Promoting accountability while encouraging investment and vibrant storefronts

What is the Vacant Property Partnership Program?
The Lancaster City Council recently updated Chapter 9.55 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to create the Vacant Property Partnership Program. This program is designed to help keep our commercial areas clean, safe, and attractive—whether a property is occupied or temporarily vacant.

By setting clear maintenance and security standards and offering tools to address long-term vacancies, the program supports public safety and reduces vandalism and trespassing.

What do I need to do?

My property is currently occupied.

If your commercial property is occupied, you will need to:

• Register your property with the City
• Submit a Letter of Agency (LOA)

Forms:

Registration Form
Letter of Agency

My property is vacant.

If your commercial property has been vacant for 30 days or more, the following applies:

• Register your property with the City
• Pay a $250 registration charge
• Renew registration annually
• Submit a Letter of Agency (LOA)

Failure to register within 60 days results in a citation of $1,000.

Forms Required:

Registration Form
Letter of Agency

Important Note:
All commercial property owners must register their properties with the City by February 28, 2026, whether the property is occupied or vacant. This helps the City maintain accurate contact information, track property status, and ensure basic maintenance and safety standards are met.

If a property remains vacant for 30 days or longer, additional requirements may apply, including property classification (Stable, At-Risk, or Failed), maintenance standards, and monitoring charges approved by City Council.

Why This Program Matters

Vacant commercial properties can attract issues such as graffiti, vandalism, trespassing, illegal dumping, and repeated calls for service. This program was created to address those challenges while supporting responsible property ownership.

The updated program:

• Promotes accountability;
• Encourages activation of empty storefronts;
• Helps recover City inspection and enforcement costs;
• Supports clean, safe, and welcoming business corridors.

Program Monitoring - Annual Tiered Rates

Category            Description                                                                   Monitoring Charge
Stable                Secured, well-maintained                                             $500
At-Risk               Minor violations or recurring complaints                       $2,000
Failed                 Chronic code issues or nuisance or unsecured           $5,000
Activation Plan   Approved storefront activation (art, lighting, pop-up)   $250 (base rate only)

Activation Incentive

Property owners can reduce monitoring charges by implementing an Activation Plan—a creative way to improve the appearance of a vacant property and keep corridors lively.

Examples include:

• Window art, displays, or decorative lighting
• Pop-up retail or short-term uses
• Community installations in partnership with churches or nonprofit organizations

Maintenance Standards

All registered properties must:

• Secure buildings and remove graffiti within 48 hours
• Maintain landscaping, trash, and signage
• Post 24/7 local contact information

Enforcement Tools

The City may use administrative citations (up to $1,000), liens for unpaid charges, and performance deposits for properties with ongoing compliance issues.

Community & Fiscal Benefits

• Beautification: Reduces visible blight and enhances corridor appeal
• Public Safety: Lowers vandalism, trespassing, and code violations
• Economic Vitality: Encourages activation and faster re-occupancy
• Fiscal Responsibility: Ensures inspection and enforcement costs are recovered
• Fairness: Responsible owners pay less; repeat offenders pay more

Supporting City Goals

This program supports Lancaster’s goals for beautification, economic development, and public safety while encouraging collaboration between the City and property owners.

Questions?

Check out our Frequently Asked Questions, or reach out—we’re here to help.

Community Development Department
Community Preservation Division
Phone: (661) 723-6121
Email: vacantproperty@cityoflancasterca.gov

Submitting Forms:
Please submit your completed Registration Form and Letter of Agency electronically, email to the address above, or mail them to:

City of Lancaster – Vacant Property Partnership Program
44933 Fern Avenue
Lancaster, CA 93534