Frequently Asked Questions
What is Code Enforcement?
Code Enforcement ensures property and business owners adhere to regulations and compliance with local laws, codes and ordinances related to public health, safety, land use, and building standards by investigating complaints to preserve the quality of life for all that live, work and visit the City of Elk Grove.
Our goal is to gain voluntarily compliance with municipal code requirements in order to maintain safe and vibrant neighborhoods.
How does Code Enforcement identify code violations?
Code Enforcement Officers investigate complaints filed by the public and can proactively address violations upon observing them.
What are common violations?
Where is Code Enforcement located?
Code Enforcement is a City division under the Community Development Department. We are inside City Hall, 8401 Laguna Palms Way, Elk Grove, CA 95758.
How does Code Enforcement gain compliance with municipal code requirements?
Education and outreach is Code Enforcement’s first step with gaining compliance.
Other tools include Administrative Citations, Summary Abatements, Inspection and Abatement Warrant, and other resources from our legal team.
What happens after I report an issue?
- Once a violation is reported, a case is opened.
- If the violation is not an immediate hazard to the public, a courtesy letter is mailed to the owner of the property where the violation exists, informing them of the issue and providing 15 days to voluntarily correct the violation(s). If the owner fails to comply with the notice, a code enforcement officer is dispatched to investigate the complaint further.
- A Notice and Order or Declaration of Public Nuisance may be issued to the property owner upon completion of an investigation. A minimum of 15 days to comply with the Order is provided to the owner.
- If the issue is not resolved after 30 days, code enforcement may assess inspection fees, issue administrative citations, abate the violation, or seek legal action against the owner. The property owner is responsible for all costs incurred by the City to resolve code violations.
What are the most common types of violations that Code Enforcement handles?
Rental properties that are deemed substandard
- Lack of power
- Surfacing sewage
- Faulty weatherproofing
- Lack of sanitation
- Deteriorating structural
Zoning
- Inoperable vehicles parked on property
- Vehicles parked on pervious surface
- Fence height
- Structure setback from property line
- Lighting from property
- Prohibited uses
- Home occupation
Nuisance
- Accumulation of rubbish/refuse
- Water wasting
- High weeds/tall grasses over 12 inches in length
- Large auto repair
- Unmaintained pools
- Trees/shrubs encroaching the public right of way
- Safety hazards
- Attractive nuisances
- Graffiti
Construction without required permits from the Building and/or Planning Division.
How do I request a demand for a property with a Certificate of Nuisance attached?
To request a demand, email your request to [email protected] and ensure a copy of the Certificate of Nuisance is attached.
How do I find out the status of a case?
To inquire about the status of a case, please contact the Code Enforcement Division at (916) 687-3023 or via email at [email protected]. Administrative staff are available to assist you and/or connect you with the officer assigned to the case.
If I file a complaint and provide my contact information, does Code Enforcement share my information?
No, your contact information is kept confidential. We strongly encourage citizens to provide contact information as it allows staff the option to communicate progress of the investigation and contact you should we require additional information.
About Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement Officers work in close association with the Elk Grove Police Department, Planning, Building and Public Works Departments and other local agencies to maintain high community standards and address violations of the Elk Grove Municipal Code. Through enforcement of these ordinances and with community awareness and involvement, Elk Grove will continue to be a place everyone feels proud to call home.
Did you know that our Code Enforcement team resolves 90% of issues reported by simply educating citizens about existing laws and standards?
What doesn't Code Enforcement handle?
- Emergency situations that threaten human life or property and demand immediate attention, Call 911
- Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&R) violations
- Private disputes between neighbors
- Situations which are not specifically addressed in the Elk Grove Municipal Code
- Trees leaning from private property over private property
- Fences that are shared by private parties
- Street parking
- Lease agreements and/or rental payments
Code Enforcement Process
What happens after you file a complaint with the Code Enforcement Division and how long can it take to resolve my issue?
Please note, it is important that you provide a contact number or email when reporting a complaint. This information allows code enforcement the option to communicate progress with the investigation and contact you should we require additional information.
