The City’s New Vacant Building and Lot Program Begins Proactive Inspections on Aug. 1

On February 27, 2024, the Santa Rosa City Council adopted Ordinance ORD-2024-003, amending Chapter 9-24 of the Santa Rosa Municipal Code and establishing a new program for the inspection, maintenance, and registration of vacant buildings and lots that do not comply with the minimum standards set forth in the ordinance. These standards and additional information are available at SRCity.org/VBL.

Code Enforcement staff will begin proactive property inspections on August 1, 2024. Property owners with non-compliant properties will receive correction notices and an opportunity to abate the violations. Owners who fail to correct violations will be required to register their properties, which will involve the installation of signage, regular inspections, and other requirements. A $1,040 annual registration fee will cover the cost of regular monitoring inspections by Code Enforcement staff. Continuing or recurrent violations may result in the issuance of Administrative Citations or other escalated enforcement actions.

At this time, the City's goal is to collaborate with the community, especially with owners of properties that may contain vacant buildings or exist as unimproved lots, well in advance of the program's start date. We invite you to explore the ordinance and other information provided on the City's website at SRCity.org/VBL.