A. Generally. It shall be unlawful and a public nuisance for any person, firm, or corporation owning, leasing, occupying, or having possession of any private property in the city to maintain such property in such a manner that any of the conditions described in this section are found to exist.

B. Trash Receptacles. Trash, green waste, and recycling receptacles shall not be within the front yard (see definition of “front yard” in Section 17.158.016—F Definitions) area except as provided in Chapter 8.04, and as stated below:

Trash and garbage containers shall not be placed adjacent to the street for pickup more than twenty-four hours before pickup time, and such containers shall be removed within the twelve-hour period following pickup. Trash and recycling containers shall not be placed adjacent to the street for pickup before 5:00 p.m. or the close of business on the day preceding pickup, whichever is later. Such containers located within the C-D zone shall be removed before 10:00 a.m. following pickup.

Trash, green waste, and recycling receptacles shall be completely screened from public view from the public right-of-way that abuts the front yard by a fence, landscaping, or wall that is otherwise allowed by zoning and building codes. Multi-unit residential developments that are approved for individual waste wheelers shall remove waste wheelers from the common area visible from the public right-of-way in compliance with this section. Multi-unit residential developments with shared bin service shall utilize approved enclosure locations consistent with project approvals.

C. Abandoned Buildings. Buildings that are abandoned, partially destroyed or damaged or left in an unreasonable state of partial construction, and whose owners have been notified by the city that the property has been determined to be in violation of this section. An abandoned building means any building or structure which is not occupied, used, or secured for a period of twelve months or more. A partially destroyed or damaged building means any building or structure in which twenty-five percent or more of the structure has been destroyed or damaged and not repaired or replaced for a period of twelve months or more. An unreasonable state of partial construction is defined as any unfinished building or structure that has been in the course of construction for two years or more, and the condition of this unfinished building or structure or accumulation of construction materials substantially detracts from the appearance of the immediate neighborhood.

D. Paint and Finish Materials. Paint or finish material on the exterior surface of a building or other structure that has become substantially deteriorated, damaged, or unsightly so as to significantly detract from the appearance of the immediate neighborhood. For the purposes of this chapter, “substantially” shall be defined as the absence or deterioration of a required protective covering exceeding twenty-five percent of the exterior surface area visible from the public right-of-way or adjacent properties, or five hundred square feet, whichever is less, including, but not limited to, chipping, curling, damaged, or missing paint. Exterior surfaces shall include gutters, downspouts, trim, doors, windows, fences, and walls.

E. Structures and Machines. Broken, deteriorated, neglected, abandoned, or substantially defaced structures, equipment, machinery, ponds, pools, or excavations visually impacting on the neighborhood or presenting a risk to public safety or nuisance attractive to children. For the purposes of this chapter, “nuisance attractive to children” shall mean any condition, instrumentality, or machine located in a building or on premises which is or may be unsafe or dangerous to children by reason of their inability to appreciate the peril therein, and which may reasonably be expected to attract children to the premises and risk injury by playing with, in, or on it.

F. Parking Areas. Parking lots, driveways, paths, or other paved surfaces, except when located in a rear or side yard of a single unit dwelling, which contain substantial cracks, potholes, or other deficiencies posing a substantial risk of harm to the public.

G. Vegetation. Trees, weeds, or other types of vegetation that are dead, decayed, infested, diseased, overgrown, or harbor rats or vermin and are visible from a public right-of-way. For the purpose of this chapter, “overgrown” is limited to lawns or weeds over twelve inches in height. Creek, riparian areas, open space, grassland communities, or other sensitive habitat and unique resource areas as defined by the general plan are subject to separate regulations.

H. Graffiti. Buildings, structures, or other surfaces upon which graffiti exists. Graffiti, as used in this chapter, shall mean defacement, damage, or destruction by the presence of paint, ink, chalk, dye, or other similar substance or by carving, etching, or other engraving.

I. Violations. Any violation of the provisions of a minor use permit, conditional use permit, planned development permit, architectural review approval, variance, or other land use entitlement or land use permit.

J. Public Nuisance. Maintenance of property in such condition as to be detrimental to the public health, safety, or general welfare in such a manner as to constitute a public nuisance, as defined by Civil Code Section 3480. (Ord. 1705 § 40, 2021; Ord. 1650 § 3 (Exh. B), 2018)