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City Clerk

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1. What are the requirements to qualify as a candidate for a local election?

To qualify for a local election you must be a U.S. citizen and a registered voter in the City of Soledad.

2. Where can I view City Council agendas?

City Council agendas can be viewed on this website. Agendas are also posted at City Hall:
248 Main St.
Soledad, CA 93960

3. How can I serve on a council appointed committee?

To serve on a council appointed board, commission or committee, one must be a current resident of the City of Soledad and submit an application to the City Clerk's Office:
248 Main St.
P.O. Box 156
Soledad, CA 93960

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City Manager

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1. How can I speak to the City Manager?

You may contact the City Manager by calling (831) 223-5014.

2. What are the responsibilities of the Soledad City Manager?

The City Manager works closely with all elected officials of the City. The City Manager oversees all functions of the city. Office members prepare agendas and agenda reports for City Council meetings, attends all City Council meetings and serves as the final administrative level for all personnel matters. Soledad's City Manager also serves as the executive director of the Redevelopment Agency. The City Manager is also the City Clerk for the City of Soledad.

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Community and Economic Development Department

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1. Do I need a permit?

A phone call to the Planning and Code Enforcement Division is the best way to find out if you need a permit. You can contact them at (831) 223-5041 for more information.

2. How do I file a complaint?

The purpose of the Planning and Code Enforcement Division is to protect the public health, safety and welfare in existing buildings used for dwelling purposes. The department administers and enforces sections of the City of Soledad’s Code of Ordinances. Some of the common complaints reported by citizens include abandoned houses and vehicles, structural defects in dwellings, and appliances or junk stored on property. Concerned citizens are encouraged to telephone the Planning and Code Enforcement Division at (831) 223-5041 to file a complaint.

3. What kind of financial assistance can the city provide?

Business Assistance If your business is located in within the Salinas Valley Enterprise Zone, there may be financial assistance available. For more information, visit www.salinasvalleyez.com. Through the Micro Business Loan Program, the city also offers a variety of “gap” financing options for qualified business start-ups or expansion opportunities. We offer a Business Façade Program and a have just opened a Small Business Development Center at Soledad to assist the business community in making their business excel! For more information on these lending / training options, visit the Economic Development Webpage, or call (831) 223-5063. Currently, the Housing Division offers a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program and a Residential Façade Grant Program, and is looking to expand by offering a First-Time Homebuyer Program (FTHB). Staff plans to submit a grant application to the State Department of Housing and Community Development to fund a FTHB program through the HOME Investment Partnerships Grant Program. The FTHB Program will complement the city’s participation in the Neighborhood Stabilization Homeownership Program (NSHP) by offering purchase price assistance to qualified first-time homebuyer families for the purchase of foreclosed homes throughout the city’s designated target area. For more information, please contact Miriam Solis at (831) 223-5063 or via email at MSolis@cityofsoledad.com.

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Finance Department

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1. How do I request new utility services?

If you would like to sign up for the City's Utilities (water, sewer, garbage and sanitation), please fill out a Request for Utility Services Form. Once completed, you may submit the form by fax to (831) 678-3965, drop it off at City Hall or mail it to: City of Soledad, Attn: Finance Dept., PO Box 156, Soledad, CA 93960. If you have any questions, please call us at (831) 223-5000.

2. How do I discontinue my utility services?

If you would like to discontinue your Utilities (water, sewer, garbage and sanitation), please fill out a Discontinuation of Utility Services Request Form. Once completed, you may submit the form by fax to (831) 678-3965, drop it off at City Hall or mail it to: City of Soledad, Attn: Finance Dept., PO Box 156, Soledad, CA 93960. If you have any questions, please call us at (831) 223-5000.

3. How do I change my billing address with the City?

To change your billing address, please fill out a Change of Billing Address Request Form. Once completed, you may submit the form by fax to (831) 678-3965, drop it off at City Hall or mail it to: City of Soledad, Attn: Finance Dept., PO Box 156, Soledad, CA 93960. If you have any questions, please call us at (831) 223-5000.

