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Code Enforcement FAQs

The City of Carlsbad will continue to support construction activities. If conditions change, the city will make adjustments as needed based on the guidance we receive from state and county officials.

The city has adopted codes and policies that govern the use and maintenance of private property. Code enforcement officers strive to maintain a balanced role in promoting active cooperation and communication between neighbors and effective enforcement of the City of Carlsbad's municipal codes.

If you have received a citation and would like to appeal the citation, you will need to complete the appeal form.  If you feel you are unable to pay the citation due to a hardship, you must complete the hardship form.

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 an adjoining yard, or 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. Also, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are not enforced by the city.

The City of Carlsbad provides a mediation program free to its residents. Mediation is a confidential meeting between people who have a disagreement and a trained, neutral mediator who guides a discussion of issues toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Cases may be self-referred by any Carlsbad resident who is involved in the dispute by calling 760-434-2868.

Real Estate Signs

There are rules and regulations for displaying your Open House Signs.  If you do not follow the rules and regulations, your signs will be picked up by the Code Enforcement team.  If you would like to retrieve your signs, you must call 760-602-2703 to arrange for an appointment.  The only times you will be allowed to pick up your signs are on Wednesday between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.  There will be no outside appointments.  Be sure to bring your ID so we can make sure we are giving out the correct signs.  Your signs will only be held for 30 days, and after that time they will be discarded.  If you use Open House signs that are generic and do not have your name on the front, it is recommended you initial the back side of the sign.

Homelessness 

In the past couple of years, in response to increasing concerns about homelessness in the City of Carlsbad, city staff have enhanced efforts to assist those in need of housing and reduce the impacts of homelessness on the community. The Carlsbad City Council approved a multi-departmental Homeless Response Plan in 2017 that takes a “compassionate enforcement” approach to this regionwide problem. 

To obtain further information regarding what is not a code violation, please call 760-602-2703 during the department's regular business hours.

  • Code Enforcement Q & A
    • What exactly does Code Enforcement do?
      Code Enforcement is responsible for implementing all city ordinances. The division works with such issues as construction without a permit, junk and debris on private property, recreational and inoperable vehicles that are located in the required front yard setbacks, as well as infractions of other municipal codes implemented by the city.
    • How soon will a Code Enforcement officer respond to a complaint?

      A code officer will start the investigation within 5 business days. Depending on the type of violation, contact with owner and/or tenant, time frames will vary for a resolution. However, Code Enforcement will make every effort possible to obtain compliance as soon as possible.

    • What constitutes a code violation?

      Many issues that arise between neighbors are not necessarily a violation of a city ordinance. For instance, leaves dropping into a yard from a neighbor's tree or damage to a fence are not violations of public law. Division staff strongly encourages neighbors to contact each other and try to resolve differences before filing a formal complaint with the city's Code Enforcement office. For further information about what does, and does not, constitute a code violation, please call 760-602-2703 during regular business hours or click on the Neighborhood Preservation tab above.

    • Are anonymous complaints accepted?

      A person must provide his or her name, address and telephone number in order to file a complaint. This personal information will be kept confidential and allows the officer to provide updates on the progress of the case and to obtain additional information if necessary.

      To register a complaint via email send to codeenforcement@carlsbadca.gov or come to the city offices at 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad, California 92008. You can also call in a complaint at 760-602-2703.

      Please note: Name, address and phone number of the complainant are required to investigate a complaint.
    • What is not a code violation?

      In general, the city acts on behalf of the public at large - it does not take action on behalf of one resident against another. In other words, the city does not handle neighbor disputes or civil problems that do not violate public law. These types of situations are a private matter between the two property owners, and the city has no jurisdiction. Also, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&Rs) are not enforced by the city. Mediation services such as the nonprofit North County Lifeline and San Diego Mediation Center can be helpful in resolving disputes, Additional information can be found on their websites at www.nclifeline.org or www.ncrconline.com.

      For further information about code violations, please call 760-602-2703 during regular business hours.

    • When is a building permit needed?
      A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure, including electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. To determine if the work requires a permit, call the building counter during regular business hours at 760-602-2717 or 760-602-2718. Another source of information is the Carlsbad Municipal Code CMC 18.04.015.
    • Can a business operate without a business license in Carlsbad?
      The City of Carlsbad requires all businesses that wish to commence, carry on, or engage in any business, either permanently or temporarily, within the corporate limits of the city to have a valid license. Please read the questions and answers (Q&A) and important information for new businesses prior to applying for a business license or contact the Finance Department at 760-602-2495.
    • How long can a vehicle be parked in the street?
      A vehicle may be parked on a public street for 72 hours. Cars parked longer than 72 hours are subject to citations and towing at the owner's expense. To report an abandoned vehicle please call 760-931-2289. For additional information call the Police Department, Traffic Division at 760-931-2106.
    • Can a recreational vehicle or boat/trailer be parked in a driveway?
      No. Carlsbad Municipal Code 21.44.060(2) allows recreational vehicles, boats and trailers to be parked in the side or rear yard of the property observing all front yard setbacks.
    • Can an inoperable car be parked in a driveway?
      No. Inoperable, wrecked or dismantled vehicles may not be parked/stored in the driveway. However, no more than two inoperable vehicles may be parked in the rear or side yard while being repaired or restored, provided they are screened from the public right-of-way. For more information regarding inoperable vehicles please see Carlsbad Municipal Code 21.44.060(3).
    • If a neighbor's dog barks all hours of the day and night, can the city help?

      The City of Carlsbad contracts for animal control services through the San Diego Humane Society. The Humane Society provides dog licensing and animal control services not only for the City of Carlsbad but also for the cities of Del Mar, Encinitas, San Diego, Santee and Solana Beach, as well as for the unincorporated areas of San Diego County.

      If it appears a dog is barking because it is suffering or is in distress, contact the Humane Society for North County emergency number at 619-243-3466. If the dog (or other animal) does not appear to be in distress, complaints about barking or other animal noise in the City of Carlsbad may be reported to 619-243-3466.

    • Should dogs be on a leash on public or other private property?
      Yes, dogs must be restrained by a hand-held leash, no longer than 6 feet in length. For more information on animal restraints please call the Humane Society at 619-243-3466, Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Does the city provide help if a landlord is not making all necessary repairs to a rental unit?

      Code Enforcement will only provide assistance if the concern is a life/safety issue.

    • Who can help with rodents, insects and mosquitoes?
      The County of San Diego Vector Control Division can be reached at 858-694-2888 or for additional information www.sdcounty.ca.gov/deh/
    • Does the City inspect mold?
      No, the city does not have any testing equipment to verify if the mold is hazardous. All mold complaints should be reported to San Diego County Health Department at 858-505-6903 or for further information the website is www.cdc.gov/mold/faqs.htm