On December 2, 2019, the West Hollywood City Council approved Ordinance No. 19-1090 establishing new property maintenance and vacant property standards, including creating a Vacant Property Registration Program.  These new requirements became effective on January 2, 2020.

What is a vacant property?

“Vacant Property” is defined as any property that is substantially vacant, unoccupied, or abandoned for more than forty-five (45) days. A vacant property is also where construction, pursuant to an active building permit, is not taking place or where an inspection by the Building and Safety Division, pursuant to an active building permit, has not been conducted within the previous ninety (90) days.

A property is NOT vacant as long as 25% or more of the units on the property are occupied by tenants or resident caretakers.

What are my responsibilities as an owner of a vacant property?

Vacant properties are required to be maintained and secured in a manner that will prevent the property from becoming a nuisance to the community.  These standards can be found by visiting Chapter 9.64 of the West Hollywood Municipal Code.

Please complete and submit the Vacant Property Registration Form and Letter of Agency.

How does the vacant property registration program work?

All vacant properties will be inspected by Code Enforcement Officers and LA County Sheriff's Deputies.  Upon performing the walk-through, each property will be given one of four (4) designations:

• Stable - These properties are well-maintained and can easily be converted back to their intended use.
• At-Risk - At-Risk properties are maintained to a lesser degree than Stable properties but can be converted back to their intended use with minimal or minor repairs.
• Problematic - Problematic properties are falling into disrepair but can be converted back to its intended use with some substantial repairs. Structures are not unsafe, but there is likely evidence of intrusion into the structures.  
• Failed - Failed properties are generally not maintained and pose significant risks to the community. Structures are likely unsafe from a structural perspective.

 The following is the annual fee schedule for vacant properties:

• Stable with no previous record of At-Risk, Problematic, or Failed Status - No Fees
• Stable  - $740.00 (Annual payment due on July 1 of each year)
• At Risk Properties - $4,440.00 (Biannual payment of $2,220 due on January 1 and July 1 of each year)
• Problematic Properties - $8,880.00 (Quarterly payments of $2,220.00 due on July 1, October 1, January 1, & April 1 each year)
• Failed Properties - $26.640.00 (Monthly payments of $2,220.00 due on the 1st of each month)

A property may move up or down through the various classifications based on the level of compliance with WHMC 9.64 observed by a Code Enforcement Officer. Fees will be based on the newly deemed classification.

What if I disagree with the designation given to my property?

In order to have the current vacant property registration fee owed on a property reviewed and potentially reassessed, a property owner shall complete the following:

1. Make the required corrections; and
2. Request a site inspection at least two (2) weeks prior to the due date of the current vacant property registration fee.

If the required corrections are made after the due date for the current vacant property registration fee, no review or potential reassessment will be made and payment will be in accordance with the existing assigned classification fee.

What standards are being used to evaluate the designation of each property?

The Vacant Property Registration Packet includes an overview of the vacant property program as well as a checklist with the items that the Code Enforcement Officer will look for.  We encourage you to use the checklist to make sure that all of the items on the checklist are compliant with the standards found in the City's municipal code.

Can I request a waiver or modification of the vacant property standards?

Yes.  Included in the Vacant Property Registration Packet is a waiver/modification request.  Please complete this form and submit it to the Code Compliance Division.  For each waiver or modification, please identify how the granting of the request will not impact the health, safety, or welfare of the community.  Requests will only be granted as long as the general health, safety and welfare are not negatively impacted. Approvals may be granted on a permanent or temporary basis and may be conditional.  

What if I still have questions?

If you do have any questions or concerns about the vacant property standards or the registration program, please contact the Neighborhood and Business Safety Division (Code Enforcement) at (323) 848-6437.