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

A vacant house by itself is not a violation in unincorporated Sacramento County, but the County's guidance notes that if a home is vacant, open, and accessible and is being entered by unauthorized persons, Code Enforcement can respond, including boarding the structure. Vacant lots and properties must still meet vegetation and nuisance standards. County guidance describes a nuisance where vegetation is completely dead and over 12 inches tall covering more than 50% of the front or side yard visible from any street, and where weeds exceed 12 inches over 50% of the yard (the County cites Sacramento County Code 16.18.401(X) and (Y) and 16.23.010). For fire-hazard weed abatement, the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District inspects properties during the dry-season months of May through November; property owners must keep land cleared of weeds, grass, vines, or other growth capable of being ignited and endangering neighboring properties, and after cutting, weeds must be no more than one inch in height with all cuttings removed. Non-compliant parcels receive a Notice to Abate. For vacant and foreclosed properties, the fire district directs people to Sacramento County Code Enforcement at (916) 875-5656. Junk and rubbish on vacant lots must also be removed or fully enclosed.