Code Enforcement Violation S-442-6 in Los Angeles

Got a Code Enforcement Violation in your mailbox? You’re probably wondering what it is all about. And if you’re like me, those letters read like stereo instructions.

So, what is a Code Enforcement Violation S-442-6 anyway? Do you have a corner sidewalk on your property? That’s what this code enforcement is all about. 

Why did I get a Code Enforcement Violation S-442-6 in Los Angeles?

You probably got this code violation because the curb ramp or sidewalk on the public’s right of way doesn’t meet the regulations set out by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). You could be looking at the following issues:

• You did work on your sidewalk without a permit
• The ramp angle is too steep
• The landing area at the top or bottom of the ramp is too small
• The concrete is cracked, chipped or separated
• The work is not up to code 

Anyone can report your property’s code violation via My311LA. This service allows Angelinos access to an array of city services – one of them being code enforcement. 

Chances are, a neighbor or someone passing by on the sidewalk called in the violation. While Code Enforcement violations are expensive and annoying, getting them fixed is far cheaper than dealing with a trip and fall lawsuit or an ADA compliance lawsuit.

Who is responsible for Code Enforcement Violation S-442-6 in Los Angeles?

You. In general, property owners are responsible for sidewalks directly outside their buildings. Usually, property owners are cited:

Homeowners get cited when they hire unlicensed contractors to do the work or try to DIY it without the proper permits. What usually happens is that the ramp is not built to code (it’s too steep or it’s not accessible enough).

Commercial property owners get S-442-6 violations when they fail to meet ADA guidelines during property remodels or additions. 

Developers and contractors are cited when their projects or excavations in the public right-of-way fail to follow construction blueprints. 

What are the code requirements for S-442-6 in Los Angeles?

Your sidewalk corners need to have ramps to be ADA-compliant. The city inspector is going to be looking for:

• Truncated domes – those are the bright yellow bumps you see on city sidewalk corners. 
• The slope rising one inch for every 12 inches of length
• Smooth transitions to the sidewalk and the street with no trip hazards. 

Hiring a licensed concrete contractor will ensure that all of your corners are up to code. 

How much does Code Enforcement Violation S-442-6 cost in Los Angeles?

It is not cheap, my friends. Your initial citation is $356.16. It goes up to over $2000 if you do not get to work on resolving the issue. Still not complying with the violation after 30 days? You could be looking at potential criminal charges being filed and a lien placed on your property. 

Don’t let it get to that point. Work with a professional permit expeditor and a licensed concrete contractor to smooth out your problems. They have the know-how to get your corners up to code ASAP. 

Ready to hand the permit pulling to the professionals? Give us a call today for a free estimate.