Time limits for temporary fencing
and boarded windows on
unoccupied developed properties
Joanne Coletta
Planning & Development Director
November 5, 2025
Request by Council Member Speake
The City Council provide direction on
whether staff should explore an
amendment to the Corona Municipal
Code to set time limits for temporary
fencing and boarded windows on
unoccupied developed property.
The Ask…
Background
▪ City Council Future Agenda Item Request on
March 19, 2025.
▪ Council agreed to have further discussion.
▪ Reason for request:
➢ Explore changes to prevent a repeat of the
unoccupied building conditions seen at:
▪ 1111 W. 6
th Street (Wells Fargo Building)
▪ Northeast corner of Main Street and
Parkridge Ave. (commercial center).
(Buildings on both sites demolished in
2025)
Wells Fargo Building
Demolished Sept. 2025
Standard City Requirement For Unoccupied Buildings
Corona Code Compliance
Enforcement
Corona Municipal Code Chapter 8.32
Property Maintenance Regulations
Recommend that property owners:
❖ Secure the property to deter transient activity,
loitering, and illegal dumping (commonly
recommend using temporary fencing).
❖ Regular clean up of the property from debris and
graffiti.
❖ Replace or board up broken windows and doors to
prevent access into the building.
❖ Remove dead vegetation from landscaped areas.
❖ Request boarded windows and doors on calls for
service for theft and vandalism.
Unoccupied buildings/premises are not a nuisance if:
❖ Locked and secured from intrusion.
❖ Windows are not broken or boarded up with
material approved by the Planning & Development
Dept.
❖ Property is actively maintained (removal of trash,
debris and graffiti).
❖ On-site landscaping and exterior building materials
are maintained.
❖ Complies with code regulations.
❖ Criminal activity is prevented.
❖ Temporary fencing permitted for vacant lots,
agricultural areas, or similar uses for security
purposes [CMC Section 17.70.060(K)].
Corona Police Department
Concerns & Issues
With Time Limits on Temporary Fencing and Boarded Windows Concern Issue
Without the continuous use of reasonable security
measures, unoccupied properties are exposed to
activities that would create nuisances.
• Illegal dumping.
• Homeless camps and increased risk of structure fires. • Loitering.
• Property damage.
• Graffiti.
• Intrusion into buildings.
• Illegal activities inside breached buildings.
• Increase calls for service to Code Compliance and the Police Department. • Frequent contact with the property owner to address violations.
Balancing enforcement with the property owner. • Limiting reasonable security measures is counterproductive to Code Compliance’s enforcement in requiring property to be secured to deter nuisances and unlawful activity.
No building permit is required for temporary
fencing using panel stands not affixed to the
ground and boards covering windows.
• Some type of permit would be required to monitor imposed time limits. • Determining how often a property can use temporary fencing and boarded windows to secure an unoccupied building (one-time permit vs. annual permit).
Market constraints or circumstances associated
with the property may not result in the occupancy
of the property even if the methods of reasonable
security are limited.
• The city does not control the leasing of the building or the sale of property.
Questions for the City Council to Consider
1. Does the City Council want to continue to allow fencing as security for unoccupied property?
2. Does the City Council want to limit the amount of time fencing and boarded windows/doors can be used?
3. If yes to #2, how long can temporary fencing and boarded windows/doors be used? Is this a one time use or would the time restart each calendar year?
4. If fencing is not an option, what other reasonable security would be appropriate?
5. Does the City Council want to require a permit for temporary security fencing and boarded windows/doors?
Staff Time
Approximate Time Allocated to Research
Task Estimated Total Hours
(spread out with other work assignments)
Research of approximately 10 cities in the
surrounding area.
• Contact Code Enforcement staff from
other agencies.
• Review applicable ordinances from other
agencies.
• Compile research.
20 hours
Draft proposed options for consideration by
the City Council.
5 hours
Prepare presentation materials for City
Council.
5 hours
Total 30 hours
The City Council provide direction on
whether staff should explore an
amendment to the Corona Municipal
Code to set time limits for temporary
fencing and boarded windows on
unoccupied developed property.
The Ask…