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Commercial Property Maintenance: AB 1313 Compliance for Property Managers New Regulations Are Coming, Is Your Property Ready?

  • mgpcpsi
  • Aug 11
  • 6 min read

AB 1313: What It Means for Commercial Property Managers

If you're a commercial property manager in California, you already know: the only constant in this industry is change. New codes, evolving regulations, shifting environmental standards—it feels like the rulebook gets rewritten every year. And now, there’s a new one on the horizon that deserves your full attention: AB 1313.

stormwater runoff over urban areas

This isn’t just another round of red tape from Sacramento. AB 1313 compliance for property managers is a serious move by the state to reduce stormwater pollution from commercial and industrial properties. It gives regulators more authority to inspect sites, issue citations, and holds property managers accountable for maintenance practices that impact local water quality.

So what does that mean for you? Whether you oversee a retail plaza, office park, warehouse, or mixed-use complex, AB 1313 compliance for property managers affects how you manage your property—from parking lot cleanliness to drainage systems to waste handling.

The stakes are high, but the good news is: with the right strategy, you can stay ahead of the curve. In this article, we’ll break down what AB 1313 compliance for property managers means, why it matters, and how to prepare—before the first rainstorm (or inspector) arrives.

Let’s dive in.


What Is AB 1313, Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. Assembly Bill 1313 is part of California’s effort to enforce environmental protection—particularly when it comes to stormwater pollution from commercial properties.


In plain English: your parking lots, dumpsters, landscaping, and building exteriors aren’t just aesthetic concerns anymore—they’re environmental ones.


The bill expands the authority of the California Industrial and Commercial Water Quality (CICWQ) Program to monitor and enforce water runoff quality from commercial properties. It gives regional water boards more power to hold property owners and managers accountable for improper maintenance that leads to stormwater pollution.

It targets issues like:

  • Oil and grease spills in parking lots

  • Improper waste disposal

  • Blocked storm drains

  • Overflowing dumpsters

  • General exterior property neglect

Essentially, if your property isn’t being maintained properly, and pollutants are washing into the storm drains during rainstorms—it’s your problem now.


Who Does AB 1313 Apply To?

AB 1313 applies to most commercial and industrial property owners and managers. That includes:

  • Retail centers

  • Office buildings

  • Warehouses

  • Auto repair shops

  • Shopping malls

  • Strip centers


And it’s not just the "big guys" on the radar. Even small and mid-sized property owners can be subject to inspections and citations under AB 1313.

In other words: if you manage a property with a parking lot, landscaping, trash service, or a roof that drains into a public storm system, you’re probably affected.


What Does AB 1313 Require You to Do?

Here's the catch: there’s no specific checklist handed to you in the mail. AB 1313 is enforced through inspections and citations, meaning you’ll need to proactively meet general maintenance standards or risk being flagged.


Here’s what that means in practical terms:

1. Keep It Clean

Sweep your parking lots regularly. Oil stains, cigarette butts, fast food wrappers—those aren’t just eyesores, they’re pollution sources.


2. Maintain Your Drainage Systems

Clogged or poorly maintained storm drains can cause water to back up and carry pollutants offsite. Make sure they’re clear and functioning.


3. Control Your Waste

Overflowing dumpsters and improper disposal of chemicals or grease can be serious violations under AB 1313. Secure your waste areas and train tenants on proper disposal.


4. Landscape Responsibly

Loose dirt, fertilizer runoff, and improperly pruned plants can all contribute to polluted runoff. Keep your landscaping tidy, irrigate smartly, and use eco-friendly materials.


5. Conduct Regular Property Inspections

You (or a facility service provider like Pacific Commercial Property Services) should walk your property regularly with a trained eye. Look for anything that could lead to a violation—before the inspector does.


How Will It Be Enforced?

AB 1313 gives local water boards and inspectors the right to visit your property without warning, especially after a rainstorm, to assess conditions. If they see pollutants flowing into storm drains or clear signs of neglect, you could face:

  • Fines

  • Cleanup orders

  • Ongoing monitoring requirements

  • Public listing as a non-compliant property

Let’s face it—no one wants that.


Why Property Managers Shouldn’t Wait to Address AB 1313 Compliance

You might be thinking, “This sounds like something the property owner should deal with.” But let’s be real: the responsibility often falls on you, the property manager.

If you're the boots on the ground, the one coordinating vendors, overseeing maintenance, and communicating with tenants, you're the one who can make compliance happen—or drop the ball.


