The accumulation of trash and debris is adverse to neighborhood aesthetics and may pose a health hazard. Broken or discarded furniture, appliances, vehicle parts, household items, trash vegetation and landscape trimmings which constitute a public nuisance may not be stored on residential property. Trash cans may only be places out for pick-up the evening before or on trash pick-up day and should be minimized from public view on all other days.

Garage and yard sales in residential zones are limited to three per residence, per calendar year, for up to three days each. Items sold are limited to household personal property, and may not be items purchased for resale. A permit must be obtained from City Hall prior to the sale. Garage sale permits are $10. Garage sale signs may not be posted on public property, utility poles or light poles.

Converting your garage to another use is illegal. Any alteration or installation to your garage, which interferes with the required parking for your vehicles, is prohibited.

Walls, fences, and hedges which present a potential traffic visibility problem or public safety hazard are regulated by the City’s Municipal Code based on height and location. Walls and fences have a maximum height limit of six feet, except in front yards, where the height limit is three feet. A variance must be approved by the City prior to construction of overheight fences.

Accessory structures such as workshops, storage sheds, garages, or enclosed patios are not designed for habitation and do not meet residential building code requirements. Living in accessory structures is prohibited Single family residential zoning limits each lot to one housing unit. All structures require building permits. Recreational vehicles and trailers may not be used as living quarters unless they are located in an approved mobile home park.

Residents and homeowners expect their surroundings to be tranquil and well maintained. Residential neighborhoods are places where people live, not work. Commercial or industrial activities in residential neighborhoods, such as auto repair, storage of materials and equipment, deliveries, or parking for visiting clientele, may not take place on your property or in your home. You may however, obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the City for a home office for certain types of businesses, such as word processing, which does not involve customers or employees coming to your home. The City’s Planning Division can provide additional information.

The storage of inoperable, wrecked, junk or dismantled vehicles can create a neighborhood eyesore, cause groundwater contamination, and health hazards, as well as decrease surrounding property values. You may legally store these types of vehicles only in an enclosed garage.

The parking of vehicles on the lawn not only destroys the landscaping, but also destroys the aesthetics of a neighborhood.Lawn parking often affects neighborhood pride and signals the beginning of economic decline, overcrowding of housing, crime and poor property maintenance. Vehicles may be parked only on paved driveways, streets, or in garages, and may not obstruct the public sidewalk, street or alley.

Oversized vehicles are defined as any commercially registered vehicle weighing over 2,000 pounds. These vehicles may not be parked or stored in residential neighborhoods. Residential streets will rapidly deteriorate under the weight of heavy trucks. In addition, the noise, diesel fumes, and negative visual impact created by oversized commercial vehicles can affect the tranquility of a residential neighborhood.

Street Vending Enforcement

The City of Westminster continues to actively address street-vending concerns in our community. Street vending is legal in California under the Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946), which decriminalized sidewalk vending, and SB 972, which eased certain health code restrictions for food carts. While vending is permitted, food safety regulations still apply.

The City’s Code Enforcement Division works monthly in coordination with the Orange County Health Care Agency to conduct routine enforcement sweeps. The Orange County Health Care Agency has primary jurisdiction over food vendors, as it regulates health and safety requirements. City Code Enforcement assists when directed by the Health Department, including support with food confiscation when necessary.

If you observe street vendors potentially operating in violation of health or safety regulations, please report the activity by contacting:

• Orange County Health Care Agency: 714-433-6000
• Westminster Code Enforcement Division: 714-548-3478

When reporting, please provide:

• Date observed
• Approximate time(s)
• Location
• Type of vendor (food cart, merchandise, etc.)

Providing detailed information helps us coordinate enforcement efforts efficiently and address concerns in a timely manner. Thank you for helping keep our community safe and informed.

Dogs over the age of four months must have a dog license. These can be obtained at City Hall. A household may not possess more than three dogs or three cats at any one time. Animals must be leashed when outside of confined private property, and animal waste must be immediately removed and disposed of in a sanitary manner. For additional information on animals, you may contact the City’s Animal Control Officer at (714) 548-3201.

Failure to maintain property in the City of Westminster that is free of rubbish, overgrown vegetation and weeds, or other material that is hazardous to the health and welfare of the surrounding residents is a violation of the City, and failure to comply with citations may result in the City taking the corrective action and placing a lien on the property for reimbursement.

Permits from the City Building Division are required for the construction of a swimming pool or spa. Pools and spas must be fenced and secured with approved materials, and must be maintained in a clean, safe and sanitary condition.

In residential areas, the use of leaf blowers is limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Only the residential occupant may use a leaf blower on Sundays and holidays, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Only one leaf blower per residential address may be used at one time, and is restricted to a maximum of fifteen minutes per day.