The Property Rehabilitation Section of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division is responsible for enforcing the Property Rehabilitation Program and the Code Enforcement Program per Chapters 98 and 99 and Chapter 1, respectively, of the County of Los Angeles Building Code (Title 26). Each district office has personnel assigned to investigate complaints. Violations may be reported by contacting the local district office or by using our Report a Violation page.

Property Rehabilitation Program

To mitigate the existence of substandard conditions on private property, the County of Los Angeles initiated the Property Rehabilitation Program in 1960. The Rehab program provides for the arrest and abatement of neighborhood deterioration and the elimination of unsightly, unsafe, and unhealthful conditions. This is achieved through the repair or demolition of substandard structures and the removal of trash, junk, debris, inoperable vehicles, and overgrowth from private properties.

Through the application of the building codes, the Rehab program helps to safeguard the health, safety, and public welfare of communities. In addition, the program helps to protect property values, preserve residential neighborhoods and the overall image of the County.

Common Rehab Violations
• Abandoned or partially destroyed buildings
• Buildings with broken window or doors constituting potentially hazardous conditions and inviting trespassers and malicious mischief
• Attractive nuisances dangerous to children, such as abandoned or broken equipment or neglected machinery
• Broken or discarded household furniture visible from the street
• Trash, junk or debris in yard areas
• Inoperable or abandoned motor vehicles stored for unreasonable periods in yard areas

Whenever substandard or unsightly conditions exist on private property that constitutes a public nuisance, Building and Safety Division may issue abatement orders to the property owner(s). The abatement orders first allow for voluntary compliance. If voluntary compliance is not obtained, Building and Safety, adhering to the property owners’ rights to due process, would abate the nuisance conditions with County forces. The cost of the work would then be billed to the property owner(s).

Code Enforcement Program

Code Enforcement is directed at violations of the County of Los Angeles Building Codes on private property. Enforcement cases are initiated with an administrative action and may continue through either criminal or civil action.

Types of Cases
• Unsafe Buildings

  Buildings or structures which are structurally unsafe or which constitute a hazard to health, safety, or public welfare.

• Un-Permitted Buildings, Structures, and Grading

  Buildings or structures constructed, altered or demolished or grading performed without the required permits and approvals.

• Non-Inspected Work

  Work for which a permit was first obtained, but which has progressed beyond a point without obtaining the required inspections and approvals of the building official.