Code Compliance Overview

The Code Compliance Section of the Planning Department is responsible for the enforcement of:

1. Building Code
2. Zoning Ordinance
3. Environmental Protection Ordinances
4. Abatement of Dangerous Buildings

The Code Compliance Investigators respond to complaints from the public and referrals from agencies, such as local fire departments, sheriff, Child Protective Services. The mission of this section is to ensure the equitable and consistent enforcement of local building and land use regulations as adopted by the Board of Supervisors.

The conversion of a structure from non-habitable uses, such as a garage, to a habitable use, such as a studio unit, is a typical complaint. Expansion of a business use in a residential neighborhood is a typical violation of the County's zoning ordinance. The grading of a parcel without the required grading permit is a typical violation of the County's environmental protection ordinances. An unsecured abandoned building is the type of complaint handled as a Dangerous Building.

The enforcement process begins with the filing of a complaint, alleging that a violation of County land use regulations has occurred. A First Contact Letter is sent to the property owner upon receipt of the complaint, informing them of the complaint. Next, the Code Compliance Investigator, (there are 6 on staff working out of Felton, Aptos, and the Ocean Street office) reviews the complaint, completes research of available building land use information and records, and conducts a site inspection.

If the reported violation is confirmed, a Notice of Violation is posted on the property and the property owner is informed, by mail, that a violation has been posted and must be corrected within a specific amount of time, usually 30 days. The property owner has 20 days within which to appeal the issuance of this notice. If the notice is not appealed, it is recorded on the title to the property, informing any future owner that there is a violation that must be corrected.

The property is reinspected, usually 30 days after the notice was issued, and if the violation has been corrected, the investigation is resolved. If the violation remains, the matter may be referred for an administrative hearing, or to County Counsel, or the District Attorney for legal action. Although voluntary compliance is sought, uncorrected violations can result in significant penalties to the property owner.

A complaint can be filed using our online code compliance complaint form, in writing, or by FAX. The source of all complaints remains confidential and will not be released by the County, unless required to do so by Court Order.

Report a violation by fax: 831-454-2131, attn: Code Compliance

By Mail:
Code Compliance, Planning Department
701 Ocean Street, 4th Floor
Santa Cruz, California 95060