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Code Compliance

• Code Compliance Complaint Form
  (Electronic Submittal*)
• Public Nuisance
• Polluted, Stagnant Water
• Vehicles
• Vegetation in the Right-of-Way
• Construction
• Landscape Maintenance
• Outside Storage
• Trash Containers
• Rodents
• Tumbleweeds
• Fire Hazard
• Chain Link, Barbed Wire, Electric Fencing
• Screening
• Graffiti
• Illegal Dumping
• Home Occupations
• Residential Parkways
• RV/Boat Storage
• Site Safety
• Commercial Centers
• Off Pavement Parking
• Commercial Vehicles
• Traffic Ticket or Citations - What should I do if I got a ticket?

The Code Compliance staff is available to help with any concerns the citizens of Rancho Mirage may have pertaining to possible zoning or Municipal Code violations. For your convenience, an form is provided for any of your complaints.

If you are uncertain of conditions in your neighborhood which need addressing, please read the descriptions below to identify some of the more common violations.

Public Nuisance

A "nuisance" may be defined as, including but not limited to, the violation of any ordinance, resolution, regulation, or policy adopted by the City Council, as defined within any such ordinance, resolution, regulation or policy, or any condition within the City found to be a potential threat to the general health, safety and welfare of the public. A Public Nuisance Notice or letter is sent to the property owner identifying a serious problem or condition that may exist on vacant or developed parcels. Conditions which may cause concern may be any of the violations described herein. The notice or letter will specify the work needed for compliance and a reasonable time frame for completion. Failure to correct the problems identified may result in an abatement by the City at the property owner's expense.

Polluted, Stagnant Water

Any swimming pool, pond or other body of water that is abandoned, unattended, unfiltered, or not otherwise maintained, resulting in the water becoming polluted, constitutes a Public Nuisance because of health and safety concerns. If there is a violation, code compliance staff will notify the property owner and require drainage or treatment of the polluted water. A permit must be secured for draining swimming pools or large ponds of water. Why? So that the City is aware of the water source and its intended termination point. This will eliminate traffic concerns or flooding.

Vehicles

Vehicles parked in private driveways should be kept clean and free of cobwebs, flat tires or any other conditions that may make them appear inoperable from the public right-of-way. If it is evident that a vehicle is inoperative, it must be removed from the driveway until it is returned to running condition. Otherwise, it must be screened from public view or removed from the property.

• Inoperative vehicles parked on City streets are subject to citations or towing
• Tires, car parts or repair equipment cannot be stored in public view or on vacant parcels
• Servicing, spray painting or restoring vehicles is not permitted in private driveways or on public streets unless emergency repair is required
• Dumping any toxic materials such as oil or radiator fluid into the public street, drains, gutters or on public or private property or pavement is environmentally unsafe and a serious violation

Vegetation in the Right-of-Way

Trees, weeds, flowers, grasses or any other vegetation (pretty or not) allowed to hang over or into the curbs and public rights-of-way are a violation. Aside from being unsightly, vegetation growing along the curb will clog the gutters and storm drains. Additionally, trees and vegetation that hang over the public streets need to be trimmed at least 12-15 feet above the pavement. Motorists experience a safety hazard when forced to swerve to avoid an overgrown branch. Street sweepers also experience difficulty servicing our neighborhood when clearance is obstructed.

Construction

Persons or workers engaged in the repair, alteration, construction or improvement must perform any noise generating activities between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. only. There shall be no noise generating work of this kind on Sundays, recognized holidays or during the evening hours. The policy of the City is to assure reasonable peace and quiet for neighboring properties.

Landscape Maintenance

Landscape and maintenance activities such as leaf blowing, tree trimming, re-seeding, mowing grass and any other noise generating activities occurring in gated communities, shopping centers, commercial centers or vacant and developed residential and commercial parcels must conform to the same permitted hours of work. No activities prior to 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
An exception to the work hour restrictions applies to golf course maintenance. Grooming and mowing the courses may begin at 5:30 a.m. and continue until 7:00 p.m. each weekday.

