How do I make a complaint about a violation?

Call Community Preservation at (714) 667-2780.  With the exception of a mobile street vendor, you must provide a street address for the location you are reporting.

A complaint can be called in 24 hours a day.  A voicemail system will accept calls after hours.

Complaints are prioritized.  Most complaints are not assigned to an inspector for immediate response.  Hazardous situations and illegal vendors are dispatched immediately.

What if I see a violation occurring on public property?

With the exception of vending trucks, pushcarts and pedestrian vendors, Community Preservation does not have enforcement authority on public streets, alleys and sidewalks.  For other types of violations or situations occurring on public property, please contact one of the following numbers:

Emergency - Police/Fire Department                      9-1-1

Non-emergency - Police Department             (714) 834-4211

Vehicle blocking the sidewalk (PD Traffic)       (714) 245-8225

  (After hours - call Police)                             (714) 834-4211

Junk vehicle in the street                               (714) 245-8225

  (After hours - call Police)                             (714) 834-4211

Auto Repairs in the street (Police)                  (714) 834-4211

Stray/injured animal (PD Animal Control)       (714) 245-8792

  (After hours - call Police)                             (714) 834-4211

Abandoned shopping cart                             (888) 233-2278

Abandoned furniture (Public Works)              (714) 647-3380

Trash/Debris on private property (PW)          (714) 647-3380

Graffiti (Public Works)                                  (714) 647-3542

  (After hours)                                             (877) 786-7824

Potholes (Public Works)                                (714) 647-3553

Debris or tree blocking street (Public Works)  (714) 647-3380

  (After hours - call Police)                            (714) 834-4211

As a new homeowner or tenant, how do I find out what I can or cannot do on my property?

The best recommendation is before you do ANYTHING, call Planning staff at (714) 647-5804 to see whether you are permitted to do what you want to do!  Additions, alterations and repairs to your home usually require permits.  Homes in an historic district have more restrictions.  Front yard fences require a "no-fee" permit.

To learn more about what is happening in your area, get involved in your neighborhood association.  Contact Neighborhood Improvement at (714) 667-2260 to learn more about this program.

I received a notice for a violation.  How do I talk with the inspector?

Inspectors spend much of their time out of the office, conducting inspections.  Call the phone number for the inspector and leave a voicemail message with your name and phone number.  The inspector will return your call at their earliest convenience.

When can I have a garage sale?

Refer to the information under Garage/Yard Sales.  The regulations are for residential properties.  If you are a business or church, you must obtain a "Land Use Certificate" to conduct an outdoor activity.

What is an estate sale?

An estate sale is held when the resident is either deceased or must be relocated to a care facility and the home will be vacated and/or sold.  If you are going to hold an estate sale, call Community Preservation at (714) 667-2780 and provide the following information:

• Address for sale
• Date(s) of the sale
• Who is running the sale?

If you are conducting the sale on behalf of a resident as a business operation, you must have a Business License for the sale.  If you are selling on behalf of a relative, no license is required.  However, all estate sales must abide by the following guidelines:

• All items must be kept out of public view, either within the home or in the back yard or a garage
• All items must be from the household - you cannot bring in other items for resale
• All signs for the sale must be professional in nature and include either the address for the sale or the phone number for the seller
• One sign may be displayed in the front yard of the property
• Directional signs may be posted in the same manner as real estate open house signs.  Signs may not be posted on telephone poles, streetlights, traffic signs, city trees, or any other structure in the public right-of-way.

I want to start a business in Santa Ana.  What do I do?

As a business owner, how do I find out what I can or cannot do at my business?

The best recommendation is before you do ANYTHING, call Planning staff at (714) 647-5804 to see whether you are permitted to do what you want to do!  A new sign?   A parking lot sale?  Both of these activities requires a permit.  When in doubt, call Planning!

What kind of signs can I use for my business?

The City has many sign regulations within the Municipal Code.  Before you invest in any sign, call the Planning staff at (714) 647-5804 to ask whether you can or cannot use a particular method of advertising.

Some prohibited advertising devices are:

• Freestanding, A-frame and portable signs
• Aerial and balloon signs or "arches"
• Signs on vehicles used to attract attention
• Flag canopies and/or special event flags

Can I place signs or posters throughout Santa Ana to advertise a special sale or event?

No!  The City currently charges $25 for each sign that is removed.  Signs not on your premises are "off-premise advertising".  Other Methods of enforcement may also be used for these signs.  Again, call Planning staff at (714) 647-5804 to ask about signs.

Can I do a parking lot sale at my business or church?

Any "temporary outdoor activity" requires a "Land Use Certificate".  Again, call Planning staff at (714) 647-5804 to get information.

I am moving my business from one location to another within Santa Ana.  What do I do? Business License Transfer