Los Angeles, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Prohibited conditions
- Trash, debris, vehicle parts, rubbish, excessive vegetation on any parcel with a vacant building
- Security method 1
- Minimum 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood with bolts not removable from outside
- Security method 2
- Minimum 16-gauge steel mesh on 1"×1/8" angle iron frame, bolted from inside
- Fencing requirement
- 10-foot high unobstructed chain link fence with lockable gates
- Graffiti
- Must be removed by washing, sandblasting, chemical treatment, or covered with paint
- Swimming pools
- Pool water must be drained if property is vacant
Summary
Owners of vacant lots and buildings in Los Angeles must prevent accumulation of trash, debris, vehicle parts, and excessive vegetation, must secure vacant buildings against unauthorized entry using approved methods such as 3/4-inch plywood or 16-gauge steel mesh, and must erect a 10-foot chain link fence around the property unless directed otherwise by the Department.
91.8904.1. Duties of the Owner of Vacant Property. It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in control of a parcel of land to permit the accumulation of trash, debris, vehicle parts, rubbish, excessive vegetation or other similar nuisance conditions on a parcel or in and around any building or structure located on a parcel.
It shall be unlawful for the owner or person in control of a parcel of land to allow a vacant building or structure to be open to unauthorized entry on that land. The entire building or structure shall be securely maintained. The owner or person in control of a vacant building, structure, or lot which is open to unauthorized entry shall secure all openings, accessible for entry from the exterior of the building or structure, and where appropriate, the entire lot itself, with one of the following methods:
1. Minimum 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) exterior grade plywood...with minimum 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) bolts which shall not be removable from the outside.
2. Minimum 16-gauge steel mesh attached to a minimum 1 inch by 1/8 inch (25 mm x 3.175 mm) angle iron frame...with minimum 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) bolts which shall not be removable from the outside.
Unless directed otherwise by the Department, the owner...also shall erect a 10 foot (3048 mm) high, unobstructed, chain link fence complete with lockable gates.
Full Breakdown
LAMC § 91.8904.1 (amended by Ord. No. 188,197, effective April 11, 2024) creates several distinct duties. First, no accumulation of trash, debris, vehicle parts, rubbish, or excessive vegetation is permitted on any parcel containing a vacant building. Second, vacant buildings must be physically secured: all exterior openings accessible from outside must be covered with at least 3/4-inch exterior-grade plywood bolted from the inside, 16-gauge steel mesh on a 1"×1/8" angle iron frame, or another Department-approved method. Third, owners must erect a 10-foot high unobstructed chain link fence with lockable gates. Graffiti visible from a public street must be completely removed or painted over. Swimming pool water must be removed from vacant properties. If the property again becomes open or graffiti reappears, the Department may order re-abatement with only 3 days' notice.
Violations & Fines
Failure to comply is a public nuisance. The Department may issue an order giving 10 days (by certified mail) or 5 days (by personal service) to perform the work. If the owner does not comply, the City or its contractor may enter and abate the nuisance. All costs are a personal obligation against the property owner, plus a 40% administrative fee (minimum $100). Costs may become a lien against the property. Repeat violations may lead to monthly inspections with annual fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
How must I secure the doors and windows of my vacant building?
What if graffiti appears on my vacant building after I've already cleaned it up?
Do I need to drain my swimming pool if my property is vacant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles
California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles to another location·View the California property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle vacant lot maintenance.