San Jose requires owners of vacant lots and unimproved properties to maintain them free of weeds, rubbish, debris, and hazards under SJMC Chapter 9.10 and the City's nuisance abatement provisions. Vegetation on vacant lots must be maintained below 18 inches in height. The City conducts seasonal weed abatement programs and can perform abatement at the owner's expense if violations are not corrected within the compliance period.
Vacant lot owners must prevent accumulation of combustible materials, maintain perimeter fencing in good repair, and secure the property against unauthorized entry. The Santa Clara County Fire Department and San Jose Fire Department may also enforce fire hazard regulations on vacant properties. Properties subject to repeated abatement may be enrolled in a mandatory maintenance monitoring program.
Failure to maintain vacant lots can result in administrative citations of $100-$1,000 per violation. The City may perform weed and debris abatement and bill the property owner, with unpaid costs becoming a lien on the property.
San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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San Jose, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Santa Clara County.
See how other cities in Santa Clara County handle vacant lot maintenance.
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