CODE ENFORCEMENT FAQs

What is the purpose of Code B and what services does it provide?
Code B assists with un-permitted issues involving health, safety, public nuisance and property maintenance. For a list of services, click here

Am I required to display an address at my residence?
Yes, all residences and businesses mush have an address posted. Residence numbers shall be no less than 4 inches and business numbers shall be no less than 6 inches in height and visible from the public right-of-way.

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 to resolve your issue.

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.

Who turned me in to Code B?
We receive complaints from a number of sources including internal referrals, outside agencies, and the general public. We do not divulge the source of the complaints.

If a property in my neighborhood becomes overgrown with tall weeds, is there a way to make the owner maintain their property?
City ordinance makes it illegal to permit grass, weeds, or any other vegetation to grow more than six inches. Individuals should contact Code B and provide information on the property. Code B will work with the owner to resolve the issue.

My neighbors have unpermitted issues too. Why aren't they being investigated?
If you suspect there is an un-permitted issue on another property, you may contact Code B and provide this information. A case will be opened and investigated appropriately. If an un-permitted issue is found to exist, the owner will be contacted and Code B will work with the owner to resolve the issue.

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.

The unpermitted issue existed before I bought the property. Why am I responsible for resolving it?
Un-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 house in my neighborhood has various cars parked around it. Is it legal
If any of the vehicles are dismantled or incapable of being moved under their own power, they are considered inoperable vehicles and are not allowed to be parked on streets or private property unless garaged. Owners of illegally parked vehicles can be made to remove them within a specified time period. If the owner fails to remove junk or inoperable vehicles, a warrant may be obtained to remove the vehicles(s). Contact Code B if you witness these conditions. We will work with the owner to resolve the issues.

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 is the 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.

What is a building violation?
Any structure erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished without first obtaining the proper permits is a violation.

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

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 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 an un-permitted structure is located, you, as the current owner, will be held accountable for obtaining the necessary building permits. Code B will help you avoid these issues.

How do I comply?
You may comply by removing the un-permitted issues or by obtaining proper permits. Contact Code B for assistance.

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!

General FAQs

Who can report a violation?
ANYONE can report what they believe is an un-permitted issue. If you suspect there is an un-permitted issue in your neighborhood or community, fill out the form on our Services page and a representative from our office will contact you.

What if I see a violation over the weekend?
Code B generally works from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Evening or weekend schedules are adjusted based on need. However, if you need to contact us outside normal business hours, please fill out and submit the form on our Contact page.

Do I have to identify myself when I report a violation?
Yes, we would like to contact you with updated info regarding the complaint. All source information is strictly confidential and will not be shared with any third parties.

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 $49.99 (limited time only) monthly fee to access the network?
As an Industry Professional and participating member of the Code B network, you will be able to have 24-hour access to the online job log. With your personal access code, you'll be able to log in and select jobs from the job availability list, which is updated weekly with new projects. You will also receive free permit service through Code B, as well as 2 free property reports a month.