Code Enforcement Violation S-444-1 in Los Angeles

If you’ve spent any time at all walking down the street in  Los Angeles, you know that our sidewalks and driveway ramps are a shambles. Years of neglect and maturing trees have created hazardous conditions out there on the sidewalks. 

And if you’ve received an S-444-1 violation in the mail, you may now realize that you, the property owner, are responsible for fixing the situation in front of your building. 

What is a Code Enforcement Violation S-444-1 in Los Angeles?

It’s your sidewalk. Or your driveway ramp. They need to be repaired – and the repairs have to be up to code. This means:

• Any damaged sidewalk or driveway approach must be replaced one the score line (the groove in the concrete) to the next. You can’t just patch up the holes. 
• The concrete must be at least 4 inches thick. 
• Your sidewalk must comply with the Americans with Disability Act. It cannot have any steep slopes (hello, tree roots?) and must be level with the sidewalk around it. 

Why is my sidewalk damaged in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is full of beautiful, tree-lined streets. And it’s those trees that cause the most sidewalk damage. Fast-growing trees were planted all over the city during building booms. Now that those trees have matured, the roots have taken over. They are chiefly responsible for the damage to your sidewalk. Erosion and earthquakes also combine to tear up your sidewalks. 

Why do I have to fix my sidewalk in Los Angeles?

The responsibility of fixing a sidewalk in Los Angeles generally tends to land on the property owner. You could request that the city fix your sidewalk, but you will be waiting for DECADES before it happens. In the meantime, your sidewalk has become a liability to you. 

How much does a Code Enforcement Violation S-444-1 cost in Los Angeles?

Code violation fees are no joke. It starts at $356.15 for the Code Violation Inspection Fee. Then you can expect to shell out an Investigation Fee, which is double the cost of the permit (at least $400). 

Failure to comply means that those bills will increase (you may be facing over $3,000 in fines) and you may face criminal charges and liens on your property. 

It’s best to take care of the violation quickly, rather than face all those fees.

How can I clear up a Code Enforcement Violation S-444-1 in Los Angeles?

First, check your Order to Comply letter. You have been assigned a city inspector. Contact that city inspector to clarify what you will need to do. You will likely also need to hire a licensed concrete contractor to complete the work and ensure that it’s up to code. 

In order to completely clear up the citation, you will need to pull either an A- or B-Permit to complete the work. Given how Kafka-esque the permitting process can be, most property owners hire a licensed concrete contractor or an expert permit expeditor to complete the work. 

So, let’s get started! Give us a call today and let us do the legwork in clearing your citation and ensuring that your sidewalk is free of trip hazards.