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Visalia, CA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)

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

Key Facts

First misdemeanor fine
Up to $500
Second violation fine (within 1 year)
Up to $1,000
Salvage/lumber storage limit
72 hours if visible from public street
Recycle bins
Must be removed from front yard after pickup day
Each day violation continues
Treated as a new and separate offense

Summary

Visalia declares a wide range of property conditions public nuisances: including abandoned vehicles, broken-down equipment, dilapidated structures, unsecured buildings, and any condition visible from public streets that is offensive, hazardous, or detriments surrounding property values.

It is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and a violation of this Chapter for an owner or other person in control of said property or premises to keep or maintain property, premises or rights-of-way in such a manner that any of the following conditions exist:

A. Abandoned, dismantled, wrecked, inoperable, unlicensed, and discarded objects, equipment or appliances such as, but not limited to vehicles, boats, water heaters, refrigerators, furniture which is not designed for outdoor use, household fixtures, machinery, equipment, cans or containers standing or stored on property or sidewalks or streets which can be viewed from a public street or walkway, alley or other public property...

D. Lumber (excluding lumber for a construction project on the property with a valid permit), salvage materials, including but not limited to auto parts, scrap metals, tires, other materials stored on premises in excess of seventy-two (72) hours and visible from a public street, walkway, alley or other public property;

E. Receptacles for discarded materials and recyclables which are left in the front yard following the day of the regularly scheduled refuse pick-up for the property;

F. Swimming pool, pond, spa, or other body of water, or excavation which is abandoned, unattended, unsanitary, empty, which is not securely fenced, or which is determined by the enforcement officer to be detrimental to life, health or safety;

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-50: Municipal Code contains Supplement, current through Ordinance 2025-15, passed 12-15-2025).

Full Breakdown

The nuisance list in § 8.40.030 covers abandoned or wrecked objects visible from public streets; garbage or recyclables creating fire or health hazards; oil, grease, chemicals, or volatile substances posing hazards; stored lumber or salvage materials visible from the street beyond 72 hours; unfenced or unsanitary pools; dilapidated premises; and fire hazards. Trash bins left in the front yard after the pickup day also constitute a nuisance. The enforcement officer may inspect properties and issue administrative enforcement orders.

Violations & Fines

First misdemeanor conviction: up to $500 fine and/or 30 days jail. Second violation within 1 year: up to $1,000 fine and/or 90 days jail. Third and subsequent violations within 1 year: up to $2,500 fine and/or 6 months jail. Each day of violation is a separate offense. Infraction alternative: $50/$100/$250.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I park a non-running car in my driveway?
A wrecked, dismantled, or inoperable vehicle visible from a public street or walkway is declared a public nuisance under § 8.40.030(A).
How long can I leave lumber or building materials in my front yard?
More than 72 hours visible from a public street, unless it is for a construction project on that property with a valid permit.
What happens when the city issues an enforcement order?
You have a deadline to abate; failure triggers administrative penalties that accrue daily, and eventually the city can abate the nuisance itself and bill you, placing a lien on your property.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Visalia

All Visalia rules

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