Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: When do I need to get a building permit?
A: Generally, prior to constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, removing, demolishing, or converting and building any structure.

Q: Do I need a permit to build a fence?
A: A permit is necessary for any fence over six feet in height.

Q: Do I need a permit for a patio or deck?
A: A permit is necessary if the patio or deck is 30 inches or more above grade.

Q: How do I apply for a building permit?
A: Permits are issued by the Building Department at 248 Main Street, Soledad CA. 831-678-3963

Q: What documents and drawings do I need to submit? What is the process to obtain a building permit?
A: See Building Permit Submittal Requirements

Q: How long is the review process once I submit documents and drawings?
A: It depends on the project.

Q: How much does a permit cost?
A: Generally, the cost of a building permit is based on the valuation of the proposed project based on the size of project, type of construction and building materials. When you submit drawings and details please provide the above necessary information.

Q: How long is the permit valid?
A: Once issued the building permit is valid for 180 days. To keep the permit active, you need to have the Building Department complete inspections at least once every 180 days.

Q: When does the project need to be inspected?
A: Prior to issuance of the permit, the Building Department Inspector will check of necessary inspections. In general, an inspection is required before any work is covered (i.e. before concrete is poured and insulation installed).

Q: Do I need a permit for installation or replacement of a window?
A: The installation or replacement of a window or windows requires a permit and inspection. This includes retrofit windows in existing frames.

Q: Can I store my boat at my home?
A: Yes, one boat may be stored at property, directly in front of the garage or behind a six foot fence. Boats cannot be stationed unhitched on public streets.

Q: Can I store my RV at my home?
A: If there is ample room to properly station an RV on the driveway without obstructing access to public sidewalks and right-a-ways. An RV may also be stored in the rear yard behind a solid six foot fence if there is sufficient access. An RV may NOT be stored on public streets.

Q: Can I be cited for parking on the grass?
A: Yes, vehicles may NOT be stationed on any required landscaped areas. You may station vehicle on grass for washing or for loading and unloading, but promptly removed.

Q: Can I park in my side yard?
A: No. Side yards are required to be landscaped and maintained. Side yards must be maintained free of obstructions because they are means of access for emergency personnel and equipment if the need should arise.

Q: Are chickens allowed in the City of Soledad?
A: No. It is prohibited to keep or maintain within the city any cattle, horses, mules, donkeys, burros, swine, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, pigeons, game birds or other domesticated animals or fowl.

Q: Are basket ball hoops allowed on the street?
A: All recreation equipment must be stored entirely on private property promptly after use. Storage is not allowed on public streets or sidewalks.

Q: Can garages be used as sleeping/living quarters?
A: No. This practice is prohibited and a major health and safety issue. For further information please contact the building office.

Q: How can I keep my Soledad home in top shape?
A:

• Regularly mow, edge and water lawns.
• Promptly remove weeds from properties.
• Place trash cans out of public view.
• Store inoperable vehicles out of public view, i.e. in the garage, behind a solid six foot fence.
• Keep an eye on exterior paint, trim, garage doors and siding.
• Repair broken or falling fences and walls promptly.
• Remove oil stains from the driveway with kitty litter or detergent.

Q: Does the City have a program to assist individuals and families to purchase a home in the community?
A: Yes, it is called the First Time Homebuyers Program and is available to low and moderate income individuals and families seeking to buy their first home. For more information, see the FTHB Program Application Link on the Economic Development Main Page.

Q: I want to fix up my home; does the City have a program to assist me with this project?
A: Yes, it is called the Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program can provide homeowner with a no interest loan up to $35,000 to fixed up or repair the house. In addition, $5,000 in grant funds is available for emergency repairs, seniors and the disabled. For more information and an application, see the Housing Rehabilitation Program Link on the Economic Development Main Page.

Q: How do I start a business in the City?
A: The Economic Development Department has prepared a comprehensive manual to explain this process and provide great business contacts to assist in this endeavor. It is called the "City of Soledad Business Resource Guide." It can be found as a link on the Economic Development Department Main Page or can be received by mail by calling the Economic Development Department at the City at (831) 678-3963 ext. 110 or e-mail us at hublerk@cityofsoledad.com and we will e-mail it to you.

