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How to Verify a Professional's License in Downey?

The California Department of Consumer Affairs oversees the activities of over 200 different types of professionals in Downey. These include home improvement contractors, electrical contractors, plumbing contractors, accountants, architects, and landscape architects. As part of its regulatory duties, this agency issues licenses to these professionals through its various boards and bureaus. These licenses are an indication that these professionals have been deemed qualified to satisfactorily provide a specified service, and you should always verify that your intended professional possesses one. You can do this by utilizing the license search tool that the California Department of Affairs makes accessible to interested parties online.

Once this has been done, you should also make sure that you comply with any applicable city requirements for your project. For example, you may be required to obtain building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or sewer permits if your project is construction or home improvement and repair-related. These permits are issued by the Building and Safety Division of the Downey Community Development Department, and you can direct permit-related inquiries to this division at:

• 11111 Brookshire Avenue
• Downey, CA 90241
• Phone: (562) 904-7142

Queries for specific information on applicable city requirements for your project can also be directed to the Downey Community Development Department at (562) 869-7331.

Do Downey Neighborhood Councils
Issue Permits?

Downey is home to several neighborhood associations and community organizations that collectively work towards improving the quality of life in the city by addressing various needs in their respective neighborhoods and communities. However, none of these associations and organizations issue building or construction-related permits to residents or businesses in the city, neither are they authorized to do so. You can access the contact details of some of the active community organizations in Downey online via the city's community organization directory. In June 2021, the city's local food bank, FoodHelp, was named non-profit of the year in recognition of its exceptional response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the services that it provided to members of the community during this time. In October 2021, the Fair Housing Foundation announced that it would be hosting a workshop for tenants and landlords in the city at the Downey City Library to discuss local, state, and federal fair housing laws, as well as other related topics.

How to File an Unfair Business
Complaint in Downey?

Matters involving unfair and deceptive business practices in Downey are handled by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office and the Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs.

Residents can file unfair business complaints with the LA County District Attorney's Office by contacting its Downey Area Office at:

• 7500 East Imperial Highway
• Room 324
• Downey, CA 90242
• Phone: (562) 803-7100

Likewise, unfair business complaints can be filed with the LA County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs either by contacting it via phone number (800) 593-8222 or by completing and submitting a consumer complaint form online.

Note that neither of these offices can guarantee you satisfactory resolution when you file a complaint with them. Once your complaint is filed, these offices review and investigate the matter and attempt to resolve it through methods like mediation, arbitration, and prosecution where necessary. In some situations, the complaint may be referred to a different agency that is better equipped to resolve the issue. If you wish to seek monetary compensation or other damages from a business in Downey, then you should consider pursuing legal action at the Los Angeles County Superior Court located at:

• 7500 E. Imperial Highway
• Downey, CA 90242
• Phone: (562) 803-7057 or (562) 658-0500
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays

It is advisable to get proper legal advice before any type of pursuing legal action. You can find licensed lawyers near you by utilizing the Los Angeles County Bar Association's SmartLaw Lawyer Referral Service. This service can also be reached by calling (213) 243-1525 between the hours of 8:45 a.m. 5:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.