Bakersfield, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

010, "Maintenance of property, Violation of specified standards," declares it unlawful and a public nuisance for anyone owning, leasing or possessing property to let listed conditions exist. Several subsections speak directly to unimproved or vacant lots: subsection G bars "construction equipment or machinery of any type or description parked or stored on the owner's property where it is readily visible to the general public," except during an active building permit for that or an adjoining property. junk, trash, debris or salvage materials," with narrow exceptions for stacked firewood and lumber delivered within the prior ten days for an active project.

Subsection I bars visible abandoned or discarded furniture, appliances and fixtures. Subsection K targets fill dirt: any fill containing concrete, asphalt or rubbish, or fill not wetted, compacted and graded to within eighteen inches of adjacent grade within thirty days of delivery or excavation, is a violation. Subsection D separately covers overgrown, dead, decayed or hazardous vegetation likely to attract vermin, create a fire hazard, or endanger public safety. 010, an infraction fine starting at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $250 for each additional offense within a year, or a misdemeanor up to $1,000 and six months in county jail, with each day of continued violation a separate offense. 050(B)(1)), with abatement costs billed to the owner.