- What is Code Enforcement?
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Code Enforcement is the prevention, detection, investigation and enforcement of violations of statutes or ordinances regulating public safety, public works, business activities, building standards, land-use, and municipal affairs to preserve the high quality of life expected by Elk Grove residents.
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- Where is Code Enforcement located?
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Code Enforcement is a City division under the Development Services Department. We are inside City Hall, 8401 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758.
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- Can Code Enforcement enforce private property?
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Yes. In fact Code Enforcement’s focus is private property (excludes civil disputes). Public property is usually directed to Public Works or Elk Grove PD.
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- Does Code Enforcement proactively look for violations?
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Code Enforcement is primarily reactive to complaints. However if we observe a violation posing a safety hazard while we are out conducting our daily inspections we will enforce it proactively.
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- Are reporting parties of violations kept confidential?
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Yes. The Elk Grove Municipal Code requires that we maintain confidentiality of reporting parties.
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- What happens after I report an issue?
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- Once a possible violation is reported, a case is opened by a code enforcement officer, typically within one business day.
- If the violation is not an immediate hazard to the public, a courtesy letter is sent out that same day letting the owner know they have 15 days to address the violation. On or after the 15th day, a code enforcement officer will inspect the violation.
- If the violation isn't resolved within 15 days code enforcement issues a Notice and Order, giving an additional 15 days to resolve the violation.
- If the issue is not resolved after 30 days, code enforcement takes the appropriate steps to take action. This may include receiving a judge's permission to handle the violation.
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- Will you notify me once the issue is resolved?
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Due to a high volume of reports, the person who reported the violated to Code Enforcement may not be contacted unless we need more information.
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- I reported an issue but don't see a change, is anything happening?
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Issues can take up to 30 days to be resolved. If your issue was reported more than 30 days ago, please contact us to check on its status.
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- Do most residents correct violations upon receiving a Notice?
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Yes. About 90% of cases reported are corrected by voluntary compliance.
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- Does Code Enforcement recognize extenuating circumstances when enforcing the codes?
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The role of Code Enforcement is to interpret and apply the municipal code applicable to each specific case. Code Enforcement officers have the discretion to grant time extensions and work collaboratively with residents on correcting violations.
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- What are the most common types of violations that Code Enforcement handles?
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Although Code Enforcement has the authority to enforce the entire Municipal Code, the most common types of violations reported and enforced by Code Enforcement are:
| Nuisances |
Zoning |
Housing Violations |
- Accumulation of Junk and Rubbish
- Overgrown grass, trees or shrubs
- Garbage carts in public
view or right of way
- Illegal dumping
- Graffiti
- Basketball Hoops
|
- Inoperable vehicles
- Fowl keeping in residential
zones
- Signs
- Accessory Structures
- Prohibited home
occupations
|
- Lack of required utilities
(water/power)
- Plumbing not in good
working order
- Rodent infestation
- Unsafe electrical
|
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- What is the enforcement process if we fail to comply with Code Enforcement Notices?
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Code Enforcement will usually will begin with a Courtesy Notice and allow 15 days for correction. On or after 15 days a CE Officer will conduct a field inspection to determine if compliance was reached.
- Compliance reached: Case Closed
- No Compliance: A Notice and Order is issued (formal and final written warning that the violation must be corrected within 15 days as noted on the notice to prevent further enforcement action). Copy of the Notice and Order is posted at the front door of the property.
- Notice and Order follow up: If compliance is reached, case will close.
- No Compliance reached: A fine is issued to the property owner for lack of compliance and for maintaining their property in violation of the Elk Grove Municipal Code. Code Enforcement will then commence a warrant abatement process which gives the city permission from a judge to go on to the property and correct the violations that remain outstanding.
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