1 TO: City Council
FROM: Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director
MEETING DATE: November 4, 2025
SUBJECT: Discussion and Consideration of an Ordinance Establishing a Vacant Building and Abandoned Property Chapter and Fencing Abandoned Property Chapter
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Discuss and consider an ordinance establishing a vacant building and abandoned property chapter and fencing abandoned property chapter, and if supported, direct staff to introduce the ordinance for first reading at the next regular meeting of the City Council.
BACKGROUND
Due to a variety of economic conditions over the last decade, including a recession and COVID-19, Lomita has experienced an increase in vacant buildings or abandoned properties throughout the City. Vacant buildings and abandoned properties are often not well maintained, invite squatters, and lead to crime. Regarding economic development, vacant commercial buildings do not accrue tax revenue, discourage investors, and serve as a deterrent to customers and visitors. Addressing this issue aligns with the City’s efforts to preserve public safety and property values.
The following report provides the City Council with information regarding a program that may offer a potential solution to the blight created by vacant buildings and abandoned properties.
DISCUSSION
Staff proposes creating a proactive vacant building and abandoned property registry program to combat a multitude of nuisances. Establishing a vacant building and abandoned property registry is intended to protect neighborhoods from negative impacts associated with vacant buildings and lots. A registration list will make the City and the
CITY OF LOMITA
CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Item No. 8b
2 Sheriff’s Department aware of the potential nuisances and serve to mitigate the negative impacts associated with vacant buildings and abandoned properties. An effective program will also create opportunities for community members and potential developers to activate buildings and lots for community-serving uses and potential development or redevelopment opportunities.
An ordinance requiring property owners to register their vacant properties with the City will ensure staff maintains updated contact information so that an open conduit of communication can exist. Moreover, the program would require that owners secure, monitor, and maintain their vacant buildings, while also ensuring owners proactively seek sale, lease or rent their properties.
The proposed program would enable the City to pursue abatement efforts in the case of negligent or non-responsive owners.
The registry can also be made public through the City’s website, allowing neighbors, community members, and potential developers to access information on where vacant building and abandoned property opportunity sites exist in Lomita. After the registry is implemented, staff recommends conducting an annual review of demolition permits to identify new abandoned lots, and staff will work with the community to verify any additional vacant buildings and abandoned lots not identified on the registration list.
FISCAL IMPACT
There are no financial implications resulting from this recommendation. Staff is analyzing the costs associated with implementing the registry program to propose fees sufficient to cover costs. These costs will be provided shortly after the City Council adopts the proposed ordinance. The cost recovery fees will be proposed as part of the City's Master Fee Schedule.
VISION, MISSION, VALUES, AND STRATEGIC OUTCOMES
The City’s Vision, Mission, and Values set the standard for the organization, establish priorities, uniformity and guidelines; and provide the framework for policy decision making. The Strategic Outcomes were implemented to provide a pathway to achieving the City’s Vision. This item aligns with Strategic Outcome No. 1: Safety & Security - Keeping Lomita safe, prepared and resilient.
3 OPTIONS
1. Discuss and consider the ordinance and direct staff to introduce the ordinance at the next meeting of the City Council.
2. Provide alternate direction.
Approved by:
.
______________________
Andrew Vialpando, City Manager
Prepared by:
__________________________
Adrian Fernandez, Community and Economic Development Director