| Frequently Asked Questions - Code Enforcement |
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Listed below are some of the most frequently asked questions in the Code Enforcement Division Office. Just click on the question below to be re-directed to a response for that particular question. If your question requires more detailed information than is provided below, please contact us at the Code Enforcement Division Office or at the Community Development Department to inquire further. You may contact us by phone at (209) 845-3625, or by email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Q: Can I remain anonymous when I file a complaint? Q: How many vehicles can one person own? Q: I have relatives visiting. Can they stay in their RV in front of our house? Q: My neighbor has a boat and trailer parked in the driveway. Is this allowed? Q: Can commercial trucks and/or trailers park in a residential neighborhood? Q: How do I make a complaint about a city code violation? Q: What is an approved parking surface? A: The city does not give out any information regarding the complaining party. All information submitted to Code Enforcement is held in high confidence. However, it is required that you leave your name and phone number so the code enforcement staff can call back if there are any questions. Q: How many vehicles can one person own? A: There is no law that limits the number of vehicles one person can own. However, vehicles in public view must be in operable condition, and be parked on an approved parking surface. A: City codes are designed to maintain a safe environment and preserve the quality of life standards for residents and businesses. There are many types of codes: City Codes, Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Uniform Housing Codes, Zoning Ordinances, Vehicle Codes and Penal Codes. Code Enforcement is a responsibility shared by staff of several departments. The city relies on residents to help identify possible code violations. Code Enforcement officers respond to complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received. For all types of code complaints, the first step is personal contact by a Code Enforcement Officer to ascertain if a code violation exists, and to request remediation. If the individual responsible for the situation is not available, or is unwilling to correct the code violation in a timely manner, a notice of violation or a citation may be issued. The individual has ignored previous notices/citations. In many cases the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made in reasonable time the individual may be subject to fines and other penalties. Q: I have relatives visiting. Can they stay in their RV in front of our house? A: City code does not allow occupancy of RVs except in approved mobile home/RV parks. It is a serious violation to have a power cord run from the house to any camper, motor home or trailer. Q: My neighbor has a boat and trailer parked in the driveway. Is this allowed? A: As long as the vehicles are in operable condition (no flat tires, broken windows, etc), are parked on an approved parking surface, and do not obstruct the view of traffic from neighboring driveways, there is no code preventing the parking of these vehicles in the driveway. Q: Can commercial trucks and/or trailers park in a residential neighborhood? A: There are no City codes which specifically prohibit parking commercial trucks or trailers in residential neighborhoods unless the vehicle is causing a traffic hazard by blocking the street or obstructing the view of oncoming traffic. In any case, no vehicle may remain more than 72 hours in one place on a public street. Q: I want to add to my existing driveway (or add a second driveway) by removing a side lawn. Do I need to notify anyone? A: There are codes restricting both the amount of driveway width allowed per residence and how a driveway ties in or encroaches onto the public right-of-way (the sidewalk). The Community Development Department should be contacted at (209) 845-3650 before you begin any type of improvement to your property. Q: How do I make a complaint about a city code violation? A: A complaint about a possible code violation can be made by telephoning (209) 845-3660, or stopping by in person at 120 South Sierra Avenue. Please be prepared with specific information, such as the address of the property, detailed description of the situation, and the length of time you have observed the situation. Complaints may be made anonymously. Your identity will not be disclosed. Q: What is an approved parking surface? A: Acceptable parking surfaces include cement, asphalt, decomposed granite, inlaid brick or stone, or parking strips composed of the above mentioned materials.
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