The Code Enforcement Program was adopted to help keep the City of Hercules a healthy, safe, clean, and attractive place in which to live. City Staff works with residents to take an active role in improving and maintaining the quality of life of their neighborhoods, as well as maintaining property values.

Typical Neighborhood Problems

The Code Enforcement Program is designed to address neighborhood problems including: 

• Garbage containers in public view.
• Discarded furniture, appliances, litter, debris, and junk.
• Overgrown weeds, which are a fire hazard.
• Graffiti.
• Zoning violations.
• Illegal signs and promotional displays.
• Inoperable vehicles on private property; recreational, boat, and trailer storage.
• Building code violations.

Specific requirements for some common complaints: 

• Garbage container storage
  Garbage and recycling containers must be screened from the public view. Receptacles should not be placed in the street earlier than 24 hours before the collection and should be removed no later than 48 hours after collection. 

• Inoperable Vehicles
  Vehicles parked in the driveway must be in running condition. If they are inoperable they must be stored inside the garage or in the rear screened from the public view.

• Recreational Vehicles, Boat and Trailer Storage
  Recreational vehicles, boats and trailers must be stored behind a solid 6 foot fence in the side or rear yard and screened from public view.

• Signs
  A sign permit is required for all permanent signage. “A” frame signs are not allowed to be placed in the street medians and are also subject to other restrictions as to time, manner and place. For more information, please see HMC 13-34.500 or call (510) 799-8244. 

• Stormwater / Illegal Discharge
  Only rainwater can be discharged into a storm drain. Paint, concrete, chlorinated water and other deleterious materials are prohibited from being discharged into the storm drain. Please contact your local recycler for disposal. 

• Home-Operated Business
  Certain types of businesses are allowed to be run out of your home. In most cases, you must first secure a home occupation permit from the Planning Division as well as a business license from the Finance Department. 

• Construction Permits
  Most types of construction, including repair work, require that you first obtain a permit. There are permits for building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical. Please contact the Building Division for further information.

Resources

• Earthquake Brace & Bolt Program - administered by the California Earthquake Authority, this program was expanded in 2024 to include 300 additional zip codes, including 94547. Grants of up to $3,000 for seismic retrofits are available for owner/occupants of homes built before 1980, which in Hercules include much of the Trees and Flowers neighborhoods and portions of the Birds, Astronauts and Valley Run. Check the website for application periods, typically in January each year. 
  
  
• Weatherization Program - a Federal and State-funded program whose purpose is to assist low and/or fixed income people in making their homes more energy-efficient. The program is available regardless of whether you own or rent, live in a house, apartment, or a mobile home. The Weatherization Program will test your gas appliance(s) to determine if they are operating properly and safely. Any gas appliances that fail the inspection will be repaired or replaced. In addition to the appliance inspection, the inspector will conduct an evaluation of the home to determine what energy-saving measures are needed.

• Neighborhood Preservation Program (not accepting new applications as of February 2024). The purpose of the Neighborhood Preservation Program (NPP) is to eliminate conditions that may be detrimental to health, life, property, and/or public welfare.
  To achieve this, NPP provides financial assistance to low-income homeowners for home rehabilitation projects. This support results in homes being brought up to current building codes, the elimination of blight, energy efficiency improvements, accessibility improvements, and the enhancement of older housing stock to promote future investment and the growth of economically integrated communities. In an effort to provide prospective applicants with exceptional service, Contra Costa County has partnered with Habitat for Humanity East Bay/Silicon Valley to administer the program. 

To File a Complaint

To report violations, please use the Hercules Connect app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play), complete our online Code Enforcement Complaint Form or call (510) 799-8244.
You will need to provide the following information:  

• Name and telephone number.
  Staff will contact you if more information is needed. Your name will not be divulged unless subpoenaed by the courts.

• The address of the violation.
  Please be as specific as possible. 

• The nature of the violation.
  What type of violation is it? Does it occur at a specific time of day? Please report as many facts as possible.