Below you will find frequently asked questions about our City and services. If you have a question that you do not see answered on this page, please email us at dking@cosb.org.
Choose a FAQ Category from the list below or scroll down the page to browse the questions and answers.
Choose an FAQ Category from the list below or scroll down the page to browse the questions and answers.
- General Questions
City Office locations, office hours, links for assistance, and other general questions. - City Council
General information regarding the City Council and meetings. - Open Bids or Proposals
How to get information about current projects open for public bidding. - Fire & Emergency Services
Where to get help and find resources before you have an emergency. - Human Resources
General information regarding the Human Resources Department and the hiring process. - Environmental Questions
Stormwater regulation compliance, Household Hazardous Waste, and other environmental concerns. - Engineering & Public Works
Questions about street lights, road conditions, sewer system, Capital Improvement Projects. - Traffic Engineering
Questions regarding traffic, streets and signage. - Questions, Comments & Concerns
Where to go if you have questions or concerns. - Sanitation
Frequently asked questions regarding sewer.
General Questions
- How can I get public records?
You can get public records by submitting a records request form to the City Clerk's office.
- Where do I go to get a copy of a birth certificate, marriage license or death certificate?
The County Clerk/Recorder/Assessor is the office that maintains birth certificates, marriage licenses and death certificates. They can be reached at 619-237-0502 or Office of Vital Records and Statistics.
- Where do I go to file a Fictitious Business Name?
The County Clerk/Recorder/Assessor is the office that processes Fictitious Business Names. They can be reached at 619-237-0502 or by going to http://arcc.co.san-diego.ca.us/arcc/services/fbn_info.aspx.
- Can I attend a committee or commission meeting?
Yes, all council appointed committees and commissions are open to the public. Please refer to the committee and commissions page for more information about the dates and times of meetings.
- How do I register to vote?
You can register to vote by filling out a form located at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/Ereg.html or by picking up a form at any Registrar of Voters, City Clerk office, DMV, Post Office or Library.
- Who can I contact about information about Fiesta Del Sol?
Chamber of Commerce at 858-755-4775. They are located at 210 Plaza Street in Solana Beach and are open Monday - Friday 9am-4pm.
- Who can I contact about renting space at the Farmer's Market?
Chamber of Commerce 858-755-4775.
- Where are your offices located?
City Hall main administration building is located at 635 South Highway 101, Solana Beach. From Interstate 5, exit Via de la Valle; turn and travel west to Highway 101; make a right turn onto Highway 101; City Hall offices are on the left.
- What are the hours at City Hall?
City Hall Hours: Mon. - Thur. 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Every other Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
City Council
- When and where are the City Council Meetings?
The City Council Meetings are on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Council Chamber located at City Hall at 635 South Highway 101 at 6:00 p.m.
- Where can I get a copy of the City Council Agenda?
The City Council Agenda is typically posted on the web in Agendas & Minutes-City Council a week before the meeting. You can also get a copy of the Agenda is located at the front desk at the Solana Beach City Hall or the City Library for the public to review. The City Hall is at 635 S. Highway 101 and the library is located at 157 Stevens Avenue, Solana Beach.
- Are the Council Meetings broadcast?
Yes, Meetings are broadcast LIVE on cable (Cox Channel 19 & Time Warner Channel 24) and online at the City's website.
Open Bids or Proposals
- What City Projects are currently open for public bidding?
You can check the City's website, Engineering Page, Current City Projects; or you can call the Engineering Department Administrative Assistant, Lori Borowski at 858-720-2471.
Fire & Emergency Services
- What happens when I call 911?
A dispatcher will answer the phone and begin asking you questions concerning your emergency. It is important for you to remain as calm as possible and follow any instructions the dispatcher may direct you in. While the dispatcher is speaking to you, information is being entered into the central dispatch computer which calls out the nearest appropriate resources for your emergency.
- What if I call from my cellular phone?
The process is similar but the routing of the call changes. When a 911 call is made from a wired phone, also referred to as a "land line", such as your home phone it is routed to the designated 911 dispatch center. In Solana Beach this is the Sheriffs Department. The call may then be routed to a secondary dispatcher depending on the nature of the emergency. When the call is made from a cellular phone it is routed to the dispatch center of the California Highway Patrol and routed again from there. Although the results may be the same this additional routing step may slow the process. Naturally you will use your cell phone when away from a wired phone but if you have a cell phone in one hand and your home phone in the other, you will probably get a quicker response with the same results using the home phone.
