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Code Enforcement Information


The City of Palmdale has several ordinances that are designed to maintain a healthy, safe and clean environment, carry out land use policy and preserve the quality-of-life standards that residents and businesses enjoy in our community.

There are many types of codes: Zoning Codes, Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Housing maintenance codes, various health and safety codes. To be effective and efficient, code enforcement needs the cooperation of residents and businesses.

Because there are many different codes — many involving complex technical or legal issues — residents frequently have questions about code enforcement and their role in keeping Palmdale a great place to live and work. The following information will answer the most frequently asked questions about code enforcement in our community.


How are codes enforced?


The code enforcement process is typically initiated in several ways:
  1. In response to a complaint by an individual; or a neighborhood association.
  2. Observation of a code violation by City staff.
  3. As a consequence of an action (for example, an application for a building permit or a request for a zoning variance).
The City relies on residents to help identify possible code violations, particularly in these areas:
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What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?


City staff responds to code enforcement complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

For all types of code complaints, the first step in the follow-up procedure is an inspection by a City staff member to see if a code violation exists. In general a notice of violation is issued to the owner/tenant to correct the code violation in a timely manner. The City may also issue citations or take court action if the situation poses a significant risk to the community or if the individual has ignored the notice of violation.
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What penalties result from code violations?


In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made, then the individual may be subject to fines and civil injunctions or other penalties.
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Reporting Code Violations


You may file a complaint about a possible code violation online, in person, in writing or by phone. In an average year, the City receives thousands of complaints related to possible code enforcement violations.


To report in person or in writing:
City of Palmdale Planning Department
Code Enforcement Division
38250 Sierra Highway
Palmdale, CA 93550

Monday-Thursday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm
Fax: 661/267-5233

Please be prepared with specific information, such as:
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Code Enforcement Contact Information


All area codes are 661 unless otherwise noted.

Specific Complaint Department/Agency Responsible Phone
Abandoned Vehicles on public streets Parking Enforcement 267-5436
Animal Control - dogs running at large (daytime), licensing and vaccination of dogs, dead or injured animals Animal Control 940-4190
Animal Control - barking dogs, poisoning of animals, possession of fighting animals Animal Control 940-4190
Animals - too many, unsanitary conditions Code Enforcement 267-5234
Buildings, dangerous or substandard (housing) Building and Safety 267-5353
Business License - home occupations or illegal business Business License 267-5434
County Code Enforcement County Code Enforcement 877/966-2633
Crime Tips (anonymous) Palmdale Pride Hotline 947-7433
Dumping Code Enforcement 267-5234
Emergency (24 hours) 9-1-1
Garbage - overflowing garbage cans or dumpsters Code Enforcement 267-5234
Garbage cans at properties left out on the street longer than a day before or after collection day Code Enforcement 267-5234
Graffiti Palmdale Pride Hotline 947-7433
Hate Crimes Palmdale Pride Hotline 947-7433
Inoperable Vehicles Code Enforcement 267-5234
Lancaster Code Enforcement Lancaster Code Enforcement 723-6121
Neighborhood Watch Public Safety 267-5181
Noise Disturbances Sheriff 272-2400
Outdoor Storage - trash, junk or debris Code Enforcement 267-5234
PAC – Partners Against Crime Public Safety 267-5181
Pools – unprotected , or green Code Enforcement 267-5234
Property Maintenance Code Enforcement 267-5234
Rental Inspection Program Building and Safety 267-5353
Shopping Carts CART 800/252-4613
Signs - illegally posted commercial or garage sale signs Code Enforcement 267-5234
Ice or hazards on public sidewalks Code Enforcement 267-5234
Traffic Signal Repair Palmdale Pride Hotline 947-7433
Unsafe Buildings Building and Safety 267-5353
Vacant Buildings Code Enforcement 267-5234
Vegetation blocking sidewalk, obstructing signs or obstructing vehicle sight lines Code Enforcement 267-5234
Vehicles parked on private property Code Enforcement 267-5234
Vehicles - parked on unimproved surface Code Enforcement 267-5234
Vehicles illegally parked on public streets Parking Enforcement 267-5436
Weed abatement, long grass Code Enforcement 267-5234
Zoning occupancy issues and questions Planning Department 267-5200

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