Olympia, WA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

OMC 16.06.030 sets up the City of Olympia's vacant real property registration program. Section 901.2 applies to a property that is vacant and uninhabited or vacant and in default, and the definition of property covers unimproved or improved, residential or commercial real property. Vacant and uninhabited means no water or sewer utilities provided for six continuous months or more. The companion Property Maintenance Code Section 301.3 says vacant structures and vacant land must be kept clean, safe, secure and sanitary so as not to cause a blighting problem, and must be registered.

Registration is valid for one year, renewed on the anniversary of the initial submittal until the property is transferred or becomes legally occupied (Section 901.8). Changes of information are due within 14 days, and the prior owner must notify the Director in writing within 14 days of occupancy or transfer. A corporation or out of area (outside Thurston County) owner must retain a local property manager. The owner, lender or other responsible person must inspect monthly and report results as the Director requires (Section 901.9).

Maintenance duties in Section 901.10 cover weeds, overgrown vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials and junk vehicles, accumulated newspapers and circulars, and graffiti, which must be removed or painted over. The owner must also maintain the yard to City standards, secure any pond, pool or hot tub, avoid the appearance of abandonment, and register the property with the Olympia Police Department trespass program. Section 901.11 requires securing against unauthorized access and a posting of at least 18 inches by 24 inches, legible from 45 feet, naming the local property manager.

The Director of Community Planning and Development administers the program and can require additional measures, including security lighting, more frequent inspection, an on-site security guard or disconnecting utilities (Sections 901.4 and 901.14).