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1. How many sets of plans do I need to submit for a building permit?

For detailed information on plan sets and submittal requirements, please see the Building Permit Application Information and FAQ.
Building Permit Application and FAQ

2. How do I schedule an inspection?

To request an inspection, please call (415) 435-8915. As long as the inspection request is called in before midnight, an inspection may be performed the very next working day. No inspections are performed during the weekends or holidays, and no construction is permitted on those days.

3. How can I find out if my property is located in a floodplain?

Please visit the Flood Smart website for floodplain information.

4. What does the City charge for various permits?

The City updates its Master Schedule of Fees, Charges, and Application Fees regularly. Updates are adopted by the City Council at a Public Hearing. A copy of updated Fee Schedule is posted on the City website.

Master Schedule of Fees and Charges DTD 02112023

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1. Where and when does the City Council meet?

Regular meetings of the City Council are held on the second Monday of each month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are held at City Hall Council Chambers located at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920. Visit the Agenda Center for Agendas

2. How can I contact a Council Member?

To contact a member of City Council, please contact City Hall at (415) 435-3838. You can also contact them through the City Clerk.

3. Where can I see filed Statements of Economic Interests for elected City officials?

The elected officials identified in Sec. 87200 CGC who file statements of economic interests with the Belvedere City Clerk are the five members of the Belvedere City Council. Copies may be obtained by visiting the offices of the Fair Political Practices Commission (428 J St., Ste. 620, Sacramento, CA 95814) or the office of the City Clerk (450 San Rafael Ave., Belvedere, CA 94920). Statements of economic interests for some state and local government agency elected officers may be available in an electronic format on the Commission's Internet Web site.

4. Where can I get a copy of an agenda?

Agendas are available at least 72 hours before most meetings. You can pick up a copy at Belvedere City Hall, 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, or view the agenda packet online. Visit the Agenda Center

5. How do I request copies of City documents?

Public records requests may be made in person, via phone, fax or email, or using the online records request form. For more information please visit: Belvedere Public Records Requests

6. How do I submit a problem or suggestion about the City's website?

We would love to hear your feedback on any issues or suggestions for improvement on our site. Please submit your comments using the Website Suggestion Form

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1. What salary benefits do Council Members receive?

None. Belvedere Council Members, Commissioners, and Committee Members are elected or appointed volunteers.

2. What does the City charge for various permits?

The City updates its Master Schedule of Fees, Charges, and Application Fees regularly. Updates are adopted by the City Council at a Public Hearing. A copy of updated Fee Schedule is posted on the City website.

Master Schedule of Fees and Charges DTD 02112023

3. Where can I find the City budget?

Copies of the Budget can be obtained at City Hall or are available for download in the Archive Center. Archive Center - Annual Operating Budgets

4. Is the City ever audited?

The City conducts an Annual Audit. Copies of the Audit can be obtained at City Hall or are available for download via the Archive Center. Archive Center - Annual City Audits

5. How much are employees paid?

Every year, the City Council adopts Salary and Benefit Resolutions for public safety (police officers) and local miscellaneous (everyone else). The Resolutions details the salaries for all staff positions as well as details of particular benefits. The detail in each Resolution is by staff position, the City Budget contains the specific salary step for each employee. Salary and Benefit Resolutions as well as the City Budget are available at City Hall or available for download via the Archive Center.

Archive Center - Salary and Benefit Resolutions for Public Safety
Archive Center - Salary and Benefit Resolutions for Local Miscellaneous
Archive Center - City Budgets

Archive Center

6. How do I view any open jobs?

View job openings here

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1. How can I contact a Planning Commissioner?

To contact a member of the Planning Commission, please call City Hall at (415) 435-3838. Commission members can also be contacted through the Planning Commission page HERE.

CLICK HERE for Agendas

2. Where and when does the Planning Commission meet?

Regular meetings of the Planning Commission are on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are held in the City Hall Council Chambers located at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920.

3. Where does the Historic Preservation Committee meet?

The committee meets on as as-needed basis. The Committee typically meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm, at Belvedere City Hall, located at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920 Visit the Agenda Center for Agendas

4. Where can I find forms and applications?

All forms and applications are available at City Hall. Most forms and applications are also available on the City's website. View Plannig Forms & Applications

5. Can I remove a large tree on my property?

Trees in Belvedere are protected by the Design Review Ordinance because they will often provide screening, privacy, and shade. Also, many trees were planted in connection with an approved Design Review permit as "conditions of approval." Before removing a large tree, contact the City's Planning Department and/or review the City's Tree Removal Guide for more details. Tree Removal Guide

6. What does the City charge for various permits?

The City updates its Master Schedule of Fees, Charges, and Application Fees regularly. Updates are adopted by the City Council at a Public Hearing. A copy of updated Fee Schedule is posted on the City website.

