WHO DO I CALL ABOUT…

This is where to get information about things which may not be easily found on the website.

Call 911 for emergencies.
Non-emergency numbers are located on the first page of your phone book and throughout this document. Do Not call 911 for non-emergencies.

Scroll down the page or click on the links on the right to find specific information.

ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
The use of accessory structures such as a garage, patio or shed for human habitation is not permitted in the City. Please call Building Inspection and Code Enforcement at 831.758.7157 to report a violation.

ADDRESSES ON BUILDINGS
Each building shall have address numbers displayed. These numbers must be at least six (6) inches in height and placed on the building in such a manner that the number is clearly visible from the public right-of-way. Identification of premises is very important for emergency responses by the Police and Fire Departments. For more information contact the Development and Engineering Department at 831.758.7241.

ANIMAL CONTROL & SHELTER
Animals running at large are prohibited. Animal owners shall not allow their animals to disturb any person by barking or howling. Persons disturbed by an animal may sign a formal complaint. For more information, or to make a complaint about an animal disturbance, please call Animal Control at 831.758.7285.

Wildlife reports should be directed to the SPCA 831.422.4721.

Call the Animal Shelter to pickup injured animals. If it's after hours call the non-emergency Police number 831.758.7321. Please do not call 911. Do not attempt to help an injured animal, especially a wild one, since they will fight and possibly harm you.

Traps can be rented at Colliers Feed and Pet Supply, (831.443.6161) and the Feed Trough Feed Store (831.422.8229). These are for trapping stray cats only and should not be left out overnight as animals such as possums and skunks can be trapped in them.

Stray animals may be brought to the Animal Shelter or you may call for pickup. Also call the shelter to have them pick up dead animals.

The Salinas Animal Shelter is located at 144 Hitchcock Road, Salinas. Hours are 12p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The phone number is 831.758.7285. The shelter is closed to the public on Sunday and Monday.

If you would like to join our active shelter volunteer program, please call the Animal Shelter.

BARKING DOG COMPLAINTS
Under normal circumstances you should call the Salinas Animal Shelter for assistance if barking dogs are disturbing your peace. Members of the Animal Shelter are available to contact offending neighbors during the daytime and take action, if necessary, to quell the noise disturbance. You may call their office at 831.758.7285, anytime to report a barking dog. If they are not available at the time of your call, you can leave a message stating your name, address, phone number, the location of the dog, along with a brief description of what is occurring. An animal control officer will then attempt to contact the owner of the animal to warn them of the violation.

In situations that cannot wait and you are willing to press charges you may call the Police Department for assistance. If you decide to call the Police Department, use the non-emergency number, 831.758.7321. Please do not call 911. When you call the Police Department you will be asked several things. In addition to getting your name, address and telephone number, the person you talk to will also ask you if you are willing to press charges or if you are willing to speak with an officer directly.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES
Birth Certificates and Marriage Licenses are maintained by the County of Monterey. You may access the County Clerk-Recorder's web page at www.co.monterey.ca.us/Recorder/ or you may telephone them at (831) 755-5041. Their web page contains further contact information as well as office hours and location maps.



BUILDING PERMITS
Building Permits are required for safety reasons for most home improvements including lawn and fire sprinkler systems, patio covers, spas, most decks, interior remodeling, carports, retaining walls, etc. Prior to starting a new project always contact the Building Division of the Development and Engineering Services Department at 831.758.7251.

CONFLICT RESOLUTION
The Mediation Center of Monterey County has trained neutral mediators to help resolve numerous types of disputes, which include personal property disputes as well as landlord and tenant disputes. Mediation is a method of handling conflict and finding a way to resolve disputes. For more information, please call The Mediation Center at 831.649.6219 or 831.424.4694.

