When a Notice of Violation Lands on Your Countertop

If you’ve ever opened a letter from a state agency stamped Notice of Violation, you know the feeling—your stomach drops, the paperwork looks overwhelming, and it’s hard to know where to start. Whether it’s from the local Planning and Building Department, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), or one of the Regional Water Boards, these notices can feel like more than any landowner or small business has time to handle. For rural residents and family farmers already working long days, the process can be confusing, stressful, and expensive if not handled correctly.

We Know the System—and We Know the Land

At Ethos Environmental, we’ve helped landowners and small farms resolve Notices of Violation with calm, clarity, and care. Our team understands both sides of the issue: the science behind the regulations and the real-world challenges of rural life. We work directly with agency staff to bring your property back into compliance, often turning a stressful situation into an opportunity to improve water quality, reduce erosion, and strengthen your operation for the long haul. From site visits and documentation to designing corrective actions and filing reports, we take care of the details so you can get back to what you do best.

A Neighborly Approach to Compliance

We treat every client the way we treat our neighbors—with honesty, respect, and discretion. We know that most folks receiving an NOV aren’t trying to break the rules; they’re trying to make a living while caring for their land. Our goal is to find practical solutions that meet agency requirements without overburdening you. In some cases, we can even help you access cost-share programs to offset the cost of restoration work.
Let’s Talk About Your Situation. If you’ve received a Notice of Violation—or even just a warning letter—don’t panic. Give us a call or send a message, and we’ll help you sort out what it means and what your next steps should be. The sooner you act, the easier it is to fix. At Ethos Environmental, we’re here to help you navigate the process with confidence and get your land, and your peace of mind, back in good standing. Shoot us an email at helping@ethosenvironmental.org to start exploring your options.

Common Questions About Notices of Violation (NOVs)

What is a Notice of Violation? A Notice of Violation, or NOV, is a formal notice from a local or state agency—usually the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), the State Water Resources Control Board, or a Regional Water Quality Control Board—letting you know that part of your property or operation may not meet environmental regulations. It’s not the end of the road, but it does mean it’s time to take action.

Why did I get one? Most of the time, an NOV comes from something unintentional—an old culvert that’s failing, a road crossing that’s sending sediment into a creek, or a water diversion that needs better documentation. These problems can sneak up on even the most careful landowner. Agencies issue NOVs to protect water quality and wildlife habitat.

What happens if I ignore it? Leaving an NOV unresolved can lead to fines or further enforcement. More importantly, it can make it harder to qualify for grants or permits in the future. The good news is that most issues can be fixed with a clear plan and a little expert help. Acting early shows good faith—and can make resolution faster and easier.

How can Ethos Environmental help? We take the weight off your shoulders. Our team will review your notice, visit the site, and talk directly with the agency to find out exactly what’s needed. We’ll design and document the fix, manage communication, and help you get back into compliance smoothly. Because we’re local, we understand the land, the agencies, and the best way to get things resolved quickly and as fairly as manageable.
Who should I talk to first? Start with us.

You can reach Ethos Environmental anytime to discuss your situation confidentially and without pressure. We’ll walk you through what your notice means, what options you have, and how to turn a stressful problem into a straightforward solution. Reach us at helping@ethosenvironmental.org