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1. How do I report a Building Code violation?

The easiest way to report a building code (or any code violation) is to use the City's menu of online reporting options.  Reporting online allows you to track the progress of your complaint as City Staff work through the issue.  You can also call City Hall at (951) 332-6464.

2. What do I do if I receive a "Notice of Violation" or a "Stop Work Notice?"

How to Clear a Notice of Violation

*Make an appointment with your case code enforcement officer to meet you at City Hall to review your permitting process and requirements.

1.    Go to City Hall (8930 Limonite Avenue, Jurupa Valley) 

If you received a Notice of Violation or Stop Work Notice, go to City Hall and initially meet with the Planning Department.  If you have any questions, contact the code enforcement officer assigned to your case.

2.    Apply for a permit.

Simple permits can be issued "over-the-counter."  More complex applications are reviewed by plan check technicians and/or engineers and other agencies. Call the building department for more on the plan check process.

3.    Schedule Inspections

You are not done when the permit is issued. You must still schedule and pass all the inspections that are required for your permit. Once these are complete, you will receive a final inspection, at which time you will have finished the permit process.

Note about as-built construction

If you received a Notice of Violation for work that was already complete, you still must apply for a permit for that work. You may be required to expose the inside of walls to verify structural requirements, or take other actions to verify that the construction complies with Building Code Requirements.

3. Who reported me to the City?

We receive complaints from a number of sources including internal referrals, outside agencies and the general public.  Of those complaints received from the general public, we may offer to keep a complainant's name confidential for various reasons.  A court order is required to find out the complainant's name if we agree to confidentiality.

4. Can I legalize an addition or detached structure that was built without permits?

Yes. In some cases you may be able to submit “As-Built Construction” plans to obtain a permit for the illegally built structure. Step one is to speak with the Planning Division (951) 332-6464. You may be required to submit structural calculations if “As-Built” structure does not meet all the provisions of conventional construction per the California Building Code.

5. The violation existed before I bought the property. Why am I responsible for clearing the violation?

The code enforcement officer may impose an investigation fee to cover associated costs. Additionally, fees are assessed if permitting of structures is allowed. Contact our Building Department at (951) 332-6464 for more information on permitting. If the violation cannot be approved or legalized by a permit, you may be required to obtain a demolition permit and immediately remove the violation, cease the unlawful use and/or demolish and restore the structure to its original permitted condition. In less severe circumstances you may be given (30) days to cease the unlawful use or demolish the unlawful structure. If you fail to comply with our direction, you may be subject to an administrative citation or further legal action.

Where you fall within this penalty range is based upon the following:

• The seriousness of the violation. Could the violation harm human health/safety or the environment?
• The length of time the violation has existed
• The diligence and cooperation of the property owner
• The effect of the violation on other properties.
• The owner's level of responsibility for the violation. Did the owner create or add to the violation?

6. What will happen if I don't get a permit and resolve the violation?

Code enforcement officers strive to assist the property owner to obtain compliance. If permits are not obtained, a "Notice of Pendency of Administrative Proceeding" will be recorded against the title of the property. This recorded document serves to notify the public of the violation and may prevent you from selling the property or obtaining refinancing or title insurance on the property.  In addition, your case may then be referred to The City Attorney’s Office to be pursued in Superior Court.  This could result in a judgment against you, and increased costs and penalties.

7. How much time will I have to obtain a permit?

Under most circumstances you will be given 30 days.  This may involve simply stopping the illegal use demolition or obtaining the necessary permits.  Under some circumstances an extension of time may be granted when the property owner is steadily working to resolve the problem and is making progress.

8. I disagree that my property has a violation. Can I appeal the staff's determination of the violation?

You can appeal any determination of violation.  The appeal period is 30-days from receipt of the Notice of Violation.  Appeals of some determinations require a fee.