Code Compliance
Submit a Code Complaint
You may complete the Complaint form online, in person, or over the phone.
You may request Code Enforcement service if you suspect a code violation on private property. Your contact information is required so we may connect with you regarding the status of the investigation. Your identity is kept confidential by Code Enforcement staff to the maximum extent allowed by law; we are unable to take anonymous complaints. We will need a detailed description of the concern and will provide information and referrals as available if the issue does not fall within the scope of code enforcement.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Ordinance - Effective July 1, 2025
Code compliance is assisting with enforcement of the gas-powered leaf blowers ordinance. If you suspect a violation, please report a suspected violation by calling 831-420-5111 or online through the city's Community Request Services Portal. A complaint can also be filed online here, see above "Submit a Code Complaint".
If reporting a violation by phone call, please leave your name, property address where the violation is occurring, and your contact information for staff to follow up with you in case more information is needed. Additional information about when and how frequently gas leaf blower use is occurring is also helpful. For more information about the gas-powered leaf blowers ordinance and to view the FAQs, please visit the City's decarbonization webpage.
How will this ordinance be enforced?
When a complaint is received, a written courtesy notice will be mailed to the property owner with details about the alleged violation and potential future penalties. Additionally, the property owner will be required to sign and return an affidavit included with the written courtesy notice confirming they are aware of the ordinance and potential penalties. Subsequent confirmed violations at the same location would be punishable by any provision in Santa Cruz Municipal Code Title 4 including criminal prosecution and escalating fines according to the schedule below:
- $100 for the second violation.
- $200 for the third violation.
- $500 for the fourth violation and any subsequent violations.
Enforcement Priorities (Category 1 through 4)
Your concerns are important to us. We will assign priority to life and safety issues first as we work through our list of complaints. For a status report on your complaint, please email or call the Code Compliance Division.
Category 1: Imminent Life Safety Hazard – Immediate Response
Definition: Any condition which creates a present and immediate danger to life, property, health or public safety. (SCMC 4.01.010 [8])
Examples:
- Structures in a state of collapse.
- Ungrounded electrical wiring.
- Unattended refrigerator with a door.
Category 2: Unsafe Structures and Equipment – Response within 48 hrs
Definition: A structure which is found to be dangerous to the life, health, property or safety of the public or the occupants of the structure by not providing minimum safeguards to protect or warn occupants in the event of fire or because such structure contains unsafe equipment or is so damaged, decayed, dilapidated, structurally unsafe or of such faulty construction or unstable foundation, that partial or complete collapse is possible. (International Property Maintenance Code, Section 108.1)
Examples:
- Dangerous conditions after a fire.
- Extreme fire loads in a residence, i.e. hoarding.
- Sewage spills.
Category 3: Substandard Structure – Response within 2 weeks
Definition: A structure or premises in violation of Health and Safety Code Section 17920.3 (see below) and not Category 1 or Category 2.
Examples:
- Broken windows.
- Accumulation of weeds.
- Mold.
Category 4: Other Violations – Response within 30 days
Definition: Any violations not included in Categories 1,2 and 3.
Examples:
- Long-term storage in the front yard setback (no immediate hazard).
- Home Occupations.
- Animals: i.e. too many dogs, roosters.
- ADUs in violation of zoning ordinance.
- Building Department Red Tags or unpermitted buildings that are no life/health/safety concerns.
Items Code Compliance Enforces
- Unpermitted units
- Substandard housing
- Illegal use of the building
- Illegal home business
- Property Maintenance (Rental Inspection Program)
- Parking on private property
- Over height fence
- Use permit violations
- Signs
- Abandoned or discarded appliances or furniture
- Construction work without permits
Items not enforced by Code Compliance
FAQs
Is this property in the City of Santa Cruz?
To help expedite your property concern, it's important to report it to the right jurisdiction. Use our Zoning and Land Use page to search for the property and see if it is in the City limits. If your property is not in the City, but the County of Santa Cruz, you can submit your complaint through the County's online system.
Other Links and Resources