How to Report Building Code Violations

Reporting building code violations can be done easily.

Every state has its own requirements regarding proper building code. Buildings in California need to be reinforced to withstand possible earthquakes while builders in New Orleans need to be more concerned with flooding. There are some basic safety requirements that remain the same across different states and counties regarding things like smoke detector placement and not allowing broken windows to remain unfixed. Reporting building code violations vary depending on where you live but the basic process is similar in most counties.

Things You'll Need

• Camera
• Internet
• Telephone

Instructions

1. Take photos of the alleged violations. You may need them later for evidence.

2. Contact your local county office. Some counties will allow you to fill out a complaint online while others require a phone call directly to their office.

3. Explain what the alleged violation is, either via phone call or the Internet if your county allows it.

4. Meet with the inspector if the county sends someone out to look at the infraction, which they likely will. Show him any photos that you have and then he can look at the area himself and see if he agrees that the building is in violation.

References

• NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development:
• Charlotte County, Florida: Building Construction Services
• Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety: Report a Property Violation
• Tampa, Florida: Building/Structural Violation Complaint