Orange County Municipal Code Art. 3 Maintenance Standards for Vacant Properties

(a) Mandatory standards. All vacant real property in county territory shall be secured and maintained at a level not less than the following standards during the time period that such property remains vacant real property:

(1) Graffiti: All structures, equipment, walls, and fencing on the property shall be maintained free of graffiti pursuant to Division 15 of Title 3 of this Code.

(2) Rubbish, litter and weeds: All landscaped, concrete, dirt, or paved open areas on the real property and adjoining public parkway shall be kept clear of rubbish, litter, and weeds.

(b) Additional standards. When deemed necessary and/or in order to maintain the safety of persons or property, the following standards may also be imposed:

(1) Access points: All windows, doors, and other open access features to the structures on the real property shall be boarded up and secured in compliance with the appropriate code standard. All boards visible from the building's exterior shall be painted to match the building's exterior.

(2) Fencing: The property shall be fenced on all sides along the property line with a chain link fence or other type of secure fencing at a minimum height of 6 feet from grade, or greater, as determined by the code enforcement or building official. The fence shall be properly posted with no trespassing signs, and kept clear of all other signs, except lawfully installed real estate signs for the lease or sale of the property and signs identifying ownership of the property or fencing.

(3) Security lighting: All structures which could be used for human habitation shall have an operable and effective exterior security lighting system. The front and rear yards shall each be illuminated with a minimum of one light. The lighting shall be capable of illuminating the structure's exterior so as to be visible from the street or alley from dusk to dawn. However, the lights shall be shielded to avoid lighting adjacent properties.

(Ord. No. 02-005, § 1, 7-23-02)

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

(Ord. No. 02-005, § 1, 7-23-02)