San Bernardino, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Chapter 8.15, the city's Anti-Litter Ordinance dating to 1966, treats vacant lots as a distinct enforcement category from occupied property. Section 8.15.150 requires the owner or person in control of any private property to maintain the premises free of litter at all times, with the only exception being litter stored in authorized collection receptacles. Section 8.15.160 goes further for unimproved land, making it unlawful for any person, not just the owner, to throw or deposit litter on any open or vacant private property within the city. "Litter" is defined broadly in § 8.15.020 to include garbage, refuse and rubbish, and expressly includes animal excrement and any other waste material that tends to create a public nuisance when thrown or deposited in violation of the chapter. Enforcement runs through the city's code enforcement officers and, per § 8.15.170(B), any officer authorized to enforce the municipal code as well as persons authorized under Chapter 9.90's administrative citation program.