Placerville Municipal Code Ch. 18 Vacant Parcel and Building Registration Program

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a registration and annual self-certification program for vacant parcels and buildings located within the commercial and industrial districts, and all vacant parcels within the incorporated areas of the City limits, in order to ensure they are legally occupied or, if vacant, are adequately secured and maintained. Developed residential-zoned properties are exempt from the registry requirement until City staff are directed otherwise. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

The following terms shall apply to this chapter as written unless context indicates or requires a different meaning:

OWNER: Any person or entity having legal title to the property.

VACANT: Any parcel or building that has not been legally occupied or actively used for its permitted purpose for at least sixty (60) consecutive days. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

Within ten (10) calendar days after a parcel or building becomes vacant, the owner shall register the property online with the Code Enforcement Official on a form provided by the City. There shall be no fee for registration or for any self-certification required by this chapter. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

For as long as the property remains vacant, the owner shall submit a simple self-certification online confirming compliance with the maintenance standards in § 8-18-5 . Self-certifications shall be due no later than October 15th of each year. Photographs are preferred to be included with the self-certification to show evidence of compliance, though not required. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

Every registered vacant parcel or building shall be maintained as follows:

(A) Structures shall be secured against unauthorized entry (locked or boarded windows/doors, intact fencing/gates).

(B) Vegetation shall be trimmed, debris, trash, and graffiti removed, and landscaping visible from the public right-of-way kept in a neat condition.

(C) Visible “No Trespassing” signs shall be posted and maintained in legible condition.

(D) Upon request, a “No Trespassing” letter shall be provided to the Placerville Police Department. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

If the owner prefers, they may designate a local contact person or company with authority to act on the owner's behalf. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

Failure to register, submit self-certifications, or maintain the property in compliance with this chapter shall constitute a violation of the Placerville Municipal Code and may be enforced through any remedy available under Chapters 1-4 and 8 of this Code, including administrative citations, nuisance abatement, and recordation of a notice of non-compliance. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)

This chapter shall expire automatically on December 31, 2026, unless extended by the City Council. No later than November 1, 2026, staff shall return to the City Council with a report on participation, compliance rates, resource impacts, and recommendations regarding continuation or modification of the program. (Ord. 1731, 1-13-2026)