How does comprehensive Code Enforcement benefit our communities?

Studies have shown that where neighborhood blight exists, crime flourishes, and whenever crime flourishes, the quality of life of the community suffers and the community must direct additional resources. Police diligently attempt to remedy the criminal causes of neighborhood deterioration, but the problems are usually much more deep seated. Substandard housing, unsightly properties, and vacant structures draw the type of individuals that perpetuate criminal activity. These are problems that the police don’t respond to and require a comprehensive code enforcement plan to initiate a reversal in our communities’ worst blighted, gang and crime infested neighborhoods.

What are some examples of the School Area Team Projects?

School Area Team projects vary in scope, but all are intended to eliminate blight and reduce crime around schools, while enhancing safer residential and business stock and provide greater quality of life in our community.

Projects include abatement of:

• Abandoned buildings
• Hazardous conditions
• Substandard buildings
• Unpermitted work
• Overcrowding
• Illegal dumping of garbage and debris
• Improper building occupancy
• Overgrown grass and weeds/fire hazard violations
• Junk vehicles – abandoned or inoperable
• Overgrown foliage blocking stop signs, impeding sight of driveways or making corners dangerous
• Illegal food sales
• Parking violations on private property
• Encroachments in the public right-of-way (basketball goals, skateboard ramps)

As well as:

• Property maintenance
• Crime free multi-housing

Who are Code Inspectors?

Inspectors are responsible for enforcing building, health, food, and other safety standards at the local level. Inspectors are asked, in the course of their duties, to see that state and local codes are complied with; including being asked to engage in a number of dangerous situations, without being in uniform, without being armed, and usually, without law enforcement assistance. Inspectors most often deal with the same individuals as the police; gang members, drug dealers, homeless, and violent or mentally unstable individuals.

How do Code Inspectors typically enforce City and State codes?

Typical enforcement tools would include inspections; infraction, misdemeanor, and administrative citations; notice of violations; notice and orders; hearings; criminal complaints; forcible entry; vehicle and demolition warrants.

How does the code compliance process work?

Many people are not exactly sure what to do when they have a complaint regarding a possible violation. What we advise is to first talk with your neighbor or property owner, if possible. Politely explain the situation and ask for their cooperation in resolving the problem. If your “good neighbor” effort fails, call us. We are happy to discuss the situation and will explain what type of steps we might be able to take in order to have any violations corrected.

What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?

Code Inspectors respond to complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to 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 in the follow-up procedure is an inspection to verify if a code violation exists. In general, either a courtesy notice or a notice of violation is issued to the owner/tenant to enable them to correct the violation in a timely manner. The City may also issue citations or take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored the notice of violation.

How do I notify the City about a possible code violation?

You may file a complaint about a possible code violation online, in person, in writing, or by phone (559) 621-8400.

To report in person or in writing:
City of Fresno, City Attorneys Office
Code Enforcement
Room 3070
2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:

1. Address of the property
2. Detailed description of the situation
3. Your name, address, and telephone number (This information is kept confidential and is especially important if you leave a message or an email, and we need to contact you for more information or clarification regarding your complaint.)
4. Length of time you have observed the situation
5. If the complaint is regarding a vehicle, then provide the license plate number, make and model, and color of the vehicle. State if the vehicle is on the street or on private property.
6. If your complaint is regarding debris, then provide a brief description of the type of debris. Examples of debris are: car parts, building materials, old tires, garbage. Give the general location of the items on the property.
7. If your complaint is regarding an on-going activity rather than a physical violation, then provide a description of the activity, when and where it is occurring, and the day and times it occurs.

What does the Division do when we receive a complaint?

Some violations can be solved with a courtesy letter sent to the property owner/home owner. If not, an Inspector must personally observe the violation before initiating any enforcement action. Some investigations take longer than others to investigate and resolve. If the violation is an on-going activity rather than physical violations, the investigation may take longer to investigate and verify. However, you may call to inquire about our initial finding and to ascertain the status of the investigation process.

What penalties result from code violations?

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, then the individual may be subject to fines and civil injunctions or other penalties.

Can I operate a business out of my home in the City of Fresno?

There are strict rules regulating the running of businesses out of a residence. Very few professions comply with the provisions of the home occupation code. Call the Planning Division at (559) 621-8277, if you are interested in more information. If you wish to report someone who you believe is in violation of the City Municipal Code, call Code Enforcement at (559) 621-8400.

How do I have tires removed that were illegally dumped in an alley or in the street?

It is unlawful to store or dump tires in residential or commercial areas, on vacant lots, or on City streets. Residents can report illegally dumped tires on the FresGo app or by calling 3-1-1, or (559) 621-8400.

What can be done about illegal dumping in the City?

Illegal dumping of trash and debris lowers the standards of our neighborhoods. Please keep your eyes open for this kind of activity. If you see someone illegally dumping, please do not confront anyone or do anything that would put you in danger. Report dumping on the FreGo App or by calling 3-1-1 or (559) 621-8400.