Outside Storage

There shall be no visible storage of motor vehicles, trailers, airplanes, boats or their composite parts; loose rubbish, garbage, junk, or their receptacles; tents; or building materials in any portion of a lot, with the exception of recreational vehicles pursuant to regulations in the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code. No storage shall occur on any vacant lot or parcel. This also applies to open carport areas.

Building materials for use on the same premises may be stored on the parcel during the time that a valid building permit is in effect for construction. The rule also applies to construction trailers and heavy equipment. A valid, non-expired permit must be held by the developer or property owner.

Trash Containers

Trash containers should be stored on your property in such a way that they are screened from public view. Storage within an enclosed garage is fine. Trash containers are only permitted on public streets 12 hours before and after scheduled pickups.

A screen is defined as solid fencing, gates and/or landscaping that provides a solid barrier and is architecturally compatible with the adjacent structure or conditions. Trash container screening is an easy, effective way to keep our neighborhoods orderly.

Storing your containers will eliminate the possibility of their theft and damage, or even worse... someone else's trash in your containers!

Rodents

Rats and mice are indigenous to our desert. Infestations may be controlled by identifying conditions in our neighborhoods which may provide attractions such as nesting possibilities or food sources.

Habitats

• Construction sites, recent excavations
• Trash bags, trimmings, woodpiles, discarded furniture, old appliances
• Uncovered dumpsters, abandoned or inoperative vehicles; abandoned barns, houses and sheds; pool equipment
• Overgrown oleanders and date palms
• Unscreened vents on buildings and houses

Food Sources

• Fruit trees, unharvested fruit; date palms
• Containers of cat and dog food; bird seed
• Open recycle bins containing bottles and cans
• Gourmet treats such as snails and other bugs

Carefully inspect your surroundings. If an infestation problem is suspected, contact an exterminator or call the code compliance staff so that an inspection may be arranged by the proper county agency.

Tumbleweeds

Tumbleweeds or "Russian Thistles" remind us of the Old West and cowboy movies. In the spring and early summer, tumbleweeds appear to be a healthy, slightly rounded, green bush. Their appearance changes in the heat of the summer from green to brown with plenty of pesky stickers. At this stage, they begin to "roam." Because of their shallow root system, the wind lifts the tumbleweed and sends it rolling across the desert floor, gathering stray plants and refuse along the way. They travel across busy intersections, into private yards and neighboring parcels creating highly combustible masses of dried vegetation and causing serious concern for fire.

Rancho Mirage has declared tumbleweeds in any stage of growth a Public Nuisance. The code compliance staff notifies property owners throughout the year regarding tumbleweed removal. Removal is mandatory within the time frame specified by the notice depending on the extent of the problem. Be familiar with tumbleweed appearance and try to eliminate in the green stage.

Fire Hazard

Shrubs, bushes and trees that are dead or dried or any combustible refuse and waste growing upon the streets, sidewalks or upon private property within the City, which by reason of their size, manner of growth and location constitute a fire hazard to any building, improvements, crops or other property, or when dry will, in reasonable probability, constitute a fire hazard, are considered to be a public nuisance and must be abated as quickly as possible. For example:

• Dried vines and vegetation growing into power lines
• Piles of dried clippings, tumbleweeds, refuse, brush and dead palm fronds
• Combustible paints, solvents, chemicals stored outside or in carports and garages
• Dead vegetation, refuse and waste dumped onto easements, alleys and vacant parcels
• Abandoned buildings
• Report possible fire concerns to code compliance staff so an inspection may be arranged

Chain Link, Barbed Wire, Electric Fencing

Chain link fencing is permitted only in the R-E (Residential Estate) zone. The fence shall be located on the property line and planted with vegetation to screen it from adjacent properties and public areas. Chain link fence in other zones may only be used under the following conditions:

