San Bernardino, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

San Bernardino treats blight as a public nuisance under California Civil Code 3479 and Municipal Code Chapter 8.30, which defines declared public nuisances to include accumulated trash and debris, junk vehicles, overgrown weeds taller than 6 inches, dead vegetation, graffiti left unabated for more than 72 hours, peeling paint, broken windows, open and unsecured structures, and similar conditions visible from adjoining property or the public way. Code Enforcement officers inspect in response to complaints and also conduct proactive sweeps in neighborhoods like the Arden-Guthrie area, Central City, and along major arterials. The standard enforcement process is a courtesy notice giving 10 to 30 days to abate, followed by an administrative citation under Chapter 9.92 typically starting at 100 dollars for a first offense, 200 dollars for a second within 12 months, and 500 dollars for each subsequent offense. Serious or health-threatening conditions such as open structures, sewage discharge, or hoarding can be abated summarily by the city, with costs recovered as a special assessment or lien on the property. Junk and abandoned vehicles on private property are cited under Chapter 8.30 and Vehicle Code 22660, while those on the public street are handled under Vehicle Code 22669 with a 72-hour tow rule. Property owners may appeal administrative citations within 20 days.