How do I report housing problems if I am a renter?

Assistance is available in the following areas:

• Tenant/Landlord disputes and evictions.
  Please call either the Better Business Bureau’s Dispute Settlement Center at (559) 222-8111; Central California Legal Services at (559) 441-1611; or Centro La Familia at (559) 237-2961.
• Advice on substandard housing complaints.
  Minimum standards for dwellings are required by the Uniform Housing Code and the California State Health and Safety Code. These standards include such items as requiring adequate heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. If repairs are needed, tenants are encouraged to first work with their landlords to have repairs made. However, if assistance is needed, please call Code Enforcement at (559) 621-8400.

Are farm animals permitted within the City?

Farm animals such as rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and horses are not permitted in residentially zoned districts. Call (559) 621-8400.

Does Code Enforcement handle animal neglect or loose dog complaints?

Animal neglect or loose dog complaints should be referred to the SPCA at (559) 233-7722. Animal bite complaints should be referred to the County of Fresno at (559) 600-4550.

Does Code Enforcement handle excessive noise complaints – like from barking dogs or construction sites?

Excessive noise can detract from the quality of life in a neighborhood. It is important that neighbors work together, privately, to solve minor problems, like barking dogs. The City does not get involved in these disputes and, if courteous communication is not successful, you should contact a private attorney. For other, more serious or persistent problems:

Loud Parties: Call the Fresno PD at (559) 621-7000

Construction Noise: Call the Building and Safety Division at (559) 621-8104

Industrial or Commercial Noise: Call Neighborhood Revitalization at (559) 621-8400

I have a question regarding residential fencing requirements.

There are rules for building a fence. Back yard and side yard fences cannot be over six feet in height. A front yard fence cannot be over three feet in height. For more information, call the Planning Department at (559) 621-8277.

Pool fences are required around swimming, wading, and Jacuzzis. To report over-height; dilapidated fences; or fences made without proper fencing materials; call Code Enforcement at (559) 621-8400.

What are the requirements for political or other types of signs?

Signs pay a vital role in identifying businesses. However, signs which are abandoned, illegal, or block public right-of-ways, have a blighting influence on the City. If you want more information regarding our existing signage requirements, please call (559) 621-8400.

Does the City enforce code issues in the County or in “County Islands?”

Code enforcement issues taking place within County areas should be reported to their office at (559) 600-4550.

Kids in my neighborhood play hoop in the street with portable basketball hoops – is this against the Fresno Municipal Code?

If portable hoops are left in the street, you may call the Fresno PD at (559) 621-7000, to have the situation investigated. If, however, they are left on City sidewalks and are deemed a hazard, call Code Enforcement at (559) 621-8400.

What can I do if neighborhood dumpsters or garbage cans are overflowing or otherwise an eyesore?

To report problems and get other answers to questions regarding your weekly garbage pickup or trash around the container, contact the Solid Waste Management Division at (559) 621-1452. The accumulation of garbage, trash, appliances, car parts, old furniture, scrap materials, and plant clippings is considered a public nuisance.

Would someone from the School Area Team come speak about various code issues to my church or civic group?

The School Area Team is dedicated to the concept of education as empowerment. The Team’s outreach program is happy to help arrange a presentation or question-and-answer session. We can provide translators and have a variety of presentations, flyers, and handouts to share with the public To find out more, visit our Community Outreach Link or call us at (559) 621-8400.

There is a house in our neighborhood that is vacant and ugly, with overgrown weeds. People hang around it all hours of the day and night. What can the City do about it?

While it is not against the Fresno Municipal Code to have a vacant house, having one that is blighted is. Long term vacant buildings often have overgrowth, deteriorating roofs, faded/chipped siding or paint, etc. It is best that we check out every reported vacant building regardless if it is open to the public or not. This way, Code Enforcement can determine if the property or the house are blighted enough to address them with our Vacant Building Ordinance.

What are the rules for parking my recreational vehicle within the City?

Recreational vehicles may be parked or stored on private property as long as:

• They are enclosed within a legal structure, or
• They are within a side or rear yard enclosed by a solid wall or fence between 5 feet and 6 feet in height, and,
• They are not lived in while parked.

The parking of recreational vehicles on private property is regulated by Code Enforcement, at (559) 621-8400. For recreational vehicles parked on City streets, call the Street Division at (559) 621-2085.

Where are residents allowed to park their vehicles in a residential area?

Vehicles parked on private residential property must be parked on driveways, in a garage, or under a carport. Vehicles cannot be parked on dirt, lawn, or landscape areas.

What can be done about vehicles that are abandoned or inoperable?

Vehicles that are inoperable and are sitting on a vacant lot or private property are considered blight, and oftentimes are a hazard to the public. They cannot be parked on the street or stored on private property unless fully enclosed within a legal structure, i.e. garage. Car covers are not acceptable. To report inoperable vehicles:

• Parked on private property: Call Code Enforcement at (559) 621-8400
• Parked on City streets: Call the Streets Division at (559) 621-2085