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1. Who do I call to report an unsafe or substandard residential property?

Contact Neighborhood Improvement Services at (626) 308-2826 or file a report online. NIS works closely with the San Gabriel Police Department and Community Development Department to help maintain safe and attractive neighborhoods throughout the city by addressing violations of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

Report a Code Enforcement Violation

2. What things does the code cover?

It is a violation of the San Gabriel Municipal Code to have any of the following:

• An inoperable vehicle in public view
  
• Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicle
  
• Dilapidated structures
  
• Flaking house paint
  
• Graffiti
  
• Holiday lights installed year round
  
• Junk & debris stored on private property
  
• Obstructions in the public right of way
  
• Open & abandoned buildings
  
• Overgrown weeds and vegetation
  
• Sign Violations
  

To learn more about the San Gabriel Municipal Code and what it covers, please select the link below. San Gabriel Municipal Code

3. How do I report a problem?

Reports may be filed using any of the following methods:

• In person: Our office is located at 425 South Mission Drive. Our office hours are 8:00 am through 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
• Telephone: Our telephone number is (626) 308-2826 ext. 218 or ext. 211 Anyone wishing to speak with the code enforcement office may call this number between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm Monday - Friday. If the line is busy or City Hall is closed, you may leave us a message on the answering machine.
  
• Online: Complaints can be filed online any time.

4. What is the process for resolving a violation?

The code enforcement process generally starts with a report of a violation by a concerned resident to the city. Neighborhood Improvement Services will investiage the report and if confirmed will issue a Notice of Violation. When voluntary compliance is not obtained, the city will seek compliance by issuing a citation or through court action until the violation is resolved.
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5. Can I file a code enforcement report anonymously?

Yes. Complainants can remain anonymous but staff will not be able to ask additional questions or give updates to anonymous complainants.

6. Can I convert my garage to a living space?

No. The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and the California Health and Safety Code (H&S) do not allow for the habitation of structures not intended for habitation. Also, the San Gabriel Municipal Code requires all covered parking spaces to be free of any obstructions.

7. When do I have to remove my trash cans from public view?

Containers can be placed out by the householder or commercial customer not earlier than 6:00 pm of the day preceding collection and the containers shall be removed from public view by the householder or commercial customer from the collection place not later than 8:00 pm on the day of collection.

8. What training and certifications does NIS staff have?

NIS staff members are certified by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) in the disciplines of housing inspections, property maintenance inspections, and land use and zoning inspections. NIS staff members are also Authorized Inspectors charged with the investigation of violations of the state’s water quality laws. NIS staff also possess Penal Code 832 (PC 832) certification to ensure that the rights of our citizens are not violated or diminished.

9. Why does it take so long for code enforcement officers to resolve complaints?

The code enforcment officers will try to perform an initial investigation within 24 hours of receiving your complaint but the code enforcement process by law, is not a speedy process. All notices are orders for the recipient to correct the violation within a specified time, usually no longer than 30 days. If the responsible party fails to comply with the notice in a timely manner it may result in legal action.

10. What can I do if I get a notice and do not understand the violation?

Call the NIS Officer listed on the bottom of the notice. NIS staff will help you as best they can. Staff seeks to educate citizens and business owners and encourage voluntary compliance.

11. What are the consequences of failing to comply once you have been issued a Notice of Violation?

NIS staff will issue administrative fines if violators of the code are uncooperative and fail to abate the violation (s) by the abatement date set by the NIS Officer. The San Gabriel Municipal Code has deemed any violation of the code a misdemeanor; subsequently, NIS staff may initiate legal action if violations are not abated.