This page describes the areas of responsibility of the Code Enforcement Division involving the enforcement of municipal codes, ordinances and state laws. The majority of the subjects covered are enforced by the Code Enforcement Division or are enforced with the assistance of other departments, divisions or agencies.

Blighted Properties occupied or abandoned, can cause a public nuisance in a neighborhood. They not only detract from the neighborhood visually, but adversely impact property values as well. Abandoned buildings must be secured to prevent trespassing and vandalism.Sometimes all that can be done to make these places safe is to tear them down. Issues such as peeling and chalky paint, broken fences, windows and walls, bad roofs, unfinished construction, are all violations of the code and dealt with by Code Enforcement and the Building & Safety Division. Some of these issues can affect the welfare and safety of the occupants and others. Property owners who fail to maintain their property can face substantial fines, including nuisance abatement action by the City to force removal of the nuisance. Such action can result in a lien against the property for all administrative and abatement cost.
See Foreclosed Properties page for more details.

Stagnant Water in swimming pools and spas can create a health and safety hazard, attractive nuisance as well as an unsightly appearance. Stagnant water can breed mosquitoes which can carry diseases. Code Enforcement works in conjunction with the Northwest Mosquito Abatement and Vector Control District to rid the City of these types of nuisances. To report a possible vector or mosquito issue, call the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District at (951) 340-9792

Inoperable Vehicles add to the blight of neighborhoods. They can also create a hazard for small children who can get trapped in the trunk. They also provide a harboring place for rodents and insects. Inoperative, dismantled, wrecked or abandoned vehicles must be stored within an enclosed building or removed from the premises. The Code Enforcement Division offers FREE towing and disposal for anyone in the City willing to junk their "Clunker". No DMV paperwork is required. Contact the Code Enforcement Division for more details.

Trash Accumulation can cause a health and safety hazard and public nuisance. Accumulations of litter, debris, salvage materials, car parts, discarded household goods and appliances and anything else that is not appropriate for public view from your yard, is a violation of the Municipal Code and must be removed and properly disposed of. Items too large to fit in your refuse containers should be taken to the County landfill. The City's refuse disposal contractor (CR&R) allows for limited bulk item pick-up from the curb upon request. Contact the CR&R Operations Department at (800) 755-8112 for more information and to schedule a special pick-up.

Overgrown Vegetation Each year after the rains, vegetation can quickly grow out of control harboring rats, vermin and other nuisances. When not cut down, this not only is unsightly but can pose a fire hazard when it becomes dry. Sometimes the overgrowth of vegetation can impede the public's ability to use the streets and sidewalks. Low hanging branches from trees add to the lack of maintenance and may impede pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Keep grass and weeds cut to less than 2" in height and overhanging tree branches a minimum of 6' off the ground, 9' over any sidewalk and 12' over any street. Vacant lots with overgrown weeds are handled by the Public Works Department as part of the Weed Abatement Program. Contact the Public Works Department at (951) 674-3124 Ext. 245 for more information.

Home Based Occupations are allowed in the City only with the issuance of a Home Occupation Permit and Business License and only under certain restrictions. Home based businesses cannot interfere with the character of the residential neighborhood, create additional traffic to the area or involve employees. The Planning and Business License Divisions are the lead departments that approve or deny requests for home occupations. Code Enforcement assists with enforcement problems. Contact the Planning Department (951) 674-3124 ext. 289 for further information.

Street Vendors require a City business license and peddler's permit from the Finance Department. Code Enforcement proactively enforces illegal street vending. Generally, street vending is only allowed from vehicles or pushcarts that travel from place to place. Peddlers shall not remain stationary awaiting business. Food related vendors require approval and permits from Riverside County Environmental Health Department. Setting up a business from a vacant lot or from the public property is strictly prohibited, except in conjunction with special event permit. For business license and peddler permits, contact the Finance Department/Business License at (951) 674-3124 ext. 213.

The Sign Ordinance regulates which types of signs are allowed and where they can be displayed. This includes the use of temporary signs such as banners, flags, pennants, balloons, window signs or similar devices used to promote a business. Signs are prohibited on public property. The Planning Department is the lead department for reviewing and approving signage throughout the City. A temporary sign permit for these types of signs may be obtained at the Planning Department. Contact the Planning Division at (951) 674-3124 ext. 278.

