Vernon Municipal Code Ch. 8.58 Vacant Property Registration

The City of Vernon finds that vacant properties, when left unregistered and unmonitored, can become a threat to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the community. Such properties may attract illegal activity, create fire hazards, contribute to neighborhood blight, depress surrounding property values, and impose increased demands on City Code enforcement, fire, and police services.

The purpose of the Vernon City Council through adoption of this chapter is to establish and maintain a mandatory registration system for vacant properties within the City to ensure that the City and its residents have access to current owner and responsible party contact information; that vacant properties are properly maintained, secured, and monitored; and that the costs of administering the program are borne by property owners whose properties are subject to registration in compliance with this chapter rather than by the general public.

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the City of Vernon's police power and its authority under the California Government Code, the California Health and Safety Code, and the Vernon City Code to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the community. Nothing in this chapter shall be interpreted to allow or encourage circumvention of the foreclosure statutes of the State of California.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below. Words and phrases not defined herein shall be given their ordinary meaning or, if applicable, the meaning ascribed to them elsewhere in the Vernon City Code or applicable state law.

"Accessible"

means a property or structure that unauthorized persons may gain access or entry to, including but not limited to, a compromised, breached, or unsecured gate, fence, door, wall, window or other unauthorized point of entry.

"City"

means the City of Vernon, a municipal corporation of the State of California.

"City Administrator"

means the City Administrator of the City of Vernon or their duly authorized designee.

"Days"

means calendar days unless otherwise specified.

"Director"

means the Director of Public Works, or their duly authorized designee, unless otherwise specified in this chapter.

"Evidence of occupancy"

means any condition visible from the exterior that, on its own or in combination with other conditions present, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is occupied by legally authorized persons. "Evidence of occupancy" includes, without limitation: secured/locked structures; absence of overgrown or dead vegetation; absence of an accumulation of mail, newspapers, or flyers; active utility services; absence of an accumulation of rubbish, trash, or debris; the presence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds or shutters; the presence of furnishings or personal items consistent with authorized occupation; or reports from neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, City staff, or law enforcement officers that the property is occupied; or actual contact with legally authorized occupants.

"Evidence of vacancy"

means any condition visible from the exterior of a property that, on its own or in combination with other conditions present, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the property is not occupied by legally authorized persons. "Evidence of vacancy" includes, without limitation: overgrown or dead vegetation; accumulation of mail, newspapers, or flyers; past-due utility notices or disconnected utilities; missing, broken or boarded-up windows or doors or other openings into the interior of any structures; accumulated rubbish, trash, or debris; a missing or inoperable utility meter; the absence of window coverings such as curtains, blinds or shutters; the absence of furnishings or personal items consistent with occupation; or reports, statements or complaints from neighbors, passersby, delivery agents, City staff, or law enforcement officers that the property is vacant; or any other condition that indicates the property has been deserted or is not being actively managed.

"Local property manager or agent"

means a natural person who maintains a physical business address or residence within Los Angeles County, is authorized and available to accept service of process and official notices on behalf of the owner, responds to property emergencies within 24 hours, and is accessible by telephone during normal business hours as provided for in Section 8.58.070.

"Owner"

means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, partnership, trust, or other legal entity that holds fee simple title or interest to real property located within the City of Vernon, as reflected in the official records of the Los Angeles County Assessor or Recorder. "Owner" includes any successor in interest, mortgagee or beneficiary who has acquired title following completion of foreclosure, and any property manager or agent authorized to act on behalf of the titleholder.

"Registration fee"

means the annual fee established by resolution of the City Council to offset the costs to the City of administering the vacant property registration program ("Program").

"Registration year"

means a calendar year beginning on January 1 through December 31.

"Registration"

means the act of filing a complete and accurate Vacant Property Registration Form with the City, together with payment of the applicable registration fee, as required by this chapter.

"Responsible party"

means the owner, the local property manager or agent, or any other person who has accepted responsibility for maintaining and managing a vacant property.

"Uninhabitable condition"

means any condition within or upon a structure or property that renders it unfit for human habitation or occupancy as defined by the Vernon City Code or applicable state law, including, but not limited to, conditions identified in California Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3.

"Unoccupied"

means not legally occupied. Factors that may be used, either alone or in combination, to determine whether a property is unoccupied include, but are not limited to, conditions of evidence of vacancy, property or structures that are accessible, property or structures evidencing uninhabitable conditions, or abandoned property.

