LA County Building and Safety investigates code complaints through scheduled inspections. Emergency safety hazards are prioritized, while routine complaints are generally investigated within 10-15 business days of filing. Complex cases involving permits or legal action may take longer.
When a code enforcement complaint is filed with LA County DPW Building and Safety, the case is assigned to an inspector. Emergency situations involving immediate threats to life or safety (structural collapse, exposed wiring, gas leaks) are prioritized and may be investigated within 24-48 hours. Routine complaints, such as unpermitted construction, overgrown vegetation, or property maintenance issues, are typically investigated within 10-15 business days. After investigation, the property owner receives a notice of violation with a compliance deadline, usually 30 days for minor issues. If the owner fails to comply, the county may pursue administrative citations, liens, or refer the case to the District Attorney's office.
Failure to comply with a notice of violation may result in administrative citations of $100-$500 per day, property liens, or referral for criminal prosecution.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
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