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

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

Key Facts

Plan deadline
30 days after lot goes vacant
Landscape height
Min. 2 ft, drought-tolerant
Dead vegetation fix window
72 hours
Graffiti removal window
24 hours

Summary

The City of Bellflower, Los Angeles County, forces owners of vacant and unimproved lots to file a landscape and irrigation plan and keep the property planted, watered, and free of litter, weeds, and debris.

Unimproved Vacant Lot Types. Persons owning or maintaining vacant lots that were never developed or became vacant after pre-existing buildings, structures or impervious surfaces were removed, must provide a landscape and irrigation plan to the Director for approval within 30 days of the real property becoming vacant. ... The vacant property must always be maintained free of litter, weeds, graffiti, debris, and the stockpiling of any material.

Full Breakdown

Under BMC § 8.40.030, owners of vacant lots, undeveloped or vacant/unleased 90+ days, must submit a landscape and irrigation plan to the Planning Director within 30 days of the property becoming vacant. Once approved, perimeter areas facing streets must carry drought-tolerant landscaping at least two feet tall (or synthetic turf), an automatic irrigation system, and Director-approved perimeter fencing. The property must stay free of litter, weeds, graffiti, and stockpiled material, with dead vegetation replaced within 72 hours and graffiti removed within 24 hours of notice.

Violations & Fines

Noncompliance is enforced as a public nuisance under BMC Chapter 8.36, and the City can require compliance within 60 days of notice (extendable up to 180 days); persistent violations expose the responsible party to administrative citations and abatement costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all vacant lots in Bellflower need a landscape plan?
Yes. BMC § 8.40.030(B) requires owners of unimproved vacant lots to submit a landscape and irrigation plan to the Director within 30 days of the lot becoming vacant.
Is a construction site exempt?
Yes, § 8.40.030(G) exempts vacant property actively under construction or with an unexpired building permit.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bellflower

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