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 The Contractors State License Board protects consumers by regulating the construction industry through policies that promote the health, safety and general welfare of the public in matters relating to construction. Their Website has a range of consumer information.
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 (Originally published 6/11/2004) City officials have taken steps to clarify the restriction of the use of canopy structures in all residential zones. These "tent-like" structures are an inexpensive--but in many cases, unsightly--solution to covered parking on residential properties.
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 The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the Fair Housing Act, which protects you against violations of your housing rights. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of: - Race or color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex
- Familial status (including children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18)
Handicap
The Fair Housing Act covers most housing with very few exceptions. It prohibits discrimination in the sale and rental of housing and in mortgage lending.
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 Here are just a few of the common neighborhood problems the city of Lakewood code enforcement staff can take care of to keep Lakewood beautiful. (See the rest of the story for details.) Let us know how we can help - contact our public information office at (562) 866-9771, extension 2140, for code enforcement information or the housing section at extension 2321 for home improvement information.
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 The city council has approved a property maintenance code enforcement citation ordinance that authorizes city staff to issue “fix up” citations in stubborn cases of commercial or residential blight. Prior to adopting the ordinance, city officials approved a policy whereby citations would only be issued when three or more contacts by city staff with the property owners result in no remedial action.
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 Lakewood has always been a community that values homeownership and fair treatment of both renters and property owners.
Click on "More" below to link to agencies that offer a wealth of advice on finding a home, securing a home loan, or improvement assistance and protecting your property investment.
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 Lakewood has a new, "get tough" ordinance on property maintenance code enforcement. The ordinance and procedural guide prepared by City Attorney John S. Todd are expected to arm the city's community conservation representatives with the tools to get tough with property owners who have become the "bad apples" of their neighborhoods.
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 The Benchmark Series is a home improvement column created by the Building Office of the City of Lakewood.
A benchmark is also a craftsman’s starting place for measuring a job that needs to be done. That’s what Benchmark columns are for--to provide a starting place for getting worry-free, hassle-free home improvements completed.
Topics include the Lakewood building permit process . . . what home improvement jobs need permits and which ones don’t . . . how to apply for a building permit if you’re doing home repairs yourself . . . how much typical building permits cost . . . how and when construction inspections are done . . . and how to "finalize" your permit when your project is finished.
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 Lakewood’s older residents have recently become the targets of repair scams that are leaving them scared and vulnerable and bilking them thousands of dollars. Taking advantage of fears over a potentially rough winter, some bogus contractors pressure the vulnerable elderly into repair work that is overpriced, not covered by city building permits, and often incompetently done . . . or not done at all.
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 Stories about seniors being swindled on a home improvement project are just too much. 'It makes us furious when we see some of the things happening to homeowners,' say Lakewood building inspectors. 'And, much of it could be avoided if they just called the city planning department to get them pointed in the right direction.'
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