Abandoned Properties Regulations
San Diego Municipal Code § 54.0306
in effect§54.0306 Abandoned Properties Regulations
(a) An abandoned property where code or public nuisance violations exist constitutes a public nuisance per se.
(b) In determining whether a vacant structure or vacant lot meets the definition of abandoned property, the Director shall consider the length of vacancy as a factor contributing to the existence of a public nuisance.
(c) A commercial vacant structure which meets the definition of an abandoned property as provided in this Division, shall continue to be deemed a vacant structure until there is a lawfully permitted business operating in the vacant structure on a daily basis. The Director may make an exception based on the nature of the particular business.
(d) It is unlawful for any responsible person for an abandoned property to fail to lock, barricade or secure all doors, windows and other openings to any vacant structure on the property in accordance with the standards listed in this Division.
(e) It is unlawful for any responsible person for an abandoned property to fail to remove from the entire property including the interior of any vacant structure, any of the following: litter, waste, rubbish, solid waste, liquid waste, debris, unpermitted vehicles, storage not incidental to the corresponding zoning use for the property, or excessive vegetation as determined by a fire inspector to constitute a fire hazard.
(f) It is unlawful for any responsible person for an abandoned property to fail to erect fences, barriers, berms or other suitable means to discourage access and to discourage illegal dumping or littering on the property when requested by the Director.
(g) It is unlawful for any owner of an abandoned property or any owner’s agent to fail to file a Letter of Agency with the San Diego Police Department or to fail to update the Letter of Agency every six months.
(h) It is unlawful for any responsible person for an abandoned property to fail to maintain the property in accordance with the abatement requirements listed in an Abatement Notice and Order or other written notice issued by the Director.
(i) It is unlawful for any responsible person for an abandoned property to fail to maintain the property in accordance with the maintenance standards listed in this Division.
(“Duty to Clean and Secure or Board” renumbered, retitled and amended from Sec. 54.0303, 5–28–1996 by O–18301 N.S.)
(Amended 2-7-2006 by O-19460 N.S.; effective 3-27-2006.)
(Retitled to “Abandoned Properties Regulations“ and amended 10-10-2012 by O-20203 N.S.; effective 11-9-2012.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter05/Ch05Art04Division03.pdf#page=4Fetched: 10/28/2026