Downey has an excellent reputation for well-kept neighborhoods.  As Downey residents and property owners, we have an interest in maintaining an attractive and wholesome community.  One way we can do this is by being aware of the property maintenance standards which help insure that the high quality of our neighborhoods is maintained.

Your help and cooperation in keeping Downey a safe and desirable place to live and work is greatly appreciated.

PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Exterior surfaces should be painted and kept free of significant surface cracks and alligatored, peeling or chalky paint.

Landscaping should be regularly maintained in a healthy condition free of dead, decayed, overgrown or discarded plant material.  Foliage should be trimmed to avoid encroaching into public right-of-ways or interfering with traffic signs and signals.

Landscaping must be maintained on a regular basis.

Walls and fences should be maintained in a structurally sound condition.  Warped, dryrotted, termite damaged, dilapidated or missing materials should be replaced .

Graffiti must not be allowed to remain on any public or private place.

Graffiti removal services are available by calling the 24-hour Graffiti Hotline at 923-4484.

Discarded/unused objects including equipment, appliances, furniture, litter, salvage material, auto parts, tires, and other junk may not be stored on the property.

Special pickups are available for large appliances such as old refrigerators, mattresses, furniture or other items by calling Calsan, Inc. at 869-0901.  This service is FREE for most residential customers .

Roofs should be maintained to avoid missing materials, curling, warping and dryrot that either threatens structural integrity or results in a dilapidated, decaying, disfigured or ruined appearance.

Driveway surfaces and walkways should be maintained to avoid potholes, buckled or cracked surfaces or raised areas.

Trash must be placed in proper receptacles and may not be set out for collection before 6 p.m. on the day before the normal collection day.  Emptied containers should be removed from public view within twelve hours after the receptacle has been emptied.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Violations are considered misdemeanors and the penalty could be a fine of up to $500 and/or six months in jail.  Unresolved cases can be forwarded to the City Prosecutor for resolution in the County court system.

Garage Sales require a $10 permit. Residents are allowed no more than two (2) sales per calendar year and a sale may not extend beyond two (2) consecutive days, or three (3) days on extended national holidays. Merchandise sold shall consist of resident's personal goods and shall not be new items, consignments or lot purchases. Signs shall not be posted on the public right-of-way and all signs must be removed after the sale.

Garage Conversions - As with any construction or alteration, converting a garage to another use without the proper approvals is illegal.  Requests for garage conversions must be reviewed by the Planning and Building Divisions for compliance with relevant codes.  If a garage is approved for legal conversion, replacement parking (typically, a two-car enclosed garage) must be provided.

Building Permits are generally required any time a structure is erected, enlarged, altered, repaired, improved, converted or demolished.  Walkways and driveways may also require permits.  If you are not sure if a permit is required, call Building & Safety.

Animals - Dogs, cats and other household pets over 4 months old shall not exceed:

• More than 3 animals in an R-1 zone.
  
• More than 2 animals in the R-2 zone.
  
• More than 1 animal in the R-3 zone.
  

• Barking dog complaints should be referred to Animal Control.
  

VEHICLES

• Dismantled, wrecked or inoperable vehicles must be stored in a garage, out of public view, or removed from the property.
  
• Automobile repairs other than minor or emergency maintenance performed by the owner of the vehicle may not be performed in public view.  Repair is limited to vehicles owned and registered at the property address.
  
• A vehicle, boat or similar item shall not be parked on the lawn or other unpaved surface.