Common Reporting Issues

To file a complaint or report a violation
Schedule with Code Enforcement Division
Common Violation Types

To file a complaint or report a violation

Three ways to file a complaint:

Online

Please include as much detailed information about the complaint as possible, including a description of the issue or nature of the suspected code violation, address or location of the violation and photographs (if available). We strive to respond to your complaint within three business days by opening a code case and conducting an investigation.

Schedule with Code Enforcement Division

To meet with the Code Enforcement Division regarding an existing or potential code case:

Use our new self-service appointment booking page make an appointment!

The Code Enforcement Officer is now available by self-service appointment Monday – Thursday from 1:00 pm- 3:00pm at the Permit Counter, virtual meeting (Microsoft Teams), or phone. We are scheduling appointments in increments of 20-minutes. Please arrive on time and with your case number, address, any documentation and your questions/concerns organized so that we can provide you with streamlined service.

Common Violation Types

Click on any of the below items to initiate a Code Enforcement investigation.

Unlawful Outdoor Storage Accumulation

The accumulation of outdoor storage is not only an attractive nuisance for an array of unwelcomed pests, it also is detrimental to the appearance of your property.

Overgrown Vegetation

These can create a fire hazard, provide a breeding ground for rodents, and can make a neighborhood look uncared for.

Trash, litter, trimmings, oil, or debris

Whether this is on a private, public, or commercial property, failure to promptly and properly dispose of these items create an attractive nuisance.

Dumpster on the street in front of a ranch style home being built

Encroachment

Blocking the public right of way such as sidewalks or the street with vegetation, oversized vehicles, commercial vehicles, utility trailers, dumpsters, or accumulated outdoor storage create unsafe conditions and should be reported as soon as possible.

Close-up of the wheel of a car standing on the lawn

Parking on an unapproved surface

Vehicles parked in the front or side yard setbacks on surfaces such as dirt, gravel, or the lawn are not only damaging to property but also create potential attractive nuisance conditions.

Buildings or structures in disrepair or unsecured

Buildings or structures such as residences, fences, signs, or retaining walls that are broken, deteriorated, abandoned, in disrepair, or left in a state of unfinished construction not only create an attractive nuisance pose a health and safety risk to the public.

Close up of building a new roof on a brick house

Building without a permit

A building permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, change, erect, install convert, or replace any structure.

Close up of chef hands pouring mustard on fresh hot dog with grilled sausage.

Operating a business without a business license

Business licenses come with an inspection of the location to ensure the health and safety of the public as well as to ensure the operators have proper certifications to be in business.

Fresh oil poured during an oil change into a car.

Unlawful Discharge

The unlawful discharge of prohibited fluids such as oils, paint, sewage, and anything other than storm water cause a detrimental impact to our waterways and wildlife that should be reported immediately.

Violations of the Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance by food or retail businesses

Single-Use Plastic Ordinance (PMC Chapter 8.38)

Pinole’s Single-Use Plastic Reduction Ordinance prohibits food and retail businesses from distributing certain plastic foodware and carryout bags. It also requires businesses to provide acceptable alternatives, offer single-use accessories only upon request, and maintain properly labeled waste receptacles for compost, recycling, and landfill.

Complaints related to this ordinance are reviewed first by the City’s Sustainability Division, which provides education and support. If a business does not respond or correct the issue, the case may be referred to Code Enforcement for formal enforcement.

Common violations include:

Providing plastic utensils, straws, or condiments without request
Using non-compostable or non-recyclable takeout containers
Offering plastic carryout bags at checkout
Using bags that do not meet durability, labeling, or recycled content standards
Not charging the required fee for checkout bags
Failing to post signage about accessory availability
Not providing waste bins for compost, recycling, and landfill
Refusing to cooperate with outreach or correct violations

To report a potential violation, follow the instructions on the How to File a Complaint page.

For ordinance-specific questions or assistance, contact:
Kapil Amin
Sustainability Project Manager
Email: kamin@pinole.gov
Phone: (510) 372-0989