Vacant lots in San Diego must be maintained free of debris, rubbish, waste, and excessive vegetation under the City's public nuisance ordinance (SDMC Ch. 5, Art. 4). The Vacant to Vibrant Homes initiative encourages conversion of vacant lots to housing. Overgrown vegetation is treated as both a nuisance and fire hazard, particularly in VHFHSZ areas where brush management requirements under §142.0412 apply even to vacant parcels.
San Diego mandates that vacant lot owners maintain their property to prevent blight and safety hazards. Requirements include regular mowing and weed control (grass must not exceed height limits, typically 8 to 12 inches), removal of trash and debris, securing abandoned structures, and preventing illegal dumping. Vacant lots near occupied properties must not harbor vermin or create fire hazards. Some jurisdictions require vacant property registration with annual fees. The municipality may mow and abate conditions on non-compliant lots and charge costs to the property owner.
Written notice with compliance deadline. Municipal mowing/cleanup at owner expense ($200 to $500+ per occurrence). Liens placed on property for unpaid abatement costs.
San Diego, CA
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San Diego, CA
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San Diego, CA
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San Diego, CA
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San Diego, CA
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San Diego, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how San Diego's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
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