"Vacant property"

means any unimproved or improved real property within the City of Vernon regardless of how that property is zoned that is: (1) unoccupied and unsecured; (2) unoccupied and secured by boarding or other similar means; (3) unoccupied and has one or more code violations; (4) has been unoccupied for a period of 60 or more consecutive days; (5) unoccupied and subject to a current notice of default, notice of trustee's sale, or pending tax assessor's lien sale; or (6) unoccupied and conveyed by foreclosure sale resulting in the acquisition of title by an interested beneficiary of a deed of trust or conveyed via a deed in lieu of foreclosure. A structure under active construction pursuant to a valid, unexpired building permit shall not be deemed "vacant property" solely by reason of construction activity occurring therein. For purposes of item (4) above, a property shall not be deemed "vacant" solely due to temporary unoccupancy that does not exceed 60 consecutive days if the property is actively maintained in compliance with Section 8.58.080, is fully secured in compliance with Section 8.58.090, and the owner provides written notice to the Director within 15 days of the commencement of the temporary unoccupancy describing the reason for an anticipated duration of the vacancy.

"Vacant Property Registration Form"

means the form prescribed by the Director for registration of a vacant property pursuant to this chapter, as may be amended from time to time.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. This chapter applies to all owners of vacant property located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Vernon, including:

1. Vacant residential properties, including single-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, condominiums, and any accessory dwelling units;

2. Vacant commercial, industrial, and mixed-use properties; and

3. Vacant lots or parcels upon which any structure is located, if any, regardless of the current use classification of such structure.

B. The obligations imposed by this chapter are upon the owner of record. Where a property is owned by more than one person or entity, all co-owners are jointly and severally liable for compliance with all of the provisions of this chapter.

C. In the case of a property that is the subject of a pending foreclosure action, the obligations imposed by this chapter shall attach to and be enforceable against the mortgagee or beneficiary that acquires title to the property at or following the completion of foreclosure proceedings. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a mortgagee, successor in interest or beneficiary that has obtained a court-ordered receiver or property manager or agent authorized to act on behalf of the titleholder over the subject property shall remain subject to this chapter as an "owner" for all purposes herein.

D. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit or supersede any other applicable provision of the Vernon City Code relating to property maintenance, nuisance abatement, building codes, or zoning regulations.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. Every owner of a vacant property located within the City shall register such property with the City within 30 days after the property becomes vacant or within 30 days after the effective date of this chapter for properties that are already vacant at the time of adoption, whichever is later. For properties that become vacant due to unforeseeable circumstances, including tenant abandonment, death or incapacity of the sole occupant, or natural disaster, the Director may grant an additional 30-day extension upon written request demonstrating good cause.

B. All persons with vacant property within the jurisdiction of the City shall have current and valid registration on file with the City pursuant to this chapter.

C. If a property that has been registered pursuant to this chapter subsequently becomes occupied by an authorized person, the owner shall notify the City in writing within 30 days of the commencement of such occupancy and request cancellation of the registration.

D. Registration under this chapter does not relieve an owner from the obligation to obtain any other permit, license, or approval required by the Vernon City Code or state or federal law.

E. The registration requirement of this chapter is in addition to, and does not supersede, any business license or other regulatory obligation that may apply to the property or its owner under Title 5 or any other title of the Vernon City Code.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. Every owner required to register a vacant property shall file a completed Vacant Property Registration Form with the Director. The form shall be made available on the City's official website and at the offices of the Department of Public Works.

B. The Vacant Property Registration Form shall include, at a minimum, the following information:

1. The Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) and street address of the vacant property;

2. A description of the current condition of the property, including all of the structure(s) located on the property, if any;

3. The name, mailing address, telephone number, and email address of all owners of record;

4. If the property is owned by a legal entity (corporation, LLC, partnership, trust, or other), the name, title, direct telephone number, and email address of the natural person authorized to act on behalf of the entity with respect to the property;

5. The name, business address, telephone number, and email address of the designated local property manager or agent pursuant to Section 8.58.070;

6. The date on which the property became vacant;

7. The reason for the vacancy, including any pending plans for reuse or redevelopment;

8. Whether the property is subject to an active foreclosure proceeding and, if so, the name and contact information of the mortgagee or trustee;

9. A description of the security measures in place or to be implemented pursuant to Section 8.58.090;

10. Identification of all utilities currently connected to or serving the property; and

11. Such other information as the Director may reasonably require to facilitate inspection, maintenance monitoring, emergency contract, or enforcement of this chapter.

