Code Compliance
in Santee, California
The Code Compliance Division works with the community to maintain a safe, healthy, and attractive environment while preserving and improving the overall quality of life within Santee’s neighborhoods. As such, this Division interfaces with the public to resolve concerns related to property maintenance, land uses, construction, animals, signage, inoperable vehicles, junk, and parking enforcement, and assists with illicit discharges into the City’s storm drain system.
Service Request Submittal
You can submit a service request, in-person or by telephone at 619-258-4100 ext. 167.
Concerns Not Enforced by Code Compliance
- Property line disputes
- Foliage disputes
- Tree roots/or overhanging trees on private property or leaves from neighbors’ trees
- Conditions and requirements found in private housing development agreements and private road easements
- Smoke from BBQ grills or fire pits
- Security cameras
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Complaints regarding substandard rental units
- Rental units are regulated by the Food and Housing Division within the Department of Environmental Health & Quality. They can be contacted at 858-505-6903, or by email at fhdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov
- Barking dogs
- Contact the San Diego Humane Society at 619-299-7012
- Fill out a San Diego Humane Society Noise Compliant Report.
- Mosquitos, rats and other vermin
- Contact County of San Diego Vector Control at 858-694-2888 or vector@sdcounty.ca.gov
- Submit a Vector Complaint Form
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park my RV/travel trailer/toy hauler on the street?
A recreational vehicle such as a motor home, trailer, trailed boat, dune buggy or jet skis can park on the street for a period of not more than 72 hours at a time. After 72 hours, it must move at least 300 feet, and remain 300 feet away from the previous location for at least 72 hours.
Recreational vehicles may not park within 50 feet of an intersection.
Recreational vehicles over 8 feet in height may not park overnight where signs prohibiting overnight parking of vehicles over 8 feet in height are posted.
My neighbor keeps parking their car on the street in front of my house. I want that spot for my visitors to use. Can you tell my neighbor to stop parking there? Can I block the spot with trash containers or cones?
City streets are available for parking on a first come first served basis. Blocking the street to prevent others from parking is not allowed.
Can I park vehicles in my yard?
Vehicles that are operable and display current registration tabs may be parked in the front yard provided they are situated entirely on an approved surface. Approved surfaces include concrete, concrete pavers, asphalt, and gravel. No portion of the vehicle may overhang the sidewalk.
Can I work on my car at home?
Yes, you can work on your car at your residence. Please be mindful of your neighbors regarding noise, fumes, etc. Take steps to ensure that no automotive fluids are discharged and are properly disposed of.
Can I keep chickens in my yard?
Yes. Please see the Chicken Keeping Handout for the requirements and note that roosters are not allowed.
Can I use my property as a short-term vacation rental?
No, the City of Santee does not allow short term rentals, defined as less than 30 days.
Can I rent out my swimming pool/backyard?
No.
When can I put my trash and recyclable containers out for pick-up?
Trash, recycling and green waste containers may be placed on the street prior to 6:30 am on the day of collection, but in no case more than 12 hours before the earliest regularly scheduled collection time. Remove each container from the street no later than 12 hours after the latest regularly scheduled collection time.
Does my neighbor have a permit for the construction work they are doing?
Contact the Planning & Building Department at 619-258-4100 ext. 198, or by email, for permit information.
Does my neighbor have to share the cost to replace the fence that runs between our properties
The City encourages neighbors to work together whenever possible when a fence running between properties needs to be replaced but does not require that replacement costs be shared. Note that a property with a swimming pool is required to maintain a fence that prevents access to the pool or spa from neighboring properties.
Can I build a wall next to the sidewalk?
Prior to constructing any wall please contact the Engineering Department at 619-258-4100 ext. 168 for information. Most walls require permits and may not be located in the right of way, which typically extends ten (10) feet from the face of the curb toward your house.
I submitted a Service Request a week ago and haven’t seen anything done on my neighbor’s property. Why?
Once a Service Request is received, an investigation is conducted to determine if a violation exists. A notice is sent to the property owner making them aware of the violation with a timeframe to voluntarily correct the concern. Many property maintenance violations are corrected within two weeks. Violations that require obtaining permits, or more extensive violations or complex cases can take longer to correct. Also, there are sometimes extenuating circumstances that require longer timeframes for compliance. We ask that you be patient while we work with your neighbor to bring their property into compliance.
Once I report a vehicle that has been abandoned on the street what happens?
Staff will document the location of the vehicle, typically within 2 business days of receiving the Service Request. After 72 hours have passed, staff will re-check the vehicle. If it has not moved the required distance (300 feet for recreational vehicles or approximately a foot for a passenger vehicle), the vehicle will be issued a citation and staff may request that the Sheriff’s Department tow the vehicle. As time/staffing/workload permit, Sheriff’s Department staff may tow the vehicle.