Corvallis, OR Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Corvallis Municipal Code Section 9.02.090.06.020.065 declares rank vegetation, weeds, tall grass, or other noxious vegetation a public nuisance on any lot in the city under any of three conditions: when the Fire Chief or a designee finds it a fire hazard under Title 7, when it creates a public safety hazard such as blocking sight lines at an intersection or driveway or blocking the right-of-way, or simply when it grows past 10 inches between May 15 and September 30. The rule applies whether the lot is built on or vacant; Section 9.02.090.06.040.090 separately requires every vacant structure and vacant parcel of land to be kept clean, safe, secure, and sanitary so it does not create blight or a public-health or safety risk.

The 10-inch season standard carries a narrow carve-out for land used for agricultural purposes or land that qualifies as Naturescape under Section 9.02.080.04(45). Enforcement follows the same path as any other exterior violation: Housing and Neighborhood Services Code Compliance opens a case on complaint or the Director's own initiative under Section 9.02.070.03, and an uncorrected violation is subject to a correction notice under Section 9.02.100.01.010 with a standard compliance window of 7 days, plus 3 days if the notice is mailed, under Section 9.02.100.02(1). If the city itself has to clear the lot, Section 9.02.120.05 lets the Director recover the cost plus a 15 percent administrative overhead charge, and unpaid costs become a lien against the property under Section 9.02.120.06.