Santa Monica, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)
Key Facts
- Vacancy threshold
- Unoccupied 90+ days; or fewer than 35% of units occupied
- Registration deadline
- By July 1, 2026 or within 30 days of becoming vacant
- Inspection frequency
- At least weekly by owner or agent; written reports to Director required
- No-trespassing sign size
- Minimum 17 × 22 inches with lettering no smaller than 1 inch
- Groundcover height limit
- Plants not exceeding 6 inches; hedges, bushes, shrubs not exceeding 42 inches
- Enforcement
- 4-tier system; monitoring fees set by City Council resolution; unpaid fees may become property liens
Summary
Santa Monica requires owners of vacant or substantially vacant properties to register them with the city, maintain them in a safe and non-blighted condition, and pay ongoing monitoring fees: with tiered inspection and security standards.
§ 13.04.010. Purpose. All vacant property shall be maintained in a non-blighted, safe, and secure condition, consistent with the requirements of this Chapter.
§ 13.04.030(m). "Vacant property" means any property that is substantially vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned for more than ninety days, unless significant construction, pursuant to an active building permit, is taking place or an inspection by the Building and Safety Division has been conducted within the previous ninety days.
§ 13.04.040. General vacant property standards. Every vacant property shall be actively maintained, monitored, and secured in compliance with all of the following standards. (a)(1) A valid Trespass Arrest Authorization shall be kept on file with the Santa Monica Police Department empowering the Police Department to remove all unauthorized persons from the property. (a)(2) "No Trespassing" signs shall be posted and displayed along all street- or alley-facing property frontages and shall be visible to the public. The sign must be no smaller than seventeen by twenty-two inches in size, with lettering no smaller than one inch in height.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 13.04 defines a vacant property as any property unoccupied or abandoned for more than 90 days (where fewer than 35% of units are occupied). By July 1, 2026 (or within 30 days of becoming vacant), owners must register the property, pay fees, and submit a mitigation plan. Owners must keep a Trespass Arrest Authorization on file with the SMPD, post no-trespassing signs (at least 17 × 22 inches), maintain landscaping with groundcover no taller than 6 inches, remove trash and debris, and inspect the property weekly with written reports to the Director. Properties are assigned a Tier 1–4 designation based on condition; quarterly monitoring fees apply (waived for Tier 1 unless previously higher-tiered). Structures must be secured with specific sheeting or plywood standards. The Director may order additional security measures including fencing, motion-activated lighting, cameras, and on-site security personnel.
Violations & Fines
Violations subject to administrative citation under SMMC Chapter 1.09; each day is a separate offense. Unpaid fees may result in a lien or special assessment on the property. The city may also recover costs of monitoring, inspection, and securing the property from the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When must I register my vacant property with the city?
What are the basic security requirements for a vacant property?
Are there ongoing fees for keeping a property vacant?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
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Vacant Lot Maintenance in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle vacant lot maintenance.