File a code complaint
Describe the problem, add the location and photos, choose named or anonymous, and keep the case number for status checks.
Before you start
Have these ready. You can file without an account, and you can choose anonymous.
- Address or parcel number for the location, or a map pin if you have one
- Category that best fits the problem, from the list on the form
- Description of what you observed, with dates if you have them
- Photos if you have them, taken from a public place where you can stand safely
Note: For an emergency, call your local emergency number first. This form is for a code concern that staff investigate in the office or in the field.
Steps
Use the field names on the complaint form. The case number is your way to check status.
Describe the problem
Choose the category and write a short description. Say what you saw, where, and when. Keep personal details about other people out of the description.
Add location and photos
Enter the address or parcel, or drop a pin on the map. Add photos with a short caption for each photo.
Choose named or anonymous
Choose anonymous if you do not want to give personal details. The form states clearly what anonymous means before you submit.
Submit and save the case number
Review the form, choose Submit, and save the case number shown on the confirmation. You will use that number to check status.
What happens next
Staff route the complaint for investigation and record every notice and visit on the parcel history.
- Staff triage the case, assign an officer and set a deadline by category
- Staff can add violations with code references and send a notice with a compliance date
- You can check status by case number, without an account
- Every notice, visit, photo and escalation is dated on the case
What anonymous means
Anonymous means no personal detail about you is stored with that submission.
When you choose anonymous, PermitDesk does not store your name, email, phone or other personal detail for that complaint. It stores only the address or parcel, category, description, photos and case number.
An anonymous filer receives only a tracking number. Staff cannot reply directly to an anonymous filer, because no contact detail is stored. If you want follow-up contact, choose named and add your contact details.
Will the owner see my name
Complainant, owner and public see different views of the same case. An anonymous complaint stores no personal detail, so there is no name to show.
What if I have no photo
File without a photo. A clear description and a precise location help staff more than a delay to take a photo.
Related guides
Search a public record to check a case, or open the portal to apply and pay.