Modesto's Property Maintenance Code (MMC Title 9, Chapter 9) requires all properties, including vacant lots, to be kept free of overgrown vegetation, weeds exceeding 12 inches, rubbish, and debris. Violations are nuisance conditions subject to abatement and civil penalties.
Modesto Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 9 (Property Maintenance Code), Article 5, Section 9-9.509 defines nuisance conditions applicable to all properties including vacant lots. A lawn or vegetation area is deemed overgrown when any part exceeds 12 inches in height. Accumulation of weeds, dirt, litter, rubbish, or debris that constitutes visual blight is prohibited. Neglected or dead vegetation that is diseased, debris-laden, weed-infested, or dying from lack of care is also a violation. Vegetation that obstructs visibility or impedes pedestrian or vehicular traffic on public rights-of-way violates the code. Modesto Code Enforcement Unit administers complaints; owners receive a notice of violation before abatement proceedings begin.
Administrative citations: $100 (first), $250 (second), $500 (third offense). Civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day may be assessed for continued non-compliance. City may abate and bill the property owner.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance expressly exempts aircraft and railroad operations; aircraft noise around Modesto City-County Airport is governed by federal FAA ru...
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has no blanket overnight parking ban. The default rule is the 72-hour storage limit (sec. 3-2.1002). Residential Parking Permit Zones under Article 1...
Modesto, CA
Modesto zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fen...
Modesto, CA
Modesto's zoning ordinance limits a residential dwelling unit to two dogs (5+ months old) and three cats (3+ months old). Larger numbers, exotic animals, or ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code § 10-3.202 allows up to 12 domestic fowl (hens only - no roosters), plus 2 pygmy goats and 2 miniature potbellied pigs (no boars), per...
See how Modesto's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.