Zoning Enforcement Sections

While there are many causes of neighborhood deterioration, one important and preventable factor is the intrusion of illegal and objectionable uses. Vigorous zoning enforcement efforts can do much to prevent or arrest the spread of such uses and is an effective tool for neighborhood maintenance and enhancement.

The Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning, Zoning Enforcement Section, is responsible for enforcing Title 22 of the County Code, otherwise known as the Planning and Zoning Code throughout the UNINCORPORATED area of Los Angeles County.

Effective planning requires public participation and Zoning Enforcement is a conduit that allows for the public to participate in the planning process. Through Zoning Enforcement, the spread of illegal and objectionable uses can be prevented.

What is a Zoning Violation?

A zoning violation is any land use maintained contrary to the provisions of Title 22 Planning and Zoning Code. Common zoning violations include the following examples:

Garage Conversions

Every single family residence built after 1955 and located on a lot of less than one acre is required to maintain covered off-street parking facilities.

Inoperable Vehicle Storage

Inoperable vehicles that are not part of a classical car collection are prohibited on private property.

Storage of Vehicles in Front Yard

The parking or storage of vehicles in front yard areas is prohibited unless on a driveway.

Commercial Vehicle Storage

Commercial vehicles exceeding 6,000 pounds cannot park on a public street in any residential or agricultural zone for more than two hours. They may not be stored on private property.

Commercial Uses in Residential Zones

Businesses are prohibited in residential zones - unless a qualifying home based occupation.

Business Signs

There are many specific requirements regarding the placement of business signs in commercial zones. Temporary signage such as banners and portable signs are prohibited.

Outside Display and/or Sales

Merchandise displayed and sold outside of an enclosed building is generally prohibited.
This is a partial list of common violation types. If you have any specific inquiry regarding a possible zoning violation, please call the Zoning Enforcement Section at (213) 974-6453 or (213) 974-6483. If you require reasonable accommodations or materials in an alternative format, please contact the ADA Coordinator at (213) 974-6488 (Voice) or (213) 617-2292 (TDD), with at least three business days notice.

Reporting Violations

Zoning violations must be reported in writing to establish “reasonable cause” for investigating an alleged violation on private property. You may choose one of the following methods of submitting your complaint:

Email

ZoningEnforcement@planning.lacounty.gov

Call

County Helpline 211. They will take down your complaint in writing and forward it to ALL applicable County agencies.

Write a Letter

Department of Regional Planning, Zoning Enforcement Section
320 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

In your complaint, include the following information:

Identify the specific complaint or nuisance.
Give your name, address, and telephone number. This information is just for us and is kept confidential.
Give the exact location of the problem.
Street address and house number
- If no address, location of property, i.e. northwest corner of First and Main streets.
- Provide additional information that will aid in the investigation.

Examples:

Vehicle license number, type, color, make of vehicle, left door missing, etc.
Type of debris; car parts; building material; tires; garbage
Selling clothes, bags, furniture, paintings, flowers, etc.

Processing a Zoning Violation

Complaints having an immediate health or safety hazard will be investigated within a few days in the order they are received. If the complaint is valid, we are then required to issue a proper warning notice to the owner(s) to give them an opportunity to correct the situation. If they do not, the County will initiate action to obtain compliance. This legal process may take between thirty (30) and 120 days depending on the nature of the violation. With voluntary action from a cooperative owner, this time may be reduced to as few as fifteen (15) days.