1. How do I file a complaint? (back)

You may call the Police Code Enforcement Office during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (626) 580-2080. After hours and on weekends you may leave a message on our hot line at (626) 580-2080.  You may also write a letter detailing the nature of your complaint.

Mail all complaints to:

El Monte Police Department
Code Enforcement Services
11333 Valley Boulevard
El Monte, CA 91731

2.What information do I need to provide when I file a complaint? (back)

You must provide the exact address of where the violation is located; the nature of the violation and any pertinent information relating to the property of the violation that may help in resolving the problem is appreciated.

3. Can I remain anonymous when filing a complaint? (back)

Your information is kept confidential and will not be given out. Your name and phone number will be helpful in case the Code Enforcement Officer has any questions regarding the complaint.

4. What types of complaints are handled by the Police Code Enforcement Unit? (back)

The Police Code Enforcement Unit investigates and follows up on alleged violations of the El Monte Municipal Code such as:

1. Property Maintenance Violations:  inadequate yard maintenance; excessive outside storage; peeling paint; driveway in disrepair; trash, junk and debris; trash cans in view; clothes hung on fences; inoperable vehicles; etc.
2. Private Property Parking Violations:  parking on unpaved surfaces; yard parking; commercial vehicles parked in residential areas; equipment and camper shells stored in residential yard areas; etc.
3. Zoning Violations:  fence heights; animals (chickens, goats, horses) in un-permitted zones; outside storage; and other non-permitted uses such as businesses being conducted in un-permitted zones.
4. Mobile Vendors (produce, ice cream, etc.) and Illegal Push Cart/Shopping Cart Vendors:  Investigate mobile vendors for permit compliance; check for business licenses; etc.
5. People living in an illegally converted garage.
6. Illegal Yard sales.
7. Other Municipal Code violations: Contact Code Enforcement for assistance.

5. Who handles mobile homes and trailer park complaints? (back)

The City of El Monte is the enforcement agency for mobile home and trailer park complaints under the California Code of Regulations, Title 25. You may contact the Commercial Code Enforcement Division at (626) 580-2085 to file a mobile home or trailer park complaint.

6. Who handles complaints about trees? (back)

If the tree is located on public property or is overhanging and/or obstructing the public right-of-way (sidewalk, street, alley, etc.), contact the Public Works Department at (626) 580-2250.  If the tree is on private property and appears to be overgrown, dead, diseased or a fire hazard, you may contact Police Code Enforcement at (626) 580-2080.  If the tree is located on private property and is overhanging or obstructing another piece of private property, it is considered a civil issue between the two property owners and the City of El Monte does not get involved.

7. Who handles animal complaints and licensing? (back)

Los Angeles County Animal Control handles licensing and complaints regarding animals, such as barking dogs and dogs running loose.  To contact Los Angeles County Animal Control call (626) 962-3577.

8. Who handles complaints regarding rest homes and restaurants? (back)

The Los Angeles County Health Department handles complaints regarding rest homes and restaurants.  To contact the Health Department, call (626) 813-3380.

9. Who handles on-street parking complaints? (back)

On-street parking complaints, including street sweeping enforcement, are handled by the Parking Control Unit of the Police Department’s Traffic Bureau.  If you have a parking control complaint you may call the Police Department 24 hours a day at (626) 580-2110.

 10. What happens after I file a complaint? What is the process? (back)

Once a complaint is filed, it is logged in and assigned to the area Code Enforcement Officer.  The Code Enforcement Officer investigates the complaint and contacts the owner or responsible party and issues a Notice of Violation, either verbal or written.  The responsible party is generally given ten (10) days to correct the violation(s), depending on the nature of the violation(s).

If compliance is not achieved in the ten (10) day period, a Final Notice of Violation is given.  The responsible party is then given another ten (10) days to correct the violations.

If compliance is not achieved at the end of the ten (10) day period, the responsible party is notified of an Office Conference to try to resolve the problem.

If the responsible party does not appear for the Office Conference or does not comply within the time given, a citation may be issued to the owner or responsible party and/or the property will be referred for a Public Nuisance Hearing.

If the owner does not appear for the Public Nuisance Hearing or has failed to make progress on the property, it will be declared a Public Nuisance.  A document that is called a “Finding of Facts” is then generated regarding the property, which details the violations and the corrections that need to be made and an ordered date of completion given to the owners.  At this time, a Preliminary Notice of Proceedings is also recorded with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorders Office.

11. Who can I contact for Landlord\Tenant disputes? (back)
           
The Fair Housing Council of San Gabriel Valley may be contacted with problems relating to rentals and landlord/tenant disputes.  The Fair Housing Council may be reached at (626) 579-6868.

12. When can I have a yard sale? (back)

Permits are no longer given for yard sales.  There are now designated weekends to have a yard sale.  The dates are as follows:  The first weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of March, June, September and December.