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Code Enforcement

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1. As a property owner, why can't I keep my property exactly the way I want it?

Everybody’s rights are protected under the law. You have certain freedoms as long as they do not infringe on the freedoms of others. When it comes to property, the condition of your property and the activities that take place on it impact the property values and quality of life of your neighbors and community. Therefore, the City of Banning has implemented codes to regulate property maintenance and health and safety issues.

2. Can I dry my clothes on a clothesline in my yard?

Yes, but only where it is not visible from the public right-of-way. Hanging a clothesline in a front or side yard or clothes hung to dry on walls, fences, trees, bushes or carport areas that are visible from the public right-of-way are a violation of the Banning Municipal Code.

3. Can I leave my car sitting up on jacks in my driveway?

No. Any vehicle under repair that is left unattended could pose a danger to children. In addition, the Banning Municipal Code prohibits the storage or parking of inoperative vehicles visible from the public right-of-way.

4. Can I live in a building without electricity or water?

No. Any structure occupied as a residence without lawful electric and water connections for more than 72 hours is a violation of the Banning Municipal Code and the Uniform Housing Code.

5. Can I store things on my roof?

No, storing things on your roof is a violation of the Banning Municipal Code.

6. What is substandard housing?

Substandard housing is any building or part of a building that has any of the following characteristics: inadequate sanitation, structural hazards, hazardous electrical wiring, hazardous plumbing, hazardous mechanical equipment, faulty weather protection, fire hazard, faulty materials of construction, hazardous or insanitary premises, inadequate exits, inadequate fire-protection or firefighting equipment or improper occupancy.

7. How can I get help if I have a problem with my landlord?

First, if the house or apartment is not habitable, do not move in. It is a violation of the Uniform Housing Code to move a tenant into substandard housing. Make sure you inform your landlord of maintenance problems in writing. Insist on signing a rental agreement and always get a receipt for your rent payments.

Consult the following resources for more assistance: Riverside County Superior Court and The Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc.

A guide to residental tenants' and landlords' rights and responsibilities is available through the State of California... California Tenants

8. How can I contact the Riverside County Superior Court?

Riverside County Superior Court

9. How can I contact the Fair Housing Council?

The Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc.

10. How can I get rid of insects or rodents?

Insects and rodents need shelter, food and water. Eliminate all hiding areas such as tall weeds, trash and debris on your property. Keep the feeding area for your pets clean. Eliminate all sources of stagnant water, such as old tires and cans. Keep lids on trash cans.

11. How can I make sure my house or apartment is safe from Lead Based Paint hazards?

Through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the County of Riverside, Department of Public Health has developed a program to help fight lead paint poisoning in the county. This program offers free, or low cost, lead-based paint service to qualified families. You may qualify for these services!

What types of lead-based paint services are being offered? Lead-based paint inspections conducted by state accredited inspectors, testing children for lead, providing information about lead paint, and hiring certified contractors to take care of lead paint problems.

Call (951) 358-5050 to see if you qualify for free, or low cost, lead paint inspections and hazard control service or visit Riverside County Office of Industrial Hygiene

12. How long can my family or visitors live in a motor home on my property?

No vehicle may be used as a residence. Water and power will not be provided to the vehicle except as necessary for maintenance.

13. Should I be worried about stagnant water on my property?

Yes, any standing water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes and provides water to rodents. Potential sources of stagnant water are any catch basins that trap rain or sprinkler water, such as unused swimming pools, plant pots, old tires, empty paint cans, or just low spots on your property. Remove or cover anything that might retain water. Unused swimming pools should be drained.

14. What constitutes a sign violation?

Any sign posted without first obtaining a permit from the City is in violation of the Banning Municipal Code. Sign regulations can be viewed online under Appendix A – Zoning, Article 25.

15. What kinds of animals and how many can I keep on residential property?

The municipal code recognizes three kinds of domesticated animals for R-1 (residential single family) zoning: dogs, cats and pot-bellied pigs. Each property may keep 3 of any combination of these animals. Farm-type animals, such as goats, ducks, roosters, chickens and sheep, etc., are only allowed on agricultural properties.

16. What is the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) Program?

The Banning Police Department participates in a program that targets the abatement/removal of junk vehicles from private property in the City of Banning. The Department has been enforcing this program since April 2000.

17. What vehicles fall under the AVA Program?

Generally, vehicles which fall under the following classification are considered abandoned vehicles:
Public Nuisance Vehicle. Any vehicle that is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or any inoperative part thereof; that is on public or private property, not including highways; and creates a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, promotes blight and deterioration, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, constitutes an attractive nuisance endangering the health and safety of minors, harbors rodents and insects, or jeopardizes health, safety and general welfare is a public nuisance.

Abandoned Vehicle. A vehicle is considered to be "abandoned" if it is unaccompanied on a highway, public property, or private property in an inoperable or neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish all further rights or interests in it may be reasonably concluded.

18. What help can a citizen get if they wish to get rid of an unwanted vehicle?

The Department offers a "Voluntary Release" option in which the Code Enforcement Community Service Officer will come to the property where the vehicle is located, obtain a signed Voluntary Release form, and arrange for the vehicle to be towed away, at no charge to the person who has the authority to sign the Voluntary Release. Any vehicle taken by this action is disposed of by a certified dismantler and may not be sold in a lien sale by the towing company. Please leave a message if no one is available to answer the phone or if it is after business hours. Please remember to leave a call-back phone number.

19. How do I report a public nuisance vehicle?

The City of Banning AVA program only responds to Public Nuisance Vehicles located within Banning city limits. Reports of public nuisance vehicles may be made conveniently online through Request Partners. If you would like, you may also make these reports in person by visiting City Hall or by calling (951) 922-3120. REQUEST PARTNERS

20. What is involved in the AVA Program process?

The Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) division of the Banning Code Enforcement Department mails out certified Notice of Violation letters, which state the City Ordinance sections and California Vehicle Code sections used in determining whether a vehicle is an "attractive nuisance". These letters are mailed to the property owner and the vehicle owner and allow a 10-day time limit in which to correct the problem. After the end of the 10-day time period, there is a re-inspection of the property to ascertain whether the vehicle has been properly taken care of. If the vehicle has not been taken care of, a "Notice to Abate" certified letter is mailed to the same parties, with a deadline to comply with the terms outlined in both letters. If, after the deadline has expired, the vehicle still has not been taken care of, the Code Enforcement Community Service Officer has an Affidavit and Administrative Warrant prepared and signed by a Judge at the Banning Court. This Administrative Warrant is then taken to the property in violation and served either upon the property owner or posted on the property and the vehicle is towed away. Any vehicle taken by this action is disposed of by a certified dismantler and may not be sold in a lien sale by the towing company.