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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 too. 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 the property line for alley pick-up, the day prior to pick-up, but not earlier than 7 p.m. 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 the best thing is to call the Planning and Building Division at 559-585-2583 to discuss your particular situation and lot design.

Hanford Municipal Code 17.50.120 Fence and wall locations in residential, office, and public facilities zones.

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 who 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.

Before the violation is cleared, these requirements must be met.

• The Building Permit must be approved.
• All permit and code compliance fees must be paid.
• A permit must be issued.
• All inspections, including a final inspection, must be scheduled and approved.

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

There are a lot of items to consider with signage. Please contact the Planning Division at 559-585-4768 for assistance in deciding the type, size, quantity, and placement of signage.

Hanford Municipal Code Chapter 17.56 SIGNS AND OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURES

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. 

14. I have made a complaint. How long do I have to wait before I see something being done?

After your complaint has been received, the average turnaround time is two to five working days for a Code Compliance Officer to perform the initial investigation. We make every effort to respond to each complaint as soon as it is filed as each, and every complaint is important to us. Complaints are prioritized according to potential health and safety hazards.

15. Do I need a permit to sell flowers on the sidewalk or street?

Yes. In the City of Hanford, it is unlawful for a vendor to sell or display any food or merchandise without first obtaining a vendor permit and a business license. In addition, there are conditions that regulate the use of public right-of-way by peddlers and vendors that are related to objective health, safety, or welfare concerns. Failure to comply with governing codes may result in receiving an administrative or criminal citation, and the possibly of the goods and merchandise being confiscated.