Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement aims to safeguard public health and safety, promote civic pride, and maintain property values. The Division works closely with private and commercial property owners to ensure compliance with property maintenance, building, and zoning ordinances.
The City has enacted various ordinances that apply to residential and commercial properties. These laws are intended to maintain the fundamental character and quality of life in residential neighborhoods. They are designed to ensure the safety of Pinoleans and regulate the accumulation of trash, refuse, junk, and inoperable vehicles, including unregistered vehicles. These ordinances may be enforced by multiple departments or divisions of the City, as well as State or County agencies, where applicable.
Filing a Complaint and Reporting Violations
Some common code issues we can help resolve in your neighborhood include:
- Overgrown weeds or vegetation
- Outdoor storage accumulation
- Unsightly furniture or appliances
- Unregistered, neglected or inoperable vehicles
- Vehicle repair in a residential area
- Building without a permit
- …and more
Citizens can file complaints regarding suspected code violations three different ways:
Online
You can easily file a complaint about suspected code violations online using eTRAKiT. Follow our step-by-step guide to get started.
You don’t need an account to file a complaint. However, if you provide your contact information or write down the Issue Number when you submit your complaint, you’ll be able to check the status later. Find out more about how to track your complaint status online.
By email
Citizens may file complaints regarding suspected code violations by email codeenf@pinole.gov
By phone
Citizens may file complaints regarding suspected code violations by phone at 510-724-CODE (2633)
Code Enforcement staff strives to investigate and respond to your complaint within three business days by opening a code case and conducting an investigation. See more information on the “Reporting Violations”.
Meet with the Code Officer
Code Enforcement staff is available to discuss code enforcement cases by self-service appointment Monday – Thursday from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm at the Permit Counter, virtual meeting (Microsoft Teams), or phone.
Private Property Nuisance and Abatement
Chapter 8.24 (Community Preservation) of the Pinole Municipal Code defines categories of private property nuisances that may be abated by the City. Some common nuisance types listed below. The list below is not exhaustive, please visit PMC §8.24.020 for a full listing of defined nuisances.
Abatement Process
The nuisance abatement process begins when Code Enforcement staff receive a complaint and inspect the property to determine if a nuisance exists. If they find a nuisance, they issue a courtesy notice to the property owner and tenant (if applicable), giving them 14 days to correct the issue. Staff then conduct a re-inspection to confirm whether the nuisance has been abated. If it has, they close the case and issue a letter of appreciation to the property owner/tenant without imposing any fines or fees.
If the nuisance is not abated, staff issue a Notice and Order requiring the nuisance to be corrected within 14 days. The property owner/tenant has the opportunity to appeal the Notice and Order. Afterward, staff conduct another reinspection. If the nuisance is abated, they close the case, issue a letter of appreciation to the property owner/tenant, and provide an invoice for any fees incurred (such as for the reinspection or serving notice).
If the nuisance remains uncorrected, the City may schedule an Order to Show Cause Hearing with the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals can uphold, modify, or overrule the determination of nuisance and the proposed abatement through an administrative decision and order. If the Board orders abatement, the City will issue and post a Warrant to Abate and carry out the abatement. All costs associated with the abatement, including administrative costs and attorneys’ fees, will be assessed to the property owner. If these costs are not paid promptly, the City Council may place a special assessment or nuisance abatement lien on the property.
Achieving Compliance
The responsible party receives an appropriate amount of time to voluntarily correct the violation and comply with the applicable codes and ordinances. Inspectors routinely conduct follow-up re-inspections to ensure progress toward full compliance. Most individuals correct violations after receiving verbal or written notification. For especially difficult issues, inspectors may need to send several emails, make phone calls, visit the site, and/or send letters before resolving the violations. If voluntary compliance is not achieved, the City can take additional actions to enforce compliance, including issuing notices and orders, citations, abatement, liens, and/or initiating judicial proceedings.
Tobacco Retailer Regulations
In 2019 the Pinole City Council adopted an ordinance regulating the sale of tobacco products for the health and safety of the community. Pinole Municipal Code (PMC) §9.30 describes what retailers are allowed to sell and what is prohibited within the City. The following provides some highlights of the regulations. For the full set of regulations, see PMC §9.30.
Substandard Housing – AB 838
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 838, the City must schedule and perform inspections after receiving a complaint about a substandard building or lead hazard to determine if the conditions are substandard. Substandard conditions are defined by Health and Safety Code section 17920.3.
If the inspection reveals a violation related to a lead hazard or substandard building condition, the City informs the property owner or operator of each violation and the actions required to remedy the defect. In addition to preparing a report and notifying all interested parties of the violation, the City also schedules a re-inspection to verify that the violations have been corrected.
To file a complaint under AB 838 please follow the procedures listed in “Filing a Complaint” tab.
Education and Outreach
The City’s Certified Code Enforcement Officer is excited to spread knowledge and awareness about the Code Enforcement Division, the City’s Municipal Code and zoning regulations, common violations, resources available, and tobacco retailer enforcement. Please contact us below to arrange for us to provide a tailored presentation to the community.
Code Connection – Monthly Video Tips
Learn about some typical Municipal Code violations in a series of monthly engaging videos from the Certified Code Enforcement Officer.
Waste Receptable Visibility — Learn about where to store your green waste, recycling and trash receptacles.
Outdoor Storage — Find out what the City’s rules are regarding storing items in a front yard or within sight of the public right of way.