4. Can I change my garbage can sizes?

Yes, if you would like to request a change to your services, please fill out a Garbage Service Change Request Form. Once completed, you may submit the form by fax to (831) 678-3965, drop it off at City Hall or mail it to: City of Soledad, Attn: Finance Dept., PO Box 156, Soledad, CA 93960. If you have any questions, please call us at (831) 223-5000.

5. Can I pay my utility bill online?

Utility bills cannot be paid online at this time. We hope to be providing that service for our customers soon.

6. Do I need a business license?

Yes, you need a business license if you are conducting any business within the city limits of Soledad. Please read our information about obtaining a business license in the City of Soledad or call (831) 223-5070 for more information.

7. Does my dog need a license?

Yes, if you live within City limits, your dog(s) must have a license. Please read our information about dog licenses for the City of Soledad or call (831) 223-5070 for more information.

8. Why did my utility bill increase?

For questions about utility rates, please call (831) 223-5170.

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Fire Department

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1. How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?

Smoke alarm batteries should be changed at least once a year, or sooner if the low battery alarm comes on.

2. How often should I change the battery in my smoke detector?

A good rule of thumb is to change the batteries each time we change our clocks for Daylight Savings Time, or sooner if necessary. The occasional chirping noise you might hear is indicating that the smoke alarm battery is low. In this case the battery should be changed right away.

3. When is the Fire Department staff on duty?

There is always a minimum of two firefighters on duty, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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Fire Department | 2-1-1

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1. What is 2-1-1?

2-1-1 is a toll-free telephone number which connects callers with trained referral specialists. Callers can find out where to go for community services such as counseling, emergency shelters, parenting classes, and legal aid.

2. How do I use 2-1-1?

If you need help, but don’t know who to call, start with 2-1-1. Tell the call specialist what type of service you are looking for. You will be given contact information for organizations that provide the type of service you are seeking.

3. How much does it cost to call 2-1-1?

There is no fee for calling 2-1-1 beyond the cost of your usual calling plan.

4. What is 2-1-1 used for?

2-1-1 is used for day-to-day community service needs. It is also used during times of disaster response to help disseminate useful information.

5. Who runs 2-1-1?

In Monterey County, a collaboration of many organizations worked together to develop 2-1-1. These organizations include the county government, local foundations, First 5 California, the United Way, and nonprofit service agencies.

6. Who answers the 2-1-1 calls?

United Way Monterey County has contracted with a 2-1-1 call center located in Ventura County. Trained call specialists have years of experience answering 2-1-1 calls, and will be using information collected and updated by United Way Monterey County staff.

7. Who pays for 2-1-1?

2-1-1 Monterey County has a broad base of public, nonprofit and private funding. Initial contributors include:

• Community Foundation for Monterey County


• County Department of Social and Employment Services


• County Health Department


• Driscolls


• Language Line Services


• Monterey Peninsula Foundation


• United Way Monterey County

8. Can I use 2-1-1 wherever I go?

2-1-1 is now available to over 77 percent of the population nationwide. Within California, 2-1-1 services are organized at the county level, and have been established in much of the Bay Area and Southern California.

9. What if I don’t speak English?

The 2-1-1 service is available in 150 languages at no charge to the caller. Many of the call specialists speak Spanish, and interpretation services are available for other languages.

10. What if I am hearing impaired?

The 2-1-1 service is TTY capable for the hearing impaired.

11. When did 2-1-1 phone service become available in Monterey County?

2-1-1 Monterey County was launched on February 11, 2009.

12. How much does it cost to run 2-1-1 in Monterey County?

The budget for 2-1-1 is about $350,000 per year. This is less than one dollar per resident.

13. What if someone calls that is in crisis?

Call specialists are trained to handle crisis calls and can make direct transfers to crisis lines or the local 9-1-1.

