Building and Safety Code Enforcement is directed at private property violations of the building codes. Enforcement cases are initiated with an administrative action and continue through either the criminal justice system or civil action and fall into three primary areas:

• Unsafe Buildings These include buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe, or which constitute a hazard to safety or health or public welfare.
• Un-permitted Structures These include any structure that was built or altered without required permits and approvals.
• Non-inspected Work This includes work for which a permit was obtained, but which has progressed without obtaining required inspections and approvals.

Every effort is made to achieve voluntary compliance. Code enforcement for un-permitted structures and non-inspected work primarily relies on the threat of criminal or civil action, and in some cases, formal prosecution. Unsafe or hazardous buildings should also follow due process procedures but can, in extreme cases, be abated by County forces or by private contract without notifying the property owner.

The County of Los Angeles Property Rehabilitation Program (REHAB) provides for the arrest and abatement of neighborhood deterioration and the elimination of unsightly, unsafe, and unhealthful conditions through the repair or demolition of substandard structures and the removal of trash, junk, debris, inoperable vehicles and overgrowth from private properties.

Application of the building codes, through the REHAB program, help to safeguard health, safety, and public welfare. In addition, the REHAB program, preserves residential neighborhoods, improves overall image of the County, protects property values, and makes the County an enjoyable and desirable place in which to live and work.