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Yakima, WA Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: YMC § 11.40.301.3 (+.301.4.1)
Standard: Clean, safe, secure, sanitary
Boarding standard: 1/2-inch sheathing within 7 ft of grade
Penalty: $250-$1,000 escalating (§11.40.106.4)
Daily penalty: $50/day continuing violation
Appeal: Hearing examiner, 20 days (§11.40.111)

Summary

Vacant land and vacant structures in Yakima must be kept in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition under YMC § 11.40.301.3, part of the city's local amendments to the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code. If a vacant building has to be boarded up to stop unwanted entry, § 11.40.301.4.1 sets the minimum securing standard: half-inch structural wood sheathing over any opening within seven feet of grade.

301.3 Vacant structures and land. Vacant structures and premises thereof or vacant land shall be maintained in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition as provided herein so as not to cause a blighting problem, a nuisance, or adversely affect the public health or safety.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4980636; v1 updated 2026-08-03; through 08-03-2026).

Full Breakdown

5-inch screws or equivalent, spaced no more than six inches apart around the opening's perimeter. 107 describing the property by its Yakima County Assessor parcel number, stating the violation and the required correction, and informing the owner of appeal rights. 4: $250 for failing to abate after the notice deadline, escalating to $500, $750 and $1,000 for repeat offenses within 24 months, plus $50 per day the violation continues. 6, collected through the Yakima County tax rolls. 111.

Violations & Fines

Failing to keep a vacant lot or structure clean, safe, secure and sanitary, or failing to properly board a vacant structure, draws a code compliance penalty starting at $250 for missing the abatement deadline, rising to $500-$1,000 for repeat violations within 24 months under § 11.40.106.4, plus $50 for each additional day the violation continues. The code official may instead issue a civil infraction of up to $250. Unpaid penalties become a lien collected through the county tax rolls.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Yakima require for vacant lots?

YMC § 11.40.301.3 requires vacant land and vacant structures to be kept in a clean, safe, secure and sanitary condition so they don't cause a blighting problem, a nuisance, or a public health or safety hazard.

How must a vacant building be boarded up in Yakima?

Under § 11.40.301.4.1, unsecured doors, windows and other openings within seven feet of grade must be covered with at least half-inch structural wood sheathing (or an approved plastic or metal panel), screwed on with fasteners spaced no more than six inches apart.

What's the fine for an unmaintained vacant lot in Yakima?

Under § 11.40.106.4, missing the deadline to abate after a notice of violation costs $250, rising to $500, $750 and $1,000 for repeat offenses within 24 months, plus $50 for every additional day the violation continues.

Can I appeal a Yakima vacant-lot violation notice?

Yes. § 11.40.111 lets any affected person appeal to the city's hearing examiner within 20 days of the notice or order, and filing a timely appeal stays enforcement except for imminent-danger notices.

Sources & Official References

[1]Yakima Municipal Code § 11.40.301.3, eCode360

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