FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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• What information is required to file a complaint?

  Code Compliance requires the reporting party to provide their name, address, and contact information, as well as the location and a brief description of the possible violation.

• If I file a complaint, will my information be kept confidential?

  Yes, complainant’s information is kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law.

• How many dogs and cats am I allowed to have on my property?

  A property can have up to six dogs or cats, or in any combination.

• Can I have horses on my property?

  Horse keeping may be allowed on your property depending on your zone and all horses must belong to the occupants of the property.

• My neighbor’s dog barks constantly, who should I contact?

  To file a complaint regarding barking dog(s) on private property, please contact our noise complaint line at (858) 694-3741 or by email at PDS.CodeCompliance@sdcounty.ca.gov.  

• What do I do if there are rats and roaches on my property or my neighbor’s property?

  To file a complaint regarding rats, mice, or roaches on property, you may contact Department of Environmental Health, Vector Control at (888) 694-2888 or by email at vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.

• Can you have weekly garage sales?

  Garage sales are permitted, provided the garage sales do not exceed three consecutive days in duration, and no more than four garage sales in a calendar year.

• How high can fences/walls be?

  Fences/walls are permitted up to 42 inches in the front or exterior side yard; and permitted up to 72 inches in the rear or interior side yards.

• Do fences establish property lines?

  No, fences do not establish legal property lines.  You may hire a surveyor in order to determine your legal property boundaries. Code Compliance does not regulate property line disputes.

• What can be done about overgrown weeds or my neighbor’s plants/trees that are impeding on to my property?

  Code Compliance does not regulate landscaping. You may seek the assistance of your Home Owners Association. For overgrown weeds that may be a potential fire hazard, you may contact your local fire district.

• How many cars can be parked at a private property?

  Code Compliance does not regulate the number of vehicles parked on property, as long as they are operable, and they belong to the occupants of the property. Commercial vehicles are not allowed to be stored or parked on residential and agricultural zones.

• Who do I contact regarding complaints about substandard rental units?

  Rental units are regulated by the Food and Housing Division within the Department of Environmental Health. They can be contacted at (858) 595-6903, or by email at fhdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov