Special Enforcement Unit (click to see video)

The Los Angeles Housing Department, Special Enforcement Unit(SEU) provides additional support to the City's award winning Systematic Code Enforcement Program(SCEP) through direct abatement procedures. Expressed authority to enforce specified zoning and hazardous violations listed in Section 161.410.2 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code with a misdemeanor "Notice to Appear" citation in lieu of the customary Administrative Order. The criminal violations addressed are generally public nuisance hazards or repeat offenses created by property owners or tenants and the cases are filed directly through the City Attorney, Neighborhood Prosecutor Program. These violations include, but not limited to, hoarding (pack-rat) conditions, unapproved restaurants and sales of merchandise in residential zones, and other hazardous conditions detrimental to the community. Through referrals from Housing Inspectors, City Council Office staff and other City agencies, complaints are investigated and processed for court appearances. All SEU staff are POST (PC832) certified in arrest procedures as recommended by the Municipal Code Enforcement Handbook of California.

 An additional responsibility to the criminal enforcement is the abatement of hazardous or nuisance vehicles on multi-family properties. Chapter 7 of the Los Angeles Administrative Code grants the Housing Department with the authority to abate hazardous, inoperable or nuisance vehicles from the required parking or common areas on all properties with two or more dwelling units. Hazardous or dangerous vehicles can be abated immediately, but most owners receive a 10 Day "Notice to Remove" as prescribed in the California Vehicle Code, Section 22660. If the vehicles are not made operable, registered or removed within the specified time, they become subject to impound. Abatement of public hazards, nuisances, and zoning violations is the mission of the Los Angeles Housing Department, Special Enforcement Unit.