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Citations and Violations

The Code Enforcement Team is here to help you bring your property or business into compliance. The fastest way to do so is to remove the violation or substandard condition as quickly as possible and inform the Inspector working on your case.
 

If You Have a Violation on Your Property

Most simple violations can be resolved quickly and easily by the homeowner or property owner.

Sometimes a building permit is required. Some permits, such as permits for installing a hot water heater, may be issued over the counter. Others, such as for a patio cover, require plans.

Depending on the type of work, the services of a licensed contractor, architect or engineer may be required.
 

Enforcement Process

Once submitted, a complaint is assigned to a Code Enforcement Inspector. Safety violations take priority. The inspector investigates the alleged violation to determine if any codes have been violated by contacting the property owner and requesting to inspect the property if necessary.

A series of notices are issued. The notices detail the type of violation and give a time frame for compliance. After receiving a notice, the receiver should contact the Inspector whose name is at the bottom of the letter immediately. The inspector follows up until the violation is resolved. 

While our goal is to obtain voluntary compliance from residents, property owners and business owners Administrative Citations may be issued for code violations that are not removed in a timely manner.

The fine for the first citation is $100. For the second citation, the violation is $200, and for the third violation, the fine is $500. You may be cited each day the violation exists beyond the correction date.

Depending on the type and severity of the violation, Code Enforcement may take legal action or pursue criminal charges as a last resort.

On April 3, 2007, the Burbank City Council adopted the Secondhand Smoke Control Ordinance which encompasses commercial and multi-family residential properties. The intent of the ordinance is to protect the health of Burbank residents and visitors by limiting their exposure to secondhand smoke. The ordinance prohibits smoking in specific locations throughout the city. The ordinance became effective on May 12, 2007.

On October 5, 2010, the Burbank City Council adopted five new restrictions pertaining to multi-family residential properties. If you have questions or complaints please contact Code Enforcement, at (818) 238-5225 or [email protected]  

On December 16, 2025, the Burbank City Council adopted an ordinance prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf blowers within the City of Burbank. The ordinance updates the Burbank Municipal Code to promote public health, reduce noise impacts, and supports the transition to cleaner landscaping practices and aligns with California’s transition toward zero-emission small off-road engines, including state regulations that ended the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers beginning in 2024, and the state’s longer-term goal of transitioning to 100% zero-emission equipment by 2035.

To support a smooth transition, the ordinance includes a one-year grace period for residents and business owners to shift to zero-emission leaf blowers. During this grace period, City staff will conduct extensive community outreach focused on education and awareness, including multilingual materials and resources to help address potential economic impacts and equipment replacement costs. 

During the one-year grace period, enforcement will focus on education. Code Compliance Inspectors will provide educational materials to those found using gas-powered leaf blowers. No administrative citations or other enforcement actions will be issued until January 1, 2027.

Learn more about incentive, rebate, and buyback programs related to the phase-out of gas-powered small off-road engines: Incentive, Rebate, and Buyback Programs 

If you have questions or complaints please contact Code Enforcement, at (818) 238-5225 or [email protected].