Code Enforcement

The City of La Palma’s Code Enforcement staff works to ensure that the City’s municipal codes and property maintenance standards are met. This is accomplished through both proactive code enforcement efforts and through complaints received from the community. The goal of the City’s Code Enforcement program is to ensure and maintain the high property values and standards and excellent quality of life enjoyed throughout our City. The intent of the City’s Code Enforcement efforts is not to punish individual property owners, but rather to work with property owners to gain compliance with adopted codes, regulations, and restrictions. However, failure to comply with the Municipal Code can result in fines and legal action. It is the City's goal to educate and work cooperatively with the residents and businesses of the community, in order to create a pleasant quality community for those residing and doing business in La Palma.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• City Code Compliance
• Commercial
• Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) Permits
• Graffiti Abatement
• In-op vehicles
• Industrial
• Property Maintenance
• Residential

Residential Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Division is responsible for surveying all properties in the residential neighborhood areas and issuing corrective notices for unsightly exterior conditions, such as:

• Poor landscape maintenance, including mowing, watering, and weed removal
• Lack of adequate landscaping in the front yard
• Overgrown yards
• Structures in need of painting, poorly maintained house paint, trim
• Unsightly, deteriorated fencing
• Broken windows
• Storage in the front yard (front yard trash can storage)
• Inoperable vehicles
• Debris and trash visible from the street

Some residents may not be aware of several local laws (codes) that the City of La Palma has enacted in order to maintain property values and the high standards of living La Palma residents have come to expect. The following sections highlight a few of these laws.

Trash, Garbage, Refuse- The storage of trash, garbage, boxes, rubbish, trash containers, etc. within public view is prohibited. These items must be stored behind a fence or in the garage. Trash ready for collection may be placed at curb after 3:00 p.m. on the day before collection is scheduled and the empty cans must be removed by midnight on the day of collection

Vehicle Restrictions - All vehicles parked or stored on the driveway are to be road operational (including currently registered), and should be kept clean and be free of debris.

Urban Runoff Pollution - The discharge of water into street gutters or storm drains which is not composed entirely of storm water and/or which contains pollutants is prohibited. Prohibited pollutants include, but are not limited to: household waste, trash paints, concrete, plastics, yard waste, excessive pesticides or fertilizers, petroleum products, fuels, oils, coolants, excessive soil sediment, animal waste, construction waste, glues, paint flakes, and stucco fragments. Think before you pour anything into the gutter or down a storm drain. Even though you live miles from the Pacific Ocean, you may be polluting it without knowing it. Remember, storm drains flow directly to the Ocean!

Yard/Lawn Landscaping & Maintenance - All yards visible from the public right-of-way are to be properly landscaped and maintained in a neat and orderly condition. Trees and bushes near streets and sidewalks should be trimmed regularly to prevent obstructions into the sidewalk.

Property & House Maintenance- The City of La Palma encourages residents and homeowners to properly maintain all aspects of their properties. A fresh coat of paint, new garage door, or repairing damaged block walls, fences, and planters are simple steps that all residents can take to improve the overall appearance of the community.

Pool/Spa/Pond Maintenance - All bodies of water more than 12 inches deep must be enclosed by a fence at least five feet high with self-closing and self-latching gates or doors. Additionally, all bodies of water must be kept clean and clear, so that the bottom can be clearly seen. Remember, only clear, non-chlorinated water, which contains no filter media, is permitted to be discharged to the street gutter.

Basketball Hoops - The sidewalks and public streets should only be used for vehicular and pedestrian use. Basketball hoops and other recreational devices (children’s toys bicycles, etc.), when left on the street or sidewalk, can create a hazard. Please be sure to store basketball hoops on your property, preferably behind a fence or wall, and out of public view.

Fats, Oils and Grease - Dumping fats, oils and grease down the garbage disposal could cause problems in your plumbing, sewers and the ocean. Learn to properly dispose of your fats, oil and greases by watching this video.

Commercial Enforcement

The Code Enforcement Division also enforces code violations on commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. Code Enforcement officials investigate issues involving:

• Maintenance of signs
• Illegal banners, free standing signs and window signs
• Property landscape standards
• Substandard building conditions
• Un-permitted work violations
• Outdoor storage of goods and equipment
• Lack of landscape maintenance

Fats, Oils and Grease - Dumping fats, oils and grease down the garbage disposal could cause problems in your plumbing, sewers and the ocean. Learn to properly dispose of your fats, oil and greases by watching this video.

Questions and Reporting Violations

If you have a code enforcement question or would like to report a potential violation, please contact us by phone, email, fax, postal mail, or utilize the "Service Request" link on the left side of the page. The Code Enforcement Division even accepts anonymous reports of potential violations.

Parking Violations

If your request involves parking violations such as RV, boat, and trailer storage or to obtain a street sweeping exemption, you may contact the La Palma Police Department at (714) 690-3370.

Assisting Agencies

The following agencies provide services and assistance to the City of La Palma in the area of code enforcement: Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Environmental Health, and Southeast Area Animal Control Authority.