Vacant lots in unincorporated Ventura County must be maintained to prevent fire hazards, nuisance conditions, and blight. Property owners are required to clear weeds, secure the property, and prevent illegal dumping under the county's property maintenance and fire prevention codes.
Owners of vacant lots in unincorporated Ventura County are responsible for maintaining their properties even when no structures are present. Requirements include annual weed abatement to reduce fire hazards, removal of accumulated trash and debris, securing the property against unauthorized access, and preventing erosion. Vacant lots in fire hazard severity zones must comply with all defensible space requirements. The county conducts annual inspections of vacant parcels as part of the weed abatement program, with compliance deadlines typically in early June. Vacant lots that attract illegal dumping, homeless encampments, or criminal activity may be subject to accelerated enforcement. Absentee owners are particularly targeted for enforcement as their properties often fall into disrepair.
County-performed weed abatement: $500-$3,000 billed to property tax. Failure to secure property: $250-$1,000 fine. Illegal dumping on vacant property: property owner may be held responsible for cleanup costs of $1,000-$10,000. Administrative fees of $200-$500 apply per enforcement action. Liens for unpaid abatement costs.
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley Municipal Code Chapter 22 establishes noise standards that prohibit excessive noise during nighttime hours in residential zones. The city enforce...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley regulates the use of leaf blowers and similar powered garden equipment through noise ordinance provisions. Gas-powered leaf blowers are subject t...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley requires vehicles to be parked on improved surfaces and prohibits blocking sidewalks, driveways, and fire hydrants. Driveway modifications requir...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley enforces a 72-hour street parking limit for all vehicles on public streets. Additional restrictions apply to specific streets, school zones, and ...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley regulates the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential properties. Vehicles must be stored in approved lo...
Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley restricts the parking and storage of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, heavy equipment, and vehicles with comm...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Ventura County.
See how other cities in Ventura County handle vacant lot maintenance.
See how Simi Valley's vacant lot maintenance rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.