Code Enforcement

As citizens of the City of Canyon Lake, we owe it to ourselves and to our neighbors to maintain our homes and businesses in a manner, which has a positive effect on the overall appearance of our City.  Many such code violations are referred to as "public nuisances”, and have a negative impact on property values or the enjoyment and safety of our community. Through voluntary compliance, cooperation, and a spirit of personal responsibility for the well-being of our community, conditions that create code violations can be eliminated and the program will succeed in making the City of Canyon Lake an even better place to live.  The basis of the Code Enforcement program rests upon each of us acting as good neighbors.  We all have property rights that protect us; however, the term "property rights" also implies that a property owner has certain responsibilities. 

The Municipal Code of the City of Canyon Lake is the grouping of ordinances which are adopted by the City Council.  The provisions of this Code, and all proceedings under it, are to be constructed with a view to affect their objects and to promote justice.

If you are uncertain that a code violation has occurred, feel free to contact Code Enforcement Officer Jean Voshall at (951) 224-2955 Ext. 306; or you may download a violation report form and mail, fax, or email to City Hall at:

31516 Railroad Canyon Road
Canyon Lake, CA 92587
(951) 246-2022 (fax)
jvoshall@cityofcanyonlake.com

Investigating violations  

Upon receiving a complaint, the code enforcement officer will inspect the site to confirm the alleged violations.  The officer will contact the property owner to explain the problem and suggest solutions.  The property owner is then given time to take care of the violation.  While most property owners comply after the first notification, those who do not will receive additional notices or citations. 

Vacant properties can be a real challenge, but the City Ordinance requires that vacant bank owned properties must be registered giving Code Enforcement a direct contact person to secure the property for maintenance the property.  Please see the Registration Form for Foreclosed Residential Property for more information about property registration.

Common Code Enforcement Violations

Residential Zones

• Accumulation of trash, junk, and debris in public view.
• Overgrown, dead, decayed hazardous vegetation
• Deteriorated fencing, walls, buildings, structures
• Broken windows
• Lack of maintenance for pools, spas, ponds or other bodies of water
• Illegal grading
• Construction without building permits - patios, retaining walls, pools, garage conversions
• Graffiti
• Zoning violations (link to Ord. 348)
• Business License/ Home Occupations

Commercial Zones

• Operating without a business license (link to application)
• Illegal Signs or signs without permits
• Ambient air balloons without permits
• Failure to obtain Certificates of Occupancy
• Encroachment of right of ways
• Temporary use permits for special events
• Unauthorized parking 
• Street vendors
• Zoning Violations

Substandard Housing

• Inoperative electrical wiring, receptacles, switches
• Inoperative plumbing equipment
• Lack of hot and cold running water
• Lack of heating or ventilation
• Inadequate waterproofing
• Infestation of insects, vermin, rodents
• Deteriorated floors, walls, ceilings or roofs

Foreclosures or Vacant Abandon Properties

• Property must be registered (link to application)
• Lack of property maintenance.
• Pools and spa fenced, water remains clear or shall be drained.
• Secured in a manner to prevent access by unauthorized persons.

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination (NPDES)
ONLY RAIN IN THE DRAIN.  No person shall discharge any liquid, semi-solid or solid substance to:

• Storm Drain system 
• Any upstream flows
• Any ground water, stream, creek, wash or dry weather arroyo, wetlands area, marsh
• Any lake, harbor area or bay.