14. Can I call 2-1-1 any time?

2-1-1 calls are answered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

15. What can I expect when I call 2-1-1?

1. Callers will be greeted with a recording that gives them a choice of English or Spanish.
2. Live call specialists will ask how they can help.
3. The caller will be asked a few questions about type of service, location, and personal demographic information.
4. Callers will be given contact information for organizations that seem to best fit their needs.

16. Why does the operator ask me questions about who I am?

In order to understand and address community needs, some information is collected from callers. This information is useful to funders and service providers.

17. Why is there a rainbow stripe on the 2-1-1 publicity material?

The diversity band represents the wide variety of people and services brought together by the 2-1-1 system.

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Fire Department | Safely Surrendered Baby Law

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1. Where are Safe Haven sites in Soledad?

The City of Soledad Fire Department is the only Safe Haven site in South County:
525 Monterey St.
Soledad, CA 93960

2. What is the Safely Surrendered Baby Law?

The Safely Surrendered Baby Law allows a parent or person with lawful custody to surrender a baby confidentially, without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment. This law allows for at least a 14-day cooling off period, which begins the day the child is voluntarily surrendered. During this period, the person who surrendered the child can return to the hospital to reclaim the child.

3. How does it work?

A parent who is unable or unwilling to care for an infant can legally and confidentially surrender their baby within three days of birth. Babies may be surrendered to any public or private hospital emergency room in California. A bracelet will be placed on the baby for identification and a matching bracelet will be given to the parent. The bracelet will help identify the child if the parent changes their mind during the cooling off period. A newborn can be safely surrendered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

4. Can only a parent bring in the baby?

The law allows the parent or any adult having legal custody of the infant to legally, confidentially and safely surrender the infant without fear of criminal prosecution.

5. Does the parent have to call before bringing in the baby?

No, a parent or adult having legal custody can bring a baby to the station any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

6. What information needs must be given to the individuals accepting the infant?

Nothing is required. Fire Department personnel will give the parent a medical information questionnaire designed to gather family medical history, which would be useful in caring for the child. It is up to the parent if they wish to give any additional information concerning the baby.

7. What happens to the baby?

The baby will be examined and given medical treatment, if needed. The infant will receive a confidentially-coded ankle bracelet and placed in a foster or pre-adoptive home by the County Department of Public and Social Services.

8. What happens to the parent?

Once the parent or surrendering person has safely surrendered the baby, they are free to go.

9. What happens if a parent wants the baby back?

Under the law, a parent or surrendering person has 14 days to reclaim the baby. They should bring their copy of the coded bracelet back to the surrender site.

10. Why is California doing this?

The purpose of the Safely Surrendered Baby Law is to protect infants from abandonment. Abandoning an infant puts the child in extreme danger and is also illegal. The new law helps prevent exposing the child to the risks of abandonment, and helps protect the parent from prosecution for criminal child abandonment. Under this new law, no one ever has to abandon a child again.

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Fire Department | Smoke Detectors

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1. Why smoke detectors and not heat detectors?

Smoke and deadly gases tend to spread faster and farther than heat, which is why an operating smoke detector is so important to have. Most fire related deaths are from the effects of smoke and deadly gases. A smoke detector will automatically sound a warning when it senses smoke or other products of combustion.

2. How many smoke detectors should I have?

There should be at least one smoke detector in every bedroom and one outside in the hallway. You should also install one detector on each level of the home if you have a second floor or basement.

3. Where is the proper location for smoke detectors?

The proper location for a smoke detector is generally on the ceiling at least four inches out from the wall. If a smoke detector must be placed on a wall, install it at least four inches down from the ceiling but no lower than 12 inches from the ceiling.

4. How are smoke detectors powered?

Some smoke detectors are generally powered by a 9-volt battery, or through the home's electrical system.

5. Who should install my smoke detector?

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. Please follow all the manufacturer's instructions when installing a smoke detector.