DOG LICENSES
Dog licenses may be purchased at the Finance Department located in City Hall or at the Animal Shelter at 144 Hitchcock Road during business hours. All dogs four (4) months of age and over residing within the City limits must be licensed. Dogs must have a current rabies certificate in order to get a license. The license term varies based on the length of the rabies vaccination. You may get more information concerning dog licenses, such as fees and other requirements, Dog License page or by calling 831.758.7211



FLAMMABLE MATERIALS
Above ground tank and bulk storage of flammable and combustible liquids is not permitted in a residential district. For further information or to report a violation, call the Salinas Fire Department at 831.758.4261.

FENCES
The City’s fence regulations strive to encourage variety and flexibility in design, development and maintenance of fences and walls, and to permit increased use of yard areas, as well as to establish the heights of such fences and walls to maintain clear site distances. Fence height is regulated depending on where the fence is located on the property. In general, no fence shall exceed six (6) feet in height without first obtaining a Building Permit. Barbed wire, razor wire, ultra barrier, electrified and other hazardous fences are not permitted in any residential district. . If the erection of walls or fences is proposed within 25 feet from a driveway or street corner, please call Community Development to ensure your proposal will have a safe line of sight. For questions about fence height and placement, please call Permit and inspection Services at 831.758.7251. For enforcement of "safe sight distances", please call Code Enforcement at 831.758.7157.

GARAGE, YARD, AND PATIO SALES
Tenant(s) or property owner(s) at their address may sell their personal miscellaneous items to the public. However, they must first obtain a permit from the Finance Department prior to conducting their sales. No sales shall be permitted for more than three (3) consecutive days or two (2) consecutive weekends of two days within any twelve-month period. The sale shall not be conducted before 8:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m. on these permitted days. A sign no larger than four square feet in area may be displayed on the premises announcing the sale during the permitted times of the sale, however no sign shall be displayed at any location off the premises. Please call the Finance Department at 831.758.7211 for information about obtaining a permit or to report a violation.

GARBAGE
All occupied premises within the City are required by ordinance to have weekly garbage service. BFI Waste Services of Salinas is the provider at 831.775.3840. For more information or to report garbage accumulation, please call the Monterey County Health Department at 831.755.4500.

More information concerning the disposal of garbage, hazardous waste, or other refuse may be obtained from the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority at 831.755.1300.

Low-income residents who are 65 years of age or older may be eligible for a reduced garbage rate of $3.25 per month. The income qualifications are based on household size and are listed on the back of the application form. If you would like to apply, please print and complete the application form and return the signed copy either by mail or in person to the City Clerk's Office at 200 Lincoln Avenue, Salinas, CA 93901.

A refuse exemption form is available if a property is to be unoccupied for a long period of time. You may print and complete the form and mail it to the address indicated on the form.

Please call this office at 831.758.7381 if you have any questions.

TRASH, JUNK, AND DEBRIS
The accumulation of garbage, trash, junk, and debris helps spread disease, harbor insects and rodents, and detracts from the appearance of your property, You can help control these problems by placing your trash in proper containers. Storing your trash and recycling containers out of public view helps enhance the visual image of the neighborhood and the quality of your community. The accumulation of garbage, trash, junk, and debris, including vehicle parts and equipment, is not allowed in a residential area, nor can it be stored outside. The burning of garbage, trash, junk or other debris is also prohibited in the City of Salinas.

Trash and other debris may be taken to the Madison Lane Transfer Station, 1120 Madison Lane, Salinas, or the Crazy Horse Canyon Landfill, 11 miles north of Salinas at 350 Crazy Horse Canyon Road. The phone number for the Transfer Station is 831.754.2500 and the Landfill number is 831.663.2796.

To report garbage, trash, junk and debris, please call the Monterey County Health Department at 831.755.4500.

GRAFFITI
To report an incident of graffiti call and leave a message on the graffiti hotline at 831.758.7233. Graffiti eradication is performed on a daily basis by the City’s Maintenance Services department. If you see someone placing graffiti, please call the Salinas Police Department at 831.758.7321

HOME BUSINESSES
Any activity, whether for pay or not, which creates a nuisance, or gives the appearance that a business is being conducted is prohibited. However, some home business activity may be allowed. Please be aware that every business, including home businesses, is required to pay a City business tax. This tax is a business tax, not a permit to conduct business. For further information about operating a business from a residence, please call the Community Development Department at 831.758.7206. For information regarding City business taxes or a business license, contact the Salinas Finance Department at 831.758.7211.

