Code Enforcement FAQ
Q: How do I remove a recorded code enforcement case from my property title?
A: If a Notice to Correct or Notice and Order has been recorded, you may request issuance of a Notice of Compliance by submitting a $20 recording fee (per recording) in cash or check made payable to El Dorado County Recorder-Clerk.
Once payment is received, processing and recording of the Notice of Compliance may take up to two weeks.
Please ensure your case number and phone number are written on the check.
Payments should be submitted to:
2850 Fairlane CourtPlacerville, CA 95667Attn: Code Enforcement Division
Please note that a Notice of Compliance cannot be recorded until the underlying code enforcement case has been fully remediated and placed in closed status.
Q: Is there a County Ordinance that regulates construction start times?
A: There is no County wide Ordinance regarding construction start times, though the Sheriff's Office can respond to a construction noise complaint just as they would for a barking dog or loud stereo.
Q: Can I camp out on my own private property?
A: County Zoning Ordinances prohibit camping outside of a registered campground. These ordinances are not enforceable inside the National Forest boundaries.
Q: Can I run a commercial auto repair business or cabinet shop in my garage?
A: Generally no. Most zoning allows for a business office to be run from a home, but does not allow anything that will "change the residential nature of the neighborhood."
Q: Can my neighbors stay in a travel trailer?
A: Currently County Ordinance does not allow people to permanently live in the Recreation vehicles or Recreational travel trailers.
Q: Can my neighbor store junk vehicles or abandoned appliances on his property?
A: County Ordinance states if your neighbor's collection meets the definition of visual blight or a public nuisance, your neighbor must remove it or store it inside a building.
Q: Can I use my garage for a bedroom, family room, or office?
A: County Ordinance states a structure can not be used "in a manner other than that for which it was originally approved". The CA Building Codes require a building permit for the change of use even if no construction is done.
Q: Do I need a building permit for a shed that is “portable” or “temporary”?
A: The CA Building Code requires a building permit for any structure greater than 120 square feet in floor area. Zoning setbacks are still required for all structures, even if no building permit is required.
Q: What if the building was built a long time ago?
A: El Dorado County created it's Building Services Department in 1959. If a structure predates that time and was built to the code at that time, has been "maintained in good repair" and is not hazardous, no retroactive permit will be required.
Q: What if the previous owner built the structure without a required permit?
A: As the current owner you are responsible. As part of the permit process, a California licensed architect or engineer will be required to evaluate the structure and submit a stamped and "wet" signed report that compares construction requirements at the approximate time the structure was originally built with current requirements.
Q: Do I need a building permit if I am just replacing my deck the same way it was built?
A: Yes. Only limited maintenance replacement of non-structural and non-safety components are allowed without a permit.
Q: What type of construction requires a building permit?
A: The CA Building Code requires a permit any time a structure is “erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted, or demolished”. There are a few exceptions such as small sheds, small retaining walls, and fencing 7 feet high or less.
Contact Building Services staff to see if your project requires a permit before you begin. It could save you time, money, and stress.
Cannabis Enforcement FAQ
130.42. Cultivation of Cannabis for Personal Use
The purpose of this Section is to regulate with zoning standards the cultivation of cannabis for personal, non-commercial use by authorized individuals under existing State law while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of adjacent property owners, minimizing enforcement effort, limiting availability of and exposure to cannabis by the youth of El Dorado County, and protecting the environment and public resources. This Section applies to the cultivation of cannabis for personal use regardless of whether the cannabis is used for medicinal use or recreational use by adults over the age of 21.
Some of the more common violations of this ordinance are:
- More than 6 plants
- Screening and Security Measures
- Setbacks from property lines
- Distance from Youth Oriented Facilities
Please see the ordinance language to help better understand the requirements for cultivating cannabis for personal use.
CHAPTER 130.42. - CULTIVATION OF CANNABIS FOR PERSONAL USE | Code of Ordinances | El Dorado County, CA | Municode Library