C. The owner shall certify under penalty of perjury that the information provided in the registration form is true, correct, and complete as to the date the registration form is completed and submitted to the City.

D. The owner shall update the registration within 30 days of any change in the information required by subsection B.

E. The Director may require the submission of photographs, a site plan, or other documentation as necessary in the Director's sole discretion to facilitate the administration of this chapter.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The City Council shall establish, and may from time to time amend by resolution, a schedule of annual registration fees for vacant properties sufficient to offset the reasonable costs to the City of administering the vacant property registration program, including but not limited to: staff time for processing registrations, conducting inspections, maintaining a registration database, responding to complaints, coordinating with public safety agencies, and providing specialized monitoring and abatement services to registered vacant properties.

B. The fee schedule may differentiate between property types (residential, commercial, industrial) and may establish escalating fees for properties that remain vacant for successive registration year periods, in recognition of the increased regulatory burden associated with long-term vacancy.

C. The registration fee shall be paid at the time of filing the initial registration form and at the time of each annual renewal pursuant to Section 8.58.120. Fees are non-refundable except as provided in subsection D.

D. If a registration is canceled pursuant to Section 8.58.130 because the property has become lawfully occupied within 180 calendar days from the date of registration with the City, then the owner may apply to the Director for a pro-rata refund of the unused portion of the annual fee, not to exceed one-half of the amount paid. No refund shall be issued for a period with less than six months remaining in the registration year.

E. Failure to timely pay the registration fee shall constitute a violation of this chapter and shall subject the owner to the penalties set forth in Section 8.58.160.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. Every owner of a registered vacant property whose principal mailing address or place of business is located outside of Los Angeles County shall designate and maintain at all times a local property manager or agent for such property.

B. The local property manager or agent shall:

1. Maintain a physical business address or principal place of residence within Los Angeles County;

2. Be authorized and available to accept service of process, notices of violation, administrative orders, and other official notices from the City on behalf of the owner;

3. Respond to emergency calls, security notifications, or City inspection requests regarding the property within 24 hours;

4. Be reachable by telephone during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.;

5. Conduct or arrange for monthly inspections of the property to confirm it remains secured and in compliance with the maintenance standards of Section 8.58.080; and

6. Report any suspected vandalism, unauthorized entry, hazardous conditions, or other conditions affecting the safety or security of the property to the Director within 72 hours of discovery.

C. If an owner located within Los Angeles County elects to designate a local property manager or agent, the information for such person shall be included in the registration form, and the owner and the designated agent shall both remain jointly and severally responsible for compliance with this chapter.

D. Service of any notice, order, or citation upon the designated local property manager or agent shall constitute valid service upon the owner for all purposes under this chapter.

E. The owner shall notify the Director in writing within five business days of any change in the identity or contact information of the local property manager or agent.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The owner and responsible party of every registered vacant property shall maintain the property in compliance with all applicable provisions of the Vernon City Code and state law, including, but not limited to, Title 8 (Health and Safety), Title 15 (Building and Construction), Title 17 (Zoning), and any applicable property maintenance standards adopted by the City Council.

In addition to those requirements, the following minimum standards shall apply:

B. Exterior and Grounds.

1. All exterior surfaces of structures shall be maintained free of graffiti, unauthorized markings, or other visible deterioration that constitutes an attractive nuisance or a health or safety hazard.

2. Grounds shall be kept free of dead, diseased, or overgrown vegetation; accumulated debris, trash, or refuse; and any condition that constitutes a fire hazard.

3. All refuse or solid waste shall be removed from the property and not allowed to accumulate.

4. If the property was previously landscaped or maintained with living vegetation, that vegetation shall be maintained in a healthy condition or replaced with drought-tolerant landscaping consistent with the City's water conservation requirements.

5. Sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, and walkways shall be maintained clear of obstructions and in good repair.

C. Structures.

1. All structures shall be kept weatherproof, structurally sound, and free of conditions constituting a health or safety hazard.

2. All windows, doors, and other exterior openings shall be maintained in good repair, properly fitted, and capable of being secured against unauthorized entry.

3. Roofing, gutters, and downspouts shall be maintained to prevent moisture intrusion.

4. All structures shall be maintained free of pest infestations, mold, and other conditions that pose a public health risk.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The owner of a registered vacant property shall take all necessary steps to prevent unauthorized access to the property and to ensure that the property does not become accessible.