- When do I call 911?
The obvious answer to this would be when you have an emergency. The more obscure answer would include the timing of your call and your perception of what constitutes an emergency. Surely smoke and fire bellowing from the garage across the street would warrant a 911 call from anyone. But in many peoples minds there are gray areas about when to call. Many people would hesitate to call 911 reasoning that they will wait and see if the "problem" gets any worse. If you have a situation requiring immediate intervention from any type of emergency services, call 911 immediately. My good friend put it this way: Why do they build fire trucks with steering wheels? so you can turn them around if you don't need them. It is better to call for what you may need and not need them than to need them and not have asked for them.
- What do I do in traffic when I see an emergency vehicle approaching?
Whether the vehicle is approaching from the opposite direction or travelling in your same direction, you should proceed to the right edge of the roadway and come to a stop until all emergency vehicles have passed. Then proceed with caution back into the flow of traffic. It is against the law to follow within 300 feet of any emergency vehicle which is answering an emergency call. For further information contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles at www.dmv.ca.gov/dmv.htm
- What happens if the firefighters are at another emergency when I call 911?
This is not an uncommon occurrence and the dispatch system is well equipped to handle this situation. The dispatch computer has precalculated distance figures and response times to determine the next closest appropriate resources. This is one of many reasons that you may see emergency vehicles from one community passing through or responding in another.
Human Resources
- How can I find out about City of Solana Beach employment opportunities?
The City of Solana Beach notifies persons interested in employment by the following means:
On an as needed basis, advertisements may be placed in newspapers or professional journals to attract applicants with the required skills, training and experience.
- What positions are open?
For a list of our current positions, please click here.
- How long will positions be open?
Please read the job description for closing dates. In the rare occurrence that no closing date is specified, the position will be open until filled. When a position has been filled, it will be removed from all lists.
- When can I submit an employment application?
You may submit an employment application when the City of Solana Beach is actively recruiting. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application forms, though they may be submitted as a supplement to the application form. Please remember to sign your application.
- Can I apply online through your web site?
At this time, we do not have the capacity to receive your application online. We will gladly accept it in person or through the U.S. mail. Please ensure that your application arrives at our office by the application deadline listed on the job posting.
- Where and what hours can I apply for a position?
You may print and complete the application from the website and either bring it to City Hall at the address listed below during the regular business hours of 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. every other Friday (City Hall is closed on alternating Fridays).
Or mail it to the City of Solana Beach:
635 S. Hwy 101
Solana Beach, CA 92075
858-720-2400
- What can I expect in a City of Solana Beach interview process?
When competing for a classified position, expect to demonstrate your abilities in front of a diverse panel of at least three persons conducting a structured selection process. The selection process may include practical, job-related exercises as well as interview questions.
- Is there a medical examination?
There is a post offer pre-employment medical exam for regular positions, which includes a drug screen. There is also a fingerprint background check - all applicants are screened for criminal history.
- Who do I contact for more information?
You can reach the City of Solana Beach Human Resources department by calling 858- 720-2400. You may also send an email to the City's Confidential Human Resource Specialist, Pouneh Sammak at psammak@cosb.org.
Environmental Questions
- Where can I properly dispose of my Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?
Residents may properly dispose of HHW by having it picked up at your residence for a $10 co-pay; or you may drop off your HHW at one of two facilities (Poway or Vista). To schedule a pick up or drop off appointment, call 1-800-714-1195.
- How can I properly drain my pool for compliance with Stormwater regulations?
In compliance with regulations issued by the Regional Water Quality Control Board, residents may NOT drain pool water onto any City street. If you are connected to the City sewer system, you may drain your pool water into the sewer clean-out located on your property -- after neutralizing all chemicals and balancing the pH. If you are not connected to the City's sewer system, call the City's Environmental Specialist at 858-720-2477 to discuss options.
Engineering & Public Works
- How do I connect my property to the Sewer System?
1. Please visit the Engineering Department counter in City Hall to determine if the public sewer is near your property.
2. A sewer permit and construction permit is required to connect a private sewer lateral to the public sewer main.
3. Sewer permits are currently $4,500 per EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit = single family detached home). The annual sewer fee, which is assessed with the County property taxes, is currently $435.