Community Preservation Events
Discover opportunities for Pinole residents to engage in community preservation.
Coastal Cleanup Day: The City of Pinole hosts a Coastal Cleanup Day in September every year at Bayfront Park.
Dumpster Day: The City of Pinole hosts a once-a-year Dumpster Day for residents only, usually in the Fall on the 1st Saturday in October. Learn more about the event from the Public Works Department.
Can I park my company vehicle in a residential district?
You company vehicle is considered a commercial vehicle, which you may store behind a gated fence only after obtaining a Home Occupation Permit from the Planning Division and Business License from the Finance Department.
Can I park my commercial vehicle in a residential district?
Commercial vehicles may be in a residential zone only to perform work, they are not allowed to be stored in street or view of street in a residential zone.
Can I raise chickens or other small animals in my backyard?
Yes, you may, so long as you do not exceed the allowable amount. The maximum number of small animals allowed without a permit (pigeons, doves, rabbits, duck, chickens and geese) is determined by the size of your parcel. The maximum number of all animals is at rate of one and one-half small animals per each one thousand square feet of lot area, or fraction thereof; however, in no circumstances exceeding fifteen small animals per lot. You also must ensure the chicken coop is not within 20 feet of neighboring fences. There are other performance standards required, as listed in Pinole Municipal Code §6.04.060.
Can I have a garage / yard sale?
Yes you may! Garage/yard sales are limited to four per calendar year, of a duration not longer than two consecutive days, or one garage sale per calendar year for a duration of not more than seven days, on the same residentially zoned parcel in any one calendar year. Garage sale hours are limited to between 7am and 7pm. Garage sales must be exclusively conducted on private property. You must remove your signs within 24 hour of the date of your sale.
How many dogs / cats can I have?
In a residential zone, you may have no more than two dogs and three cats.
What is an Unprotected Tree?
Unprotected Trees are exempt from the Tree Removal Permit requirements regardless of size or health. An Unprotected Tree is any other species of nut of fruit trees, palm trees, and eucalyptus trees or any tree species not listed as a Protected Tree, that is smaller than fifty-six (56) inches in circumference measured four and a half feet (4 1/2) above the natural grade
What is a Protected Tree?
A Protected Tree is a select native tree with a single perennial stem of twelve (12) inches or larger in circumference measured four (4) and a half feet above the natural grade, or any other tree with a single perennial stem greater than fifty-six (56) inches or larger in circumference measured four and a half (4 1/2) feet above the natural grade. The list of select trees includes Coast Live Oak, Madrone, Buckeye, Black Walnut, Redwood, Big Leafed Maple, Redbud, California Bay and Toyon. Protected Trees require a Tree Removal Permit from the City in order to be removed.
Who do I call when I feel someone is in violation of an Ordinance?
Citizens can file complaints regarding suspected code violations online or by calling 510-724-CODE (2633). Code Enforcement staff strives to investigate and respond to your complaint within three business days by opening a code case and conducting an investigation.
Do I need a business license even if my business is not located in Pinole? How do I get one?
If you are conducting any business in Pinole, regardless of where the physical location of the business is, you will need to apply for an obtain a business license from the Finance Department. In some cases, an inspection from the Building Division and Fire Department is required.
Can I repair vehicles in my driveway?
A registered owner of a motorized or non-motorized vehicle or boat may perform minor repair of the vehicle in the driveway or other paved surface of a residence, provided that the vehicle or boat is registered to someone living in the residence, or their immediate family. No major automotive repair lasting longer than 72 hours may be performed in a residential zone.
Can I have a home occupation?
Yes, depending on the nature of the occupation. Chapter 17.64 of the Pinole Municipal Code details uses that are allowed. In order to operate, you will need to obtain a home occupation permit from the Planning Division, which may require inspections by the Building Division, and Business License from the Finance Department.
Can I park a vehicle registered with the Department of Motor Vehicles as non-operational in public view?
Any vehicle being stored in public view must be fully operable. The City defines an “inoperative vehicle” as: A vehicle in such condition that it either physically or legally cannot be driven upon a street without:
1. Installation of a missing part;
2. Replacement of a defective part; or
3. Registration and licensing.
Where can I park my recreational vehicle (RV)?
You may park one recreational vehicle on an approved surface in your driveway or side yard so long as it is not encroaching into the public right-of-way and is fully operable. The City defines an “inoperative vehicle” as: A vehicle in such condition that it either physically or legally cannot be driven upon a street without:
1. Installation of a missing part;
2. Replacement of a defective part; or
3. Registration and licensing.
Can I keep my inoperable vehicle in my driveway?
Inoperable vehicles may not be stored in your driveway. The City defines an “inoperative vehicle” as: A vehicle in such condition that it either physically or legally cannot be driven upon a street without:
1. Installation of a missing part;
2. Replacement of a defective part; or
3. Registration and licensing.
Who do I contact if I have observed Graffiti in my neighborhood?
Contact Code Enforcement Officer here to begin the graffiti abatement process.
What common types of violations are enforced?
For more information regarding common types of violations, please visit the Common Types of Violations webpage.
Is my report of a violation anonymous?
California Government Code Section 6254 provides that records of investigation of complaints are not public records. Therefore, investigations of complaints will be kept confidential, and information will not be disclosed except as required by a court order.
Can I cut down trees on my own property?
It depends both on the species of tree and its size. Protected Trees in the City of Pinole require a issuance of tree removal permit by the Planning Division prior to removal. Unprotected trees do not.
