Frequently Asked Questions
|
Duarte City Hall Public Safety What number do I call for anonymous tips? Who do I call if I have an animal related question?
Administrative Services
City Manager's Office Do the City Council members have an office in City Hall? Who is are our state, federal and county representatives? Who do I speak to in regards to City Council commission or committee appointments?
Parks and Recreation Are jumpers allowed at any City parks? Do I need to make a reservation to have a party at the park? Is there financial aid available for City classes? How early am I able to reserve the Community Center for a birthday party/wedding? Is the Royal Oaks Building available to rent?
Community Development Building Do I need a permit to repair or replace my roof? Do I need a permit to replace my windows? Do I need a permit to repair or replace my fence? How do I obtain a building permit? How much will a building permit cost?
I am not sure if I need a permit, what should I do? When can I speak to a building inspector if I have a question about permits or inspections? How do I request an inspection for the work that is being completed with a permit? What do I need to do with the City to build an addition onto my house? Do I need a permit to build a shed on my property? How do I know if I will be notified of construction projects happening in my neighborhood? Can the City assist me in determining if there are any easements on my property? Where can I get ownership information on a piece of property? What is a General Plan and how does it affect my property? What is zoning and how does it affect my property or business?
Other Am I able to trim an Oak tree located on my property?
Do I need to a permit to have a yard or garage sale? Does it cost anything? What is my flood zone information? Can the City assist me in a landlord/tenant dispute? How do I obtain copies of City maps?
Field Services How often does the sweeper come by my house? How often are my trees trimmed? Water is leaking in front of my house, whom do I call? The streetlight is out in front of my house, whom do I call?
Public Safety
What is the current bicycle helmet law?
Where can I adopt a pet?
Where is the closest animal shelter?
What pets are not allowed in Duarte?
What can I do about a stray cat problem?
Why can't I park on my own front lawn?
How do I obtain a parking permit? Permanent and temporary parking permits may be obtained from the Community Development Department at City Hall during normal business hours. Temporary parking permits may also be obtained at the Public Safety Department. Please contact the Community Development Department for details at (626) 357-7931 x. 230 or Public Safety at (626) 357-7938 ext. 300. If you are unable to purchase a permit during normal business hours, please leave a voice mail message with Public Safety as to the location of the vehicle, vehicle make and vehicle license plate number. You will be required to purchase a permit on the next business day.
How do I contest a parking citation? Parking citations may be contested within 21 days of the date of issuance. You may contest the citation in person at the Public Safety office or by mailing your request to the Public Safety office at 1042 Huntington Drive., Duarte, CA 91010. Please attach a copy of your citation along with all pertinent information that would support your case.
How long can a vehicle be left on a street unmoved?
What number do I call for anonymous tips? Residents can call 359-5671 ext. 462. Ext 462 to access the City of Duarte Crime Tip Line. Who do I call if I have an animal related question?
Are officers trained to deal with dogs, cats, rabbits, opossum, raccoons, birds, snakes, chickens, rats, mice, hamsters, squirrels, goats, pigs, deer and bears? Animal Control Officers are equipped and trained to handle these and many other types of animals. However, wildlife indigenous to the foothills of Duarte is the responsibility of California Fish and Game. Animal Control Officers may be called to assist with these types of animal related calls, and liaison with Fish and Game officials who have jurisdiction over these matters. Should you have any questions for the Department of Fish and Game, please call (858) 467- 4201. My pet is missing, what do I do? I was bitten, what should I do? Public Safety is closed, who do I call? How do I find out more information on LA County Animal Control, such as contact information?
Administrative Services
What are the City's requirements regarding dog and cat licensing? Dog owners in the City of Duarte must license their dogs prior to August 31st of every year. Licenses purchased after September 1st are subject to $50.00 penalty.
How do I get a bus pass? If you have specific questions about TAP, please go online at taptogo.net or call 800 743-3463. For additional information you may visit any of the following Five Foothill stores:
Claremont : 200 W. First Street, Claremont, CA 91711 Industry: 1600 Azusa Ave. Industry, CA 91748 - (Puente Hills Mall) El Monte: 3501 Santa Anita - (El Monte Bus Station) Pomona: 100 W. Commercial Ave. Pomona, CA 91768 West Covina: 100 Vincent Ave. Ste 200 West Covina, CA 91790
What do I do if I have a problem with my trash pickup?
What do I do if I have a problem with my cable television service?
How is the City's budget developed?
City Manager's Office
How can I reach a member of the City Council?
How many commissions are there?
How do I get appointed to a commission?
How do I register to vote?
When is the next election?
Do the City Council members have an office in City Hall? No, the City Councilmembers do not have offices in City Hall. However, all members can be easily reached by calling City Hall and leaving a message with the City Manager’s office at (626) 357-7931 or by sending them an email. Their email addresses are available on the website under the “About Duarte” tab, City Council button.
