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Neighborhood Improvement Services

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1. What is code enforcement?

Code enforcement is a function local governments perform that citizens consider important for accomplishing community goals, such as protecting property values and the environment. Others view code enforcement as an annoying intrusion into the free use of private property. Traditionally, it has been a process whereby local governments use various techniques to gain compliance with duly adopted regulations such as land use and zoning ordinances, health and housing codes, sign standards, and building and fire codes. In recent years, federal and state regulations governing air and water quality have come into play. Local governments are now obliged to include enforcement of these rules and regulations in the array of responsibilities they assume for protecting the public health and welfare.

Contemporary code enforcement involves local enforcement officials in the job of ensuring compliance with codes and regulations in a timely fashion within the limits of the law. Consequently, enforcement officials must be fully acquainted with the adoption process and the thinking behind the regulations they enforce as well as the legal limits placed on them.

In this context the code enforcement official is a unique public servant whose responsibility lies squarely between policy making and the realms of law enforcement and litigation. The U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and city councils and county boards of supervisors adopt codes and regulations to solve problems or respond to federal, state, or community mandates. Enforcement applies these laws to specific properties, either by using notices to persuade voluntary compliance, issuing fines, or by filing court actions, all under the rubric of "police powers."

2. How can I file a complaint?

Complaints may be filed using any of the following methods:

• In person: Our office is located at 425 South Mission Drive. Our office hours are 8:00 am through 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except Tuesdays. On Tuesday City Hall closes at 6:30 pm.


• Telephone: Our telephone number is (626) 308-2806 ext. 4636. Anyone wishing to speak with a staff person may call this number between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. If the telephone line is already in use, you may leave your complaint information on the answering machine. Complaints may also be recorded at this same telephone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


• Online: Complaints may be filed online any time.

3. Are complainants required to identify themselves?

Complainants can remain anonymous but staff will not be able to ask additional questions or give updates to anonymous complainants.

4. What training and certifications does NIS staff have?

NIS staff members are certified by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) in the disciplines of housing inspections, property maintenance inspections, and land use and zoning inspections. NIS staff members are also Authorized Inspectors charged with the investigation of violations of the state’s water quality laws. NIS staff also possess Penal Code 832 (PC 832) certification to ensure that the rights of our citizens are not violated or diminished.

5. How long will it take NIS Officers to investigate my complaint?

NIS Officers will try to perform an initial investigation within 24 hours of receiving your complaint. Complaints are prioritized with issues dealing with the health and safety of our community getting first priority.

6. Can I convert my garage to a living space?

No. The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and the California Health and Safety Code (H&S) do not allow for the habitation of structures not intended for habitation. Also, the San Gabriel Municipal Code requires all covered parking spaces to be free of any obstructions.

7. When do I have to remove my receptacles from public view?

Containers can be placed out by the householder or commercial customer not earlier than 6:00 pm of the day preceding collection and the containers shall be removed from public view by the householder or commercial customer from the collection place not later than 8:00 pm on the day of collection.

8. What can I do if I get a notice and do not understand what the violation is?

Call the NIS Officer listed on the bottom of the notice. NIS staff encourages you call. Staff seeks to educate citizens and business owners and encourage voluntary compliance.

9. What are some specific violations?

It is a violation to have any of the following:

• An inoperable vehicle in public view


• Dilapidated structures


• Flaking paint


• Holiday lights installed year round


• Junk & debris stored on private property


• Obstructions in the public right of way


• Open & abandoned buildings


• Overgrown vegetation

All of the conditions listed above are violations of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

10. What are the consequences of failing to comply once you have been issued a Notice of Violation?

NIS staff will issue administrative fines if violators of the code are uncooperative and fail to abate the violation (s) by the abatement date set by the NIS Officer. The San Gabriel Municipal Code has deemed any violation of the code a misdemeanor; subsequently, NIS staff may initiate legal action if violations are not abated.