The City of Los Angeles has established Ordinance #165152 which declares it unlawful for an owner or person in control of a building or structure to permit the accumulation of trash, debris, vehicle parts, rubbish, excessive vegetation or other nuisance on or surrounding the owner’s property. It is also unlawful for the owner or person in control to allow any graffiti to exist on a building or fence that is visible from a street or public alley.

The Department of Building and Safety is the entity responsible for enforcing Ordinance §165152. Violators can be reported by calling 888-LA4-BUILD (524-2845). The Department of Building and Safety will then dispatch an Inspector to inspect the nuisance and cite the owner, if appropriate. In the event that the nuisance is not removed or otherwise eliminated after notification by the City, the City or its contractor may enter upon the property and eliminate the nuisance. The City will then bill the owner for the cost of the elimination or abatement of the nuisance, including administrative costs.