Standards for Boarding a Vacant Structure
San Diego Municipal Code § 54.0308
in effect§54.0308 Standards for Boarding a Vacant Structure
Except as provided in Section 54.0308(i), the responsible person or Director shall board a vacant structure according to all of the following specifications and requirements:
(a) Remove all waste, rubbish or debris from the interior of the vacant structure;
(b) Remove all waste, rubbish, debris or excessive vegetation from the yards surrounding the vacant structure;
(c) Barricade all unsecured doorways, windows or exterior openings with minimum 1/2 inch thickness exterior grade plywood which shall extend to the molding stops or studs;
(d) Mount at least two wood stocks of minimum 2 x 4 inch thickness to the reverse face of the plywood with minimum 3/8 inch carriage bolts mated with nuts and two flat washers;
(e) Extend the stock a minimum of eight (8) inches on each side of the interior wall;
(f) Cause all hardware to be galvanized or cadmium plated;
(g) Paint all exterior barricade material the predominant color of the structure;
(h) Post the premises. One or more signs shall be posted at or near each entrance to the vacant structure and on fences or walls as appropriate. The signs shall remain posted until the vacant structure is either lawfully occupied or demolished. Signs shall contain the following information: DO NOT ENTER. It is a misdemeanor to enter or occupy this building or premises or to remove or deface this notice. Trespassers will be prosecuted. The sign shall be of a size of no less than 18” x 24” in size and the lettering shall be of a font size that is legible from a distance of 45 feet.
(i) In lieu of requiring the responsible person to board a structure as set forth in Sections 54.0308(a) through (h), the Director may allow the responsible person to board the vacant structure in a manner in which the Director determines adequately prevents unauthorized entry or vandalism. In any event, a responsible person shall post the premises with signs as required by this Division, including as set forth in Section 54.0308(h).
(“Standards for Boarding a Vacant Structure” renumbered, retitled and amended from Sec. 54.0306 on 5–28–1996 by O–18301 N.S.)
(Amended 10-10-2012 by O-20203 N.S.; effective 11-9-2012.)
(Amended 5-5-2015 by O-20481 N.S.; effective 6-4-2015.)
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=7Fetched: 10/28/2026