Orange County Municipal Code Art. 2 Property Maintenance Standards

All developed real property in county territory shall be maintained at so that its condition is not less than described in the following standards.

(1) Condition of structures. Structures shall not be partially destroyed, abandoned, unsecured, or permitted to remain in a state of partial construction for more than thirty (30) days. Buildings or structures shall not be boarded up for a period in excess of ten (10) days without a valid demolition or building permit on file, except in compliance with sections 7-1-18 and following of this Code.

(2) Building exteriors and roofs. Exterior building surfaces and roofs shall be maintained free of significant surface cracks, missing materials, warping, dry rot which either threaten the structural integrity, or result in a dilapidated, decaying, disfigured, or partially ruined appearance.

(3) Use of tarps. Excluding emergency repairs, it is prohibited to use tarps for roof and building repairs. Additionally, the use of tarps for vehicle covers, or temporary canopies, enclosures, and/or awnings is prohibited in any outdoor area visible from any public right-of-way.

(4) Paint. Painted surfaces on buildings, trash enclosures, walls, retaining walls, fences, and structures shall be maintained in order to prevent decay, excessive checking, cracking, peeling, chalking, dry rot, warping, or termite infestation.

(5) Graffiti. All structures, equipment, walls, and fencing on the property shall be maintained free of graffiti pursuant to division 16 of title 3 of this Code.

(6) Lighting. All exterior light fixtures shall be maintained in good working order free of broken lamps, lenses, and light bulbs. Furthermore, the structural integrity of all supporting poles and mounting fixtures shall be maintained. All insulation and connections shall be intact and free of exposed wire.

(7) Windows. Broken windows and glass doors and the use of materials other than glass as a replacement or covering of windowpanes are prohibited.

(8) Window screens. All window and glass door screens shall be maintained free of tears, rips, and holes. On residential rental properties, window screens are required on all windows.

(9) Trash bins. Trash bins or dumpsters shall be kept within an enclosed building, trash enclosure, or screened from public view to the maximum extent feasible. Overflowing trash bins or dumpsters due to inadequate number of bins and/or request for service from the trash hauler is prohibited. Use of commercial trash bins for residential uses in the R-1 zone is prohibited.

(10) Walls, fences, and trash enclosures. All walls, retaining and crib walls, and fences abutting public rights-of-way (including alleys), and trash enclosures, shall be maintained free of significant surface cracks, dry rot, warping, deterioration, leaning, missing panels or blocks which either threaten the structural integrity, or result in a dilapidated, decaying, disfigured, or partially ruined appearance.

(11) Parking areas, sidewalks. Parking areas, private alleys, driveways, sidewalks, and walkways shall be maintained free of potholes, cracks, breaks, lifting, and other deteriorated conditions.

(12) Signs. All signs shall be maintained in order to prevent deterioration, disrepair, and unsightliness.

(13) Excavations. Excavations, abandoned wells, shafts, basements, and other holes shall be properly secured to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

(14) Landscaping. Landscaping shall be maintained pursuant to section 7-9-132 et seq. of this Code. All landscaping visible from public rights-of-way shall be maintained in a healthy condition free of dying, dead, diseased, decayed, discarded and/or overgrown vegetation.

(15) Parkway landscaping. In residential areas, the public parkway shall be landscaped and maintained by the adjacent property owner(s). The landscaping shall be maintained in a healthy condition free of dying, dead, diseased, decayed, discarded and/or overgrown vegetation.

(16) Drainage. Onsite drainage improvements shall be maintained in order to prevent deterioration, disrepair, and ineffectiveness.

(17) Rodent and vermin control. All property, including landscaped areas, buildings, and structures, shall be maintained free of rodents and other vermin.

(18) Outdoor drying. In all residential zones or residential developments, the outdoor airing and/or drying of laundry, clothes, other household linens, or food is permitted only in rear or side yards, provided that the items are not visible from public rights-of-way.

(19) Pools. Barrier fencing and gates for swimming pools and spas shall be maintained as required by the California Building Code. Swimming pools and spas shall not contain unfiltered or stagnant water.

(20) Address numerals. Street address numerals shall be maintained pursuant to following:

a. Single-family units. Street addresses shall be visible from the public street and may be displayed either on the front door, on the fascia adjacent to the main entrance, or on another prominent location. When the property has alley access, address numerals shall be displayed in a prominent location visible from the alley. Numerals shall be a minimum six (6) inches in height with not less than one-half-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the background.

b. Multi-family units. Street address shall be visible from the public street and shall be displayed on the complex identification sign. If there is no complex identification sign, the street address may be displayed on the fascia adjacent to the main entrance or on another prominent location. When the property has alley access, address numerals shall be displayed in a prominent location visible from the alley. Street address numerals shall be a minimum six (6) inches in height with not less than one-half-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the background. Identification of individual units shall be provided adjacent to the unit entrances. Letters or numerals shall be four (4) inches in height with not less than one-quarter-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the background.

c. Nonresidential properties. Street address shall be visible from the public street and shall be displayed on the freestanding sign. If there is no freestanding sign, the street address may be displayed on the fascia adjacent to the main entrance or on another prominent location. When the property has alley access, address numerals shall be displayed in a prominent location visible from the alley. Numerals shall be a minimum twelve (12) inches in height with not less than three-quarters-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the background. Identification of individual units shall be provided adjacent to the unit entrances. Letters or numerals shall be four (4) inches in height with not less than one-quarter-inch stroke and shall contrast sharply with the background.

(Ord. No. 02-005, § 1, 7-23-02; Ord. No. 09-010, § 6, 12-15-09)

Compliance with the standards contained in this article shall be at the sole cost of the responsible party for the real property and shall not limit the remedies or recovery of costs for the abatement of any real property found to be in violation by Board of Supervisors or its designee pursuant to this Code.

(Ord. No. 02-005, § 1, 7-23-02)