declaration of substandard property against title through the County Registrar-Recorder, with release costs due before the declaration is lifted, and Section 8.36.120 authorizes posting a warning sign reading 'SUBSTANDARD PROPERTY: DO NOT ENTER OR DAMAGE.'

An owner who disputes the notice must file a hearing request with the City Clerk within 20 calendar days under Section 8.36.140; a Hearing Officer appointed by the City Manager hears the matter within 60 days and rules within 14 business days, per Sections 8.36.150 through 8.36.170, with no appeal to the City Council. If the owner still will not comply, Section 8.36.180 lets the City abate the property itself, and Section 8.36.200 recovers the City's actual costs, staff time, and attorneys' fees from the owner, with unpaid amounts becoming a recorded lien under Section 8.36.220 or a special assessment on the property tax roll.