4. For more information please contact the Engineering Department at 858-720-2470.
- What do I do if I have a failing septic system?
If you have a failing system you will either need to repair/replace your septic system or obtain a letter from the County Health Department or a private septic system company documenting your failing septic system and begin proceedings for connection to the public sewer system.
- Where is my property line? I thought the edge of the pavement was my property.
The edge of the pavement is not necessarily your property line. You can determine the actual boundaries of your properties by consulting records of survey or the legal description on your grant deed. From these documents a licensed surveyor can show you the actual boundaries of your property.
- How do property lines affect my setbacks?
To determine the required setbacks for your property, contact Community Development.
- Can I put a dumpster out in the street?
Before you can place a dumpster in the street or public right-of-way, you must obtain a temporary encroachment permit from the Engineering Department. Not all requests are approved. Consideration of public safety takes precedence.
- Where can I put up a fence and how tall can it be?
The fence must be installed entirely on your property. Consult with the Community Development Department for height restrictions. Fences cannot impede vehicular sight distance at intersections.
- Do I need a permit to do work in the public right-of-way, even if it is in on a unimproved shoulder?
Yes. To do work in the public right-of-way you will need to obtain an encroachment permit. Please contact Engineering.
- Can I put my basketball stand in the street or on the sidewalk?
Sorry! The City does not have any legal authority to allow a basketball stand in the street or sidewalk.
- Who can do work in the public right-of-way?
For standard construction, only a properly licensed and insured contractor may do work in the public right-of-way.
- Do I need a permit to install a driveway?
For the portion within the public right-of-way an encroachment permit is required.
- What are the requirements to remove/plant a tree in the public right-of-way?
Trees in the public right-of-way are considered public property. If you wish to remove a public tree you must first obtain a City Manager approval. A temporary encroachment permit is also required. If you wish to plant a tree in the public right-of-way you must first obtain a temporary encroachment permit and comply with the City's planting standards for trees.
- My neighbor is draining water onto my property, what can be done?
Unless the drainage problem is the result of a grading violation, the issue is a civil matter between you and your neighbor. For more information click to view "When A Grading Permit is Not Required". If you believe that the drainage problem is the result of a grading violation, please contact the Engineering Services Department.
- How much dirt can I put/move on my property before I need a grading permit?
See When do I need a grading permit? Please check with Planning for Zoning Code limits.
- When do I need a grading permit?
See When do I need a grading permit?
- What are the allowable times of grading operation?
Municipal Code Section 7.34.100 prohibits disturbing, excessive or offensive noise before 7:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and before 8:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, all day on Sunday and on certain holidays. Loading and transportation of earth from or to a site must be end by sunset.
- Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?
A permit is not required for walls that are 4 feet tall or shorter, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. The wall must be entirely on the property (not public right-of-way), including the footing. Contact Community Development for zoning height limits. A retaining wall may require a grading permit if it exceeds the threshold limits that trigger a grading permit. A retaining wall that requires a grading permit will be part of grading permit. Click to view When do I need a grading permit? in PDF format.
- How can I hook up to the water system?
Contact the Santa Fe Irrigation District at 858-756-2424.
- How do I get Phone, Electricity, Gas and Cable TV?
Contact the individual utility companies or click here to visit our utilities page that includes links to each of these companies. An Encroachment Permit will be required.
- Are there any easements affecting my property?
The City has records for some public easements, but a preliminary title report prepared by a title insurance company is the preferred source. Title reports are included with the title policy acquired in purchasing a property.
Traffic Engineering
- How can I get a stop sign installed in my neighborhood?
City Council adopted the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, establishing guidelines to implement traffic calming measures. Stop sign requests, along with other traffic calming requests, must be in writing on a "Community Action Request" form.
- How can I get potholes in the street repaired?
Call Public Works at 858-720-2470.
- How can I get my street re-striped?
Call Public Works at 858-720-2470.
- A traffic sign has been knocked down, how can I get it fixed?
Call Public Works at 858-720-2470.
- A City streetlight has burned out, how can I get it fixed?
Call Public Works at 858-720-2470.
- A traffic signal light bulb is out, how can I get it fixed?