Master Schedule of Fees and Charges DTD 02112023

7. My application for Design Review was deemed "incomplete." What does that mean?

In 1977, the State of California passed the Permit Streamlining Act. The California Permit Streamlining Act provides that the City has 30 days for an initial review of an application for development. This is called the "completeness" review. All planning applications go through a "completeness" review - some more than once. At the end of the initial review period, the project planner will deem your application either "Complete" or "Incomplete." If it is deemed "incomplete," the planner will send you a list of items required to complete your application. These items may include additional details on the plans, survey information, neighbor-consent, fees, etc.

If a written determination of completeness is not made within 30 days after receipt of the application, and the application is for a development permit, the application is automatically deemed complete under the Act. Planners review multiple submissions at a time, each with its own 30-day clock ticking. Any application received is put into priority cue for review as there may be other applications received prior that have a shorter time-table left for review.

Upon receipt of a resubmittal of the application, a new 30-day review period begins during which the planner reviews the application anew. In most cases, the second review period will result in a complete application. However, some applications are resubmitted without addressing some of the original issues. Or answers to the first completeness review raised additional issues that need to be addressed preventing a complete application. For example, if during the first review the submitted plans did not have elevation and contour lines allowing a clear indication of height - it might be deemed incomplete. If after the resubmittal this information is included and now the planner is able to determine that the building height will exceed that which is allowed under the City Code without a Variance, the application will again be deemed incomplete because a Variance application is now necessary. Without the contour lines and elevations shown on the first set of submittals, the planner is unable to make an assessment of accurate and documented height so the issue of needing a Variance does not arise. However, upon the resubmittal, with the additional detail, it becomes readily apparent that a Variance would be required unless the building is reduced in height. Therefore, the application must be deemed incomplete until a companion Variance application is submitted.

Pursuant to the Act, determinations of completeness may be appealed. However, appeals often will delay processing of the application even further and it is recommended that applicants meet with the planner one-on-one to get a thorough understanding of what is necessary in order to make the application complete.

8. I am planning a major remodel, do I need Design Review?

These are fairly broad concepts that impact a project at very finite levels. In most cases, any large development project (remodel or rebuild) will trigger Design Review. In addition, many small projects will trigger City review, but may be exempt from formal Design Review.

Before launching a project - talk with the City's planning staff - (415) 435-3838. Contact planning staff.

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1. How do I sign up for AlertMarin?

Go to AlertMarin.org or click here to register.

2. How do I contest a parking citation?

Parking Citation Information

To pay for a parking citation, you may search by Citation number or Notice number.  Your citation number is located on the original ticket or on the Notice of Parking Violation. To search by Citation number, you will need both Citation number and time of violation.  YOU MUST INCLUDE THE TWO LETTER CITY CODE "BV". To search by Notice Number, you will need the Notice number (located on Notice of Parking Citation) and the 5-digit Zip Code.

Click here to search for your citation

Citation Payment Options

The Authority recognizes and understands that it is never pleasant to receive a parking citation, and we hope that the following information assists in handling your citation:

Pay by Mail

To pay by mail, make a personal check, money order or cashier's check made payable to: the City of Perris for the amount indicated. Write the citation issue number and license plate number on the front of the check or money order. Enclose the citation with the check or money order. An envelope is provided at the time a citation is issued; however, if the envelope is lost or misplaced, the payment for the citation can be sent to:

Marin Parking Authority
Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 10479
NEWPORT BEACH, CA 92658-0479

Pay by Phone

Call (toll-free) (800) 989-2058.
Payments can also be made using VISA, MasterCard, Discover or AMEX 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Pay Online

Visit the Citation Processing Center website 
Payments can also be made using VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or AMEX 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Payment Plan Options (California State Legislature AB 503, AB 2544 “indigent”)

A person is “Indigent” if they meet any of the following conditions:

• The person receives public benefits from any of the programs listed in subdivision (a) of Section 68632 of the Government Code.
  Government Code Section 68632(a):
   - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
   - California Work Opportunity (CalWorks)
   - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps)
   - County Relief, General Relief (GR) or General Assistance (GA)
   - Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind and Disabled Legal immigrants
   - In-Home Supportive Service (IHSS)
   - Medi-Cal
• The person meets the income criteria set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 68632 of the Government Code.
  Government Code Section 68632 Section (b):
  An applicant whose monthly income is 125 percent or less of the current poverty guidelines updated periodically in the Federal Register by the United States Department of Health and Human Service.

