In an effort to assist the businesses and residents of Dana Point, The Code Enforcement Division has compiled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
How long does it take to get the graffiti removed?
If the graffiti is on private property, the property owner is notified immediately and typically has 48 hours to remove it. If the property owner does not remove the offending graffiti, the City will have it removed (usually within 5 working days). If the graffiti is on City property, the removal contractor is contacted immediately and removal is within 48 hours.
How do I report graffiti?
The City of Dana Point is actively engaged in the removal of graffiti within the City. With the cooperation and assistance of our residents, our City will continue to be a safe and desirable place to live and work.
To report graffiti please use one of the following methods:
Online - Submit a Request for Service online via Report to DP.
Telephone - Please call the Graffiti Hotline at (949) 248-3573; or during working hours at (949) 248-3500.
No. Conversion of a garage into a sleeping room is not permitted by code.
Who should I call for parking control on public streets?
Call the Police Services non-emergency number (949) 770-6011.
Who should I call about barking dogs?
Call Coastal Animal Services Authority (CASA) at (949) 492-1617.
Can I keep my portable basketball hoop on the sidewalk or street?
No. Portable basketball hoops are not permitted on the public right-of-way.
Are my complaints confidential?
Yes, complaints are always confidential and never shared with the violator.
Who do I call if there is an abandoned vehicle on the street?
Call the Police Services non-emergency number (949) 770-6011.
How do I report water quality violations or a sprinkler system running and water draining onto the City gutter?
Submit a Request for Service online via Report 2 DP.
Who can I call if a contractor is working at night or on holidays?
Call the Police Services non-emergency number (949) 770-6011 or submit a Request for Service online via Report 2 DP.
Can I work on my home improvement project at night or on the weekends and holidays?
Night work is restricted after 8:00pm and work on Sundays and Federal Holidays is not allowed.
Is noise that emanates from construction work restricted to particular hours of the day?
Yes, 7:00am to 8:00pm daily except Sundays and Federal Holidays.
Are portable signs advertising my business legal?
Portable signs for commercial businesses need to be approved and permitted through the Planning Division. Code Enforcement Officers may contact business owners with a pamphlet and appropriate information regarding temporary signs and instruct the businesses to remove the signs until a permit has been obtained through the Planning Division.
Can I place real estate or for sale signs in the public right-of-way?
The City’s sign code prohibits placement of signs on or extending over any public property, public easement, or in the public right-of-way. In order to provide consistent application of this code provision, the Code Enforcement Division will remove any signs that are witnessed in the public right-of-way. Any confiscated signs will be retained by the division for five (5) calendar days. There is no fine to reclaimconfiscated signs. If the sign is not claimed within this time period, the sign will be disposed of.
Does the City have a sound ordinance regulating sound from a property of business or private residences?
The City often receives sound complaints from residents. These complaints are generally regarding continued noise disturbance typically caused by special events, commercial business, landscape maintenance, and/or air condition units. Officers will use the City’s sound level meter to record sound levels for any complaint received concerning a noise level violation.
Does the City of Dana Point require business licenses?
The City does not have a business license program. Please contact the Code Enforcement Division with any questions or complaints involving a business within the City of Dana Point.
How many garage sales may I have per year and where can I hang signs directing people to my sale?
Residential properties are limited to four (4) garage/yard sales per year. Garage sale signs are not permitted in the public right-of-way, including on street signs, medians, or in parks. Signs may be removed by the Code Enforcement Officer if found on public property.
How tall can my fence or block wall be without requiring City permits?
The current DPMC Section 9.05.120 exempts lightweight fences less than 6 feet and masonry walls less than 36 inches from requiring permits, unless permits are required as a condition of project approval.
What is a non-operative vehicle?
The State of California Vehicle Code Section 22669(d) defines, in part, that a vehicle lacking an engine, transmission, wheels, tires, doors, windshield, or any other part of equipment necessary to operate safely on the highways of the State is considered an inoperative vehicle. Vehicles with expired registration in excess of six months and one (1) day cannot operate legally on a public street. In most circumstances, officers will not consider a vehicle inoperative solely on expired tags, although some exceptions will apply.