• In conjunction with tennis courts, private and commercial
• Where it is required by law or regulation of the City, the state, or any agency thereof
• For the purpose of increased security where existing landscaping will totally screen the full height of the proposed wall or fence
• Significant exposure of existing chain link is not allowed, and shall be removed within nine months of receipt of a City notice
• The use of barbed wire or electrified or razor fencing in conjunction with any fence, wall, or hedge or by itself is not allowed in any zone in the City

Screening

Screening methods may include solid fencing, gates and/or landscaping that will provide a solid barrier. The screening shall be installed and maintained in a manner that is architecturally compatible with adjacent structures and/or existing surrounding conditions. For the purpose of illustration, some unacceptable methods of screening are:

• Reflective or metallic surfaces
• Bamboo type curtains/blinds
• Chain link (with or without slats)
• Transparent material such as shade cloth
• Existing screening materials or methods that are not in compliance should be removed by the property owner within six months of notice from the City
  

Graffiti

Property owners are seldom able to catch the graffiti artist in action. Their canvasses are walls, buildings, street signs and bridges resulting in visual blight to our community.
When the City observes graffiti or is notified that graffiti exists, the property owner, tenant or person responsible for the property is asked by telephone or letter to remove the graffiti as quickly as possible or within three days. The City of Rancho Mirage will supply color matched paint, pans and brushes for graffiti removal at no expense to the person whose property was targeted. If, however, graffiti is not removed within three days of notification, the City will have the graffiti removed, and the property owner will be responsible for any costs incurred. Graffiti cannot be prevented, but it can be controlled by quick elimination.

Illegal Dumping

It is unlawful for anyone to throw, drop, leave, dump, bury, burn, place, keep, accumulate or dispose of any refuse on private or public property (with or without intentions to remove it later). Any person committing the act of dumping on private or developed parcels, streets, sidewalks, gutters, streams or banks, or any other public place is guilty of a misdemeanor and subject to citation or arrest. This type of careless disregard for our neighborhoods and vacant parcels can be controlled by reporting such incidents or dumping sites to City code compliance staff so that the property owner can be notified. If illegal dumping is observed in progress, call the code compliance staff or the Riverside County Sheriff as quickly as possible.

Home Occupations

Home occupations are regulated by the City of Rancho Mirage by way of an approved permit. The applicant wishing to conduct a home enterprise compatible with his residential zone completes an application indicating his intended use together with other information relative to the use. Upon review and approval by the Director of Community Development, the permit is issued. Home occupations are encouraged as long as they remain within the parameters set forth on the application and within the City ordinance. It is the intent of the City to always preserve the reasonable peace and quiet of all residential neighborhoods by protecting against any activities that may introduce a commercial atmosphere.

Residential Parkways

Parkways
The landscaping or area located between the property line and the curb or pavement is known as the parkway. It is the property owner's responsibility to keep parkways well groomed. They should be cared for as part of your front yard or side setback (if a corner lot) and should be maintained free of weeds, refuse or any vegetation that may cause a site safety problem for motorists exiting driveways or maneuvering along the public streets.

House Numbers
All residential and commercial buildings are required to visibly post correct street numbers. This allows for quick identification for visitors as well as emergency response.

RV/Boat Storage

General
RV's, boats, trailers, horse trailers, and similar recreational vehicles may not be parked on public streets or private driveways except to load and unload. This is limited to 48 hours. If another 48 hour period is necessary, the RV must be moved at least 500 feet from its original position.

Home Storage
If an RV is kept at home, it must be screened from public view to a height of six feet with an acceptable screening material. If space does not allow, it is suggested that the RV be relocated to a recreational vehicle storage facility. Daily Transportation when the RV is the only means of transportation, it may be parked overnight in the owner's driveway.

