Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement
Our Mission
The mission of the Code Enforcement Division is to achieve and maintain a safe, healthy and blight free community.
Our Vision
Code Enforcement Division’s vision is to provide our citizens with the highest quality of service and to uphold and enforce codes and standards established to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of all residents, business owners, visitors and properties based upon priorities, which are consistent with established standards. Courtesy and professionalism will serve as guiding principles, which will permeate the character of the code enforcement unit, thereby ensuring that our determination to deter blight is achieved with sensitivity and compassion.
About Code Enforcement
The goal of the Code Enforcement Division is to obtain voluntary compliance with the regulatory provisions set forth in the Rocklin City Municipal Code. The goal is not to punish the responsible parties in violation but to achieve compliance with City Code and associated laws. The division recognizes the need and importance of maintaining the quality of life and protecting the health, safety, and welfare of the public as well as maintaining property values throughout the community.
In order to be successful, we encourage voluntary compliance, the division provides residents, visitors, and business owner’s sufficient notice, information, and a reasonable amount of time to comply. However, in turn, it takes cooperation, and when property owners, residents, and business owners fail to correct violations as required, the division must impose corrective actions to achieve compliance. The division will always maintain the following goals when investigating or enforcing:
- Educate the public about the City’s codes and ordinances and to obtain voluntary compliance.
- Strive to perform our duties in a fair, professional and courteous manner.
- Protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public.
- Assist in development of standards and ordinances that ensure positive effects on property value, community appearance, and neighborhood sustainability.
- Establish and maintain a proactive environment to help solve community problems and stay at the forefront of creative and effective code enforcement.
What Is A Code Enforcement Officer?
A code enforcement officer is defined by Penal Code section 829.5 as “any person… who is employed by any governmental subdivision, public or quasi-public corporation, public agency, public service corporation, any town, city, county, or municipal corporation, whether incorporated or chartered, who has enforcement authority for health, safety, and welfare requirements, whose duties include enforcement of any statute, rule, regulation, or standard, and who is authorized to issue citations, or file formal complaints.
What Type Of Training Is Required For Code Enforcement Officers?
Health & Safety Code 26206, et seq. sets forth the standards required and expected of a Code Enforcement Officer certified by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO).
How Do I Contact Code Enforcement?
Phone: (916) 625-5498
Email: codeenforcement@rocklin.ca.us
3980 Rocklin Road
Rocklin, CA 95677
View map
7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
(Office open to appointment only)
Code Enforcement Process
Step 1: Complaint Received
A complaint is received by the City.
Step 2: Courtesy Notice
A Code Enforcement Officer will assess and substantiate the complaint. If the complaint is substantiated, the property owner and /or tenant will be provided with a Courtesy Notice. The intent of a Courtesy Notice or contact is to inform the violator of any violations and provide any information and clarification needed to remediate. A follow-up inspection date will be specified.
Step 3: Notice of Violation
If the complaint is not corrected at the time of the Code Enforcement Officer’s follow-up inspection, a Notice of Violation (written warning) is personally served or mailed to each person who is or may be legally responsible for the alleged violation. The notice will state that the violation must be corrected and will include a deadline for corrections to be made. The Code Enforcement Officer will verify that the complaint has been corrected with a site visit on the written deadline.
Step 4: Administrative Citation
If the violation was corrected, the case will be recorded in the Code Enforcement database and closed. If the violation has not been corrected, a $100 Administrative Citation will be imposed. Re-inspections will be made and additional citations will be issued for each day (or other deadline) that the violation is not corrected. The 2nd Administrative Citation is $250, and any subsequent violations are $500 each. Citations may be issued per violation, per day until compliance is achieved.
Step 5: Repeated Offense and Additional Administrative Citations
If an additional complaint involving the same issue and same property is received within a 12-month period, the Code Enforcement Officer will make a site visit to verify the violation and a $100 Administrative Citation may be imposed. Re-inspections will be made and additional citations will be issued for each day (or other deadline) the violation is not corrected. The 2nd citation is $250, and any subsequent violations are $500 each.
It is our policy to investigate and attempt to resolve all reported and discovered code violations. In an effort to remain effective while maximizing resources, the most serious violations will be addressed before less serious violations regardless of the order in which the complaints are received. Complaints alleging both priority and non-priority violations may be processed together to maximize efficiency. At the discretion of Code Enforcement staff, complaints may be processed in any order that maximizes efficiency. Complaints concerning a particular type of code violation (e.g., occurring in a particular geographic area) may be processed together regardless of the order in which the complaints are received.
Common Violations
Inoperable Vehicles
An inoperable vehicle is one that is not equipped with all parts required to legally and safely operate on public street and/or cannot be driven under its own power. In addition, vehicle parts are prohibited to be stored within public view.
