Lake County, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Lake County's Code Enforcement guidance states plainly that 'open and outdoor storage is not allowed on vacant or unimproved land' — even one inoperable vehicle is only allowed on certain improved rural/agricultural lots (RR, RL, A, APZ, TPZ) with a primary residential use, never on vacant land. For fire safety, the County's weed-and-brush requirements apply to every parcel: all parcels less than 5 acres must have all combustible growth in excess of 4 inches in height cut and removed or disked, and rubbish, dead vegetation and prunings left or abandoned on property must be removed. For parcels 5 acres or larger, owners may use firebreaks instead of clearing the whole lot — combustible growth must be cleared at least 30 feet from all structures and access roads, with additional 30-foot cross-cut firebreaks dividing the remainder into sections no larger than 2.5 acres. Sidewalks, planter strips, alleys and ditches adjacent to a parcel are the property owner's responsibility. Increased fire danger runs May 15 to November 1; properties must be maintained throughout the entire dry season and are subject to inspection.