The Code Enforcement Division works to promote, protect and improve the health and safety of the visitors, citizens and properties of the City of Imperial. The primary function of Code Enforcement is to educate the public on code issues and work with the citizens of Imperial to achieve voluntary compliance and establish a positive relationship with residents and property owners, encouraging them to maintain their properties and keep unsightly conditions from occurring.

What is a violation?

Code Enforcement administers an enforcement program that investigates and corrects violations of the City's Municipal Codes that govern the use and maintenance of private, residential property and commercial property. Code Enforcement also investigates and conducts inspections involving vehicle abatement, blight and nuisance, weed abatement, unsafe, illegal or unlicensed construction or conversions, and illegal dumping.

Here are examples of some of the code violations that we investigate:

Vehicles

- Vehicles can be parked on the street or in public view for 120 consecutive hours. Vehicles must be licensed and operational. Inoperable vehicles on private or public property must be parked out of public view on an improved surface.

Parking in yards

- Vehicles may not be parked on the lawn or dirt. Vehicles can be parked in your driveway if they are licensed and operational.

Weeds and overgrown vegetation

- dead, decayed or diseased weeds, shrubs or brush... overgrown vegetation likely to harbor rats, mice or other vermin.

Lot abatement

- Vacant lots are to be free of trash, debris and dry vegetation.

Trash Container Storage

- Trash containers shall not be situated more than five feet from, the curb accessible to the person collecting the refuse and shall be removed within 24 hours after such collection.

Trash and Debris

- Lumber, refuse, abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment such as furniture and appliances, cannot be visible from the public right-of-way nor be stored as to constitute a health or safety hazard.

Parking and Storage or Recreational Vehicles (RVs) and or trailers

• No RV's trailers, trucks (semi's) and buses are permitted to park on any street for any period longer than 24 hours without a permit. Permits are good for a period of an additional 24 hours or for a period of 7 days for those visiting. Permits can be obtained at the Imperial Police Department for a small fee.

What is not a violation?

Code Compliance does not handle neighbor disputes or civil problems involving one individual against another that do not violate public law. Examples of civil issues are fencing repair disputes; overhanging tree branches (when one neighbor's trees or plants drop leaves, debris or cause damage to another's property or fence); over-watering of lawns; and enforcement of private conditions, covenants and restrictions.

How to report a code violation

You may file a complaint by filing out a Report of City Code Violation form in person at City Hall, located at 420 S. Imperial Ave. or email it to us at dramirez@cityofimperial.org. Should you wish to file a report online, please use our CitizenServe portal. If you have questions whether a violation has occurred, call our office at (760) 355-3310. You will be asked to provide:

• Location of possible code violation - provide street name and number;
• Provide the type of code violation, complaint or nuisance;
• Give specific information of complaint - provide a description of make, model, license of vehicles involved, type of debris, location of nuisance on property, etc.
• Provide your name, address and telephone - Your identity will not be disclosed unless required by law.

Enforcement Options:

If a code violations occurs, the Code Enforcement Officer may issue a Notice of violations, correction notices, inspection notices and order, summary abatement, citations, inspection and abatement warrants, and warnings to ensure compliance.

Twelve Ways to Improve Your Neighborhood Right Now.

1. Report crime promptly.
2. Report nuisances and other non-criminal problems promptly.
3. Take away the opportunity for crime.
4. Meet the youth who live on your block and know them by name.
5. Make a list of the names and phone numbers of every neighbor on your block.
6. Make a list of landlords in your areas as well.
7. Turn your porch light on.
8. Walk around the block.
9. Drive slowly on neighborhood streets.
10. Pick up the litter near your home, even if you didn't put it there.
11. Contribute to a stable community.
12. Help your neighborhood association or similar groups.

Finally, Do whatever else you can to make your neighborhood a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, go to school, and raise a family. Remember: living in a good neighborhood isn't a right, it's a responsibility.