Code Enforcement

What is Code Enforcement?

The Code Enforcement program responds to complaints received from community members, other City departments, and various outside agencies on work that is conducted without permits. Compliance is sought through a progression of Stop Work notices, letters, notice and orders, administrative citations, liens and receiverships. In Alameda, code enforcement is a reactive program, not a proactive program. Staff responds to complaints rather than going out and looking for violations. Complaints come from any number of places. Often they are received from neighbors and tenants.

File a Complaint

Code Enforcement Division only responds to complaints pertaining to the following:

• Alleged violations that appear to be an immediate hazard to the health, safety, or welfare of the occupants(s) of a building.
• Alleged violations of Alameda Municipal Codes concerning construction without building permits, dilapidated structure(s) of a building.
• Zoning violations, junkyard, recreational vehicles being co-occupied as dwellings, land use violations.

Please note: The following types of complaints must be reported to the following agencies:

To file a Code Violation Complaint, please fill out the entire Code Enforcement Complaint Form. It is important that you provide us with facts that show the situation you are reporting is injurious to the health, safety and welfare of the occupants(s) or public. Information that you may feel unimportant may be key to resolving the alleged violation. If the form is incomplete, Code Enforcement staff may be unable to act on the complaint. Please note: Once you submit a complaint the complainant will not be called. If you would like to check the status of a complaint please call 510-747-6845.

What Happens During the Code Enforcement Process?

Every effort is made to visit the site of the alleged violation and confirm its validity as soon as possible. Once a complaint is confirmed as valid, the property owner is contacted to schedule an inspection and attempt to gain compliance. Many cases are resolved at this stage; the property owner makes the required corrections, the case is closed. Other cases take more persuasion before compliance with the Alameda Municipal Code is reached. Enforcement efforts become increasingly more demanding and can include the issuance of citations, a rare but sometimes necessary step. In the most difficult cases, where the safety of building occupants or neighboring properties are affected and the City is unable to gain compliance, the City Council may authorize civil proceedings against the property owner.

Office Hours for Code Compliance Officers

Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.  (no appointment required)

Please be advise: Customers who would like to speak in person with a Code Compliance officer after the hours listed above will need to make an appointment. To schedule an appointment, please call your assigned Code Compliance Officer.

We encourage property owners, management companies and lenders to be proactive in reporting vacant/boarded buildings. Please click the link below to learn more.

Vacant Building Registration