Getting ahead of AB 1313 isn’t just about avoiding fines. It's about:

  • Protecting property value

  • Maintaining your professional reputation

  • Keeping tenants happy (and legal!)

  • Avoiding lawsuits or citations tied to environmental damage


And here's the truth: compliance with AB 1313 can actually make your life easier in the long run. Cleaner properties have fewer complaints. Fewer complaints mean less stress. And proactive maintenance? It’s way cheaper than crisis response.


Practical Steps to Get Ready

You don’t need to overhaul your entire operation overnight, but you do need a plan. Here’s where to start:

✅ 1. Audit Your Property

Take a walk through each property and assess:

  • Are drains clear?

  • Are waste areas clean?

  • Are there visible oil stains or litter?

  • Are tenants following proper disposal practices?

Document what you find. Photos help.

✅ 2. Talk to Your Vendors

Call your parking lot sweepers, landscapers, janitorial crews, and waste disposal vendors. Make sure they understand the new expectations and are up to the task.

If you haven’t reviewed vendor performance in a while, now’s the time.

✅ 3. Educate Your Tenants

Send a quick email or flyer summarizing what AB 1313 means and how it affects them. Remind them of their responsibilities with trash disposal, grease traps, and general cleanliness.

You’d be surprised how many tenants don’t realize that a leaky dumpster or open oil drum could cause you a $5,000 fine.

✅ 4. Create a Maintenance Schedule

Don't wait for problems—prevent them. Set up recurring tasks for:

  • Parking lot sweeping

  • Drain inspections and cleanings

  • Trash area checks

  • Seasonal landscaping cleanup

  • Roof drain inspections

Put it all in a shared calendar or checklist. Accountability is key.

✅ 5. Partner with a Compliance Pro

If this feels overwhelming, you don’t have to do it alone. Companies like Pacific Commercial Property Services (yes, shameless plug—we specialize in this!) can handle everything from routine maintenance to pre-inspection walk-throughs.

We’ve helped dozens of properties get ahead of AB 1313 and stay in the clear. It’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about peace of mind.



The Big Picture: Why This Matters

AB 1313 might feel like just another regulatory hurdle, but it’s actually a chance to raise your game. Clean, well-maintained properties don’t just meet compliance—they perform better. They’re easier to lease, attract quality tenants, command stronger rents, and reflect positively on your reputation as a property manager. Owners and investors notice that kind of attention to detail. By acting now, you're not just avoiding fines—you’re showcasing professionalism and leadership. This is your opportunity to set a higher standard, build long-term value, and stand out in a competitive market. Compliance is smart. Proactive maintenance is even smarter.


Resources to Help You Get Started

Here are a few helpful tools and links:

Or better yet—connect with a property services company that can handle it all for you.


Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until It Rains

Let’s be honest—we’ve all been there. You’re scrambling to unclog a storm drain during a downpour, fielding tenant complaints about flooding, or trying to scrub oil stains off the pavement hours before a surprise inspection. That’s reactive management—and it’s stressful, costly, and risky.


AB 1313 is your cue to flip the script.


This new regulation is more than just a compliance requirement—it’s a call to take ownership of how your property impacts the environment. It’s about keeping your site clean, drains clear, waste contained, and runoff in check. And yes, it's about avoiding citations—but more importantly, it’s about pride of ownership and doing things the right way.


Now’s the time to shift toward proactive property care. Schedule regular maintenance. Educate your staff and vendors. Partner with professionals who understand the stakes and know how to help.


Because once the rain starts falling—or an inspector shows up—it’s too late to wish you’d acted sooner.


So ask yourself: Is your property AB 1313 ready?


If not, don’t wait. Start building a plan today that protects your tenants, your property, and your reputation.


Proactive beats panic—every time.


Need help staying AB 1313 compliant?


Let’s talk. At Pacific Commercial Property Services, we specialize in proactive, preventative maintenance designed to keep your commercial property clean, compliant, and inspection-ready—year-round. From parking lot sweeping and storm drain cleaning to waste management and site inspections, we help you stay ahead of environmental regulations like AB 1313. Our experienced team understands the challenges property managers face, and we’re here to make your job easier. Don't wait for a citation to take action—partner w

ith professionals who know how to protect your property and your peace of mind.


📍 Contact Us Today

📞 Call us at (888) 544-8882


 
 
 
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