CONNECT with the CityBuilding & Land Use Enforcement
The Building & Land Use Enforcement Division works in partnership with citizens to ensure, improve and maintain safe and desirable San Diego neighborhoods. If you believe that there is a violation near your home or business, you can:
1. Contact the Responsible Person
Most people want to be good neighbors and are cooperative once an issue is brought to their attention. The National Conflict Resolution Center at 619-238-2400 can help you effectively establish a dialog with the person responsible for the problem.
2. Request an Investigation
Short-Term Residential Occupancy (Short-Term Rentals) complaints can only be submitted by clicking on this orange button.
Mail the Form
Download Form:
Request for Investigation Form in English | Request for Investigation Form in Español
Call 619-236-5500
You will be asked if you have contacted the responsible party.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I expect Building & Land Use Enforcement to respond to my report?
When a case is opened, it is given a priority level and assigned to staff within one business day. Research is conducted to determine existing approvals and conditions, usually followed by an inspection with the responsible party.
Building & Land Use Enforcement’s current Priority of Cases list and inspection target timelines can be viewed here.
What does Building & Land Use Enforcement do when a violation is found?
If an inspection reveals code violations, staff will determine the appropriate remedy. This may include the issuance of a citation or notice. In most cases, the person responsible for a violation is given an opportunity to voluntarily comply and correct the situation.
Once the deadline in the notice has expired, the owner or responsible person may be subject to one or more of the actions below.
- Abatement - The City may direct a third party to demolish, secure or remove junk and debris. The City will recover costs.
- Civil Penalties - May be assessed up to a daily maximum amount of $10,000 and up to a total maximum amount of $400,000.
- Judicial Remedies - The City Attorney can file criminal or civil cases against the responsible party or parties.
What does Building & Land Use Enforcement check during property inspections?
In general, assigned staff inspects the development, use and condition of a property for compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
Can Building & Land Use Enforcement help with barking dogs?
Building & Land Use Enforcement does not respond to barking dogs in person. However, an Alternative Compliance Letter can be sent in response to a complaint.
When a barking dog complaint is received, Building & Land Use Enforcement staff will open an Alternative Compliance case. After an initial review, staff will send letters to the complainant and alleged violator conveying details of the complaint and guidance for resolution. The letters are valid for 12 months from the date of record on them.
These matters are typically best addressed by discussing them with neighbors, and the Alternative Compliance letter emphasizes that approach. If needed, mediation can help resolve questions between neighbors. Community members interested in mediation can contact the National Conflict Resolution Center at 619-238-2400.
What if I wish to make an anonymous complaint?
Building & Land Use Enforcement will not accept anonymous requests for investigation. Please note that complainant information is kept confidential; however, in rare instances, the City may be required to reveal this information in a judicial proceeding.
Fiscal Year 2026 Budget cuts have resulted in a reduction of the types of Priority III violations Building & Land Use Enforcement investigates. If a case has been closed using either of these closure types, it is the result of these reduction efforts.
Building & Land Use Enforcement’s current Priority of Cases list can be viewed here.