San Benito County, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing sections
- § 1.06.030(A)(8), § 1.06.040
- Covered conditions
- Junk, debris, dead/overgrown vegetation
- First violation penalty
- Up to $1,000 per day
- Applies to
- Unincorporated San Benito County only
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County treats an overgrown, junk-strewn, or debris-covered vacant lot as a public nuisance, letting the county order the owner to clean it up or face civil penalties.
Any condition that constitutes a visual blight to a reasonable person of average sensibilities... Visual blight may include, but is not limited to, the keeping, storing, depositing, scattering over or accumulation on the premises any of the following: (a) Junk, trash, debris, scrap metal, wood, rubbish, or packing materials... (e) The existence of overgrown, dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, and other vegetation, including but not limited to dead agricultural groves.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
Section 1.06.030(A)(8) declares 'visual blight' a public nuisance whenever a property, viewed from the public right-of-way or a neighboring lot, is unsightly or degrades the neighborhood's appearance. It specifically lists junk, trash, debris, scrap metal, and packing materials, plus overgrown, dead, or hazardous vegetation likely to attract rodents or create a fire hazard, among the covered conditions. Under § 1.06.040, the enforcing officer can inspect the parcel, issue a notice to abate, and, for an immediate fire or safety hazard, direct summary abatement of the lot without prior notice.
Violations & Fines
Civil penalties run up to $1,000/day for a first violation, $2,000/day for a repeat, and $5,000/day for further violations within one year, plus abatement costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as visual blight on a vacant lot?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.