CODE ENFORCEMENT FAQs
I have received a Notice from the City Code Enforcement Officer for violating one of the City Ordinances. I don't feel I was given enough time to correct the problem. What should I do?
Contact Code B. We will work with you and the City. The City wants progress shown on resolving the violation. We at Code B help facilitate what is needed for your project and communicate with the City.
How do I comply?
You may comply by removing the un-permitted issues or by obtaining proper permits. Contact Code B for assistance.
What if the violation is not corrected within the specified time?
After an Officer re-inspects a property and determines that the violation still exists, he/she can either elect to issue an Administrative Citation or a Non-Compliance Notification.
What is a building violation?
Any structure erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished without first obtaining the proper permits.
The unpermitted issue existed before I bought the property. Why am I responsible for resolving it?
Non-permitted conditions run with the property, not with the person who created it. If you purchase a property that has these issues, you are responsible for correcting it.
A Notice of Violation is recorded against my property. How can I get it removed?
All violations must be abated, and Code B will assist in contacting the City. We will provide the work necessary to resolve the matter.
What happens if a zoning or building violation occurs?
You may receive a Notice of Violation or a warning called an Administrative Citation from the City Enforcement division advising you that a violation has been detected on your property. This notice will request your voluntary compliance. If compliance is not achieved, you may receive citations. Failure to comply ultimately may result in abatement procedures or other legal proceedings that may include an infraction or misdemeanor citation. If you purchase a property on which a non-permitted structure, you, as the current owner, will be held accountable for obtaining the necessary building permits. Code B will help you avoid these issues.
What is the CITY’S CODE ENFORCEMENT process once a complaint is made or noticed?
A.
Property violation enters Code Enforcement work load via complaint or Code Enforcement Officer
B.
Code Enforcement Officer investigates complaint/violation
C.
Staff generates abatement notice
D.
Clerical staff tracks new Abatement Services Fees
E.
Notice of Abatement filed with the County Recorder
F.
Staff generates invoice/work order if property is vacant
G.
Abatement of property
H.
Operation & Maintenance Supervisor completes invoice and forwards invoice to Code Enforcement clerical staff
I.
If property is occupied, Forcible Entry Warrant is required for abatement
J.
City Attorney's Office obtains warrant and forwards warrant to Code Enforcement Officer
K.
Code Enforcement Officer re-inspects property. If non-compliance exists, property is invoiced for abatement.
L.
If property owner files an appeal, all actions are ceased until Board of Appeals renders a decision.
BUILDING FAQs
Why do I need a building permit?
The issuance of a building permit ensures that appropriate plans have been reviewed and the resulting construction is inspected to satisfy local, State, and Federal requirements to safeguard the public health, welfare, and safety. These requirements include building construction codes for fire and earthquake safety, energy conservation codes, and zoning codes.
What happens if I do not obtain a building permit?
Property owners who build or remodel structures without obtaining the necessary permits are in violation of the Building Codes and various ordinances. They may be required to remove the structure or pay a double fee penalty. Unless the structure is removed, structural plans and any agency approvals are still required. Upon sale of the property, you must disclose any work that bas been done without the benefit of required permits. This could jeopardize the sale of your property.
Examples of Improvements or changes that require a permit:
- Residential remodels, additions, conversions
- Patio covers in excess of 300 (three hundred) square feet
- Garage conversions
- Certain signs (on-premise and off-premise), such as projecting and/or lighted signs, require building permits. Issuance of an Administrative Permit does not preclude the requirement for obtaining a building permit pursuant to the Building Code.
- Commercial change of use, tenant improvements, office trailers; Change of occupancy changes the classification of a building. For example, if you change a residential building into an office, that is a change of occupancy. Or, if you change an office to a restaurant that seats more than 50 (fifty) people, that also changes the occupancy classification of the tenant space.
- Occupied mobile homes
- Carports, decks, swimming pools, re-roofs, storage buildings
- Electrical or plumbing systems
- Sea Cargo Containers
When Don't I Need a Building Permit?
Situations That Generally Don't Require a Permit include:
- One-story detached accessory structures, provided that the projected roof area is 120 sq ft. or less and has no electrical or plumbing
- Fences 6ft in height or less
- Cases, counters, or partitions 69 inches high or less
- Retaining walls of 3ft or less with no surcharge
- Platforms, decks, walks and driveways that are 30 inches or less above grade
- Painting
- Patio covers 300 sq ft. or less under a projected roof and 12ft or less above grade and does not encroach into any yard.
- Repair that includes painting and decorating, installing floor covering, cabinet work, and outside paving.
Generally everything else DOES require a building permit!
What are setbacks and how do I determine mine?Setbacks are the minimum distance that a building or structure can be placed from a property line and other structures. Setbacks can vary depending on the zoning. Contact the Planning Department staff to determine your setbacks for the type structure you wish to build.
General FAQs
What is the purpose of Code B and what services does it provide?
Code B assists with non-permitted issues involving health, safety, public nuisance and property maintenance. For a list of services, click here
What is Code B’s process?
- Contact Code B with your non-permitted issue
- A FREE consultation will be set
- A evaluation report will be generated for your property see unpermitted disclosure report
As an Industry Professional, how much work will I receive by participating in the network for the monthly program?
While completing your application, you will denote your primary location for conducting business. Some areas are more heavily concentrated with un-permitted issues than others. Depending on the size of your office, Code B wants to maintain quality of production and will delegate work accordingly. If you are not associated with a company and are self-employed, Code B will explore available options.
What do I receive for the monthly fee to access the network?
You'll be able to select jobs from the job availability list, which is updated weekly with new projects. You will also receive free permit service for 1 project a month through Code B, as well as 1 free property reports a month.