Q: Is loan or grant monies to start or improve a business in the City?
A: Yes, the City has low interest loans available through its Community Development Block Grant Program to assist businesses. For more information, contact the Economic Development Department at (831) 678-3963 ext. 110.

Q: I'm interested in learning a little more about the City to assess its development opportunities. How can I do this?
A: Besides the wealth of information concerning the City and the development processes on the City Web Site and this Economic Development Home Page, you can visit or call the Economic Development Office anytime and ask specific questions in regard to this item. The Office's number is (831) 678-3963 ext. 110, and the address is 248 Main Street, Soledad.

Q: Where do I find a listing of properties available for commercial and industrial development in the City?
A: This list can be found on the Available Commercial and Industrial Properties link on the Economic Development Main Page. Especially in the area of industrial land there are great opportunities still available in the Los Coches Industrial Park. More information concerning this Park can be found on the Los Coches Industrial Park Link on the Economic Development Main Page.

Q: How do I change my garbage service if I need more garbage cans?
A: You need to come to City Hall and fill out a form to request more or less garbage cans.

Q: What are the fees for garbage?
A: 1 can = $14.58 / month
2 cans = $22.61 / month
3 cans = $30.65/ month

Garbage cans are picked up once a week and the fee is billed once a month.

Q: What if I put out extra garbage?
A: There is a fee for putting out extra garbage and it is $8.00 per extra can or bag.

Q: Do I need to purchase recycling containers?
A: No, they are provided to all residents at no charge if you wish to recycle.

Q: Who is the garbage company that provides services and is their telephone number?
A: The garbage company that provides services is Tri-Cities Disposal & Recycling and the telephone number is 1-888-678-6798.

Q: What size garbage can do I need to purchase?
A: You need to provide your own 32-gallon can.

Q: How long do new residents have to license their dogs?
A: You have 30 days from the day you move into the city.

Q: At what age does a dog need to be licensed?
A: A dog needs to be 4 months or older.

Q: What do I need to bring to license my dog?
A: You need to bring the vaccination certificate and the proof that your dog is spayed or neutered.

Q: What is the fee to license your dog?
A: It is a $5 fee for spayed/neutered dogs. It is a $10 fee for un-spayed/un-neutered dogs.

Q: How often do I need to renew my dog's license?
A: Dog licenses are renewed once a year in April. There is a form to be filled out at City Hall.

Q: When are utility bills due?
A: Bills are due on the third Wednesday of every month.

Q: What is the penalty fee if my payment is late?
A: The penalty fee for a late payment is 10% of your utility bill.

Q: At what time am I at risk of having my services disconnected?
A: When your utility payment is past due 2 months and on the second month you do not make a minimum payment before 1:00pm. Your utility services will be disconnected.

Q: Is there a fee to sign-up for utility services?
A: If you are a homeowner there is no deposit fee. If you renting there is a $100 deposit.

Q: What type of payment method is accepted to pay my bill?
A: We accept cash, personal checks, money orders and credit card payments. Be aware we only accept Visa & MasterCard. We do not accept American Express and Discover cards.

Q: What if I can't make it from 8:00am-5:00pm to your office to pay my bills?
A: You can mail your payment to P.O. 156, Soledad, CA 939360 or physically drop it off in our drop box at 248 Main Street, Soledad, CA 93960.

Q: What are your business hours and where are you located?
A: Our office hours are 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday-Friday and we are located at 248 Main St., Soledad, CA 93960.

Q: How do I sign-up for utility services?
A: There is and application that needs to be filled out available at City Hall.

Q: How do I reserve a park?
A: You must come in to City Hall and obtain an application.

Q: When do I need to complete an application?
A: You must come in at least 10 days before the event and provide a certificate of personal liability insurance for $1,000,000.

Q: What if two organizations or individuals want to use the park at the same time?
A: Priority is given in the following order; City sponsored events, one time use events, tournaments/games, paying organizations, non-profit organizations, non-profit sporting events & schools.

