Commerce Code Enforcement Guide for Homeowners

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team.

Commerce’s Code Enforcement Division works to keep the city’s residential and industrial areas consistent with community standards and the Commerce Municipal Code. This guide explains what the city says about its code enforcement work, how to reach the division, how California law treats nuisance liens and unpermitted units, and what to do if you want to sell a property with an open violation.

The city page does not publish notice deadlines or fine amounts, so we point to state law and tell you what to ask.

Commerce code enforcement at a glance

Division	Code Enforcement Division, Economic Development and Planning, City of Commerce
Phone	(323) 722-4805 ext. 2293
Fax	(323) 724-8912
Hours	Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address	2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, CA 90040
Governing code	Commerce Municipal Code, published through Municode
Parkways	The city posts a handout on what a parkway is and who maintains it

What the city says it does

The city says the division ensures residential and industrial areas stay consistent with community standards and the municipal code, and that it works cooperatively with residents, businesses, law enforcement and other agencies.

Commerce mixes homes with a large industrial base, so a residential owner can have a heavy-truck, storage or business-use issue next door as well as ordinary property maintenance concerns.

The city also publishes a parkway handout, which matters because the strip between sidewalk and curb is often a source of notices.

What we could not confirm

The city’s code enforcement page and the Municode text we could reach did not give us notice periods, appeal deadlines or fine schedules for residential violations, so this guide does not state any. When you receive a notice, read the deadline printed on it and call (323) 722-4805 ext. 2293 right away.

How California law treats liens and old unpermitted units

Under Government Code sections 38773.1 and 38773.5, a city may make abatement costs a lien or a special assessment on the property, so ask Commerce whether either has been recorded.

For unpermitted ADUs, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) says state law bars a city from denying a permit for an ADU or junior ADU built before January 1, 2020 over building code violations unless correcting them is necessary for health and safety.

It also requires a city, on request, to delay enforcement for five years against a qualifying substandard ADU where the violation is not a health and safety issue (Government Code section 66331 and Health and Safety Code section 17980.12).

Step by step: if you receive a notice

1. Read the deadline

Note the case number, the code sections cited and the date to correct or appeal.

2. Call the division

Ask what counts as fixed and whether an extension is possible while work is under way.

3. Check permits

If the fix needs a permit, see our Commerce permits guide.

4. Ask for a re-inspection

Once the work is done, request a re-inspection in writing and keep the confirmation.

Selling a Commerce house with open code violations

An open notice or citation does not stop you from selling. California sellers generally disclose known notices on the Transfer Disclosure Statement, which asks about notices of abatement or citations against the property, and a title search will show any recorded lien. Our as-is and unpermitted work guide explains the disclosure rules, and the closing costs guide covers how liens and fees are paid at closing.

In practice, sellers with open violations usually choose one of three paths: correct the problem and ask the city to close the case before listing, disclose it and sell with a price adjustment, or sell as-is to a cash buyer who takes on the cleanup. Which one fits depends on how big the problem is, how much time you have and whether fines are still growing. Before you decide:

• Get the case number, notice date and the specific code sections cited.
• Ask the city what must be done to close the case and whether it will re-inspect.
• Ask for a current statement of fines, fees and any recorded liens.
• Get quotes for the work so you can compare repair cost with a no-repairs sale.
• Check whether tenants, an estate or a co-owner need to be part of the decision.

Questions to ask the Commerce code enforcement team

• What exactly is the violation, and what would count as fixed?
• What is the deadline, and can it be extended if work is under way?
• Are fines accruing, and what is the total today?
• Has a lien or special assessment been recorded against the property?
• How do I request a re-inspection once the work is done?

Common mistakes homeowners make with violation notices

The costliest mistake is ignoring a notice. Deadlines for appeals are short, fines and fees can escalate, and unpaid costs can end up as a lien that follows the property.

Other common errors include fixing the problem but never asking for a re-inspection, assuming a tenant or relative dealt with a notice, and doing repair work that needs a permit without pulling one.

Keep every notice, photo and receipt, and write down the name of each staff member you speak with.

If the home came to you through an inheritance, a divorce or a tenant who left it in poor condition, the notice may land on you without warning. Our probate home sale guide and inherited home tax basis guide cover inherited property, and a no-repairs cash sale can be a practical way to close the file.

How to sell a house in Commerce

1. Get the case number, notices and any statement of costs.
2. Collect photos and receipts for any work done.
3. Request a no-obligation cash offer for the house as it stands.
4. Choose your closing date.
5. Close with no cleanup, repairs or showings required.

See also our Commerce page and the Los Angeles County hub.

Frequently asked questions

How do I reach Commerce Code Enforcement?

Call (323) 722-4805 ext. 2293. The fax is (323) 724-8912, and the office is open Monday to Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

What does the city enforce?

The city says the division keeps residential and industrial areas consistent with community standards and the Commerce Municipal Code.

Can unpaid abatement costs become a lien?

California law lets cities make abatement costs a lien or special assessment on the property under Government Code sections 38773.1 and 38773.5. Ask Commerce whether any has been recorded.

Can I be penalized for an old unpermitted ADU?

HCD says state law limits denials over building code violations for units built before 2020 and lets owners request a five-year enforcement delay for qualifying units. Health and safety issues are excluded.

Does the city publish its fine amounts?

We could not find residential fine amounts on the city’s code enforcement page, so ask the division.

Can I sell a Commerce house with open violations?

Yes. You can disclose them and sell as-is, including to a cash buyer. Our statewide guide explains the disclosure rules.

More guides

• We Buy Houses in Commerce
• We Buy Houses in Los Angeles County
• Los Angeles County Property Tax Guide
• Commerce Building Permits Guide
• Commerce Zoning and ADU Guide
• All California Guides

Sources

• City of Commerce: Code Enforcement Services
• Commerce Municipal Code (Municode)
• California HCD: Letter of Technical Assistance to the City of Commerce, December 5, 2025

This guide is general information from public sources, not legal advice. Confirm current rules, fees and hours with the city.