ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: October 22, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Report TO: Housing and Community Development Committee
FROM: Phillip Burns, Development Services Director
DATE: October 16, 2025
SUBJECT: Update of Chronic Nuisance Property Program and Vacant Building Registry
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the Committee discuss and receive and file the report.
BACKGROUND:
Before the implementation of the Chronic Vacant Nuisance Building and Vacant Building Registry programs, the City frequently faced structure fires at unsecured or poorly maintained vacant buildings.
These properties often attracted trespassing and homeless activity, resulting in repeated fire responses that strained City resources.
While Code Enforcement worked to secure properties, address substandard conditions, and pursue demolitions of severely damaged structures, the City lacked a proactive strategy to prevent vacant buildings from fires or preserve buildings with community value.
In February 2024, the Bakersfield City Council approved an ordinance establishing the Vacant Building Registry to address chronic nuisance and vacant properties. At the same time, a multi-departmental Working Group was created to improve coordination among City departments and analyze data to prioritize and address buildings that pose significant risks to the community. This Working Group includes representatives from City Manager’s Office, Code Enforcement, the Bakersfield Fire Department, the Bakersfield Police Department, Economic & Community Development, and the City Attorney’s Office.
The Working Group employs a ranking system to prioritize properties and determine corrective actions—such as demolition, owner rehabilitation, City Property acquisitions to create affordable housing or appointment of an alternate responsible party (Receivership) to bring the property into compliance.
The purpose of this presentation is to share the committee’s progress since its initial establishment, outline its ongoing efforts, and present the 2025 Chronic Nuisance Vacant Building Program Annual Report - Exhibit “A”, which details the program’s operation and accomplishments for the year.
CONCLUSIONS:
The committee will remain dedicated to reducing chronic nuisance properties through regular committee evaluations, coordinated enforcement, and continued efforts to improve community safety and neighborhood quality.