6. How do I test my smoke detector?

Push the test button on a detector or test them with smoke. You can test a smoke detector by blowing out a flame from a match or candle, and letting the smoke drift up. Never test a smoke detector with a flame!

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Human Resources

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1. Where can I submit my employment application?

Employment Applications can be submitted by mail, fax or email. To email your application, please send it to the Human Resources Department. To fax your application, please send it to (831) 678-3965. To mail your application, please send it to:
248 Main Street
P.O. Box 156
Soledad, CA 93960

2. I recently submitted an application and want to know the status. Will someone call me personally?

It takes approximately two weeks after the recruitment closes before the prescreening process is complete and letters are sent either via postal mail or email, notifying applicants whether or not they will continue to the next step in the process. We do not contact applicants personally by phone unless the e-mail address and/or postal address provided on the application are invalid. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact Human Resources at (831) 223-5013.

3. Do I have to submit a hard copy application for a job posting?

Hard copies of applications are still required at this time. You can e-mail or fax an application to us, but we ask that you please submit a hard copy because originals are required to safeguard against application materials being lost. If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at (831) 223-5013.

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Police Department

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1. Can I obtain a copy of my arrest report?

No. Section 6254 of the California Government Code prohibits the release of an arrest record to the subject of the arrest. You are entitled to a copy of this record, but not through the arresting agency. You need to contact the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, who will provide a copy to your defense attorney or public defender.

2. Do police officers serve civil subpoenas or court orders?

No. Our officers are required by law to serve only domestic violence related orders. Any other civil orders or subpoenas should be served by a process server or another civilian, not a party to the case.

3. How can I find out if someone has been arrested?

The Soledad Police Department allows the arrested person up to three phone calls to notify a family member or friend of his / her arrest. A public information log is posted and updated weekly in our lobby.

4. Do police officers serve civil subpoenas or court orders such as small claims against persons, evictions notices or marriage dissolution type of court documents?

No. Our agency’s officers are required by law to serve only Domestic Violence related orders. Any other civil orders or subpoenas should be served either by a process server or another civilian not a party to the case.

5. Can parking violation citations be paid at the police department?

No. An envelope is provided and attached to each parking citation for the registered owner’s convenience. Because there is a grace period between the date of issuance and the date the fine is due, it is the responsibility of the registered owner to pay the fine by the end of the due date. If the fine is paid after the due date a late penalty may be assessed.

6. How can I obtain a copy of a police report?

Providing there are no restrictions or conditions for the release of a record, you may request a copy of a report you are a party to or directly involved in. There is a $5.00 fee for reports and it may take up to five business days to have the report ready for pick up.

7. Can I file a police report over the telephone or does an officer need to come to my house?

Police reports filed over the telephone are usually taken when the reporting party is out of town. The dispatch operator or records staff member taking the call determine if your report can be handled over the phone or if you will need to meet with the officer in person. This can be at the police station, your home or another location within the city’s jurisdiction.

8. When is the Soledad Police Department open?

The Police Department as a whole is open 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week. The Records Division is open Everyday 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, except for holidays.

9. I was told I need a police “case number.” How do I get one?

Police case numbers are only issued when an official investigation and report is made. In order to get a case number, therefore, you need to file a report. You may come to the police department at any time of the day or night, or you can call police dispatch (831) 755-5111 and have an officer come to where you are if you are in the City or reasonably close by. In some cases, for some kinds of reports, the officer can take the information over the telephone. After the report is taken, you should ask the officer for their name, badge number, and the case number for your records.

10. How do I get a case number for something I’ve already reported?

The best thing to do is to write it down, as well as get the name of the officer, when you make your report. However, you can get a case number by calling the Records Division at (831) 223-5120 between 7:00 and to 6:00 pm. We need to know what kind of an incident occurred, and the date, time and location to look it up for you.

11. How can I find out when I’m supposed to be in Court?

You may contact the Monterey County Superior Court, Salinas branch at (831) 775-5400 for criminal cases and (831) 883-5370 for traffic.

