Community Preservation (Code Enforcement)

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The City of Newark Community Preservation Division operates under the Community Development Department. The Community Preservation Division is comprised of two full-time Community Preservation Specialists who are responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Newark Municipal Code and various other related codes and policies. To meet this obligation we obtain compliance through intervention, education, and enforcement. We strive to partner with the Community in enforcing neighborhood property maintenance standards, as it is our goal to help maintain property values and create a healthy, aesthetically pleasing Community in which to live, work, and play.

TOBACCO RETAIL LICENSE

The City of Newark is implementing a Tobacco Retail License (TRL) Ordinance to regulate tobacco sales. The proposed ordinance is expected to be presented to the City Council in September 2024. The proposed ordinance will include:

  • A Tobacco Licensing Program: Retailers must obtain a license and will be subject to inspections by city staff.
  • Ban on Flavored Tobacco: Flavored tobacco products will be prohibited.
  • Proximity Requirements: New tobacco retailers must meet specific distance regulations from certain locations, such as other tobacco retailers and schools.
  • Underage Access: Measures will be enforced to prevent minors from accessing tobacco products.
  • Public Nuisance Prevention: Regulations to avoid issues caused by tobacco sales.
  • Property Standards: Establishing minimum maintenance and performance standards.
  • Enforcement of Violations: Violations of the ordinance could lead to administrative or criminal citations and suspension and/or permanent revocation of the license.

On July 16, 2024, tobacco retailers were invited to an informational Zoom meeting on August 1, 2024, to discuss the ordinance. The presentation from this meeting is available online here.

For questions, contact Oscar Carrillo, Community Preservation Manager, at 510-578-4242 or oscar.carrillo@newark.org.

COMMON MUNICIPAL CODE VIOLATIONS 

Exterior Storage

Per the Newark Municipal Code (Newark Municipal Code) no portion of any required front yard or required street side yard shall be used for the parking, storage, construction, repair, maintenance or accumulation of vehicles, equipment, lumber, building materials, appliances, household goods, furniture, discarded items, trash, garbage, garbage receptacles, debris, trimmings from lawns, shrubbery or trees or any other objects not customarily and directly related to landscape treatment. In addition to detracting from the aesthetics of the neighborhood, this type of storage can be an attractive nuisance to children and may become a home to rodents and other vermin.

For information on how to dispose of large bulky items, contact Republic Services at (510) 657-1350..

Excessive and Uncontainerized Garbage

Chapter 8.08.050 of the Newark Municipal Code states that it is unlawful for the owner, tenant, lessee or occupant of any property within the City to maintain, or cause, or permit to be maintained thereon, any deposit, collection or accumulation of any animal, mineral or vegetable matter, refuse or substance offensive, injurious or dangerous to health. An accumulation is not only a violation, but it creates unpleasant odor and is a health hazard as it may attract flies, rodents, and other vermin.

The City of Newark contracts with www.RepublicServicesAC.com. for garbage and recycling services. Please contact Republic Services of Alameda County at (510) 657-1350.

Dry and Overgrown Weeds

Dry and overgrown weeds are a nuisance and safety hazard. In addition to creating visual blight, dry weeds create a hazardous condition increasing the risk of fire and create a habitat for rodents. Overgrown, seed bearing weeds spread weed seed through the air causing the proliferation of weeds throughout the neighborhood. Residents should regularly mow lawns and implement effective weed control by appropriate use of weed pre-emergent in other yard areas, to reduce the weed growth on both their property and other homes in the neighborhood.

Sign Violations

Temporary signs can be an integral component to the business community attracting customers to their stores. There are however, regulations in the Newark Municipal Code that regulate temporary advertising signs as it relates to type and duration of display. The City allows businesses to display a “Grand Opening” sign for no more than 30-days for the date the business begins operation. Temporary sales promotional window signs are also permitted. "Temporary" means less than thirty-one days, and "sales and promotional" means advertising certain items as featured for sale.

Inoperable Vehicles

Maintenance of inoperable vehicles on private property is prohibited.

Towing of inoperable vehicles is handled by the City of Newark Police Department. For information on vehicle towing, click here.

Unpermitted Construction

All new construction and alterations to existing structures require a building permit.

Unpermitted Uses

Any land use not specifically listed as permitted, is prohibited. Failure of any responsible parties (property owner, business owner, tenant, etc.) to comply with the Newark Municipal Code may result in administrative citations, criminal prosecution, civil lawsuit, public nuisance abatement, receivership, the clouding of title, or other legal action.

 CODE ENFORCEMENT HANDOUTS FOR THE COMMUNITY

ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION APPEAL

If you have received an administrative citation, you may appeal the determination that you violated a City ordinance, the penalty imposed, or both.

If you wish to appeal the citation, please download the Appeal of Administrative Citation Form (PDF) and submit it to the City Clerk’s office within the deadlines described on the form.

If you wish to request a waiver of the advance deposit that is normally required to file an appeal, please download the Request for Advance Deposit Hardship Waiver (PDF) and submit to the City Clerk’s office within the deadlines described on the form.

Please follow the directions on the form for the next steps and deadlines. If you have any questions about filing an administrative appeal, please contact the City Clerk’s Office via telephone at (510) 578-4278 or email city.clerk@newark.org.

If a contestant of an Administrative Citation is not satisfied with the Hearing Officer’s decision, the contestant may file a Notice of Appeal with the Alameda County Superior Court. Please download the Notice of Appeal of Decision of Hearing Officer (PDF) and file with the Court within the deadlines described on the form.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Preservation Division at compres@newark.org or (510) 578-4330.

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Complaints / Report a Violation

If you have a complaint and would like to report a violation, please complete the CODE ENFORCEMENT COMPLAINT/REPORT A VIOLATION survey below.

Questions noted with "*" are required fields.  Your personal contact information will not be disclosed to anyone and will be kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law.

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