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The Code Compliance Section is managed by the Building Official and is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of complaints of building, environmental, and zoning violations. In addition, this Section offers staff and administrative support for Neglected Property, Dangerous Building/Site Abatement Programs and the Environmental Cleanup Revolving Fund. These programs generally operate in responses to citizen complaints of alleged code violations or from referrals from other public agencies. These complaints are investigated and, if appropriate, warning and/or violation notices are issued. These actions may be followed by additional legal sanctions, such as recordation, fines, or civil penalties. The overall objective of the code enforcement process is to motivate the property owner to discontinue the illegal use or activity and/or to obtain the required permits. |
Code Compliance Overview |
Responsibilities of the Code Compliance SectionThe Code Compliance Section of the Planning Department is responsible for the enforcement of:
Typical ComplaintsThe 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 ProcessThe 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, 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 90 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 may be reinspected, usually 90 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. Additionally, the property owner or responsible party is liable for enforcement costs, that is staff time spent on obtaining compliance.
To File A ComplaintA 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 |