NOTE: Code Enforcement does not respond to illegally parked, inoperable, abandoned, and/or non-moving vehicles parked on the street. Please contact the Rocklin Police Department for vehicle issues on the street.
RMC Section 8.08.030 and Section 8.04.020(E)
Open Storage and Junk, Trash & Debris
Open storage is prohibited. Generally, any appliances, equipment, materials, furnishings, canopies, and shipping containers shall not be stored in public view.
Junk, trash, and debris are prohibited from being left within public view and must be disposed of properly. This includes, but is not limited to, junk, packing boxes, cardboard boxes, lumber, rubbish, refuse, barrels, drums, and salvage material.
RMC Section 8.04.020(A) and (D)
Overgrown Vegetation
Overgrown vegetation pertains to untended lawn and weeds in excess of twelve inches (12”) in height. In addition, bushes, tree limbs, and plants are prohibited from obstructing or encroaching upon city sidewalk and streets. Trees are required to be trimmed up to a minimum height of eight feet (8’) above the surface of the sidewalk and fourteen (14’) above the surface of the street. Vegetation next to the driveway should be kept below thirty inches (30”) in height to reduce sight distance obstructions when exiting a driveway.
Dead Vegetation
Dead, decayed, diseased or hazardous trees, weeds, or other vegetation constituting unsightly appearance, or dangerous to public safety and welfare and visible from public view shall be removed from the property. Hazardous weeds shall be maintained below a maximum height of four (4”) inches at all times to prevent intense flame heights if the dead weeds happen to ignite due to an ignition source.
-
Contact the Fire Department for overgrown dead vegetation on unimproved parcels, improved parcels greater than a ½ acre in size, and private open-space at the beginning of fire season until the conclusion of fire season.
-
Contact Public Works Department for all overgrown and dead vegetation concerns within the City open-space or city landscape areas.
Building Maintenance
All building exteriors wood, siding, shingles, roof coverings, railings, walls, ceilings, porches, doors, windows and any other exterior parts of residential structures must be weather-tight, rodent proof, an in-sound condition and good repair.
CA. H&SC 17920.3(G)(1-4) and RMC Section 8.04.020(G)(H)(I)(J)
Fences & Walls
Fences must be constructed of approved materials and must be kept in good repair. Use of materials such as chain link, barbed wire, razor wire and electrified fencing are prohibited within residentially zoned areas. Fencing in residentially zoned areas shall be limited to a maximum height of six feet (6’) within the side yard and rear yard and thirty inches (30”) in the front yard. Please email planneroftheday@rocklin.ca.us or call (916) 625-5166 for any questions you may have before beginning fencing and wall projects.
Parking and Storage of Accessory Vehicles
The City of Rocklin proactively regulates recreational vehicle parking and storage violations. RVs, trailers, boats and campers must be stored in a garage, a commercial storage facility, or on a solid surface (on private residential property, outside of the front and street side yard setbacks). For information on setback locations for your property, please email planneroftheday@rocklin.ca.us or call (916) 625-5166.
What is an accessory vehicle?
“Accessory vehicle” means and includes campers, recreational vehicles, and utility trailers. (RMC 17.8.130.B.1)
How is storage of an accessory vehicle defined?
“Store” or “stored” means parking in a location on three consecutive days or nine intermittent days within a thirty-day period at any point in time. (RMC 17.08.130.B.5)
Where can I store my accessory vehicle?
An accessory vehicle can be stored in the interior side yard, rear yard or garage of a residential property, or in a commercial storage facility.
Where can’t I store my accessory vehicle?
It is not allowed to store an accessory vehicle in any zoning district at the following locations below:
- In any front yard or street side yard setback in any zone including driveways;
- On a public street in any zone; or
- In any required off-street parking area in any commercial or industrial zone.
The diagram below highlights a typical residential front yard setback and street side yard setback.
If my accessory vehicle doesn’t fit into my rear yard or interior side yard, where can I store it?
Accessory vehicles that do not fit into the rear yard or interior side yard must be parked inside a garage or in a commercial storage facility.
Can I temporarily park my accessory vehicle in my driveway to clean, load and unload, or do general maintenance on it?
Yes, an accessory vehicle can be temporarily parked on the driveway (within the front yard setback) and street for up to 2 consecutive days to perform any of the tasks listed above. It’s important to understand that two consecutive days within the ordinance does not mean 48 hours. At any point in time that the accessory vehicle is at your home it counts as a day.
Example: The accessory vehicle comes home on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. and parks within the front yard setback that is day 1, then you take your accessory vehicle back to storage on Sunday at 8:00 a.m. that is considered day 2.
