Download Code Enforcement Overview
The goals of the Code Enforcement Division is to work hand in hand with property and business owners to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Compton. By keeping a sense of pride and having a better understanding of property code violations and property maintenance, we can safeguard and enhance property values. Working with the citizens of Compton will help build stronger neighborhoods within our city.
What does Code Enforcement do?
Code Enforcement is responsible with the task of enforcing the city ordinance and state laws that pertain to property maintenance.
Is Code Enforcement responsible for cleaning up a property?
No! Through the enforcement of the city ordinance and state laws, property owners are made responsible for the maintenance of their own properties.
What Laws/Regulations does Code Enforcement address?
Compton Municipal Code, Uniform Housing Code, California Health & Safety Code and other State Regulations.
How are complaints handled?
-A Code Enforcement Officer will verify a complaint by conducting a field inspection.
-Depending on the severity of the violation, a “Notice of Violation” is issued with a time frame in which to correct.
-If the violation continues past the time frame given, a citation (summons) is issued to appear in court and/or an abatement letter. *(A Notice of Violation is not necessary prior to a citation)
-If the violation still continues, a warrant will be generated for the abatement of the violation/nuisance.
How long before a violation is corrected?
In some cases, a maintenance violation can be corrected in a short amount of time; however, there are cases when a violation can take a longer period of time before corrections are made. Code enforcement is a team effort and other departments are relied on such as Planning, Building, City Attorney and Public Works Departments for verification, research and clean-up.
How can I report a problem?
You can report a problem by calling the Code Enforcement Office;
Weekday & Weekend non-emergency violation reporting: (310) 605-5689
Weekday & Weekend emergency violation reporting: 911
Will my information be given away?
No! A reporting person’s information is considered confidential and will never be given out, regardless of the outcome of a case.
What Code Enforcement Officers inspect for?
- On going maintenance issues on residential and commercial properties including: overgrown vegetation, dilapidated structures and any nuisances or substandard / blighted conditions.
- Illegal off-street parking on non-paved surfaces or on lawn areas.
- Street vendors and residential or commercial businesses operating illegally.
- Broken or discarded furniture and/or household equipment remaining in the front yard areas or side yard areas of corner lots for an unreasonable period of time and visible from the public right-of-way.
- Abating abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable automobiles, trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, boats or other mobile equipment, or parts thereof, accumulated and/or stored for an unlawful period of time in yard areas or driveways visible from the public right-of-way.
- Trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, boats and other mobile equipment, or parts thereof, accumulated and/or stored for an unreasonable period of time in yard areas or driveways visible from the public right-of-way.
- Un-permitted garage/yard sales.
- Trash container locations as well as overflowing trash and trash in field areas.
- Investigation and clean-up of illegal dumping.
- Trees or other vegetation obstructing visibility at an intersection, or which restrict or impede access to public use of adjacent sidewalks or streets, obstruct official traffic-control devices, or prevent access by city street sweepers cleaning streets. Sidewalk access is impeded when encroaching shrubbery, ground cover, tree branches and other such vegetation cause less than a minimum clear area of 5 feet in width and 8 feet in height to be available for sidewalk traffic.
- Parking violations on private property.
- Lack of adequately maintained landscaping, turf, plant material, ground cover or pavement so as to prevent blowing of excessive dust and/or erosion.
- Garbage or trash containers stored in front or side yards and visible from the public right-of-way except when placed in places of collection at the times permitted.
- Major vehicle repair and/or dismantling on any vehicle or boat in a residential zone, where such activity can be seen from the street or sidewalk or neighboring properties. No vehicle or boat repair may be conducted in a customer parking lot serving an auto parts or other store.
- Any attractive nuisance dangerous to children and other persons, including abandoned, broken or neglected equipment, machinery, appliances, refrigerators and freezers, unfenced or otherwise unprotected pools, spas, ponds, and excavations.
If you encounter any of the above issues in or around your area we encourage you to contact the Code Enforcement Division @ (310) 605-5689.