12. Do I need a bicycle license? How do I get one?

Bring your bicycle to the police department and for a $1.00 fee a bicycle license will be issued to you. A bike license is very useful in identifying your bicycle later if it’s lost or stolen.

13. I lost my copy of a “fix-it” ticket/citation. How do I get a duplicate?

If you come in personally and properly identify yourself, we will make an attempt to locate the citation and provide you with a copy or refer you to court to obtain a copy of your citation.

14. My car got towed. How can I find out where it is?

You can call us anytime at (831) 755-5111 or (831) 223-5120. We need to know the license plate number or VIN (vehicle identification number), when, and from where it was towed.

15. How can I get a restraining order?

A restraining order is a civil process, where the person seeking the order makes and application to a magistrate to temporarily restrain, or restrict another person from doing something that would otherwise be perfectly legal behavior. While the obtaining of a restraining order is a private process, there are numerous resources available to people, especially in cases of domestic violence, to make the process straightforward and workable. While in some cases the police may apply for an emergency protective order for someone, it is a temporary solution only, and the regular process needs to be set into motion as soon as possible.

16. How can I tell if my restraining order is still valid?

The expiration of a restraining order is listed on its face. If you no longer have your copy, but can identify yourself to us as being the protected party, we will tell you if the order is still in force and effect.

17. My (ex) husband/wife violated a restraining order, but wasn’t arrested. How come?

The decision to file charges against someone under 166.4 or other sections of the Penal Code regarding violation of court orders is a decision by the District Attorney, not the police department. Our function is to document and assemble evidence and forward it to the District Attorney for evaluation and further action. If you have a specific question about a case, we suggest you contact the involved officer directly.

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Police Department | Investigations

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1. What happens to my case now that I have made a police report?

Each investigation is unique, generally the following happens:

• The police report is assigned to an investigating officer.


• The investigating officer sends the case to the District Attorney's Office for a complaint against the suspect.


• At this point, charges are filed, or the case is sent back to the department for further investigation.

2. I am the victim of a robbery, will an investigating officer contact me?

Yes. We consider the crime of robbery to be a very serious matter. It is critical for you, as the victim or witness, to give the police officers as detailed a description as possible. If you recall additional facts after the initial interview, please contact the Investigations Unit at (831) 223-5165. We view you as an integral part of the team to prosecute these offenders.

3. All my personal identification and credit cards were taken, what do I do?

Contact all of your credit card companies immediately and have your credit cards cancelled. To limit the illegal use of your information, contact the following companies as soon as possible:

• Equifax - (800) 525-6285


• Experian - (800) 397-3742


• TransUnion - (800) 680-7289


• Social Security - (800) 269-0271

4. My car / home was broken into and my wallet was stolen. What actions should I take?

Do not touch anything and immediately contact the police. It is important to protect your identity when items containing your name and personal information are lost or stolen. The Office of the Attorney General provides a comprehensive list of things to protect you from being the victim of identity theft.

5. My property has been recovered, how do I get it released?

Depending on the status of the case, the Soledad Police Department may be able to release your property.

• Do you have a court order? The department will comply with a valid court order.


• Does the case have a disposition? Items of an evidentiary value will be held until the case is adjudicated.


• Do you have documentation to prove ownership? Receipts, with serial numbers, are usually necessary to regain serialized items.


• Do you have identification? Along with the above documents, you will need a valid form of picture identification.

6. What can I do to prevent incidents of sexual abuse?

Contact the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center 24-hour hotline at (831) 424-4357 or (831) 375-4357. An advocate will provide information and make appropriate referrals.

7. What can I do to prevent or intervene in instances of suspected child abuse, sexual exploitation or severe neglect?

Contact the Monterey County Child Protective Services (CPS) at (800) 606-6618 or (831) 769-8888. A CPS representative will make the appropriate referrals.