B. At a minimum, the following security measures are required:

1. All entry doors, including pedestrian doors and vehicular gates, shall be equipped with functioning locks or deadbolts and shall be kept locked at all times;

2. All windows accessible from grade level or from any accessible structure on the property shall be secured with functioning hardware that prevents unauthorized opening;

3. Any doors or windows that are missing, damaged, or unable to be secured shall be boarded or otherwise secured using materials and methods approved by the Director, and shall be repaired or replaced within 30 days of such temporary securement;

4. The property shall be posted with clearly legible "No Trespassing" signs meeting the requirements of California Civil Code Section 1008, posted at all entrances and at intervals not exceeding 200 feet along the property perimeter;

5. Exterior lighting sufficient to deter unauthorized entry shall be maintained in all parking areas and at all entrance points during all hours of darkness from dusk until dawn; and

6. Any fencing or walls shall be maintained structurally sound and without openings or breaches that would allow unauthorized entry.

C. The Director may require additional security measures, including but not limited to alarm systems, security patrols, or surveillance cameras, upon a finding that conditions at or near the property present an elevated risk of unauthorized entry, vandalism, or criminal activity.

D. Within 10 days of securing or boarding any entry point onto the property, the owner shall file with the Director a written statement identifying the location, date, and method of each securement.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The owner of a vacant property shall, during the period of vacancy, maintain utility connections and services in a manner that prevents the property from becoming a health or safety hazard to the public.

B. Gas service shall be either: (1) maintained in a safe and operable condition, including all connected appliances; or (2) shut off and capped at the meter by a qualified contractor, with written documentation of such shutdown filed with the Director within 30 days of such shut off of service.

C. Electrical service shall be either: (1) maintained in safe and operable condition with all hazardous wiring conditions remediated; or (2) de-energized at the main panel with written documentation of such action filed with the Director within 30 days of such shut off of service. Where electrical service is de-energized, the owner shall ensure that exterior lighting required by Section 8.58.090B.5 is maintained through an independent circuit or alternative power source.

D. Water service may be disconnected at the meter, provided the owner complies with all applicable requirements of the property's water purveyor and ensures that no conditions dangerous to the structure or property result from such disconnection, including fire protection.

E. The owner shall notify utility purveyors of the vacancy status of the property within 30 days of such vacancy as filed with the City and shall comply with all applicable utility service requirements and drought restrictions.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The Director shall have the authority to inspect any registered vacant property, and any property that the Director has reasonable cause to believe is vacant in accordance with this chapter, for the purpose of determining compliance with this chapter.

B. Routine Inspections. The Director shall conduct at least one routine inspection of each registered vacant property per registration year. The owner shall receive not less than 48 hours' advance written notice of a scheduled routine inspection, except as provided in subsection C.

C. Emergency Inspections. If the Director determines that an emergency condition exists, including, but not limited to, fire, flood, hazardous material release, structural failure, or an imminent threat to public health or safety, the Director may enter and inspect the property without prior notice to the owner. In such cases, the Director shall make a reasonable attempt to contact the owner, local property manager, or agent as soon as practicable, either before or after entry onto the property.

D. Complaint-Based Inspections. Upon receipt of a complaint or report suggesting that vacant property is not in compliance with this chapter, the Director may conduct an inspection after providing the owner with at least 24 hours' advance written notice, or without notice in the event of an emergency as provided for in Subsection C above.

E. The owner and responsible party shall provide the City with access to the property and shall not obstruct, delay, or interfere with any inspection authorized by this section.

F. If access to the property is denied or cannot be obtained after reasonable attempts to contact the property owner or its local property manager or agent within the notice period specified in subsection B or D, the City may seek an administrative inspection warrant from a court of competent jurisdiction pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Sections 1822.50 through 1822.59. The reasonable costs incurred by the City in obtaining such warrant, including staff time and legal fees, may be recovered as provided in Section 8.58.170.

G. The cost of inspections conducted pursuant to this section, including inspections necessitated by non-compliance, is included within the registration fee. The costs of follow-up inspections required due to documented violations may be assessed against the owner as provided in Section 8.58.170.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. Each registration required by this chapter shall be renewed annually, on or before the anniversary date of the initial registration, for as long as the property remains vacant.

B. At the time of renewal, the owner shall:

1. Submit a completed renewal form confirming or updating all information required by Section 8.58.050;

2. Pay the applicable annual renewal fee established pursuant to Section 8.58.060;

3. Identify any changes in ownership, local management, or property condition that have occurred during the preceding registration year; and

4. Certify under penalty of perjury that the property is being maintained in compliance with this chapter.

C. The Director shall send a renewal notice to the owner's address of record not less than 60 days before the renewal due date. Failure of the owner to receive the renewal notice shall not excuse late renewal.

