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1. How do I file a complaint?

For complaints, call the Community Development Department Complaint Hotline at 626-570-3230 (available 24 hours a day) or complete the online Complaint Form.

The Community Development Department Complaint Hotline was established to help expedite the investigation of potential code violations. The Planning and Building Divisions address code violations pertaining to illegal interior or exterior construction, garage conversions, canopies on private property, illegal business signs or banners, disrepair of property (structural in nature), or fence/wall construction.

The Code Enforcement Division addresses code violations pertaining to property maintenance, garage or yard sales, illegal dumping, inoperable vehicles, shopping carts, and front yard parking.

Please note that any anonymous complaints will not be investigated. It is important to provide your name and phone number in the event that City staff needs to contact you for further information. All contact information is kept confidential.

The Community Development Department does not investigate complaints regarding tenant and landowner disputes or neighborhood disputes unless they are code-related. For complaints regarding tenant/landlord disputes, please call the Housing Rights Center at 626-791-0211 or 800-477-5977.

2. How do I open a new business?

All businesses operating from a store, office, warehouse, manufacturing plant, etc. must obtain a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit, or a Home Occupation Permit if you're operating a business at your home, and Business License. For a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit, or Home Occupation Permit, apply online through the Citizen's Access Portal.

All businesses operating in the City of Alhambra are required to obtain authorization from the property owner to conduct a business at their property. The Property Owner Authorization of Use form (PDF) must be submitted with the Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit, or Home Occupation Permit applications. If you're the property owner, you do not have to submit the Property Owner Authorization of Use form.

All businesses will also need to apply for a Business License at the Finance Department after applying for a Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit, or Home Occupation Permit. (Applicant must apply for a zoning clearance and occupancy permit, or home occupation permit and get approvals before applying for a business license.) Access the Business License page for more information.

For information regarding the Zoning Clearance and Occupancy Permit or Home Occupation, please contact the Economic Development Division at 626-570-5038, or visit the Economic Development Starting a New Business page. For more information regarding the Business License, please contact the Finance Department at 626-570-5020.

3. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Yes, City approval is required by the Planning Division. Please contact the Planning Division at 626-570-5034.

4. How do I schedule a building inspection?

Inspections that are requested prior to 3 pm will be conducted the next business day. If requested on a Thursday, the inspection will be conducted on the following Monday.

View our How to Request an Inspection Document (DOC).

5. How do I replace my traditional front lawn with a drought tolerant design?

The City of Alhambra as well as the rest of the State of California is experiencing one of the worst droughts on record. In an effort to help city residents reduce their water consumption, the City revised the landscape standards in 2015 to allow for more drought-tolerant front yard designs. These revised standards allow residents to improve their front yard landscaping and water practices while beautifying their homes and neighborhoods. One of the revised standards now includes limits to how much decorative/permeable hardscape and how much non-decorative hardscape is allowed within the front yard. Decorative/permeable hardscape is limited to no more than 25% coverage of the front yard. Stepping stones, mulch, and decomposed granite are some examples of decorative/permeable hardscape. Non-decorative hardscape is also limited to no more than 25% coverage of the front yard. Walkways and driveways are examples of non-decorative hardscape. In addition to these standards, the revised standards now allow the use of artificial turf.

To start the process, the Planning Division will need to review and approve a detailed landscape plan. This landscape plan should include the following information:

• Lot dimensions
• Location of house and garage
• Front yard measurements
• The area of live plant material with dimensions (shall be no less than 50% of front yard:
  • Name of plants
  • Size of plants
  • Quantity of each plant type
• The area of decorative/permeable hardscape (no more than 25% of front yard)
  • Description of materials to be used
  • Width, length, and total square feet of decorative/permeable hardscape
• The area of non-decorative hardscape (no more than 25% of front yard)
  • Driveway width, length, and total square feet of area
  • Walkway width, length, and total square feet of area
  • Width, length, and total square feet of any additional non-decorative hardscape

Additional Resources:

• Drought Tolerant Plants List (PDF)
• Landscape Brochure (PDF)
• Landscape Plan Checklist (PDF)

6. What am I allowed to build on my property, and how much can be built?

The uses allowed on a property are dependent upon the zoning designation of the property. There are over 20 zone designations in the City of Alhambra, but the majority of the properties are designated residential (R-1, R-2, R-3), commercial (CPD, CBD, EMC, VSP) or industrial (IPD). You can determine the zoning of your property from the City of Alhambra Zoning Map (PDF). Once you know your zoning, you can reference the City of Alhambra Zoning Ordinance online to find what uses are allowed in your zone and which property development standards apply to your property (i.e. setbacks, maximum floor area ratio, lot coverage, building height, etc.). You may also obtain this information by calling the Planning Division at 626-570-5034.

7. How do I qualify for the Homeowner Improvement Program?

You may qualify for the City of Alhambra Homeowner Improvement Program if you meet the following criteria:

• The homeowner must own and occupy the property as their primary place of residence
• The homeowner must meet the financial criteria. The total gross annual income of all household members over the age of 18 must be no greater than 80% of the area median income adjusted to family size as determined each by HUD
• The homeowner's total cash/liquid assets and semi-liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000
• The homeowner must be of legal age and have the capacity to competently enter into financial and contractual agreements
• The homeowner must be a legal resident of the United States
• The homeowner must not have existing outstanding loans from the City on the property

For more information, please contact the Housing Division at 626-570-5037.

8. How do I report code violations that are on private property?

To report code violations, call the Code Enforcement Hotline at 626-570-3230, or submit a complaint online.

9. How do I report nuisance coyotes in my neighborhood?

The City of Alhambra contracts animal control services with the Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control. To report issues involving coyotes, please call 562-940-6898. The agency is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.