Fresno requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their properties free of weeds, debris, and hazardous conditions under FMC Chapter 10. Vacant lots must keep vegetation below 12 inches, be free of trash and illegal dumping, and maintain secure fencing if they present an attractive nuisance. The City conducts proactive enforcement sweeps of vacant lots, particularly during fire season when dry vegetation poses combustion risks.
Vacant lot owners must mow or disc weeds before they exceed 12 inches in height. The San Joaquin Valley's hot, dry summers create significant fire risk from dry grass and weeds on vacant parcels. The City may issue abatement orders requiring cleanup within a specified period, typically 10-30 days. If owners fail to comply, the City may hire contractors to clean the lot and bill the property owner, placing a lien on the property if payment is not received. Repeated violations escalate to administrative hearings.
Failure to maintain a vacant lot results in notices to abate, administrative citations ($100-$500), and potential City abatement with cost recovery liens placed on the property.
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapt...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatab...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated ...
Fresno, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the Cal...
Fresno, CA
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions ...
Fresno, CA
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Fresno County.
See how other cities in Fresno County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Fresno's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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