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

Westminster does not exempt vacant or undeveloped parcels from its nuisance code. Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 (Nuisances) applies to any property in the city and reaches overgrown vegetation, weeds, accumulated rubbish, junk, debris and unlawful dumping, all of which are common problems on empty lots. The code defines weeds to include vegetation grown to a height in excess of twelve (12) inches (Section 8.20.030 vegetation standards), so an unmaintained lot with tall, dead, or rank growth that could harbor rodents or vermin can be cited. Fencing on a parcel must be upright and in good repair. Illegal dumping of trash and debris on a vacant lot is also prohibited under the city's property-maintenance provisions. If the owner does not correct the condition after notice, the city's Code Enforcement Division may abate it through city forces or a contractor and record a lien against the property to recover the costs. These are City of Westminster requirements enforced by city staff, not by Orange County. Report nuisance vacant lots to Code Enforcement at (714) 548-3246 or via the MyWestminster app.