Substandard Housing
The Merced County Department of Community and Economic Development, Division of Building & Safety Substandard Housing Program responds to complaints initiated by occupants of rental units, concerned neighbors and other internal/external agencies regarding substandard housing conditions for all unincorporated areas within Merced County.
The Division of Building & Safety Staff investigates and resolves complaints regarding unsanitary and unsafe residential buildings and abatement of public nuisances. We enforce the California Health and Safety code 17920.3, the 1997 Uniform Housing Code, and Merced County code.
Responding quickly and effectively to substandard housing conditions to protect the health of individual occupants, and the community as a whole is the goal of the Division of Building & Safety .
Some examples of priority violations include but not limited to:
- Surfacing raw sewage
- Lack of heat during winter months
- Ceilings or roofs falling in
*Mobile home park complaints should be forwarded to California Dept. of Housing and Community Development, to Paul Donges at (209)649-4392 or (916)255-2501.
Resources
Housing Complaints Within Incorporated Cities
For housing complaints within incorporated city areas, please contact the appropriate municipal code enforcement agency for assistance:
| City Code Enforcement Dept. | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Merced | (209) 385-6912 |
| Atwater | (209) 357-6211 |
| Gustine | (209) 854-3737 |
| Livingston | (209) 394-8041 |
| Los Banos | (209) 827-7070 |
| Dos Palos | (209) 392-2178 |
Contact
For additional information or to report a substandard housing violation please call (209) 385-7477, or to submit a Consumer Complaint Form online.
Housing Advisory & Buildings Code Board of Appeals: MEMBERS NEEDED
REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of building codes. Must not be a current county employee.