Signs on the Public Right-of-ways are totally prohibited by City ordinance. These types of signs create an unsightly appearance and can create a visibility problem for vehicle traffic and an obstruction for pedestrians. Signs such as yard sale, business advertising and directional signs found on the public right-of-way are subject to removal by City staff without warning. Continued violations may result in a fine for each sign. If your signs were removed from public property, you may call the Code Enforcement for information. Questions regarding sign regulations should be directed to the Planning Division (951) 674-3124 ext. 293.

Parking Enforcement The Code Enforcement Division and Police Department proactively enforce parking regulations throughout the City. Violations include: parking illegally in a disabled person's parking space, displaying a vehicle for sale on public or private property, parking in the front yard, blocking the sidewalk or private driveway, parking on the street during street sweeping day, blocking a fire hydrant, parking a commercial vehicle off the truck route or in residential district, or parking in No Parking zones. Vehicles left abandoned on the public street should be reported to the Lake Elsinore Police/Sheriff's Department at (951) 245-3300 or after hours at (800) 950-2444.

Parking/Storing Oversized Vehicles on the public street for more than 24 hours is illegal and subject to parking tickets from $30, $100 and $500 progressively. Oversized vehicles stored or parking on the street can obstruct a driver's visibility of traffic and pedestrians creating a traffic hazard. They can also block access on narrow streets making it difficult for emergency vehicles to pass. Code Enforcement proactively enforces these provisions. If you own a recreational vehicle, trailer, camper, or boat you should store them at a public storage facility or on your own property. Motor vehicles, trailers, boats and similar equipment may be parked in a driveway or parking space which conforms to City standards and provided they do not project over the public sidewalk or street. They shall not otherwise be parked in the required front yard. They may be parked in the side or rear yard only if they are screened from adjacent properties and the public right-of-way by a solid fence, wall, or gate a minimum of six (6') feet in height. For more information click here

Street Sweeping Enforcement To help keep the City clean, the streets are swept on a specific days from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Street sweeping services are contracted to CR&R Disposal Company. To clear the way for the sweeper, signs are posted at each entrance into an area comprising a neighborhood giving notice of the days and times parking is prohibited. Code Enforcement Officers patrol the area the day of street sweeping and issue parking tickets to any vehicle parked in violation. If you are not sure which day your street is swept or you have a concern regarding street sweeping service, contact CR&R Disposal at 1-800 755-8112.

Animal Care & Control Animal services are contracted to Animal Friends of the Valley (AFV). They handle issues related to animal keeping in the City, including barking dogs, vicious or neglected animals, licensing and number and type of animals allowed. Farm animals are typically not allowed in the City. Code Enforcement Officers provide support to Animal Control Officers when requested. They can be contacted at (951) 674-0618.

Right- of- Way Encroachments have to do with the use of public areas for private use. The typical types of encroachments the Code Enforcement Division handles are basketball hoops and skateboard ramps placed on the sidewalk or street. Permits must be obtained from the City Engineering Department before placing anything on the right-of-way. Typical permitted obstructions are related to construction related activities and not for sports equipment. Contact the Engineering Division at (951) 674-3124 x 241 for more information.

Palm Trees are protected from un-necessary removal by a permit process addressed in Chapter 5.8 of the Lake Elsinore Municipal Code. The Parks and Recreation Department is the lead department that deals with these issues. Specific types of palm trees are identified as a "Significant Palm". These palms include the Canary Island Date Palm, California Fan Palm, Windmill Palm, Mediterranean Fan Palm, Senegal Date Palm, Pindo Palm & Pygmy Palm. Code Enforcement assists the Parks and Recreation Department with enforcement issues. Before removing or relocating any palm tree in the City check with the Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 674-3124 ext. 265 for information and permit requirements.

Illegal Camping Our beautiful lake attracts many visitors and campers alike. Camping is limited to legal campgrounds only. Private property owners may apply for a Special Camping Permit at the City of Lake Elsinore for temporary camping on their own property. Click here to download an application or contact Code Enforcement at (951) 245-674-3124 ext. 227.

Graffiti Abatement The City of Lake Elsinore provides a comprehensive graffiti abatement program for the removal of illegal graffiti from both public and private property. Reports of graffiti can be made to the Public Works Department, Graffiti Hotline at (951) 674-5170, or by completing the online Code Enforcement Complaint Form. Property owners who are a victim of illegal graffiti can request that the City remove the graffiti at no charge by completing a Wavier Form. Owners who do not remove graffiti when notified can result in substation fines.