They don't make or enforce the rules, and it's not even in their jurisdiction.

Yet some state lawmakers say they get more calls for help from constituents complaining about the county's land-use regulations than any other issue.

"It's been the most frustrating aspect of my job since I took office," said Nic Kipke, R-Pasadena, a freshman delegate in the 31st District. "It's the area that causes people the most frustration."

Some of the frustration stems from residents' own mistakes in not adhering to county code, he admits. But other complaints, Mr. Kipke said, come from law-abiding residents who got tangled in a...