San Diego County Code Compliance prioritizes complaints by severity. Safety hazards and environmental risks receive expedited response. Routine complaints are generally investigated within 2-4 weeks. The county prefers achieving voluntary compliance before taking enforcement action.
San Diego County processes code complaints based on severity and public safety impact. Immediate safety hazards (structural collapse risk, exposed utilities, fire hazards) are prioritized for rapid response. Environmental violations (illegal grading, habitat destruction) also receive expedited attention. Routine complaints about property maintenance, minor zoning violations, or unpermitted work are typically investigated within 2-4 weeks. After investigation, if a violation is confirmed, the property owner receives a notice with a compliance deadline. The county's preferred enforcement sequence is: voluntary compliance through informal notice, then formal Notice of Violation, then administrative citation with fines, and finally referral to County Counsel for legal action. The county may withhold issuance of building permits for properties with unresolved violations, and may issue cease-and-desist orders for unpermitted activities.
Administrative citations range from $250-$1,000 per violation. Continued non-compliance may lead to daily fines, liens, and legal action through the County Counsel's office.
San Diego County, CA
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