Blowing the Whistle on Neighbors

Fink. Snitch. Tattle-tale.

If you complain about your neighbors to Los Angeles city authorities, you run the risk of being called some unflattering names.

But there comes a point when late-night parties or barking dogs inspire nasty, vengeful schemes. Or you get sick of looking at what resembles the San Diego Freeway at rush hour--on your neighbor’s lawn.

Here’s how to complain: (Procedures vary from city to city in Los Angeles County, but the following are general examples of how the problems can be handled.)

* Barking dogs--Department of Animal Regulation. (213) 222-7138.

Send a complaint including your name, address, telephone number, address of the dog and a description of the nuisance. The department will notify the dog’s owner. (Although this procedure is for dogs, “We’ve had complaints about roosters crowing in the morning,” said one spokesman.)

* Disturbing the peace--Los Angeles Police Department.

Patrol officers will respond to calls about loud neighbors and ask them to keep the noise down. If a problem persists, the officers will tell a central noise abatement team that can issue a citation.

Many complaints are about trash truck drivers, who are allowed to begin service at 6 a.m. but sometimes jump the gun as early as 4 a.m., said Officer Maria Peppers.

* Zoning code violations--Department of Building and Safety. (213) 368-7562, 368-7563, 368-7565.

This department handles complaints about problems ranging from cars parked on lawns, to people living in garages, to the height of fences. Operators at the complaint and referral counter will also answer questions about building and zoning codes.

Inspectors at regional offices will visit the site, and if there is a violation, issue orders to comply with the codes.

In most cases, the department won’t rat on you and release your identity.