On Wednesday, the Martinez City Council will look at establishing a Vacant to Vibrant Annual Registration Fee.
If the city council approves, it would be $1,075 per vacant property effective July 1, 2026.
The city says through fair and consistent enforcement of local codes, the program helps protect property values, ensure public safety, and preserve the character of our neighborhoods. The City Council has received consistent public feedback regarding ongoing code violations, property nuisances, long-term vacant commercial buildings, and fire-damaged properties. In response, the City Council directed staff to engage property owners on the matter and to present improved tools and procedures to enhance enforcement effectiveness.
Per the staff report, Notably, the adoption of Ordinance No. 1478 established the Vacant to Vibrant Program (“V2V”) by amending the MMC to define what constitutes a “Vacant Commercial Structure,” establish a registration requirement, and outline the maintenance and security standards necessary to avoid classification as vacant.
Under MMC Chapter 8.38 (Vacant Commercial Structures), a commercial structure that shows evidence of vacancy and is not “ready for occupancy” must be registered with the City. A confirmed vacant commercial structure requires the property owner to register the property in the Vacant Commercial Structure Registry within the timeframes established by the Code.
Properties listed on the Registry are subject to an annual registration fee adopted by resolution of the City Council. The fee is intended to recover the City’s reasonable costs to administer and enforce the program, including staff time for processing registrations, conducting inspections and re-inspections, and monitoring compliance.
Flat Administrative Fee Comparison
- Alameda – $2,900
- Benicia – $168
- Hayward – $2,550
- Richmond, $239
- San Francisco – $1,850
- Santa Rosa – $1,040
- Vallejo – $520
- Martinez – $1,075 (proposed)
Staff estimates each registered property requires an average of approximately 5.5 hours of staff time annually, including a minimum 2.5-hour field inspection and approximately three hours of administrative work related to intake, recordkeeping, coordination, monitoring, notice preparation, and ongoing compliance tracking. Using the City’s fully burdened hourly rate of $195 per hour in accordance with the adopted User Fee Schedule, the total cost to the City is approximately $1,075 per property per year. Staff recommends re-inspections be consistent with current hourly rate of $195 per hour, effective July 1, 2026. The proposed fee reflects within the moderate range in comparison to other jurisdictions.
Implementation:
Beginning July 1, 2026, the phased approach will begin in the downtown area. The pilot will include identifying potentially vacant commercial properties and confirming whether they appear to meet the program criteria.
Where properties appear to qualify, property owners will receive a courtesy letter requesting confirmation of vacancy status and providing an opportunity to demonstrate compliance. If a property does not meet compliance standards, the property owner will be required to be placed on the Vacant Commercial Structure Registry and pay the annual registration fee. Additionally, Code Enforcement Division staff will prioritize vacant commercial properties outside of the downtown during the pilot phase if and when formal code enforcement complaints are received.
The City intends to work collaboratively with property owners early in the process to achieve compliance and facilitate activation of tenant spaces before formal registration is required. The program is designed to provide structure and accountability while prioritizing communication, assistance, and solutions that help return vacant spaces to productive use.
Launching the program as a pilot in the downtown core — the area identified as a priority for economic vibrancy — will allow the City to refine administrative procedures, address any implementation challenges, and streamline the process prior to a broader application.
Documents:
- Staff Report: Click Here
- Resolution: Click Here
If You Go
Martinez City Council Meeting
DATE: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
TIME: 7:00 PM – Regular Session
PLACE: Council Chamber, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553; and via Zoom.
FULL Agenda – click here