Q: Do youth leagues have to pay a fee for field use?
A: Youth leagues with 75% of players from Soledad do not have to pay. If the use of light is required there is a $26 fee.

Q: Have much is the fee for games played by Adult Leagues?
A: There is a $20 fee per game. If the use of light is required it is an additional $26 (light fee must also be paid by youth leagues).

Q: Does paying for the use of the field include the whole park being reserved?
A: No, the game fee only reserves the field.

Q: Can liquor be use at the park?
A: No liquor is allowed without the approval of City Hall. If liquor is allowed, a certificate of Liquor Liability Insurance must be on file.

Q: Who needs a Business License?
A: Anyone conducting business within the City Limits is required to have a license.

Q: Where do I get a Business License?
A: At City Hall forms are available.

Q: How much does a Business License cost?
A: Cost is dependent on the type of business and gross receipts within the City limits. The Ordinance is available to everyone at City Hall.

Q: Do business licenses have to be renewed?
A: They need to be renewed every year in June. They expire on June 30th.

Q: What happens if I pay late?
A: You have until the end of July to pay with no penalty. After July, there is a 25% penalty charged every month until renewal, not exceeding 50% of the total fee.

Q: What if I want to solicit business door-to-door?
A: You must first apply for a solicitor's license. Those are available at City Hall. You fill out the application and summit to the Police Department. Once City Hall receives approval from the Police Department a business license can then be issued.

Q: How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?
A: Once a year or sooner if the low battery alarm comes on. Pick a date to change the battery that will help your remember, like the date you change your clocks ahead in the spring.

Q: What do firefighters do when they are not responding to emergency calls?
A: In the old days firefighters played cards and took it easy while waiting for the next fire. Now every minute of the day is packed with activity. Maintenance of all 9 vehicles, and all the equipment on each one, daily training, and fire inspections, public education, and responding to questions and concerns from the public keep us busy all day long.

Q: Is there someone on duty at the fire station 24 hours a day?
A: Yes, there are a minimum of 2 firefighters on duty 24 hours a day.

Q: What happens if the Fire Department responds to a large emergency scene and needs more help?
A: We have over 30 volunteer firefighters who carry pagers with them. When additional manpower is needed they drop what they are doing and come running to help.

Q: How much does a typical fire truck cost?
A: A typical pumper costs about $250,000 and a small ladder truck is about $500,000.

Q: How often do fire sprinkler systems accidentally activate when there is no fire?
A: Sprinkler systems have a 99.9% safety rate. They only come on when there is a fire.

Q: When there is a fire do all the sprinkler heads in a building come on at the same time?
A: Only those heated by the fire come on. This is usually one or two. One or two sprinklers flow much less water than the 125-gallon per minute nozzles that the firefighters use on a house fire. In addition, the sprinklers control the fire before it grows to the size where extensive damage occurs.

Q: Why smoke detectors? Why not heat detectors?
A: Smoke and deadly gases tend to spread faster and farther than heat which is why an operating smoke detector is so important to have. More people die from the effects of smoke and deadly gases by a margin of 2 to 1. A smoke detector will automatically sound a warning when they sense smoke or other products of combustion. When people are warned early enough about a fire, they can escape before it spreads.

Q: How many smoke detectors should I have?
A: At least one smoke detector in every bedroom and one outside in the hallway. Also you should install one detector on each level of the home if you have a second floor or basement.

Q: Where is the proper location for the smoke detectors?
A: Generally on the ceiling at least 4 inches out from the wall. If you must install them on the wall, install them at least 4 inches down from the ceiling but no lower than 12 inches from the ceiling. Keep them high because smoke rises. Place smoke detectors at the top of each stairwell and at the end of each long hallway. Remember, do not place them any closer than 3 feet of an air supply register that might recalculate smoke resulting in a delayed alarm. Be sure to keep the detector away from fireplaces and wood stoves to avoid false alarms.

Q: How are smoke detectors powered?
A: Some smoke detectors are powered by a 9-volt battery, some are powered by the home's electrical system, and some are the combination of both. That is, they are wired into the home's electrical system and equipped with a 9-volt battery back-up.

