How to Find Out Who Called Code Enforcement

Michelle Wilson - August 1, 2023

Few things are as frustrating as receiving an unexpected fine, particularly if a member of your community tipped off the authorities. Fortunately, there are a few detective methods you might look into to find out who called code enforcement and resolve the matter before it escalates.

One of the simplest ways to find out who called code enforcement is to contact the code enforcement agency directly; a courteous inquiry can often lead to a cooperative disclosure, revealing the individual who initiated the complaint. Unfortunately, you might need to try an alternate method for answers in more complicated situations.

Reasons Someone May Call Code Enforcement

The decision to involve code enforcement in addressing an issue typically arises when your actions or regular activities have been causing inconvenience or discomfort to others. For instance, consistently playing loud music without regard for your neighbors’ peace, parking too close to a neighbor’s driveway or neglecting to properly supervise your pets could prompt someone to initiate a code enforcement complaint. Such actions might infringe upon the quality of life for those in your vicinity, leading them to seek intervention from code enforcement to mitigate the disturbance. Unfortunately, while some people who call code enforcement are well-intentioned people who file complaints and trust the authorities to investigate the activity, several bad actors use code enforcement as a weapon for their agendas and, in severe cases, harassment. Public data from 2018 states that about 59% of people believe they have good neighbors, while the other 41% didn’t.

Regardless of what side you are on as either the person debating calling code enforcement or the one trying to figure out who called about you, remember that your end goal should be to maintain harmonious relationships with your neighbors to avoid an uncomfortable situation. By fostering open communication and mutual respect, you can help to create an environment where you and your neighbors can resolve potential conflicts amicably, reducing the likelihood of invoking formal measures. Moreover, cultivating a considerate and cooperative approach within your community can avoid any potential legal battles that might ensure if the situation escalates.

Can Law Enforcement Calls Be Anonymous?

Contrary to popular belief, anonymous complaints aren’t something you will come across often. The new standard set by authorities ensures that transparency is now a legal requisite. Therefore, anyone who wants to call in a complaint on someone else must provide personal details, including their name, address, and pertinent contact information. These prerequisites serve as the foundation for investigations, when necessary, ensuring that authorities are addressing legitimate concerns while maintaining accountability in the process.

The only exception to the rule around anonymity is if sharing this information could potentially jeopardize public health, safety, welfare, or vital habitats.

Does That Make Calls Into Code Enforcement Public Record?

The answer is sort of. Online data about a code violation filing is not rendered confidential by either the Public Records Act or its outlined exceptions. Any documents bearing the complainant’s identity are subject to public availability and can be accessed accordingly. This law underscores the potential merit of permitting anonymous complaints, as the absence of assurance regarding anonymity could deter individuals from pursuing legitimate claims.

However, the sole scenario where confidentiality may apply is when a record forms a component of an ongoing criminal investigation conducted by the police department. Specific sections within active police criminal investigation records, which authorities may not disclose during criminal proceedings, remain confidential and are not disclosed to the public. Additionally, statements from state witnesses retain their confidential status, remaining inaccessible to the public.

Requesting Public Records Related to Code Enforcement Calls

Since this information is public in most cases, the first way to find out who called about you is using public records. Look online to see if your city has an official online public database for building code complaints. If they do, you can use the website’s search function to scan local records until you find the complaint you received, even giving you the option to search by case number on your report in some cases.

Delving into public records requires a systematic approach to ensure compliance with legal regulations. If you’re determined to uncover the identity of the individual or entity behind a Code Enforcement call, follow these steps to request relevant public records:

Identify the Relevant Authority

Begin by pinpointing the government agency responsible for handling Code Enforcement in your locality. In most jurisdictions, this will be either your city or county’s Code Enforcement department.

Understand the Request Process

Familiarize yourself with the procedures and requirements for requesting public records from the identified authority. They may have specific forms or online platforms for submitting requests.

