Code Enforcement

Click HERE for a code enforcement complaint form. Submit the completed form to City Hall:

675 Wildwood Avenue
Rio Dell, CA 95562

One of the best tools to increase public safety and build economic development and property values is to have an attractive community.  As such the City will be targeting visual blight, including yard maintenance, need for paint, unregistered and/or inoperative vehicles, trailers parked on the streets , etc. 

Before you receive a notice in the mail, we encourage all residents and property owners to proactively evaluate and address the following list of the most common complaints/violations:

  • Visual Blight :  Visual blight is any unreasonable, non permitted or unlawful condition or use of real property, premises or of building exteriors which by reason of its appearance as viewed from the public right-of-way, is detrimental to the property of others or to the value of property of others, offensive to the senses, or reduces the aesthetic appearance of the neighborhood.
  • Use of Streets for Storage of Vehicles Prohibited:   No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any vehicle shall park such vehicle upon any street or alley for more than a consecutive period of 72 hours.
  • Recreational Vehicle/Trailer Parking.   The storage (parking for any period longer than 72 hours; 24 hours in the Town Center Zone along Wildwood Avenue) of a recreational vehicle, boat and/or trailer shall be allowed only when all portions of the vehicle, boat and/or trailer are located entirely within the property boundaries on an improved all weather surface and do not extend into the public right-of-way, including public utility easements and sidewalks.
  • Inoperative Vehicles:   Inoperative Vehicle means a vehicle which cannot be legally operated on the on the street because of lack of current registration or lack of an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, windshield or any other part or equipment necessary to operate on public streets and/or highways.  Inoperative Vehicles may not be stored on public streets and may only be stored on private property if the vehicle is completely within an enclosed building.

Uncorrected code violations will result in the city issuing a recorded Notice of Violation and Order to Abate and issue an Administrative Citation.  The Notice of Violation and Order to Abate clouds the title of the property and will affect your ability to refinance or sell the property.  The fines (citations) are for $100 for the first infraction, $200 for second infraction within 12 months of the first infraction, and $500 for the third infraction within 12 months of the first infraction. If the City is forced to issue a “Citation” and the fine is not paid, the City will place a lien on the property.

In addition, as a last resort, if the violation is not remedied within the specified time, the property owner could be subject to penalties and fines of up to $1,000 per day for each and every day after the specified date pursuant to Section 8.10.070 of the Rio Dell Municipal Code.  If fines and penalties are applied, the City will be obligated to put a lien on the property. 

The City intends to work with all affected property owners in a cooperative and voluntary manner, however if these issues are not addressed in a timely manner it is highly likely that fines, liens and direct abatement will occur.

It is the City Council’s intent to create an attractive, desirable community that enhances public safety, encourages economic development and protects and enhances property values in the City.  It’s a win/win for every resident of the City.  With your help we can make Rio Dell an even more desirable place to live and to do business.  The City Council “Thanks You” for your support!