D. An owner who fails to renew a registration by the annual renewal date shall be subject to a late renewal penalty in addition to the annual fee, as established by City Council resolution.

E. Failure to renew a registration constitutes a separate and continuing violation of this chapter and shall subject the owner to the penalties set forth in Section 8.58.160 until the renewal is completed.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. An owner may request cancellation of a registration by submitting a written request to the Director within 30 days after the property is lawfully occupied or is no longer vacant. The request shall include documentation sufficient to establish that the property has been legally reoccupied, including, but not limited to, a certificate of occupancy, a signed lease agreement, or a utility activation confirmation.

B. The Director shall review and act on a cancellation request within 30 days of receipt of such request. The Director may inspect the property prior to approving a cancellation request to verify compliance.

C. Upon a transfer of ownership of a registered vacant property, the new owner shall file a new Vacant Property Registration Form within 30 days of the recordation of the transfer deed, or within the time required by Section 8.58.040, whichever is earlier. The outgoing owner's registration shall not relieve the new owner of this obligation.

D. The outgoing owner shall remain liable for any unpaid fees, penalties, or liens arising from the period of their ownership.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The following categories of property are exempt from the registration requirements of this chapter, subject to the conditions stated herein:

1. Active Construction. A property that is the subject of a valid, unexpired building permit for active construction or substantial rehabilitation is exempt from registration for the duration of the permit, provided that construction activity is actively being carried out and is not merely nominal, and provided that the Director determines that the property does not exhibit conditions creating a health, safety, or nuisance risk.

2. Catastrophic Loss. A property rendered temporarily vacant due to a fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster is exempt from registration for a period not to exceed 180 days from the date of the casualty event, provided the owner is actively pursuing permitting for repair or reconstruction and the property is maintained in a safe and secure condition.

3. City-Owned Property. Property owned by the City of Vernon is exempt.

B. To claim an exemption under this section, the owner shall notify the Director in writing within the same timeframe otherwise required for registration, stating the basis for the claimed exemption and providing supporting documentation. The Director shall make a written determination on the exemption claim within 20 days.

C. The Director may revoke any exemption upon a finding that the conditions supporting the exemption no longer apply or that the property has become a health, safety, or nuisance hazard. Upon revocation of an exemption, the Director shall notify the owner in writing within 15 days of the Director's decision to revoke the exemption. Owner shall then register the property with the City within 15 days from the date provided in the notice of revocation.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. The Director, or any duly authorized code enforcement officer of the City, shall have primary responsibility for enforcing this chapter.

B. A violation of any provision of this chapter constitutes:

1. A public nuisance subject to abatement pursuant to Chapter 8.20 of the Vernon City Code and applicable provisions of state law;

2. An infraction or misdemeanor, as determined by the Director or the City Prosecutor, subject to the provisions of Title 1 of this Code and Chapter 1.08 (Code Enforcement); and

3. The basis for imposition of administrative civil penalties pursuant to Section 8.58.160.

C. Enforcement actions under this chapter may include, without limitation:

1. Written warnings;

2. Notices of violation with specified cure periods;

3. Administrative civil penalty citations;

4. Orders to abate a public nuisance pursuant to Chapter 8.20 of the Vernon City Code;

5. Emergency corrective action by the City with cost recovery pursuant to Section 8.58.170;

6. Criminal prosecution for willful or repeated violations; and

7. Any other remedy available under the Vernon City Code or applicable state law.

D. The remedies provided in this chapter are cumulative and shall not be construed to limit the City's authority to pursue any other available remedy.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. Any owner or responsible party who violates any provision of this chapter shall be subject to an administrative civil penalty in an amount pursuant to Chapter 1.08 of the Vernon City Code.

B. Each calendar day on which a violation continues after the expiration of the cure period set forth in the notice of violation shall constitute a separate and independent violation for purposes of calculating penalties.

C. Penalties shall be assessed by the Director by means of an administrative penalty citation served on the owner or its local property manager, agent, or responsible party by personal delivery, first-class mail, or certified mail, return receipt requested. Service by mail shall be deemed complete upon deposit in the United States mail, addressed to the owner's or local property manager or agent's address of record.

D. Penalties assessed under this section shall be due and payable within 30 days of the date of the citation, unless an appeal has been timely filed pursuant to Section 8.58.180.