Submit a Formal Request

Prepare a formal request detailing the information you’re seeking – in this case, caller information related to a specific Code Enforcement incident. Provide as much relevant information as possible to aid in locating the records.

Adhere to Timelines

Public records requests often have specific timelines for response. Be patient and follow up if necessary while respecting the agency’s processing times.

Complete an FOIA Form

A second method you may try is initiating an FOIA request in your area. To do so, conduct an online search using your location’s name followed by “FOIA form” such as California FOIA Form or visit the local police department in person. After receiving the form, complete and submit it to the appropriate state agency, often the LARA Department, city hall, the Secretary of State’s office, or the local police department. Upon submission, patiently await the state agency’s processing, and you will subsequently receive the information permissible within legal constraints.

The configuration of FOIA requests varies by state, necessitating a tailored approach. Seek out the form on your state’s official .gov website, and consider the possibility of acquiring it from local establishments like the DMV or court, contingent on your geographic location. It’s important to note that while certain states delegate FOIA requests to the relevant source of information, others entrust the LARA Department with the task. The specific procedure hinges on your place of residence. Understanding that a FOIA request constitutes a legal avenue to solicit government records is paramount. Although obtaining the identity of the code enforcement informant might not be guaranteed, particularly if legal provisions in your state safeguard it, this process could indeed unveil the coveted information if the legal context permits.

Engage In A Neighborly Conversation

While you might be in the dark, your neighbors might not be. Some who have been on the receiving end of a complaint have found it helpful to leverage their rapport with a few neighbors or reconnect with your long-time block captain from their school days. The only caveat is that after establishing contact you must attempt to approach the situation amiably, tactfully navigating the realm of local gossip, and underline your curiosity without creating tension. Initiating a casual dialogue, you could inquire, “It’s a bit odd, but I received a citation for parking near your driveway. Any thoughts on who might have brought that to the authorities’ attention?”

By tapping into the familiarity and camaraderie within your community, you can potentially uncover valuable clues that shed light on the source of the complaint. The person may be honest and share what they know, or they may try and dodge your answer; both responses provide a tell that might give you a suggestion of where to poke around next.

Observe Your Street For Things That Are Out Of The Blue

Consider the actions of your neighbors and formulate an educated deduction. If, for instance, Ms. Jansen from across the street has been expressing concerns about your hedges for a while and then, coincidentally, code enforcement shows up to address hedge-related issues, a reasonable inference might lead you to her. Often, neighbors lean towards a “live and let live” attitude regarding such matters, allowing you to employ logical reasoning in identifying potential informants.

However, while this method provides a sensible line of thought, it’s important to acknowledge that absolute certainty is not guaranteed. While it’s tempting to attribute blame to a local curmudgeon, it’s worth recognizing that the source of the complaint could even be an unrelated passerby who doesn’t reside on your block. Balancing circumstantial evidence with an open mind is key to narrowing the possibilities while acknowledging the potential for unexpected twists in the narrative.

Asking Them Directly

In your quest to uncover the code enforcement report’s identity, consider contacting the code enforcement department directly. Law officials will recommend you take a courteous approach —kindly inquire about the source of the report. Keep in mind that the extent of information divulged could hinge on your demeanor.

While there’s no guarantee, maintaining a welcoming and friendly demeanor when code officers get in touch might influence their willingness to share details. Stay composed and respond calmly as you address their inquiries. Your cooperative attitude could make a significant difference in the outcome.

What If I Can’t Find Out Who Called Code Enforcement?

Even after conducting several of these methods and a lengthy background check on your neighbors you might not find an answer. In this case it is worth considering the scenario where a direct complaint didn’t trigger the involvement of code enforcement. In some instances, an inspector could have encountered the violation during routine rounds in the area, independently identifying the issue without a formal call to code enforcement. So, before you point fingers keep in mind that there is a chance nobody is to blame at all.

