Enforcement - Violations
Return to Code EnforcementEach year, we respond to over 500 inquiries pertaining to potential land use violations.
Examples of violations include unauthorized construction/demolition, building misuse, alterations to historic properties without Planning approvals, unauthorized dwelling unit mergers, and the creation of unauthorized dwelling units.
Common Complaint Violations
Unauthorized Dwelling Unit (UDU)?
An Unauthorized Dwelling Unit (UDU) is when one or more rooms in a building has been used as a separate living or sleeping space without a permit and is separate from other housing units on the same property. It has its own independent entrance and doesn't have any visual or internal connections with other units. You can find more information about UDUs in Planning Code Section 317(b)(13).
Other Common Complaints
Please review the following examples of common complaint resources, below.
Building and Construction
If you suspect illegal construction and/or addition or removal of units, or issues which affect the overall physical, structural or safety of a property, contact the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) – examples include:
- Residential maintenance
- Structural issues (stairs, fences, walls, fire escapes, etc)
- Work without a permit
- Work beyond permitted scope of work
- Electrical or plumbing hazards
- Disabled access issues
- Abandoned buildings or storefronts
Illegal Short-Term Rentals / Illegal Tourist Hotel
Contact the Short-Term Rentals Office to report activities that are subject to Chapter 41A of the Administrative Code – examples of activities include:
- Stays within residential units for less than 30 days without authorization.
- a host appears to live on-site but is renting a separate legal residential unit (or Accessory Dwelling Unit) at the same property
- the use of sheds, tents, garages, recreational vehicles (RVs), and non-residential properties for short-term rentals
Water, Power or Sewer
Contact “311” or visit www.sf311.org – examples include:
- no water service
- low water pressure
- issues with taste, odor, or color of your water
- streetlight outages
- power outages
- sewer backups
- clogged catch basins
- flooding
- wastewater odors
Fire-Related
Contact the Fire Department – examples include:
- Leaky Hydrants
- Fire Safety Concerns
- General Complaints
- Concerns with fire safety within a building
Public Property
Contact the Department of Public Works – examples include:
- Graffiti
- Garbage and Waste
- Potholes on the sidewalk
- Trees
- A-Frame business signs on the sidewalk