Planning & Building Department
PH:
(626) 403-7220
Fax: (626) 403-7221 |
| After Hours (Weekdays 5:00 pm – 7:30 am, Weekends & Holidays) Contact the Police Department (626)403-7270 |
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| Community Improvement/Code Enforcement |
WHAT IS CODE ENFORCEMENT?
Code Enforcement is responsible for enforcing City Municipal Codes and certain State codes which address public health and safety, property maintenance regulations dealing with rubbish, debris, overgrown yards/vegetation, lack of landscaping, unpermitted construction, unsecured vacant buildings, dilapidated fences and walls, inoperable abandoned vehicles on private property, and other public nuisance conditions; zoning regulations that include illegal uses, home based businesses, business license regulations and unpermitted signs. Enforcement actions are taken proactively and in response to citizen complaints and requests for action by other City departments and outside public agencies. Code enforcement regulations help preserve South Pasadena's unique charm. When properties are left in a state of disrepair or are not maintained, the aesthetic value of not only the property itself, but also that of the City as a whole is affected. Participation by all community members to properly maintain their property is important and ultimately everyone benefits.
WHAT PENALTIES RESULT FROM CODE ENFORCEMENT?
In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, then the individual may be subject to fines and other penalties.
HOW DO I NOTIFY THE CITY OF A POSSIBLE CODE VIOLATION?
There are four (4) ways of filing a complaint: 1. Report a code violation by emailing the Community Improvement Coordinator at mramirez@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us.
2. Call the Community Improvement Coordinator directly at (626) 403-7225 and give us the information or leave a message so we can call you back
3. Send a letter to our office explaining the problem, or
4. Visit us in person and talk to our Community Improvement Coordinator and Planning and Building staff. You may also report a code violation by downloading the Code Enforcement Request form and submitting it directly in person, via email at mramirez@ci.south-pasadena.ca.us, or via fax at (626)403-7221. The City has strict confidentiality policy. All reporting/complaining party information is confidential.
Overgrown vegetation: S.P.M.C. 24.02 (Public Nuisance). Routine landscape maintenance not only eliminates property blight but also eliminates a safety risk that could be present on your or your neighbor’s property.
After hours construction: S.P.M.C. 19.A.13. Hours of construction activity within a residential zone or 500 feet thereof are limited to Mondays through Saturdays from 8am to 7pm and on Sundays from 10am to 7pm. Construction activity within the Southwest Monterey Hills is limited to Mondays through Saturdays for 8:30 to 6:00pm. No construction activity is permitted on Sunday and City recognized holidays.
Inoperative vehicles: S.P.M.C. 24.02. (Public Nuisance) The South Pasadena Municipal Code prohibits the parking or storage of inoperative, dismantled, and junk vehicles on private property. Inoperative vehicles must be stored within an enclosed structure (garage).
Swimming Pool Maintenance: S.P.M.C. 24.02, 9.84. Swimming pools must be maintained in a clean and safe condition. In order to prevent the growth of algae, bacteria, pathogens and to prevent the spread diseases including West Nile Virus, it is vital that all residents maintain their swimming pool.
Dumping of miscellaneous trash, debris, junk, and/or lumber: S.P.M.C. 24.02 (Public Nuisance). The scattering or depositing on of “unsightly” items throughout ones property not only is considered a code violation but can cause diminution of to the property value of surrounding homes or properties.
Illegal Signs: S.P.M.C. 36.320 (Signs). This section regulates the placement, type, size, and number of all signs allowed within the city. Permits are also required for all temporary banners. See Garage Sale regulations for rules about signs and advertisements for garage sales.
Prefabricated Metal and Fabric Carports: Before you purchase a prefabricated, metal, or fabric carport, please be advised of the City’s regulations. Prefabricated, metal, or fabric carport cannot be placed within the driveway.
Building without a permit: S.P.M.C. 9 (Buildings). Building permits are required for most types of construction and many types of home improvement projects (e.g.) plumbing, heating, air conditioning, decks, new homes, some sheds, additions, swimming pools, hot tubs, etc. For more information, please call the Planning and Building Department at (626) 403-7220 or call the Building Inspector directly at (626)403-7226. Click to view active construction permits issued throughout the City.
Matters not addressed by Code Enforcement
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