HOME REPAIR LOANS
The City’s Housing Services Program offers low interest rate loans to qualifying lower income residents for many home repairs. Rental properties are also eligible for housing rehabilitation loans – provided the occupants are lower income. Handicap accessibility grants are also available. Call Housing Services at 831.758.7334.

LANDSCAPING
Improperly maintained planting on private property can be a hazard to life, limb, and property. Generally, landscaping needs to be appropriately spaced so it does not interfere with the adequate lighting of the premises or restrict access to emergency apparatus such as fire hydrants. Planting of trees, and large shrubs shall not interfere with the "safe sight distance" for vehicles, bicycles or pedestrian traffic. If landscaping is proposed within 25 feet from a driveway or street corner, please call Community Development to ensure your proposal will have a safe line of sight. For enforcement of "safe sight distances", please call Code Enforcement at 831.758.7206..

LOUD PARTIES
If someone is having a loud party in your neighborhood you may call the Police Department for assistance.

Use the non-emergency number, 831.758.7321. Please do not call 911. When you call the police you will be asked several things. In addition to getting your name, address and telephone number the person you talk to will also ask you if you are willing to press charges or if you are willing to speak with an officer directly.

We recommend that you provide the dispatcher with your name, address and telephone number even if you do not want to press charges or be contacted. This will help us if other calls are received about the same party.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAM
The Salinas Police Department provides information on the Neighborhood Watch Program and methods of keeping your home safe and secure. For more information, call the Salinas Police Department at 831.758.7236.

NOISE COMPLAINTS
In residential districts, it is unlawful to permit, maintain or allow noise levels exceeding common power mowers, trimmer, home workshops, and home construction. It is also unlawful to create and emit these noise levels between the hours of 9:00 p.m. of one day and 7:00 a.m. of the following day.

If you decide to call the police, use the non-emergency number, 831.758.7321. Do not call 911. When you call the police you will be asked several things. In addition to getting your name, address and telephone number the person you talk to will also ask you if you are willing to press charges or if you are willing to speak with an officer directly.

We recommend that you provide the dispatcher with your name, address and telephone number even if you do not want to press charges or be contacted. This will help us if other calls are received about the same noise disturbance.

RECYCLING
To extend the life of our landfills and prevent toxic waste from endangering our health and environment, the City has implemented a recycling and hazardous waste program. For more information, contact the Salinas Valley Solid Waste Authority at 831.758.7925.

STREET LIGHT OUTAGES
When you notice a street light is out or needs repair, please call the City Yard at 831.758.7233.

You will need the street address and, if possible, the pole number. The address is that of the property where the pole is located, (i.e. the house or business) and the pole number is located on the street side of the pole about 6 feet above the ground. You should see a three digit number or three numbers and a letter.

VEHICLES ABANDONED AND INOPERATIVE
The Abandoned Vehicle Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The phone number, day or night, is 831.758.7316.

The following information will help you determine whether or not a vehicle has been abandoned or is a long-term parking problem.

Salinas City Code §20-49 (a&b) prohibits any vehicle from being parked upon any street or alley for more than 72 hours (3 days). In the event a vehicle is parked in excess of this time period, the police department is authorized to issue a citation and/or remove such vehicle from the street.

When you report an abandoned vehicle to the Salinas Police Department, our personnel will respond and mark the vehicle as soon as possible. After 72 consecutive hours, the vehicle will be checked again. If the vehicle has not been moved, it will be removed as soon as possible.

Any vehicle parked on a city street or on public property must be currently registered and in working condition.

California Vehicle Code section 22669(d), prohibits an vehicle from being parked on the street or other public property with a major component missing. Major components include the engine, radiator, wheel(s), tire(s), window(s), door(s), etc. These vehicles will be towed as soon as possible.

