Pismo Beach, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

Chapter 8.20 of the Pismo Beach Municipal Code is the city's nuisance abatement ordinance. Section 8.20.020(A) says each structure, premises or other condition it declares a public nuisance can be abated at the sole discretion of the city.

Under subsection B, any structure that exists, or is maintained or used, in violation of any requirement or prohibition of any law, ordinance or permit is a nuisance. The section names two examples: any defective or deteriorated building that constitutes a potential fire hazard, that might result in structural failure or that creates an unhealthful condition for surrounding residents, and any abandoned or vacated building or structure left in disrepair that is easily accessible to the public.

The procedure is decided by the City Council, not by a staff inspector. Under § 8.20.040 the council adopts a resolution of intent to hold a public hearing, describing the premises by street address, lot, block, tract and parcel number. The city clerk posts the resolution and notice on the premises within thirty days after passage and at least fifteen days before the hearing (§ 8.20.050), and serves each owner at least fifteen days before the hearing (§ 8.20.060). After the hearing the council decides whether a nuisance exists and can order abatement within thirty days or another time limit it sets (§ 8.20.090). An owner or interested person has thirty days from the abatement resolution to bring an action contesting it (§ 8.20.100).

Abatement can be rehabilitation, repair, demolition, removal or other appropriate action (§ 8.20.030). The owner can do the work at his own expense before the deadline, which ends the proceeding (§ 8.20.110). If the owner does not, the clerk files a certificate with the county recorder, and the council can direct city forces or a private contractor to do the work (§ 8.20.120).