City of Lancaster Adopts New Vacant Property Partnership Program to Improve Safety, Cleanliness, and Neighborhood Pride

Lancaster, CA. February 24, 2026.

The City of Lancaster has adopted a strengthened Vacant Property Partnership Program designed to ensure cleaner, safer, and better-maintained business corridors while supporting responsible property owners. The new program responds directly to community concerns about graffiti, illegal dumping, trespassing, and deteriorating vacant buildings.

Across Lancaster, residents and businesses have consistently asked for stronger tools to address neglected properties, particularly along high-visibility corridors like Division Street and Avenue J, where new cleanup and activation efforts are already underway. The program establishes clear standards and a fair process to keep commercial properties secure and well cared for, whether they are occupied or vacant.

"This program is about listening to our community and protecting the neighborhoods people are proud to call home," said Mayor R. Rex Parris. "Clean and safe properties are a shared responsibility, and this gives us a practical, consistent way to make that expectation real."

Vacant properties that are not maintained affect quality of life, neighborhood pride, and public safety. The City Council directed the update after hearing repeated concerns about overgrown landscaping, graffiti, unsecured buildings, and illegal activity. The new program provides a transparent, community-driven response that reinforces Lancaster's commitment to attractive, thriving corridors.

The program applies the same community expectations to vacant properties that already exist for occupied businesses. Property owners will be required to:

• Secure doors and windows
• Remove graffiti within 48 hours
• Maintain landscaping and exterior appearance
• Prevent trespassing and illegal dumping
• Post 24/7 local contact information

• Use clear, shatter-resistant materials, not plywood, for long-term board-ups

Many Lancaster property owners already meet these standards. The program supports those good neighbors while addressing the small number of chronic problem sites.

The program is designed to be straightforward and collaborative. All commercial properties must register with the City. If a property is vacant for 30 days or more, additional requirements apply. A dedicated Community Preservation Officer will assist owners with compliance and activation opportunities. Enforcement tools, including citations and liens, exist for chronic noncompliance, but the City's focus remains on cooperation and problem-solving.

"This is proactive," said Vice Mayor Marvin Crist. "We want to work with property owners to bring buildings back to life, like the progress you're beginning to see at Division and Avenue J. When properties improve, the whole community benefits."

The program delivers real, neighborhood-level results by reducing visible blight and vandalism, improving public safety, and enhancing the overall appeal of commercial corridors. By setting clear expectations and encouraging activation, it helps vacant spaces return to productive use more quickly, supporting local investment and economic growth. The program also ensures fair cost recovery for City inspections and enforcement while rewarding responsible property owners with lower fees-creating a balanced approach that benefits businesses, residents, and the community as a whole.

Property owners can register online at https://www.cityoflancasterca.gov/vacantproperty or in person at the Community Development Department, 44933 Fern Avenue. Questions may be directed to (661) 723-6121 or [email protected].

As Lancaster continues community clean-ups and revitalization along corridors like Division Street and Avenue J, the Vacant Property Partnership Program serves as another step toward safer neighborhoods, stronger businesses, and a City that residents can be proud of.

About The City of Lancaster

Lancaster is a diverse community of nearly 170,000, leading the future through science, technology, art, culture, and collaboration. Home to astronauts, rocket scientists, families, and innovative businesses large and small, we are leading the USA with innovation. Combined with spectacular landscapes and clean air, Lancaster has the confidence, expertise, spirit, and imagination to transform tomorrow. We are: Creating a better tomorrow. Visit us at https://www.cityoflancasterca.gov.