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1. What is a code violation?

A code violation is a condition tending to:

• Reduce the value of private property
• Promote blight and deterioration
• Constitute an attractive nuisance
• Injurious to the health, safety and general welfare

To respond to these conditions, the Town has adopted various codes and ordinances that help to ensure a clean and safe environment. Any non-compliance with the Town of Danville Municipal Code is considered to be a code violation. Some suspected violations are actually permitted activities.

2. What is not a code violation?

There are some conditions or neighborhood issues that are not considered violations of the Danville Municipal Code. These conditions or neighborhood issues do not fall under Code Enforcement for enforcement. Code Enforcement does not enforce issues between residents that are civil in nature and does not enforce Covenants, Codes and Restrictions (CC&Rs). CC&Rs are a private agreement between property owners and are commonly enforced by the residential Homeowners' Association (HOA) or property management company.

The Town recommends that neighbors try to communicate with each other to work out their disputes. Neighbor Law, by Cora Jordan, is a resource that can help when researching tips and advice on how to resolve and restore good neighborhood relations. If the matter cannot be resolved through communication, the parties may choose to use the services of mediation or a civil court process.

3. What should I do if I receive a “Notice of Violation” letter”?

You should contact Code Enforcement to discuss the possible violation. The Town is looking for voluntary compliance and is willing to work with you to resolve the issue.

4. If voluntary compliance is not achieved within a reasonable amount of time, what is the citation fee?

Citations begin at $100 and may increase to $500 per day that the violation persists. Most violations are resolved prior to the imposition of a citation.

5. What are the construction working hours in a residential neighborhood?

The allowable hours to operate or perform construction or repair work (which creates noise) within or adjacent to a residential land use district are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

6. My neighbor’s front yard is very messy and has an inoperable vehicle and recreational vehicle parked on their driveway. What can Code Enforcement do?

Code Enforcement can work with the property owner to clean up parts of their property. Code Enforcement works with property owners and tenants to remove or screen from public view inoperable vehicles, recreational vehicles, and junk on their property. The Town does not enforce the general maintenance of front yards such as tall weeds and dead lawns. If you live in an area with a Homeowners' Association (HOA), you may contact the HOA to see if they have more stringent regulations than the Town.

Parking Enforcement enforces inoperable vehicles and recreational vehicles illegally parked on the public right-of-way.

7. My neighbor’s tree branches overhang onto my property and are dropping leaves into my yard. Can the Town make them trim the branches or remove the tree?

The Town does not have the authority to require a property owner to trim or remove any of their vegetation unless it encroaches into a public right-of-way that impedes either pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

8. My neighbor’s dog barks all day and night. What can I do?

The Town's Municipal Code does not address barking dogs. The Contra Costa County Animal Services (CCCAS) would be the appropriate department to contact in regards to this matter. CCCAS has a Noisy Animal Complaint Form that you would need to complete and submit. For more information, please contact CCCAS at 925-335-8300 or visit their website.

9. There are dogs, accompanied by the owner, that are off leash roaming around the Town’s community parks and private parks. What can Code Enforcement do?

The Town has a designated dog park (Canine Corral) that is located at Hap Magee Ranch Park, which allows dogs to be off leash. The Canine Corral is non-monitored and relies on its users to maintain reasonable conditions and sanitation. Before embarking on a trip to the Canine Corral it is important that users understand the rules and regulations to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone.

As for the other parks, the Contra Costa County Animal Services (CCCAS) is responsible for enforcing leash laws. For more information, please contact CCCAS at 925-335-8300 or visit their website.

10. How do I check to see if a building permit has been issued for a property?

To view permit history for a property, please visit www.danville.ca.gov/CAP and select “Search” from the black bar at the top of the screen. Select “Permit” from the dropdown menu, and search by address. If no results appear when searching by Address, try entering only a portion of the entire address. If there is a permit in “Issued” status, it means that the Town has authorized the construction described in the project description.