Can I park my accessory vehicle on unpaved or an unimproved surface?
No, an accessory vehicle or any other vehicle may not be parked on a pervious surface.
If I can park in my driveway for up to 2 consecutive days on the street, why can’t I just move my vehicle from the driveway to the street and back again every few days?
The purpose of the accessory vehicle ordinance is to limit temporary parking and prohibit the storage of an accessory vehicle to improve the appearance and aesthetics of the City and to eliminate potential traffic hazards. Therefore, the City gives accessory vehicle owners the opportunity to perform various tasks on their vehicles during a 2 consecutive day period.
What is an example of illegal storage for an accessory vehicle?
For example, if a motor home is parked in a driveway for 2 consecutive days, then it moves onto the street in front of a house for one more day, and then back into the driveway or down the street for another day, this would be a violation of the ordinance and subject to a fine. (RMC 17.08.130.D and RMC 17.08.130.E)
Can people live or stay in an accessory vehicle on my property, even if it is just for a few days?
No, people cannot use accessory vehicles for living or sleeping purposes, even for short periods. (RMC 17.08.130.C)
If I regularly drive a pick-up truck with a camper on the back, can I park it in my driveway?
Yes a pick-up truck, with a camper attached to it that is normally used for everyday transportation, can be parked in the driveway if the camper is attached to a one-ton or less pick-up truck and is not more than 9 feet in height as measured from the surface of the street. (RMC 17.08.130.E.4)
Yard or Garage Sales
Garage sales have limitations within the City.
- No more than three (3) garage sales may be held on any residential property in any one calendar year;
- No garage sale shall be allowed within sixty (60) days of another such garage sale on the property;
- Garage sales are prohibited Mondays through Thursdays;
- No single sale shall be conducted longer than three (3) days;
- Items on display shall only be sold on the property the sale is being held;
- Items of display for sale shall not be stored or placed on the public right-of-way, nor shall the displays encroach onto another property without the permission from the property owner.
Garage Sale Signs are exempt from a sign permit; however, they shall be placed on private property only. Signs placed within the public right-of-way or affixed to utility poles or traffic signs will be immediately removed by City Officials and an administrative citation will be issued and responsible parties will incur the costs of removal and disposal.
Temporary Signs
Temporary signs relevant to retail business, restaurants, and offices are considered “Special Advertising Devices” and are require approval of a Sign Permit before they can be installed. Temporary signs that comply with all applicable standards can usually be issued over the counter. We recommend that you first obtain a sign permit before you purchase or install a sign to make sure that the proposed sign complies with applicable standards.
Note: Temporary signs placed off-site or on public property are prohibited and will be immediately removed by City Officials and stored for 30 days. If you are missing a sign, please contact Code Enforcement Division to check if your sign was removed by a City Official.
Swimming Pools
All swimming pools shall be maintained in a clean sanitary condition. Private residential pools shall have an enclosure that complies with the Swimming Pool Safety Act.
Green pools: Please contact the Placer Mosquito & Vector Control District if you have a green pool in your neighborhood.
RMC Section 8.04.020(D) and CA. H&SC 115923
Building Address
The building address identification shall be legible and placed in a position that is visible from the street or road fronting the property. Address identification characters shall contrast with their background. Address numbers shall be Arabic numbers or alphabetical letters. Numbers shall not be spelled out. Each character shall be not less than 4 inches high with a minimum stroke width of ½ inch.
Substandard Housing
The California Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3 known as the State Housing Law, defines substandard housing as any condition which exists to an extent that it endangers the life, limb, property, safety or welfare of the occupants or general public.
Code Enforcement responds to complaints initiated by occupants of rental units and other internal/external agencies regarding substandard housing conditions. Our Code Enforcement Officers work closely with property owners, tenants and property management companies towards resolving all substandard housing conditions.
Some examples of substandard housing conditions as defined in California Health & Safety Code Section 17920.3 are:
- Hazardous Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical Equipment
- Infestation of vermin/rodents
- Deteriorated foundations, floors, support systems, walls, ceilings or roofs.
- General dilapidation, sanitation, and visible mold
To report a substandard housing violation, or for additional information please call the Code Enforcement Division (916) 625-5498 or submit an online complaint at Access Rocklin.
Agencies/Resources
Sidewalk Vending
A Sidewalk Vending Permit is required to operate a vending cart. Applicants may apply online or submit the Sidewalk Vending Permit Application (PDF) in-person.
Please see the Sidewalk Vending Permit for application information or Frequently Asked Questions for additional vending regulations.
Short-Term Rental
The City of Rocklin requires a permit for property owners to offer short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb, VRBO and others. The guidelines offer owners flexibility while encouraging harmony with the surrounding neighborhood. Fill out the free short-term rental form below to start renting responsibly in your neighborhood.