8. What should I do if I am a victim of check fraud?

Call your bank and initiate a police report. Keep several copies of the police report on file to mail to people who were recipients of the fraudulent checks. You should also complete an affidavit of forgery with your bank.

9. What should I do if I am a victim of credit card / ATM fraud?

Call your credit card company / bank and cancel the card immediately. Notify the credit bureaus of the theft and initiate a police report. Have several copies of the police report on file to mail to the people and businesses that completed transactions using the stolen credit card. You should also complete an affidavit of forgery with the credit card company.

10. What do I do if my mail has been stolen?

Initiate a theft report with the Police Department, contact the credit bureaus and obtain a copy of your credit report to determine if credit has been established in your name without your approval. If checks were sent in the mail, determine which check was sent and have a "stop payment" placed on the check. Monitor your account daily to be certain counterfeit checks were not made.

11. Should I call the police if I see something “suspicious” or ”unusual” in my neighborhood?

Yes! Police need your help in recognizing when something’s wrong. Your input is vital and we need your help. Most criminals are caught when citizens see something “suspicious” and call police.

12. How do I find out what the status of my case is?

The best person to call is the officer or investigator assigned to your case. If you know the officer’s name, contact them at (831) 223-5120, and leave a message referencing the case number and your specific question. Remember, with some shifts, it may be several days before they come back to work, research the case, and call you back. If you don’t have the case number or the officer’s name, call us at (831) 223-5120 ext. 0 and we’ll get the information needed so you can leave a message with the officer. All of the officers have voice mail. You may call the number above and request to be transferred to an officer's voice mail.

13. I reported a crime, but the person who did it was never charged. Why?

The decision to charge, or not charge a person with a crime is something that the police department does not have control over. While we may accurately document the facts of a crime, including your statements and make a logical identification of someone as being responsible, it is ultimately the decision of the District Attorney to decide to file a criminal complaint, or not. These decisions are not whimsical, and are more a product of evaluation of evidence, probability of gaining a conviction, and the overall administration of justice. If your case was not filed, you should contact the officer or detective involved and discuss the matter with them. They may also be able to share with you the rationale, if provided, of the District Attorney’s declination of complaint.

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Police Department | Property / Evidence

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1. The police arrested the person who stole my property. When can I get my property back?

Your recovered property is evidence of the crime and will assist in the prosecution of the suspect. When the court case is concluded, we will notify you by letter, and your property can be returned.

2. During a domestic disturbance, police officers claimed my firearms. When can I get my guns back?

Your guns were most likely taken for safekeeping. If you are the legal owner of the guns, they may be returned to you after you receive clearance from the Department of Justice.

3. Does the PD have a Lost and Found?

If you have lost/found something, the first step is to complete a police report (at the Soledad Police Department: 236 Main Street, Soledad) for any reported lost or found property. If you've found an item, it should be brought in to the police department. Found property that can not immediately be identified will be secured in our property room and will be properly disposed of after the appropriate time period.

4. How do I register a gun?

The Police Department does not register firearms. Private gun dealers will complete the necessary state forms for you for a fee.

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Public Works Department

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1. A streetlight has been out on my street for two months. Why hasn’t the City repaired it yet?

The City repairs City-owned streetlights and PG&E repairs PG&E-owned streetlights. Public Works relies on citizens to report streetlight problems for repair. We do not have staff that specifically locates streetlight problems. In order to address the problem, we will need to location and the pole number. The pole number is located approximately 6 feet above the ground on the street side of the light.

Please submit a request to repair the streetlight or call (831) 223-5180.

2. Who can I call to report a pothole?

To report a pothole, please call the Public Works Department at (831) 223-5180.

3. Can anything be done to prevent potholes?

Roads today are being built to reduce their moisture capacity, and researchers are working to develop a better, more durable pavement. Researchers also have improved the cold-patch asphalt so those patches last longer.

4. Do some roads have more potholes than others?

Roads in high traffic areas have more potholes than others due to the weight and volume of traffic.