Who is are our state, federal and county representatives? The City of Duarte is represented by the following individuals: Federal Level: United States Representative Judy Chu; State Level: State Senator Ed Hernandez and State Assemblymember Anthony Portantino; and County Level: Supervisor Michael Antonovich. List of Elected Officials
How do I serve on a City Council commission or committee? Appointments to City Commissions are traditionally done every two years in December of odd years. Typically about 18 positions are available through the City’s six commissions and are advertised for availability both on the City website and in the Community Newsletter. City committees are formed as needed and those opportunities are also publicized.
Parks and Recreation
What are the requirements for using the Duarte Teen Center?
Are jumpers allowed at any City parks? Jumpers are not allowed at the parks.
Do I need to make a reservation to have a party at the park? A reservation is needed to use a park for groups over 40.
Is there financial aid available for City classes? The City currently does not have a financial assistance program to cover fees associated with recreation classes.
How early am I able to reserve the Community Center for a birthday party/wedding? The community center can be reserved 180 days in advance for a wedding reception. All other activities can reserve the Community Center 90 days in advance.
Is the Royal Oaks Building available to rent? The building at Royal Oaks Park is available for rent. See the Facility Rental section under the Parks and Recreation Department for a clarification of fees.
Building Do I need a permit to repair or replace my roof? Yes, a building permit is required if you are doing any of the following: repairing or replacing more than 50% of your roof or making structural changes. Check with our City building inspector to find out if you are in a severe fire zone which requires a Class “A” roof. Call the inspector if you plan on using a “Cool Roof” so the additional requirements can be explained.
Do I need a permit to replace my windows? Yes, a building permit is required for window replacements even if they are retrofits. You must check our the building inspector regarding window size requirements for bedroom windows.
Do I need a permit to repair/replace my wall or fence? A building permit is not required to build or make repairs to a non-retaining wall or fence but the Planning Division's stamp of approval on a plan is required. Please contact the Community Development Department to ensure your proposal will meet zoning requirements including the height and location of the wall or fence.
How do I obtain a building permit? Most times you will need a plan that shows the work that you are proposing. You can present the plan in person to the Community Development Department during regular business hours. Typically, building permits may be obtained by a legal property owner or licensed contractor. A sample plan can be obtained in the Community Development Department.
How much will a building permit cost? The building permit fee varies depending on the valuation of the job being completed. The valuation is the sum of the estimated costs related to labor and materials for the work requiring a building permit. To obtain a building permit fee estimate you may call the Community Development Department at (626) 357-7931, extension 230 or 235
I am not sure if I need a permit, what should I do? Call the Community Development Department at (626) 357-7931, extension 230 or 235.
When can I speak to a building inspector if I have a question about permits or inspections? The building inspector has regular office hours in the Community Development Department, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 am - 10:00 am and also in the afternoon on Thursday between 3:30 pm and 4:30pm. You may also call the inspector during those hours at (626) 357-7931, extension 230 or 235.
How do I request an inspection for the work that is being completed with a permit? You or your contractor can call (626) 357-7931, extension 230 or 235, to request an inspection between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Inspections can usually be accommodated the following day with 24-hour advance notice. Scheduled inspections are generally conducted daily between 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
What do I need to do with the City to build an addition onto my house? The City’s Community Development Department is available to assist property owners in order to understand what they need to do to build an addition or other improvements on their property. Most construction requires plans of the proposed project, city approvals and building permits. It is generally best to start this process by visiting the Planning Department with a conceptual drawing of the property and proposed construction. After this meeting, your plans will be given a preliminary review and comments will be provided. Depending upon the size and location of your construction, the planner and owner will discuss the remainder of the plan review process, including but not limited to: the quality and quantity of professionally made plans, zoning code requirements, design review and public noticing (if applicable). Construction can generally begin after construction drawings have been approved as part of the Building Department plan check process and/or building permits have been issued.
I heard Duarte has an architectural review process for many projects. What is this process and how do I know if it applies to my project? Projects that involve new and/or substantial construction, second stories or have visual or architectural impacts facing the public right-of-way are subject to a more thorough architectural review process. A planner will work with you in determining if architectural review before the Architectural Review Board (ARB) or Planning Commission applies to your project.
Generally, this process begins similar to how an addition would be reviewed by the City, but also involves additional information, plans and/or material boards from the applicant. The proposed project plans, along with any additional information/plans/boards, will be reviewed by the planner and architectural design comments will be discussed in more detail. Once the plans and other materials are ready, a public meeting and presentation will be held with the ARB. The ARB will render a decision and, if approved, provide conditions of approval applicable to the project. New buildings or substantial construction may also require architectural review before the Planning Commission. If this is the case, a planner will explain that step early in the architectural review process.