Q: Who should install my smoke detector?
A: If you elect to purchase smoke detectors that are to be connected to your home's electrical system, you should have a qualified electrician install them. If you purchase those that are solely battery powered, you can install them yourself with a screwdriver and a drill, but install them according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Q: What about maintenance?
A: Keeping smoke detectors in good condition is easy. Change the battery (if equipped) at least once a year or sooner if the smoke detector signals a low battery. Clean the detector face and screen to remove dust. Test your smoke detector at least weekly. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Q: After they are installed, then what?
A: Test them and make sure they work. Everyone in your household should be aware of what they sound like and know what to do if they hear that noise.

Q: How do I test my smoke detector?
A: Push the test button or test them with smoke. If you test them with smoke, use a match or candle. Blow out the flame and let the smoke drift up into the smoke detector. Never test the smoke detector with a flame!

Q: What is that chirping noise?
A: That noise, usually every 60 seconds or so, is indicative of a battery that is going dead. This signals you to change the battery as soon as possible. That signal may last for a couple of days, but once the battery is dead you will have no protection at all.

Q: How do I prevent that annoying false alarm?
A: If you are getting false alarms, try moving your smoke detector farther from the kitchen or bathroom area and closer to the bedroom area. There are smoke detectors on the market that are specifically designed for kitchen or bathroom area use. Regular smoke detectors are too sensitive for these areas and cause annoying false alarms.

Q: Does the City of Soledad have a job hotline?
A: The City of Soledad does not have a job hotline, instead openings are posted on the City's website and advertised in the local newspapers (Soledad Bee.)

Q: Where is the Personnel Department located?
A: Our offices are located in the City Hall Building at 248 Main Street, Soledad. The Personnel Department is part of the Administration Office.

Q: How do I apply for employment with the City?
A: Job Announcements and applications are available in the City's Personnel Office. You may request an application by calling the Personnel Office at 831-678-4440

Q: What is my zoning designation?
A: Consult the City's Land Use Zoning Map to find your particular property. When you need assistance interpreting what kinds of use may be allowed, or what the Development Requirements are for your property, call (831) 678-3963 or visit the Community Development Department for assistance.

Q: What can I do with my property?
A: Use of any property is determined by the Zoning Land Use category. For example, if you are in a Single-Family (R-1) zoning category, you can build a single-family house. If you are in a Commercial (C-1, C-2 or HC) zoning category, you would need to review the zoning code to determine what type of commercial use is allowed on your property.

Q: Where can I get application materials and what do I need to submit?
A: Many of the application materials may be downloaded from this website. At the end of each section in "Types of Land Use Permits" are applications and submittal requirements. For personal assistance, call (831) 678-3963 or come to the Community Development Department.

Q: When will my item be agendized for public hearing?
A: Your application will need to be complete before staff can process it. Once determined to be complete an estimate of the timeline for public hearing can be made. Typically, projects are scheduled for hearing approximately one month in advance of the hearing date. This time allows for the publishing of a Public Notice in the newspaper and the internal preparation and review of a staff report and related documents.

Q: How many units can I build on my property?
A: The number of units that can be built is a function of the zoning category and the size of the property. For example, if you are in an Medium Density General Plan designation (7 - 12 dwelling units per acre density range) with a corresponding zoning category of R-3, on a lot of one acre, then you may estimate that 7 - 11 units can be built.

Q: Can I reduce my yard setbacks?
A: Front, side and rear yard setbacks are described in the Development Standards for each zoning district. Any reduction in standards must first be determined to be necessary. The process for reviewing any reduction in standards is by Variance request. Specific findings must be made that establish the need for such a variance.

Q: Where can I be fingerprinted?
A: Fingerprinting is available for Soledad residents, persons employed in the City of Beverly Hills or those applying for a City permit. The Police Department is not authorized to fingerprint for immigration or citizenship purposes. Fingerprinting is conducted on Saturdays between the hours of 8am and noon by appointment only. Weekday appointments may be available, as stafffing permits. Please call the Records Section at 831-678-4440 to make an appointment for fingerprinting.

