Frequently Asked Questions

The Commercial Vitality Ordinance is a new chapter of the Half Moon Bay Municipal Code (Chapter 7.65). The purpose of the ordinance is to help preserve the city’s appearance, safety, and economic health. It sets standards for maintaining commercial properties, especially vacant or neglected storefronts.

The City found that neglected commercial properties can contribute to urban decay, reduce property values, deter investment, and threaten public health and safety. The ordinance aims to ensure that all commercial properties are properly maintained and contribute to the city’s overall vitality. 

An empty storefront is a ground-floor commercial space that appears to be unoccupied for business or does not maintain regular business hours. It refers to storefronts facing the street that are no longer being used for an active commercial purpose. 

If a storefront becomes vacant: 

•  The owner must notify the City’s Compliance Officer within 90 days.

• The notice must include contact information, details about the last legal use (e.g., zoned for retail) and the size of the space.
• Owners must also update the City every 90 days and meet with City staff as needed to discuss plans for maintenance or re-occupancy.

Storefronts that have been vacant for more than 90 days are required to maintain an attractive, active appearance. Acceptable displays can include:

• Temporary mock business displays or staged merchandise setups
• Artwork or cultural/historical exhibits
• Window paintings, murals, or student art
• Wayfinding or community information approved by the City
• Other City-approved creative or decorative designs that enhance the streetscape 

All proposed displays and artwork must be submitted through the City’s designated form and are subject to review and approval by the City prior to installation. Displays should be well maintained, professional in appearance, and appropriate for public view. The City encourages creative, community-focused designs that contribute positively to the look and feel of downtown and commercial areas.

Owners must: 

• Keep the building structurally sound and safe. 
• Maintain landscaping and remove weeds and trash
• Prevent break-ins or unauthorized access. 
• Maintain utilities to support alarms, lighting, and irrigation.
• After 90 days of vacancy, add attractive window displays, artwork, or similar features to avoid the appearance of blight. 

A neglected storefront is one that poses a nuisance or safety risk, violates city codes, or appears dilapidated, deteriorated, or unsanitary. Maintaining a neglected storefront is a violation of the ordinance and considered a public nuisance. 

No. While much of the ordinance focuses on empty or neglected storefronts, all commercial properties must maintain neat landscaping, clean exteriors, and well-kept visible interiors, as well as manage waste and dumpster properly. 

The City’s Compliance Officer is responsible for inspections, issuing notices, and ensuring compliance. The City can use existing enforcement tools, such as citations or nuisance abatement procedures, to address violations. 

The ordinance takes effect 30 days after final adoption by the City Council.

For questions or feedback about the ordinance, please contact Karen Decker 650-726-8281 or kdecker@halfmoonbay.gov

For questions about code enforcement pertaining to this or ordinance or in general, please contact Joe Butcher at (650) 726-8270 or JButcher@hmbcity.com