Abandoned Shopping Carts
Pursuant to Section 8.35.070 of the City of Rocklin Municipal Code, every owner who allows or intends to allow the use of carts outside the building of a business shall develop and implement a specific plan to prevent customers from removing carts from the business premises. This plan shall be submitted to the City’s Director of Economic and Community Development for approval. The Abandoned Cart Prevention plan must include the following elements at a minimum.
You may submit the form online or download City of Rocklin Shopping Cart Plan Form and mail to 3980 Rocklin Road, Rocklin, CA 95677
Appeal Hearing
Request An Appeals Hearing
The City has statutory authorization to establish the appeals hearing process. Under the appeals hearing provisions within Title 1, Article III of the Rocklin Municipal Code (RMC), the City Manager or his/her designee appoints an independent Hearing Officer to conduct quasi-judicial hearings and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager. Hearing Officers are authorized under RMC to hear appeals brought forth by property owner(s) and/or responsible parties whom appeal an administrative action by the City.
Appeal hearings provide the procedure of due process of law that includes adequate notice, an opportunity for the property owner and/or responsible party to obtain a timely and fair hearing to contest (reasons/disputes) why the administrative action was taken.
General FAQs
How Do I Report a Violation?
The following are different ways a citizen of the City of Rocklin can report a violation to the Code Enforcement Division:
Online: Access Rocklin is an easy way to send your questions, complaints and compliments directly to the Code Enforcement staff who can assist you.
By Phone: Call Code Enforcement at 916.625.5498 to report a municipal code violation.
By Email: Send an email to Code Enforcement at CodeEnforcement@rocklin.ca.us to report a municipal code violation.
In-Person: To report a municipal code violation in person, please contact our office at 916-625-5498 to make an appointment. Our office is closed to the public due to the minimum staffing levels and lack of public front counter.
Please remember to include detailed information, including an exact address and description of the problem. Violations reported that lack details and location will be immediately closed if the complainant reports the violation anonymously.
I Reported An Issue But Don’t See A Change. Is Anything Happening?
Issues can take up to 30-plus days to be resolved. If your issue was reported more than 30 days ago, please contact us to check on the complaint status.
I Reported An Abandoned Vehicle On The Street And Its Still There?
All vehicles reported abandoned, inoperable, and/or not moving every 72 hours shall be reported to the Rocklin Police Department. Code Enforcement only enforces inoperable vehicles located on private property.
Will You Notify Me Once The Issue Is Resolved?
Due to high volume of reports and minimal but efficient staffing, the person who reported the violation to Code Enforcement will not be contacted upon resolution unless we need additional information.
Are Reporting Parties Of Violations Kept Confidential?
Yes. The City of Rocklin’s policy is to ensure we maintain confidentiality of reporting parties. However, a court order or subpoena issued for records may require the City to provide complainant information.
Does Code Enforcement Recognize Extenuating Circumstances?
The role of Code Enforcement is to interpret and apply the municipal code fairly and consistently. Code Enforcement Officers have the discretion based on extenuating circumstances to grant extensions of time and to work collaboratively with residents to resolve violations. Our goal is to educate as much as possible and to achieve voluntary compliance.
Where Can I Find The Municipal Codes?
You can view all municipal codes online at City of Rocklin Municipal Code.
Can Code Enforcement Enforce Codes On Private Property?
Yes. In fact, Code Enforcement’s focus is primarily on preservation of private property (excludes civil disputes). Public property concerns are usually directed to Public Works, Parks and Recreation, and the Police Department.
Does Code Enforcement Proactively Look For Violations?
Yes, Code Enforcement is proactive within the City of Rocklin. In most proactive cases we are in the area due to a complaint received and as time allows a sweep of the immediate area is performed to enforce the same or similar violation reported.
Neighbor Or Tenant/Landlord Civil Disputes
Community Mediation Services
Placer Dispute Resolution is a non-profit, community-based conflict resolution organization. We offer mediation, training and conflict coaching services to those who live in, or own property or a business in Placer County. If you are experiencing a conflict, our experienced mediators can help you reach a satisfying resolution. All services are low-cost, voluntary and confidential.
Placer Dispute Resolution
PO Box 1771
Loomis, CA 95650
View map
Web: placerdisputeresolution.org
Phone: (916) 645-9260
Community Legal Services
The mission of Legal Services of Northern California is to provide quality legal services to empower the poor to identify and defeat the causes and effects of poverty within our community, efficiently utilizing all available resources.
Legal Services of Northern California – Auburn office
190 Reamer Street
Auburn, CA 95603
View map
Web: lsnc.net
Phone: (530) 823-7560