Q: Who is reponsible for reporting an accident to the insurance company?
A: There is no legal requirement for a driver to report to their insurance company that he/she has been involved in a traffic accident. The normal procedure is for driver involved to inform their insurance company of the accident. Your insurance agent will then guide you through the process of filing a claim. The accident report will have insurance information for all the parties involved. In the event the other driver does not notify their insurance company, you or your agent can forward a copy of the report to the insurance company.

Q: My neighbor's dog has become a nuisance to the neighborhood, what is the city ordinance to prevent this problem?
A:

Q: What can I do about cars and trucks parked in front of my house?
A: Streets are considered public parking, therefore, vehicles parked on a city street are allowed as long as they have current and valid registration. Vehicle code limits parking to 72 hours, then the vehicle must be moved. If the vehicle is not moved after this time it will be considered abandoned and can be towed. This also includes the vehicles of the property owner.

Q: What should I do if I see someone spraying graffiti or committing some other minor violation?
A: If you see vandalism or another crime in progress and also see the people committing the crime you can call 911. Give the dispatcher the location, the suspect information/description and the type of tool used. If you find a crime has been committed, and have no suspects in the area, you can call the non-emergency phone number 846-0350.

Q: How do I report a crime or report a traffic accident?
A: A non-injury accident only involves an exchange of license information, insurance information, names, and phone numbers. If the vehicles are blocking the roadway and unable to be moved, call the non-emergency phone number 678-1332. An injury accident can be called in on 911. Give the location of the accident, number of vehicles involved, and any additional information you can provide.

Q: What can I do about speeding vehicles on my street?
A: To report a speeding vehicle in your neighborhood, get the vehicle license plate number and a vehicle description. If the problem is not a single vehicle, but an ongoing problem with multiple vehicles, you can contact communications at 678-1332 and request extra patrol checks in that area.

Q: Should I install a burglar alarm in my house?
A: The decision to install a burglar alarm is up to you. If you do choose to Install one, several factors have to be considered. When the alarm is activated you will need to send someone to meet with the officers. The officers can only check the perimeter of the building and will need a key holder to check the interior. After 3 false alarms in a twelve-month period, you will be fined up to $500 for each call. After 7 false alarms in 12 months, you will be placed on a no response status. You will remain on no-response until a certified alarm technician has checked the alarm. In order to be reactivated we must see proof and all fines must be paid up and a $20 reinstatement fee must be paid have to be considered. When the alarm is activated you will need to send someone to meet with the officers. The officers can only check the perimeter of the building and will need a key holder to check the interior. After 3 false alarms in a twelve-month period, you will be fined up to $500 for each call. After 7 false alarms in 12 months, you will be placed on a no response status. You will remain on no-response until a certified alarm technician has checked the alarm. In order to be reactivated we must see proof and all fines must be paid up and a $20 reinstatement fee must be paid.

Q: How do I check on the status of my crime investigation?
A: To check on the status of your crime report, you can contact police records at 678-1332. If you need to contact the officer that took the report, you can call 678-1332 and the dispatcher will transfer you to the officers voice mail.

Q: How can I protest a parking ticket?
A: You can pick up an Administrative review form at 236 Main Street, Soledad.

Q: How do I get a copy of a crime report?
A: To get a copy of a police report contact Soledad Police Records Department at 678-1332.

Q: Under what circumstances should I call 911?
A: You should call 911 in a life or death emergency.

Q: If I call 911, how does the dispatcher know where we live?
A: The phone company provides your location information to the police department, much like caller id is provided in a private residence. The dispatcher may ask you to confirm you location information because sometimes the information provided is incorrect.

Q: How do I see my arrest record?
A: If you need to see a copy of your arrest record you need to go to the Sheriff's Department in the county in which you were arrested.

Q: How do I start or join a neighborhood watch?
A: Contact Lieutenant Fred Perez at 678-1332 ext. 146 for more information about joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch Program.