Proof of Indigence

The person may demonstrate that he or she is indigent by providing either of the following information, as applicable:

• Proof of income from a pay stub or another form of proof of earnings, such as a bank statement that shows the individual meets the income criteria set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 68632 of the Government Code.
• Proof of receipt of benefits under the programs described in subdivision (a) of Section 68632 of the Government Code.  Proof of receipt will consist of a copy of the most recent Verification of benefits form, Notice of Action (Approval) Letter or Award Letter

**If person has no income or does not receive Public Assistance, a copy of their yearly earnings from the Social Security Department is required for proof**

To submit an indigent payment plan request, please visit the Citation Processing Center website

3. Where is the Belvedere Police Department?

The Belvedere Police Department is located on the lower level of Belvedere City Hall at 450 San Rafael Avenue, Belvedere, CA 94920.

4. What are the Police Department business hours?

The Police Department's business hours take place between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday through Thursday.

5. How do I contact police personnel?

In an emergency please dial 9-1-1. For non-emergencies, please call (415) 435-3266.

6. What is MERA?

The Marin Emergency Radio Authority (MERA) provides a crucial communications delivery system that is interoperable between public agencies in order to efficiently and effectively facilitate critical (emergency) communications. This system helps unify public safety response and ensures communication among individual agencies and departments. The system of 17 base station radio and receiver sites provides regional or countywide radio communications among dispatch centers and mobile units throughout the county. Visit meraonline.org

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1. When do I need an encroachment permit?

An encroachment permit is required any time work is performed within the public rights of way (ROW). This includes any work or portion of work taking place in the ROW, including replacement, excavation or repair work on driveways, sidewalks and the street. In addition, work on private property that requires delivering, moving, storing or staging equipment, tools, materials, debris boxes, tree work vehicles, and so on within the ROW requires an encroachment permit. An encroachment permit is also required any time an oversize vehicle will be used on the streets of the Island portion of the City. Applications for encroachment permits can be made online here.

2. How often does the city clean the public steps and lanes?

City Public Works staff clean and trim vegetation from the lanes twice per year. They are maintained once in the late spring following the rains and growth of weeds and trees, then again in the late fall after all the leaves have dropped.

3. When will my street be swept?

Belvedere streets are swept in zones. For details on the City's Street Maintenance Programs, please visit the street maintenance web page.

4. How do I report a street light outage?

Please contact DC Electric to report a street light outage on their 24-hour Emergency Repair Phone Line: 1-707-992-0141 or Toll Free 1-866-523-8386. You may also email street light repair requests' to dispatch@dcelectricgroup.com or click HERE for online reporting.  

5. There is a tree on City property that I would like trimmed or removed. Whom do I speak with?

Trimming of trees on public property require City approval in advance of any work conducted and will trigger an Encroachment Permit requirement. Removal of trees on public property is a multi-step process, including notification of neighbors. For more detail, contact the City's Public Works Department at (415) 435-3838, email Scott Derdenger, and/or review the City's Tree Ordinance. Tree Ordinance

6. What does the City charge for various permits?

The City updates its Master Schedule of Fees, Charges, and Application Fees regularly. Updates are adopted by the City Council at a Public Hearing. A copy of updated Fee Schedule is posted on the City website.

Master Schedule of Fees and Charges DTD 02112023

7. How do I find out about Road Closures?

The City posts Road Closures on a Road Closure Calendar on the City's Website. You can subscribe to the Road Closure Calendar and you will get an automatic notification when new closures are going to occur. Notices of roadway encroachments are sent out weekly via the City's News Flash. You can subscribe to the Public Works News Flash as well and you will get an automatic notification.

To subscribe to News Flashes and/or the Road Closure Calendar, visit the Notify Me section on the City's website, enter your email address and select the information you would like to receive. Be sure to set your spam filter to allow emails from "listserv@civicplus.com."

Notify Me

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1. What is utility underground?

Existing overhead utilities (phone, cable TV, internet and electric) are replaced by a system that is essentially underground. Wires for these utilities are run through conduits in streets, lanes, and easements. Utility poles are eliminated. Service wires from homes and businesses in an underground district must also be placed underground. More Details on Undergrounding

2. What are the advantages to utility underground?

Removing overhead utilities eliminates the visual blight of utility poles with crossarms, wires, transformers, and associated hardware. Besides the aesthetic improvement to the general neighborhood, some properties can realize significant view enhancements. Many feel that undergrounding will increase property values throughout the local community.

As more and more utilities are undergrounded, the reliability of these services improves. Without protection from storms, wind, and earthquakes, poles and wires can fall causing personal injury and damage. They can also block roads at a time when emergency vehicles need neighborhood access. More Details on Undergrounding

3. Who pays for utility underground?

Most of the costs are borne by the property owners in an undergrounding district. More Details on Undergrounding