Fresno County, CA Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Fresno County Code Chapter 15.32
- Key definition section
- Section 15.32.030(G), Substandard Housing
- State law layered on
- California State Housing Law Regulations, 25 CCR
- Legal effect
- Any qualifying defect is declared a public nuisance
- Enforcing office
- Code Enforcement Division / Enforcement Officer
Summary
Fresno County Code Section 15.32.030 defines the specific conditions that make a rental unit legally substandard: inadequate sanitation, structural hazards, hazardous wiring or plumbing, and faulty weather protection all qualify. Any dwelling with one or more of those defects is declared a public nuisance the county can order repaired or vacated.
"Substandard housing" means, in addition to the conditions described in subsection 15.32.030 C.1. through 17., that one (1) or more of the following conditions or defects are present in a dwelling unit, guest room, suite of rooms or the premises on which the same are located, which are ordinarily and customarily used for human habitation, to the extent that the life, limb, health, safety or property of the occupants or the public are in danger.1.Inadequate sanitation, which shall include but not be limited to the following:...f)Lack of adequate heating facilities;...6.Faulty weather protection, which includes but is not limited to the following:...b)Deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof, foundations or floors, including broken windows or doors;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 51).
Full Breakdown
005. 010 declares any substandard housing or dwelling a public nuisance outright. 030(G) then lists the qualifying conditions in detail. Inadequate sanitation covers the lack or improper condition of a water closet, lavatory, bathtub or shower, a missing kitchen sink, lack of hot and cold running water, lack of adequate heating, excessive dampness, insect or rodent infestation and lack of connection to a functional sewage disposal system. Structural hazards cover deteriorated foundations, floor supports or wall framing insufficient to carry imposed loads, and cesspools or septic tanks that are structurally unsound.
The section separately lists hazardous wiring, hazardous plumbing, including any trap unprotected against siphonage or a fixture without sufficient water for flushing, hazardous mechanical equipment, and faulty weather protection, meaning deteriorated plaster, ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof or foundations, broken windows or doors, and lack of paint or weathering protection. Fire hazard conditions, inadequate exits and inadequate fire-protection equipment round out the list. 060.
Violations & Fines
A dwelling found to have any qualifying defect is a public nuisance under Section 15.32.010, exposing the owner to a notice and order to abate, code enforcement inspection, and, for conditions posing an immediate and substantial threat, summary abatement including forced vacation of the property and disconnection of utility services under Section 15.32.045.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a rental unit substandard under Fresno County law?
Does the county have its own habitability code or does it just use state law?
What happens once a property is found substandard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fresno County
California rules heatmap·Compare Fresno County to another location·View the California rental property rules overview
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