Your information is confidential and is not disclosed as part of an investigation.
Step 1: Complaint Filed and Received
Option 1
Upon receiving a complaint, Code Enforcement will evaluate to determine if the issue requires immediate attention or involves a hazardous situation. If a hazard is not described in the complaint, an information letter is mailed to the owner. The letter informs the owner of the complaint, the allegation and the applicable Elk Grove Municipal Code (EGMC) and provides 15 days to voluntarily correct the violation(s).
Option 2
If a hazard is described in a complaint, a code enforcement officer is dispatched to investigate the issue.
Timeline
Complaints are typically processed within 48 - 72 hours from filing with SeeClickFix or by email. In most cases, a warning notice is mailed to the property owner and/or tenant inform each party of the complaint, alleged violations and corrective actions.
Step 2: Inspection
Code Enforcement is required to investigate all complaints. However, if a property owner voluntarily corrects the alleged violation after receiving a warning notice, the complaint may be closed without a response to the property.
Voluntary Compliance
If the property owner voluntarily corrects the alleged violation, the case is closed, and no further action is required.
Failure to Comply
If the property owner fails to voluntarily correct the violation, an inspection of the property is conducted to determine if there is sufficient evidence to substantiate a violation. If violations of the EGMC exist, a declaration of a public nuisance is issued ordering compliance, and the administrative enforcement process begins. The owner is provided with an additional 15 days to correct the violation(s) and may appeal the City’s determination of a violation.
Timeline
On average, complaints are responded to by a code enforcement officer within 20 days of receiving a complaint. The 20 days provides property owners with time to voluntarily correct the violation.
Complaints that involve a potential violation that is imminent or pose a hazard to the public are responded to by a code enforcement officer within 24 hours of receiving the complaint.
Step 3: Administrative Enforcement Process
Elk Grove Code Enforcement practices progressive enforcement to encourage compliance. Progressive enforcement involves the following:
- Declaration of Public Nuisance and Order
- Administrative Citations starting at $100 per violation, progressing to $200 per violation and at a maximum of $500 per violation. The intent in issuing administrative citation is to encourage voluntary compliance.
- Inspection Warrant. A warrant can be obtained to further investigate a complaint or abate a code violation.
- Abatement. The city has contractors available to assist in correcting violations.
Administrative Appeals
Property owners may appeal the City’s determination of a violation. An appeal may postpone the administrative enforcement action but ensures due process to the residents of Elk Grove.
Step 4: Resolution, Compliance = Case Closed
Once all vilations on a property are corrected, the case is closed. The reporting party will receive an automated email informing them of the closed status and providing an opportunity to further discuss the status with the manager if there are further concerns.
Overall Timeline
Approximately 98% of complaints are resolved by the Code Enforcement Division within 30 days of receiving a complaint. However, cases that require an inspection warrant or a city contractor to correct code violations can take up to 120 days before reaching resolution.
Contact
| Contact Code Enforcement | |
|---|---|
Code Enforcement Request LineMonday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm Closed City Holidays |
Email, (916) 687-3023 |
| After Hours Elk Grove Police Non-Emergency Number | (916) 714-5115 |
| Officers | |
Code Enforcement ManagerJose Mendez, (916) 687-3030 |
Senior Code Enforcement OfficerRyan Huber, (916) 687-3094 |
Code Enforcement OfficerXou Vang, Desk: (916) 687-3034, Cell: (279) 766-1149 |
Code Enforcement OfficerWilliam Discala, Desk: (916) 687-3066, Cell: (279) 766-1146 |
Code Enforcement OfficerTroy Jones, Desk: (916) 687-3032, Cell: (279) 766-1145 |
Code Enforcement OfficerAaron Gil, Desk: (916) 687-3044, Cell: (279) 766-1147 |
Code Enforcement OfficerBrandon Smith, Desk: (916) 627-3220, Cell: (279) 766-1144 |
Code Enforcement OfficerDes Ely, Desk: (916) 687-3013, Cell: (279) 766-1148 |
