Sutter, CA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Vacant and undeveloped land in unincorporated Sutter County is covered by the County Property Nuisance Code (Chapter 1320, Ord. 1684, 2021). Section 1320-90(A)(10) declares it a public nuisance to allow 'any vacant or undeveloped lot on which there is an accumulation of trash, rubbish, garbage, or debris.' Upon written notice mailed to the owner of record that the lot is the site of illegal dumping or contains trash, rubbish or garbage, the owner must remove all such material within the time stated in the notice. If there are two or more violations of this section within a 24-month period, the owner must, at their own expense, erect a six-foot cyclone fence with posts set in the ground (or another fence type approved by the Community Development Director) around the lot within 30 days of the second Notice and Order, to prevent illegal dumping and unauthorized entry. If the owner fails to build the required fence within 30 days, the County may obtain an abatement warrant and erect the fence itself, placing all costs, including attorneys' fees, on the property as a special assessment lien or collecting them as a debt. It is unlawful to remove or interfere with such a fence, and the owner must maintain it. The owner may apply to remove the fence once the lot is being developed and grading or building permits have been issued, or the lot is no longer vacant. General Chapter 1320 penalties (misdemeanor and/or administrative citation) also apply.