Vacant Property Registry Program

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All abandoned, vacant, or distressed properties in the City of Pomona must be registered in the City’s Property Registration Program. This program, designed to hold property owners accountable for the upkeep and maintenance of their property, also serves to protect neighborhoods from upticks in crime and decreased property values associated with such properties. By participating in this program, property owners play a crucial role in preventing crime and maintaining property values, thereby contributing to the overall well-being and development of our community.

Abandoned, vacant, or distressed properties are often used as dumping grounds for junk and debris and are often overgrown with weeds and grass, discouraging economic development and hindering appreciation of property values. This enhanced registration program, with its maintenance requirements, upkeep standards, and proactive inspections and fines for non-compliance, aims to mitigate these negative impacts. More importantly, it creates opportunities for residents and potential developers to activate such properties for community-serving uses and development opportunities, thereby transforming these properties into valuable assets for our City.

Registration Requirements

If a property is found to be vacant and neglected, abandoned, or shows evidence of vacancy as defined by Article XII of the Pomona Municipal Code, it is considered vacant. The owner of record is required to file a completed Vacant Property Registration Form within ten (10) calendar days of the City’s identification of the neglected vacant property, issuance of a written notice, or the owner’s actual knowledge of the situation.

It is the responsibility of any person, partnership, association, corporation, or other legal entity that owns, leases, occupies, controls, or manages abandoned, vacant, or distressed properties to register and maintain them per Article XII of the Pomona Municipal Code.

While we make every effort to mail registration information to potential property owners, it is ultimately your responsibility as the owner to register each vacant, neglected, or abandoned property.

How to Register

Owners of vacant properties are required to register each vacant property annually. This includes payment of the Vacant Property Program fee per parcel. If you received your Vacant Property Registration Notice:

The completed form(s), along with the fee, can be mailed to the City of Pomona—Development Services Department—Code Compliance Division or to ATTN: Code Compliance Division, City of Pomona, P.O. Box 660, Pomona, CA 91769.
The completed form and fee can also be delivered in person at Pomona City Hall, 505 S. Garey Ave, Pomona, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 6p.m.
Click Here to download the Vacant Property Registration Form

Annual Registration Fee

The Vacant Property Program collects fees to help cover the cost of the program administration and operational costs. The Vacant Property fee increases each year according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Vacant Property Fee - $488.20 per parcel per year

*All property owners who fail to register or properly maintain their properties in accordance with this program may be subject to administrative citations and additional penalties.

Enforcement

Upon identifying properties that are in a status of non-compliance with the requirements of the Property Registration Program, or any applicable maintenance standards, the city's Code Compliance Division will initiate formal enforcement procedures against the responsible party(ies). Pursuant to sec. 2-1184 of the Pomona Municipal Code, administrative citations may be issued for any violation of this code. The fines are $100.00 + $22.00 (processing fee) for the first citation, $200.00 + $22.00 (processing fee) for the second citation, $500.00 + $22.00 (processing fee) for the third citation, $1,000.00 + $22.00 (processing fee) for the fourth citation and subsequent citations

THESE FINES ARE CUMULATIVE AND MAY BE REISSUED EACH DAY THE VIOLATION(S) CONTINUE TO EXIST. THE CITY MAY ALSO TAKE CRIMINAL ACTION AND/OR PURSUE ANY OTHER LEGAL REMEDY IN ORDER TO GAIN COMPLIANCE.

Additional Information

The Vacant Property was adopted by the Pomona City Council on August 2, 2021. https://pomona.legistar.com/LegislationDetail.aspx?ID=5068735&GUID=6FA272C3-562A-4FC9-96C7-06C0ABBC52E7&Options=&Search=

Ordinance No. 4302 can be found here: https://library.municode.com/ca/pomona/ordinances/city_code?nodeId=1176907

Article XII, Sections 18-700 to 18-710 can be found here:
https://library.municode.com/ca/pomona/codes/city_code?nodeId=SPAGEOR_CH18EN_ARTXIIABVADIPRLAINREMA01

Vacant Property Map & Database

City Standards

The abandoned, vacant, or distressed property shall be inspected on a monthly basis by a local beneficiary, trustee, or owner to monitor the property for compliance with this article, as well as federal, state, and local laws. An out-of-the-area beneficiary, trustee, or owner of the registered property shall obtain a local property management company with a valid and current business license issued by the city. This company shall conduct monthly inspections of the property to ensure compliance with this article and applicable laws.

In addition to any other management and maintenance requirements in this Code, abandoned, vacant, or distressed properties shall conform to the following standards:

Property Maintenance:
- Properties shall be kept free of weeds, dry brush, dead vegetation, trash, junk, debris, building materials, any accumulation of newspapers, circulars, flyers, or notices (except those required by federal, state, or local law), and discarded personal items. This includes, but is not limited to, inoperable or abandoned vehicles, furniture, clothing, large and small appliances, printed material, or any other items that create the appearance that the property is abandoned, vacant, or distressed.
Graffiti Removal:
- Properties shall be maintained free of graffiti, tagging, or similar markings, either by removal or by painting over with exterior-grade paint that matches the color of the structure’s exterior.
Landscaping:
- Visible front and side yards shall be landscaped and maintained to the neighborhood standard existing at the time registration was required.
  - Required landscaping includes, but is not limited to, grass, ground covers, bushes, shrubs, hedges, or similar plantings, as well as decorative rock, bark, artificial turf, or other materials specifically designed for residential installation. Landscaping must be approved by the Director of Development Services prior to installation.
  - Prohibited materials include weeds, gravel, broken concrete, asphalt, decomposed granite, plastic sheeting, mulch, indoor/outdoor carpet, or any similar material.
  - Required maintenance includes, but is not limited to, compliance with City Code Chapter 18. The property must also ensure that irrigation equipment is operational at all times, with an ongoing water supply. Regular watering, irrigation, pruning, and mowing of the landscape must be conducted, and all trimmings must be removed.
Pools and Spas:
- Pools and spas shall be:
  1. Kept in working order, with clear water free of pollutants, mosquito larvae, other vector larvae, and debris; or
  2. Drained and kept dry.
If pools and spas are kept in working order pursuant to subdivision (i), electrical service to the property must be maintained at all times. Failure to maintain electrical service in this case shall constitute a violation of this article. Under either subdivision (i) or (ii), properties with pools or spas must comply with the minimum security fencing requirements of the State.
Additional Requirements:
- Adherence to this section does not relieve the beneficiary, trustee, or owner of any obligations set forth in this Code, other applicable Codes, laws, covenants, conditions and restrictions, or homeowners association rules and regulations that may apply to the property.
- Security Requirements: Abandoned, vacant or distressed properties shall be maintained in a secure manner so as not to be accessible by unauthorized persons. "Secure manner" includes, but is not limited to, the closure and locking of windows, doors (walk-through, sliding and garage), gates and any other opening of such size that it may allow a child to access the interior of the property and or structure(s). In the case of broken windows, "secure manner" means the re-glazing or boarding of the broken window. If the window is boarded up on the exterior of the building, any boards used must be painted to match the existing color of the building.