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1. As a new homeowner or tenant, how do I find out what I can or cannot do on my property?

The best thing you can do, before doing anything else, is to contact the Planning Division at 559-585-2580 and discuss what you would like to do. The planning staff will be happy to assist you with all your questions.

2. Do I have to give my name and telephone number when I call in a complaint?

No, but it helps in the event we need to contact you to clarify an address or ask you a question pertaining to the complaint you have filed. It also allows us to notify you in the event that the property violation is already active in our database or if the complaint is out of our jurisdiction and to be referred to another agency or department.

3. How can I find out who turned me in?

We receive complaints from a number of sources including internal referrals, outside agencies, and the general public. Complainant information is confidential and will not be revealed.

4. How do I report a violation?

There are several ways:

• Call the Code Compliance Section at 559-585-2633 and speak to one of our Code Compliance Officers
• Come into the Community Development Department office at:
  317 N Douty Street
  Hanford, CA 93230
  Speak to one of the front counter staff. They will take your complaint information and forward it to a Code Compliance Officer.
• Mail your complaint to: 
  Community Development Department
  317 N Douty Street, Hanford, CA, 93230
  Attention: Code Compliance. 
  Your complaint will be received and forwarded to a Code Compliance Officer.
• Complete and submit the Report a Violation form.

5. How much time do I have to clear violations?

In most cases, you have 15 to 30 days to either abate the violation or apply for permits to abate the violation; however, the time frame is at the discretion of the Code Compliance Officer depending on the severity of the violation.

6. My neighbors have violations, also. Why aren't you investigating them?

Current staffing levels only allow time for primarily complaint generated enforcement. If you suspect there is a code violation on another property, you may contact Code Compliance staff and provide this information. A case will be opened and the complaint will be investigated appropriately. If a violation is found, the owner will be contacted and required to abate the violation and/or obtain the required permits for the violation. Generally, an inspection of the surrounding area is conducted when responding to the location where the violation is called in for.  

7. The violation existed before I bought the property. Why am I responsible for clearing the violation?

Violations run with the property, not the person who created the violation. If you purchased a property that has violations, you are responsible for abating the violation. This is why it is a good idea to have a house inspection done prior to purchasing a property.

8. What are the regulations for placing trash and recyclable containers out for pick-up?

Containers shall be placed at curbside for street pick-up or at property line for alley pick-up, the day prior to pick-up, but not earlier than 7 pm on the day prior to collection, and shall remove the empty containers from the curb or alley no later than midnight on the day of collection.

See Hanford Municipal Code Section 13.12.030 for complete information and requirements.

9. What are the regulations regarding fences?

Fencing regulations may become complicated, so please call the Planning Division at 559-585-2580 to discuss your particular situation and lot design.

For questions about a potential code violation related to a fence, call the Code Compliance Section at 559-585-2633.

10. What do I do if I receive a "Citation" or "Stop Work Order" ?

Each circumstance is different and therefore there is no one answer that will apply to every situation. So, you should contact the Code Compliance Officer (559-585-2633) which issued the violation and discuss the violation with them. They will be happy to assist you in a course of action to correct the violation

11. What do I need to do to clear the violation?

If no Building Permit is required, simply cease the illegal activity and call the Code Compliance Officer, which issued you the citation, to schedule an inspection.

If the Code Compliance Officer stated a Building Permit is required, contact the Code Compliance Officer at 559-585-2633 and get the required information necessary to provide the documentation to obtain a Building Permit.

The Building Permit must be approved; all permit and code compliance fees paid; the permit must be issued; and all inspections, including a final inspection must be scheduled and approved, before the violation is cleared.

12. What kind of signs can I use for my business?

There is a lot of items to consider with signage. Please contact the Planning Division at 559-585-2581 for assistance in deciding the type, size, quantity, and placement of signage.

13. When can I have a garage / yard sale?

Garage/yard sales are limited to two such sales in a year. Each sale shall be limited to two consecutive days and all unsold items shall be removed from public view and stored within the premises after the sale.