Common Residential Code Violations in California
California is the third-largest state in physical size and the largest in terms of population. With the hundreds of municipalities that make up this ever-growing state, there are bound to be differences when it comes to residential and commercial codes. It’s especially common to violate a local code unintentionally after moving from another state or from another Southern California community. Unfortunately, these code violations can be incredibly expensive—and in some cases, they can even lead to criminal action against you. If you’ve been unfairly cited, it’s crucial that you defend yourself with the help of a code enforcement attorney in Southern California. Call the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates at 562-216-2944 to set up a consultation with our team now.
Code enforcement may occur at the city or county level, as it is in Los Angeles County. Violations may be identified by government officials who travel their municipality looking for issues. However, in many cases, violations are reported by neighbors or others within your community. While some neighbors use code enforcement reports to keep their neighborhood tidy and safe, others may use them as a way to intimidate neighbors or force them to comply with unreasonable requests. This is why it’s important to talk to an attorney; if someone is using violation reports to threaten you or make you feel unsafe, you must take action.
Structural and Safety Violations
Many residential statutes focus on structural integrity and safety. These statutes are not only intended to preserve the aesthetic appeal of a home, but to prevent it from causing physical harm to occupants and visitors. One common violation is compromised structural elements, which often refers to a home’s foundation or framing. These issues may not seem to be an immediate danger, but they can cause long-term damage to the home or put the occupants’ lives at risk.
Safety violations give homeowners the chance to bring their home up to code and prevent avoidable injuries and deaths. Violations may be given for properties that don’t have enough safe fire exits, have faulty wiring, have broken smoke detectors, or lack proper bathroom ventilation.
Violations of Zoning and Land Use Laws
When it comes to maintaining the character of a neighborhood, zoning and land use standards are crucial. Whether a neighborhood is purely residential or a mix of residential- and commercial-zoned plots, failing to use your property in a way permitted by your zoning could lead to hefty fines.
Let’s address a major issue in many Southern California communities—AirBnB, VRBO, and other short-term rentals. These have become a huge issue for many communities, since they limit housing options for locals and can be disruptive to others in the community. As a result, many Southern California communities have taken action. In some areas, short-term rentals are strictly limited in number or in location. In others, short-term rentals are completely outlawed. A property being illegally used as a short-term rental is almost guaranteed to result in significant code violations and fines.
Improperly using a residential home as a commercial property is another common example of a zoning violation. This type of violation can be costly, as you may be responsible for both the penalties you incur and the cost of returning your property back to residential status. This often means taking down signs and anything else that may indicate that it’s a commercial building.
Other violations in this area relate to setbacks, putting structures too close to the property line, graffiti, abandoned vehicles and junk, and tall grass or weeds.
Health and Sanitation Requirements
Sanitation issues in residential homes can often spread, affecting the health of not just the occupants but others in the neighborhood as well. Many municipalities have standards regarding the handling of mold infestations, proper storage of trash cans, recycling, pest management, proper ventilations, the use of adequate septic systems, and repairs of all flaws that may lead to sanitation concerns.
Get the Legal Support You Deserve—Contact the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates
Many people who receive safety code violations don’t even know about the code in question until they are being fined for violating it. Before you talk to the code enforcement investigator or municipality, talk to the team at the Law Offices of Robin D. Perry & Associates. We’ll help you come up with a plan. Set up a time to talk now by calling us at 562-216-2944 or contacting us online.
Attorney Robin D. Perry has been part of the Long Beach Community for over 25 years handling business litigation, employment litigation and advising, criminal defense, personal injury and code enforcement defense for businesses.