Responding to a Notice of Violation

If you are reported to your local code enforcement agency by your neighbor, you must act quickly. Even if you believe the complaint is illegitimate or out of spite, your lack of response could leave you with imposed compliance deadlines and fines, not to mention angry neighbors.

Act Quickly to Code Enforcement

Irrespective of the identity or motive behind the report, addressing the code violation promptly becomes essential to evade potential fines or, in more dire circumstances, an order condemning the property. Prioritize rectification by enlisting the services of a licensed contractor proficient in the required repairs, ensuring compliance with the stipulated codes and regulations. After completing the necessary repairs, the next steps entail coordinating with the building code department. If you live in a large complex, completing repairs may involve scheduling an inspector walkthrough to verify the work’s satisfactory completion. Depending on the nature of the violation, additional obligations could encompass settling fines as deemed applicable.

Code violation procedures exhibit regional disparities, with prevalent infractions spanning various jurisdictions. These commonly encompass issues such as rampant weed growth, litter accumulation at your premises, vehicles occupying your lawn space, instances of graffiti, and failure to clear sidewalks following snow or ice storms. Navigating the intricacies of these regulations necessitates an understanding of your local mandates, making it crucial to align with experts to ensure compliance and mitigate potential consequences.

Confronting The Person Who Called

Steer clear of directly addressing the neighbor you may have identified as the informant or harbor suspicions about. Instead, adopt a cordial demeanor in public interactions and consciously minimize interactions with them. Engaging in a confrontation will not reverse the repercussions of the imposed fine resulting from the code violation. Moreover, considering the audacity they exhibited by reporting a neighbor, confronting them might invite unpredictable retaliatory actions, potentially exacerbating the situation.

This caution becomes even more vital when there’s a degree of uncertainty regarding their involvement. Exercise restraint, refraining from confronting the neighbor unless you possess unequivocal evidence of their role in the complaint. Even if the indications seem strong, there remains a slight possibility of their innocence. Prioritizing a peaceful approach maintains community harmony and safeguards against any misunderstandings that might arise from hasty confrontations.

Forgiving and Moving On

For certain neighbors, employing code enforcement might serve as a means to either irk you intentionally or engage in less-than-savory behavior. Although rare, these situations happen and often start as targeted harassment or unfounded violations. However, clarity on this matter arises only when you are certain of your adherence to the law.

The decision to extend forgiveness towards your neighbor ultimately rests with you, but grasping their motivations is a pivotal factor. As previously mentioned, if their motives are sincere and any infractions are your responsibility, seeking amicable resolution for mutual peace becomes a natural inclination. Conversely, consulting a legal expert could be prudent if your neighbor’s actions are intentional to hurt you. Exploring viable courses of action with your attorney can provide insight into the most suitable steps to address the situation effectively.

Getting Third-Party Help

Occasionally, enlisting the help of an impartial third party becomes essential. In cases involving potential breaches of municipal regulations (as discussed in point 4 above), you can lodge a formal complaint with your local municipality. This process prompts the dispatch of inspectors to probe into the matter, offering guidance or resolutions to both parties involved. It’s important to note that during such visits, municipal by-law inspectors might uncover violations unrelated to your initial complaint, showcasing instances where they find a seemingly unrelated breach – a scenario that authorities have witnessed on multiple occasions.

Handling Code Enforcement Authorities To Guarantee The Best Possible Outcome

If the authorities catch you off guard, it can be easy to make accusations. However, resolving the issue will go much smoother if you can maintain your composure. If you can, ensure a warm and welcoming demeanor when interacting with code officers. Avoiding unnecessary defensiveness is crucial, particularly during initial or subsequent interactions.Should your attorney determine that the situation has evolved from community service to harassment, you can adopt a more assertive stance.

Furthermore, respond to all inquiries with a composed disposition. While it’s natural to experience agitation, strive to maintain control. In the event of wrongful accusations, your composed attitude can enhance the persuasiveness of your innocence, potentially leading to the revelation of the individual behind the accusatory call.