Code Enforcement
The city of Los Altos has adopted local laws to ensure a safer, healthier and more attractive community. The primary responsibility for enforcing Los Altos Municipal Code Ordinances is handled by the Code Enforcement Division which reports to the Development Services Department. Code Enforcement conducts most follow up investigations related to Municipal Code compliance and coordinates with the Planning and Building Divisions of the Development Services Department to investigate related violations and complaints.
If you observe a municipal code violation that represents an emergency, requires an immediate response, or causes a danger to the public, please dial 9-1-1 immediately.
Examples of Code Enforcement Investigations
- Abandoned and inoperable vehicle storage in front yards
- Animal health, welfare, and sanitation
- Blight Issues - abandoned homes and vacant lots
- Construction noise
- Debris, trash, refuse, and illegal dumping (including storm drains and creeks)
- Gas-powered leaf blowers
- Health and sanitation violations, unsafe living conditions
- Illegal building modifications, conversions, and structures
- Junk and debris in front yards
- Leash Law complaints
- Noise (including chronic barking)
- Signs, a-frames, posters, handbills, commercial signs, and graffiti
- Solicitors and sales without required licenses
- Short-Term home rentals
- Weed abatement
Permits issued by Code Enforcement
Online Code Violation Complaint Form
Please note: This form is for non-emergency use only, as submissions will only be reviewed during business hours.
Code Enforcement can be contacted at (650) 947-2775, by email CodeEnforcement@losaltosca.gov or by using the Online Code Violation Complaint Form.
Other Helpful Resources
- Palo Alto Animal Control Services are available to the City of Los Altos for matters such as such as stray dogs; sick, injured, or dead animals (including wildlife); aggressive animals; animal bites; animal cruelty or neglect; animals in distress; and other animal related municipal code violations
- Pet Licensing services or lost and found for Los Altos residents, visit the animal shelter - Pets In Need or call (650) 496-5971
- Mosquitoes, rodents or other vector problems, visit Santa Clara County Vector Control or call (800) 675-1155
- Office of Mediation and Ombuds Services (OMOS) - Leading difficult conversations and resolving conflict for County of Santa Clara employees, departments, agencies and community members since 1977
- Fire community events and training related inquiries, visit Santa Clara County Fire Department
- Complaint against a contractor or check their license info? Visit Contractors State License Board
- Drone user information, visit Federal Aviation Administration