Call Public Works at 858-720-2470.
- How can I get my street re-paved?
The City Council a allocated a certain amount of money annually for street pavement overlay projects. The Engineering Services Department coordinates the street overlay program. To find out if your street is scheduled for pavement overlay or to request that your street be added to the street overlay program, call Public Works at 858-720-2470.
- How can I get speed bumps or other traffic calming devices installed
City Council adopted the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, establishing guidelines to implement traffic calming measures. Speed hump requests, along with other traffic calming requests, must be in writing on a "Community Action Request" form. See Neighborhood Traffic Management Program for more information.
- How can I get copies of radar (speed) surveys?
You may obtain copies of radar surveys by calling the Engineering Department at 858-720-2470 or stop by the Engineering/Planning Counter at City Hall.
- How can I request that a radar survey be performed?
Speed surveys are done every seven years on streets posted more than 25 mph. The last radar survey was done in 2002. All of these records are public documents. If you believe there is a speeding problem on your streets, please call the Sheriff's Department (Traffic Division) at 760-966-3500 to request enforcement.
- I believe that a traffic signal is malfunctioning, how can I get it fixed?
If a traffic signal is malfunctioning, please call the Engineering Department at 858-720-2470. During non-business hours, if a malfunctioning light is creating a traffic hazard, please contact the Sheriff's Department at 760-966-3500.
- How can I get a Transportation Permit? What information do I need?
Transportation permits are required for all oversized ("wide load") and overweight vehicles. Click here to download the Transportation Permit Application in PDF format. All required information is listed on the permit application. All trucks must used established truck routes and if delivering off of a truck route, you must use the most direct route to the site.
- When do I need a Haul Route Permit and how do I get one?
Haul Route Permits are required in association with grading permits to haul dirt or when five or more haul trips are required for your project (e.g., removing demolition material). Click here to download an application for a Haul Route Permit in PDF format.
- How can I get copies of traffic-related documents?
For traffic-related documents such as radar surveys, traffic studies, Traffic Safety Commission minutes, call the Engineering Department at 858-720-2470 or stop by the Engineering/Planning Counter at City Hall. Call the Sheriff's Department at 760-966-3500 for copies of accident reports.
- How can I get the curb painted red next to my driveway?
All requests for curb paint must go to the Engineering Department. Generally, the City does not paint red curbs for private driveways unless the property use generates more than 100 vehicle trips per day.
- How can I get streetlights installed on my street?
For more information about streetlights, please click here for information on Street Light Requests.
Questions, Comments & Concerns
- I have concerns about something coming up on a City Council Agenda.
If you have questions, comment or concern about an item on the next City Council Meeting Agenda, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 858-720-2400. Comments may be received up to the day of the meeting.
- I want to let City Management know what happened...
If you want to inform City Management regarding a specific incident, or concern, please call the City Manager's Office at 858-720-2430.
Sanitation
- Who owns the sewer line from my property line to the street?
You own it. Before altering or repairing it, please call the Solana Beach Sanitation Department/Engineering Department at 858-720-2470.
- Will the City of Solana Beach Sanitation District fix my sewer backup problem?
We occasionally receive calls for this service. We would like to help, but the District maintains only the main sewer lines in the street. Property owners are responsible for the building lateral, which connects your residence or business to the main line in the street.
- What is the principal cause of sewer backups?
Most of the time, sewer backups are due to tree roots that grow into and clog the lines.
- How can I avoid sewer backup problems?
There are simple measures you can take to maintain your sewer line in optimum
condition.
Don't pour grease down your drains.
Dispose of grease with your trash.
Snake Your Line to Remove Roots, But Call Us Before Doing It. Call a reputable plumber if you have clogged lines. If the plumber snakes your line, call us first so we can catch the root ball as it is pushed into the main sewer. This will prevent sewer overflows that could backflow to your home.
No Teddy Bears in the toilet. Make sure to remind the kids that large items (teddy bears, diapers, toy cars, etc.) don't belong down the toilet. Sometimes this is the problem.
Identify where the cleanouts (access points) to your sewer line are and keep them accessible in case a plumber needs to access them. Typically, they are near the house in a garden area, in the driveway, or possibly even in the garage.
If you have chronic root problems, one possible solution is the removal of trees or plants that may be the culprits.