E. Penalties not paid within the applicable period shall accrue interest at the rate of 1.5% per month, or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is less.

F. Unpaid penalties shall constitute a debt to the City and may be collected by any legal means available, including through the lien mechanism set forth in Section 8.58.170.

G. The Director may reduce or waive a penalty in whole or in part upon a finding of good cause, including, but not limited to, financial hardship, good-faith efforts to achieve compliance, or a bona fide dispute as to the underlying violation.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. If the City incurs costs to abate a nuisance, correct a violation, or take emergency action at or with respect to a vacant property because the owner failed to do so after receiving notice and an opportunity to cure, the City shall recover its actual reasonable costs, including staff time, contractor costs, materials, and administrative overhead.

B. The Director shall prepare an itemized statement of all costs incurred by the City in connection with any abatement or corrective action and shall serve the statement on the owner by personal delivery, first-class mail, or certified mail, return receipt requested.

C. The owner shall pay the amount set forth in the cost statement within 30 days of service of the cost statement upon the owner. Costs not paid within 30 days shall accrue interest at the rate of 1.5% per month.

D. Any unpaid registration fees, renewal fees, administrative penalties, or abatement costs authorized by this chapter shall constitute a special assessment and lien against the subject real property. Such lien shall be imposed and collected in the following manner:

1. The Director shall cause to be recorded in the office of the Los Angeles County Recorder a notice of lien specifying the amount of the unpaid obligation, a legal description of the property, and the APN;

2. The recorded lien shall have the same force, effect, and priority as a judgment lien against real property, subject to applicable state law;

3. The City may enforce the lien through any available legal remedy, including judicial foreclosure or the placement of the amount on the next regular property tax roll for collection.

E. Prior to the recordation of any lien, the Director shall provide the owner with written notice and a period of not less than 20 days to pay the outstanding obligation or contest the amount through the appeal process set forth in Section 8.58.180.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. Any owner or responsible party aggrieved by a decision of the Director under this chapter, including a notice of violation, administrative penalty citation, exemption determination, denial or cancellation of registration, or cost recovery statement, may appeal such decision to the City Administrator.

B. An appeal shall be filed in writing with the City Clerk within 20 days of service of the decision being appealed. The appeal shall state with particularity the grounds for the appeal and shall include any supporting documentation.

C. Filing a timely appeal shall stay the enforcement of the decision being appealed, including the accrual of further per-day penalties, pending the outcome of the appeal. The filing of an appeal shall not, however, stay any emergency action taken by the City to protect public health or safety.

D. The City Administrator or their designee shall conduct an informal administrative hearing within 30 days of receipt of the appeal. The owner shall be provided at least 10 days' written notice of the hearing. The owner or their authorized representative may appear and present evidence, documents, and any other relevant information at the scheduled administrative hearing. A record of the hearing shall be made by audio recording, transcription, or other reliable means sufficient to permit judicial review under Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5.

E. The City Administrator shall issue a written decision within 20 days after the closing of the administrative hearing. The decision shall be final and conclusive, subject to the right of judicial review pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.5, provided that any petition for writ of mandate must be filed within 90 days of the date the decision becomes final.

F. Failure to timely file an appeal shall constitute a waiver of the right to contest the Director's decision.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

A. This chapter shall be construed consistently with applicable provisions of the Vernon City Code, including, but not limited to, Chapter 8.20 (Nuisances), Title 15 (Building and Construction), and Title 17 (Zoning).

B. This chapter is not intended to, and shall not be construed to, limit or supersede any stricter standard imposed by applicable state or federal law, including, but not limited to, the California Health and Safety Code, the California Civil Code provisions governing foreclosed properties, or applicable stormwater regulations.

C. To the extent any conflict exists between this chapter and another provision of the Vernon City Code, the more specific or more stringent provision shall control, unless the City Council expressly provides otherwise.

D. Nothing in this chapter shall limit the authority of any other City department to take enforcement action or exercise regulatory authority over a vacant property pursuant to otherwise applicable law.

E. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to diminish or waive any rights of residential or commercial tenants under state or local law, including, but not limited to, the California Tenant Protection Act (Civil Code Section 1946.2), or the Ellis Act (Government Code Sections 7060 through 7060.7). Registration of a property as vacant shall not constitute grounds for termination of a lawful tenancy.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)

If any provision of this chapter, or the application of any provision to any person or circumstance, is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions of this chapter and the application of the invalidated provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected and shall continue in full force and effect.

(Ord. 1314, 8/18/2026)