Q: How do I make a citizen's complaint or report outstanding performance by an officer or employee?
A: To make a citizens complaint or report outstanding service by an officer, you need to come into the Police Department at 236 Main Street. You can meet with the watch commander and fill out the proper forms.

Q: If I have been involved in a collision and want a copy of the Police Report, what should I do?
A: If you have been in an accident and need a copy of a police report, contact Soledad Police Records at 678-1332.

Q: In my neighborhood, sometimes I see things that are out of place or unusual or people who are "suspicious" Can you tell me what I should do?
A: If you see something "suspicious" or unusual in your neighborhood you can contact Soledad Police Department at 755-5111

Q: I keep getting annoying "hang-up" phone calls. Nothing is ever said and it's driving me crazy. What can I do?
A: If you keep getting annoying "hang-up" phone calls, you can contact your local phone company to get information about caller id and call block to block out the annoying phone calls.

Q: Will the City repair the sidewalk in front of my house?
A: Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of fronting property owners. You may, however, call 678-3963 to request the placement of an asphalt patch. Concrete repairs will later be made at the expense of the fronting property owner.

Q: How do I get the bulb in a burned-out street light replaced?
A: Report malfunctioning of street lights by calling 678-3963. It is helpful if you can provide the street light number which is located on the street side of the pole, printed vertically, at approximately 5 feet from the ground.

Q: Will you remove a dead raccoon from my back yard?
A: No. Our staff does not enter private property for dead animal removal, nor can they attend to injured animals.

Q: Why hasn't the pothole on my street been repaired?
A: Unfortunately, we do not have the staff power to keep a continual watch on all City streets. If there is a problem, we appreciate your bringing it to our attention. Please call 678-3963.

Q: I think there is antifreeze leaking into the storm drain.
A: All City storm drain pipes feed our creeks and channels - only storm water should enter catch basins. If you see oil, caustic items, or any other liquids going into a storm drain, please report it by calling 678-3963.

Q: When does the street sweeper come to my street?
A: City street sweeping is scheduled by mapped zones. Click here to view the map showing what days are scheduled for your area.

Q: Will I be charged more on my water bill if my meter malfunctions?
A: Malfunctioning water meters actually record less than actual water consumption so you will not be over charged for water service due to a malfunctioning meter.

Q: What should I do if I think my water meter has not been read correctly?
A: Call the Utilities Department (831) 678 - 3963 Ext. 123 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Q: Is City provided drinking water as safe to drink as bottled water?
A: Yes. The City water is actually tested more comprehensively than bottled water to assure that it is safe to drink. Some bottled water may "taste" better but it is not actually safer to drink than City drinking water.

Q: Why does my water pressure vary?
A: At the present time there are two separate water pressure zones in the City. These are the lower and upper pressure zones.

In the lower pressure zone, City water pressure varies according to gravity pressure created by the amount of water in the City water storage tanks and the number of City wells that are running at any given time. In the lower pressure zone, the water level in the storage tanks, and the number of well pumps running is determined by the amount of water being used at any given time.

In the upper pressure zone, City water pressure is supplied by a pump station, and varies according to the amount of water that is being pumped from the million-gallon tank. Like the lower pressure zone, the amount of water that is pumped in the upper pressure zone is determined by water consumption at any given time in the upper pressure zone.

The City is constructing additional one million gallon water storage tanks. The Utilities Department also plans to construct a third new one million gallon water storage tank in the next fiscal year. Water pressure should become better stabilized when these new storage tanks are completed.

Q: How important is water conservation?
A: Water conservation is extremely important. There is a greater water demand in the Salinas Valley than the water supply. Attention to sound water conservation practices could determine whether it becomes necessary to ration water use.

Q: How much am I paying for water?
A: Each month, the City is charging its customers sixty three cents for each 748 gallons of water. In an effort to promote conservation, that fee begins to increase slightly after a customer consumes 7,480 gallons.

Q: What should I do if I want to make a complaint about my water or sewer service?
A: Contact the City Superintendent of Utilities at (831) 678 - 3963 Ext. 123. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, contact the Director of Public Works at (831) 678 - 3963 Ext. 149.