CODE ENFORCEMENT

Community Development - Code Compliance Office

The Code Enforcement Department is staffed with 2 full time code compliance officers and 1 part time officer who perform the fieldwork associated with the enforcement of the municipal codes. The field staff has clerical support who can assist the public by answering their phone calls and providing information.

Making Carlsbad More Livable

Our neighborhoods are the environment in which we live and raise our families. Blight and nuisances can devalue and degrade the quality of any neighborhood. Recognizing the importance of protecting the home environment, the City has adopted codes that govern the use and maintenance of private property. Code Enforcement deals with many, varied Municipal Code ordinances.

Here are some of the common issues Code Enforcement deals with:

• Obtain a City business license before opening a business. CMC 5.04.020
• Trash & debris must be in containers & disposed of by the City's franchise removal service. CMC 6.08.020 & 6.08.030
• Store solid waste containers in a rear or side yard. CMC 6.08.030C
• Keep lids on solid waste containers. CMC 6.08.050
• Control pet odors & noise. CMC 7.04.010
• Trim trees & bushes that obstruct streets or sidewalks. CMC 11.12.100
• Obtain a building permit before beginning a project. CMC 18.04.015
• Obtain a permit before placing any sign. There is a new "sign permit required" section in Title 21.
• Ensure swimming pools and spas are protected from entry by the required fencing & gates. CMC 18.28
• If you operate a home-based business, observe all the requirements in CMC 21.10.010(7)
• For a large (more than 6 children) day care business, obtain an Administrative Use Permit from the City. CMC 21.83.040
• Fences & walls in the required front yard are limited to 42 inches in height. CMC 21.46.130
  Parking violations on private residential property are dealt with by Code Enforcement. If the violation occurs on public property or public parking lots, the Police Department should be contacted at 931-2197.
• Park vehicles on paved surfaces in a residential zone. CMC 21.44.060(1)
• Parking of large commercial vehicles in a residential zone. CMC 10.40.075
• Recreational Vehicle Parking in a residential zone. CMC 21.44.060(2)
• Maintain any existing garage for use as a garage. CMC 21.44.130

What is not a Code Violation

Your valuable tax dollars are at work, and we want to expend your resources appropriately and efficiently. There are some neighborhood problems that do not fall under City jurisdiction. In general, the City acts on behalf of the public at large - we do not take action on behalf of one citizen against another. In other words, the City does not handle neighbor disputes or civil problems that do not violate public law. For instance, a neighbor's tree may drop leaves in your yard, or may cause damage to a fence or other structure. These types of situations are a private matter between the two property owners, and the City has no jurisdiction. CC&R'S are not enforced by the City.

How to Report a Code Violation

The Code Enforcement Office may be reached by calling (760) 602-2703. An Office Specialist will assist you between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. After hours you may leave a recorded message The Code Enforcement staff would like to remind you that many neighbor disputes are civil issues and are best resolved between the parties. We strongly encourage you to contact your neighbor before filing a formal complaint with the City. If you wish to file a complaint at this time, please provide the nature of the complaint, the address at which the violation is occurring, your name, address and telephone number. Your information is considered confidential, but is required at this time.

You may also Contact Us | Code Enforcement to report a code violation or come into the city offices at 1635 Faraday Ave. and fill out a Code Enforcement Complaint Investigation form.