Salinas City Code, prohibits inoperable vehicles from being parked or stored on private property. A vehicle is considered inoperable if it is missing any major component, partially dismantled, or even if it is not registered. Such vehicles can be stored in a driveway or yard for 24 hours only. Inoperable vehicles may be stored indefinately inside a garage however. To report violations, please call Code enforcement at 831.758.7157.

VEHICLES - RECREATIONAL
Recreational vehicles hooked-up to utility services and/or used for living and sleeping purposes in a residential district is prohibited. Not only is it a health hazard since sewer and water is not being properly disposed of, but it is a major safety concern. Temporary electrical hook-ups and recreational vehicles abutting fences and dwellings can cause access to and from the vehicle difficult in an emergency. To report a violation, please call Code Enforcement at831.758.7157 and the Monterey County Health Department at 831.755.4508.

VEHICLE PARKING
Parking regulations are designed to maintain and promote safety on our public streets. Parking vehicles on a paved surface helps prevent fluids and oil from seeping into the ground and contaminating the ground water. Parking regulations also improve the look of the neighborhood and the value of your property by preventing accumulations of abandoned or inoperable vehicles.

It is unlawful to park any trailer, boat, vehicle, mobile home, or motor home on any public street in a residential area for more than 72 consecutive hours on a public street. Please call the Police Department’s Vehicle Abatement Officer at 831.758.7316 for enforcement.

Motor vehicles must be parked on a paved driveway, have current registration, and be maintained in operation condition on residential properties. Please call Code Enforcement at 831.758.7157for enforcement.

Parking any vehicle so as to obstruct the sidewalk is unlawful. Please call the Police Department’s Vehicle Abatement Officer at 831.758.7316.

VEHICLE REPAIRS
The registered owner of a vehicle may perform routine minor maintenance to his/her vehicles, or to vehicles belonging to immediate household members, in public view at his/her residence. No routine maintenance shall be performed in the public right-of-way (sidewalks/streets). Routine maintenance includes: changing the oil or tires, replacement of water pump, alternator, brakes, shocks, oil, air filters, spark plugs, and similar work. Major repairs, including: pulling engine blocks, repair, or replacement of transmissions or front and rear axles, major body repair, dismantling, and similar work, are not permitted in any residential district. For complaints about vehicle repair, please call Code Enforcement at 831.758.7157.

Disposal of mechanical fluids such as motor oil or transmission fluid as well as any other hazardous material into City gutters, sewers and drains is prohibited. To report violations please call Monterey County Environmental Health at 831.755.4541.

VEHICLE STORAGE
Any vehicle not in current running or operating condition or that is not currently registered to operate on a public streets or any dismantled vehicle(s) or part(s) thereof is/are not permitted or allowed to be parked or stored in a residential district. On private property, an inoperable, or junk vehicle may only be parked within a garage or carport. Otherwise, the vehicle is in violation of Salinas City Codes. Inoperable vehicles left on the public street are subject to tow. To report violations on private property, please call Code Enforcement at 831.758.7157. To report violations on a public streets or public property, please call the Police Department’s Vehicle Abatement Officer at 831.758.7316.

Trailers, boats, campers, trailer coaches, etc. may not be stored in front yards or on driveways. However, driveway parking is allowed for a 48-hour period, for loading and unloading purposed only. Recreational vehicles may be parked in the rear or side yards provided it is behind a six-foot high solid wall or fence. For more information, or to report violations, please call Code Enforcement at 831.758.7157.

WEEDS
Overgrown weeds and vegetation can create a fire hazard, provide a breeding ground and harborage for rodents, and can detract from the neighborhood’s appearance. Regular maintenance of existing landscaping, and the removal and/or trimming of dry and/or overgrown weeds and vegetation will help to enrich the character of your home and your neighborhood. To report violations, please call the City’s Weed Abatement Specialist at 831.758.7119.