Do I need a permit to build a shed on my property? Most small sheds can be constructed on your property without a building permit, but still require City approval for location and architectural design. Pre-fab or custom-built sheds, 120 Square feet or less and no taller than 12’ in height, can be built without a building permit. If you would like the shed to have lighting or power, a separate electrical permit is required. City approval for sheds is provided through an approval stamp on a plan provided by the property owner.
How do I know if I will be notified of construction projects happening in my neighborhood? Many large private projects (e.g. subdivisions, conditional use permits) and proposed second-story construction requires notification to property owners. The distance at which owners are notified within a geographic area surrounding a project is addressed by both State and local laws. Significant public works projects (e.g. street repaving, gas main replacement) include requirements for utilities/contractors to notify affected residents.
Can the City assist me in determining if there are any easements on my property? Easements are usually recorded on your property’s title, which should have been identified by your title company when you bought your home. You should have a copy of the title report with the documents you received when you purchased your property. If you have lost your copy of the property’s title report, please contact the title company that prepared your original title report or a real estate professional.
Where can I get ownership information on a piece of property? Property ownership information is available by contacting the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office, East District at 1190 Durfee Ave., South El Monte, CA 91733. You may also contact them by calling (626) 258-6001 or visiting their website at http://assessor.lacounty.gov.
What is a General Plan and how does it affect my property? The General Plan sets out a long-range vision and comprehensive policy framework for how the City should plan for projected growth and development, provide public services, and maintain the qualities that define Duarte over the next 20 to 30 years. Since the Plan provides these policies on future growth and development, the General Plan gives property and business owners certainty about what you generally can do with your land. In addition, State law requires that zoning be consistent with General Plan policies and land use map. If changes in the land use designation are proposed for your property, this change may also require a change in the zoning designation in order to be consistent with the new land use designation.
What is zoning and how does it affect my property or business? Zoning is the regulation of the use of property by local government. Properties are assigned a specific zoning district, such as areas that can be used for residential, commercial or industrial uses. These zones contain a series of specific rules and development standards that apply to these zoning districts. Examples of zoning regulations include: permitted/prohibited uses, maximum building heights, required parking and open space requirements. The Duarte Municipal Code that can be found online (see link below) and describes the types of uses and development standards that apply to each of these zones. Anyone interested in purchasing property or starting a new business in the City should consult the zoning code to understand how much you can develop the property or to determine if the business you are considering is allowed in the zone.
Zoning rules and standards also guide the orderly development of each particular zone, thereby creating consistency within the zone, preserving the desirable characteristics of each setting and maintaining property values of the identified areas. Zoning maps and policies must be consistent with those of the General Plan. Furthermore, zoning implements the goals and policies of the General Plan.
Other
Am I able to trim an Oak tree located on my property? Yes, you may trim the Oak tree within your private property. Please be advised the Oak trees are very sensitive and should be trimmed after consulting with an expert tree trimmer.
Do I need to a permit to have a yard or garage sale? Does it cost anything? Yes, you may obtain the free permit at the Community Development Department, Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. You are allowed to have a maximum of two garage or yard sales (at a residentially zoned property) each calendar year. Each permit that is issued for a sale is valid for no more than two consecutive days.
What is my flood zone information? Insurance companies usually require this information: Zone D, Panel # 065026, Map Date March 22, 1999.
Can the City assist me in a landlord/tenant dispute? There are multiple resources to resolve landlord/tenant disputes. The Pasadena office of the Housing Rights Center can be reached by calling (626) 791-0211 or visiting their website at http://www.hrc-la.org. Information for both tenants/landlords and also mediation services are available through the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 593-8222 or http://dca.lacounty.gov. You may find additional information on tenant rights and download the booklet, California Tenant Rights, by visiting the California Department of Consumer Affairs at http://www.dca.ca.gov or by calling them at (800) 952-5210.
How do I obtain copies of City maps? Many maps are available for free on the City’s website – under the Community Development tab (http://www.accessduarte.com/CommunityDevelopment/maps). All City maps are available at the Community Development Department for a nominal fee.
Field Services How often does the sweeper come by my house? The street sweepers come by every other week. They regularly sweep directly following trash pick-up. The street sweeper schedule is located on the City website for convenient reference.
How often are my trees trimmed? The City trims trees every fourth year unless there is an obstruction or weather damage of some kind. If you feel you need your tree trimmed because of an unusual situation, please call so that we can go out and inspect and make a determination if the tree needs trimming before it’s scheduled time.
Water is leaking in front of my house, whom do I call? The City’s water provider is Cal-America Water. If you have a noticeable leak please call Cal Am at 888-422-5269.
The streetlight is out in front of my house, whom do I call? If you have a streetlight out or malfunctioning on your street, please call the Field Services Department at 626-357-7931 x205. Please note that our staff will call in the problem to Southern California Edison. SCE schedules a maintenance crew to remedy the problem.
|