Site Safety

If your property is located on a corner lot, careful attention should be given to the foliage, walls, fences, trees, bushes or any solid barriers that have been placed or planted in the site safety zone. Vegetation or structures in this area could possibly impede the vision of motorists, cyclists or pedestrians entering the intersection. Please refer to the "site safety zone" diagram so you can make the proper adjustments on your parcel. If you own corner property, perhaps a ride around the block will help you determine if a site safety problem exists at your location. Traffic safety signs, traffic directional signs and street signs should be clearly visible for motorists and pedestrians. If vegetation on your parcel obscures any safety sign, the encroaching "greenery" should be trimmed back to assure safety or street identification.

Commercial Centers

Dumpsters or waste disposal containers must be provided at each business location by the property or business owner. Trash cluttered alleys, open storage of refuse and non-contained debris are unacceptable and a visual blight as well as a sanitation concern. Tenants must take responsibility in maintaining sanitary trash disposal areas. Security lights attached to commercial businesses should be attached to the building so the light source is directed in a downward position. Light glare should not hamper motorists or reflect onto neighboring properties. This also applies to residential zones where the use of security lighting is popular.

Off Pavement Parking

The Rancho Mirage Municipal Code prohibits parking any vehicles on non-paved surfaces. This is commonly referred to as "lawn parking." Gravel surfaces adjacent to paved driveways are not considered acceptable parking areas.

Commercial Vehicles

Commercial vehicles exceeding eight feet in height and/or 20 feet in combined total length, or towed commercial equipment shall not park between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. on private property in residentially zoned areas, unless they are screened from public view and from adjacent properties. Neither shall they parked on the public rights-of-way in residential zones between the same hours. This does not apply to construction sites or commercial vehicles making deliveries.

Traffic Ticket or Citations - What should I do if I got a ticket?

In the City of Rancho Mirage, you may have gotten a traffic ticket (or citation) for a moving violation or for a non-moving violation. A Sheriff's Deputy may issue a citation for moving and non-moving violations, and a Code Compliance Officer may issue citations for non-moving traffic violations.

For Moving Violations
A deputy sheriff issues citations or Notices to Appear to a driver for violations such as speeding, running a red light, failure to stop or any other violation involving a moving vehicle. This citation requires the signature of the person committing the violation at the time of issuance. Your signature is your promise to appear in court. The ticket or citation will state the nature of violation, the California Vehicle Code Section referencing the violation, the date, time and location of the court where the receiver of the citation must appear. The amount of the fine is not stated on the citation and will be determined by the Judge. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is our contracted law enforcement agency since the City of Rancho Mirage does not maintain its own police department. Any grievances regarding a Notice To Appear citation must be explained in court to the judge on your assigned court date. The City of Rancho Mirage does not intervene once this type of citation has been issued. It is not appropriate to contact the issuing officer.

For Parking (non-moving violations)
This citation is called a Notice of Illegal Parking. Parking in the red zone or fire lane, parking for demonstration (for-sale placard in the window), RV violations, inoperative vehicles, and handicapped violations are examples of non-moving violations. This particular citation has an envelope attached and does not require the signature of the person in violation. The issuing officer typically places it on the windshield. The nature of the violation together with the amount of the fine to be paid is clearly stated on the citation. A phone call to the City or the issuing officer is not appropriate if there is a question regarding the citation. If circumstances warrant an appeal or you wish to contest your citation, you must call Parking Administration at (800) 273-6488 within 21 days of issuance. The Judicial Data System (JDS) is not a part of City Hall. It is a contracted agency located in Santa Ana, California that processes our "envelope" citations or Notices of Illegal Parking. The Parking Administration will tell you what to do. If you do not wish to contest your citation, you may simply enclose a check or money order (no cash) in the envelope attached to the citation and mail to the address provided at the bottom of the citation. Be sure to include the Notice in the envelope. Failure to follow directions on the citation may result in loss of appeal privileges, or double fees, and a "hold" on your vehicle registration. Code Compliance Officers and Sheriff's Deputies are authorized to issue the Notice of Illegal Parking citations.