Phone: (949) 366-4705 
Graffiti Hotline: (949) 361-8385
Email: CodeCompliance@san-clemente.org

File a Complaint: www.san-clemente.org/complaints

Code Compliance Staffing

The Code Compliance Division staff typically operates according to the following schedule:

Monday through Wednesday - 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

Thursday and Friday - 7:30 am to 1:00 am (the following morning)

Saturday and Sunday – 2 pm to 1:00 am (the following morning)

Code Compliance Overview

The Code Compliance Division primarily investigates complaints of violations of the San Clemente Municipal Code (SCMC), and other laws the division has the responsibility to enforce.  Please refer to the section below, “Other Issues Enforced By Separate Agencies,” for a list of complaints commonly filed with the Code Compliance Division that should be directed to other enforcement agencies. 

The code enforcement process is typically initiated after a member of the public submits a complaint.  If the complaint describes a violation of the SCMC, a case is created, and a Code Compliance Officer is assigned to investigate the alleged violation.  Based on a number of factors, such as seriousness of the violation, type of violation, etc., the Code Compliance Division may issue a Notice of Correction. If corrective action is not completed at the expiration of the Correction Notice, the City may issue an Administrative Citation or use other abatement procedures specified in the SCMC. The success of the Code Compliance Program depends, in large part upon each citizen acting as a good neighbor.

Mission 

The mission of Code Compliance in the City of San Clemente is to maintain a safe, healthy environment for our residents and visitors to live, work and play through assuring compliance with the City's land use, environmental and construction codes. In achieving this mission, the Code Compliance Division contributes to the long term stability of the City by protecting its economic vitality and diversity resulting in a vibrant, balanced community capable of addressing today’s needs and planning for tomorrow’s challenges. The Division will assure compliance by encouraging voluntary compliance and sanctioning code violators who do not comply willingly.

Code Enforcement Philosophy 

The City's policy is to obtain compliance with City Code in all cases of reported and verifiable code violations. The primary purpose of enforcement action is to obtain compliance, not to be punitive. As a result, the primary purpose of the Code Compliance division is to ensure the fulfillment of the City’s vision. Methods to obtain compliance should be based upon educating the public, transparency in all enforcement actions, and mutual respect for all parties involved in a consistently professional and courteous manner. Ensuring equitable enforcement with the finite amount of resources available to Code Compliance is a top priority. To achieve this goal, while providing the initiative to complete quality work with a deep sense of personal responsibility, a priority ranking is established for code enforcement. The procedures associated with these rankings will be designed to maximize the utilization of available resources and maintain the flexibility to seek win‐win solutions by creatively pursuing alternatives whenever possible.

Common Violations Investigated by Code Compliance

For these issues, and other potential violations of the SCMC, please submit a complaint here:

www.san-clemente.org/complaints

Other Issues Enforced By Separate Agencies

The following list describes other violations often reported to the Code Compliance Division that should be reported to other divisions or agencies.

• Orange County Sheriff Department

  • Parking on public streets

  • Trespassing

• Coastal Animal Services Authority

  • Animal disturbances

• Orange County Vector Control

  • Rodent and insect infestations

• San Clemente Business Services Division

  • Unlicensed Businesses

• San Clemente Building Division

  • Unpermitted structures

  • Construction work without permits

• San Clemente Environmental Services Division

  • Trash and recycling container violations

  • Water polluting (discharging sewage or wash water into storm drains, for example)

• Orange County Fire Authority

  • Hillside vegetation fire hazards

• Orange County Healthcare Agency

  • Food handling issues

  • Restaurant cleanliness