5. Can the City trim my tree for me?

If the tree is blocking the view of a stop sign or is in danger of falling, please report these safety hazards to us by calling (831) 223-5181 or by e-mail at publicworks@cityofsoledad.com. Otherwise, the trees located between the street and sidewalk are the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain.

The City recommends hiring a professional tree service to trim any trees. Please do not top trees as it causes the root system to go into shock and grow even more roots. The roots could then cause damage to the sidewalk. Our staff is happy to provide guidance to our citizens on caring for the trees along our city streets. Please call (831) 223-5181 for advice.

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Public Works Department | Engineering Services

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1. Where can I get a Plan Holder's List?

Please visit Bid Openings and select the project you are looking for. You should see the Plan Holder's List listed in the "Related Documents" section of the listing. For all other inquiries, please send an e-mail to Donald T. Wilcox, Public Works Director .

2. Where can I find open bids?

All open Bids are listed on our Bid Postings page.

3. Do I need a permit?

Fences not over 6 feet, detached sheds less than 120 square feet, and retaining walls not more than 3 feet above grade that do not support a surcharge, do not require a building permit. Partition walls not over 5 feet 9 inches also do not require a permit. Repairs and replacement of existing fixtures such as cabinets, toilets and sinks, and concrete flatwork do not require a permit. All construction other then these items requires a building permit. Soledad Municipal Code requires that all work, even work exempt from permit, be performed to the standard set forth in the model codes. Please refer to our Design Standards and Plans or our Engineering Handouts and Forms for more information.

4. Do I need an architect to draw the plans?

Single family residences, room additions, garages, workshops and tenant improvements do not require an architect to draw the plans. A California licensed architect or engineer shall prepare structural plans for all other projects.

5. How many sets of plans and calculations do I need?

When submitting plans for plan check, three sets of plans are required. Two sets of supportive documentation such as soils reports, structural calculations, energy calculations, and truss calculations should also be submitted. Truss calculations may be deferred if the manufacturer has not been decided upon at the time of submittal. Precise grading plans are required to be attached to two sets of the plans.

6. What are the current adopted codes?

The current code is the 2007 California Building Code (CBC), which incorporates the 2006 International Building Code, the 2006 Uniform Plumbing Code, the 2006 Uniform Mechanical Code, the 2005 National Electric Code, the 2006 International Fire Code, and the 2005 California Energy Efficiency Standards.

7. What defines a swimming pool? A spa?

A pool is defined as being 24 inches deep of water intended for recreational use. Perimeter fencing, alarms, and self-closing gates are required. A portable above ground spa is not considered a pool but still requires a perimeter fence and a lockable top. A fountain is not considered a swimming pool.

8. How deep does a gas pipe or an electric line have to be buried?

Cover is the amount of earth or concrete on top of the pipe or conduit. Metal gas pipe requires 12 inches of cover. The pipe needs to be factory wrapped, as well as all joints. Plastic gas and electric pipe requires 18 inches of cover and a tracer wire for gas pipe. Metal risers are required on gas lines where the run of pipe turns to the surface. The measurement of cover is from the top of the pipe or conduit to the top of the cover.

9. Are there web sites where I can find more information?

Yes, here are some useful links:
International Code Council
California Building Standards Commission
Contractors State License Board
California Associations of Building Energy Consultants
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Public Works Department | Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I reserve a park?

To reserve a park, please fill out an Application for Reserved Use for Park. Submit the completed form along with your Certificate of Liability Insurance. Please make sure you include the additional language requested on page 3 of the application. Once your application is received, our staff will process your application. Once all requirements have been met, you have submitted the appropriate paperwork and the park is available, your application will be approved and you will be issued a Park Permit.

For questions, please contact us at (831) 223-5180 or e-mail us at publicworks@cityofsoledad.com.

2. Are there fees for reserving a park?

At this time, all Park Use fees have been revoked. There is no charge for reserving the City's parks for recreation purposes.