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Neighborhood City Services

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1. Who do I contact for information about Auto Dismantling?

The right to operate a junk yard or auto dismantling yard is restricted by City laws. Call 707-543-3200 for information or to report problems.

2. Where can I store Campers, RV’s, Boats and Trailers?

Generally, campers, trailers, boats, etc., cannot be stored in a driveway or required yard area, any lawn or required side yard area. Call 707-543-3600 for information or 707-543-3200 to report problems.

3. Where can I park cars or trucks?

Vehicles can be parked in the street, but must be in running condition and must be moved at least once every 72 hours. Inoperable vehicles may be towed based on State Law.

Generally, a vehicle cannot be stored in a driveway or lawn or required side yard area. You can work on your own personal car in your driveway, but it must be registered at that address. However, there are restrictions that you need to check on. Call 707-543-3600 for information or to report problems about vehicles on private or public property.

4. Who is responsible for Street Trees?

There are various City laws and regulations that govern the planting and care of street trees, i.e. trees planted between the curb and the sidewalk. Call 707-543-3770 for information or to report problems.

5. What do I need to know about fences?

There are rules regarding the size, location, and construction of fences. Call 707-543-3200 for information or to report problems.

6. How does Vegetation Management reduce wildfires?

Homes in densely wooded or brushy areas may be highly susceptible to wildland fires in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) parts of Santa Rosa. We recommend property owners clear combustible materials from around their homes. Actions take before wildfire occurs will help improve the survivability of people and homes.

These activities include:
- Smart Building Materials
Use of Fire Resistant Plants
- Vegetation Management Known as Defensible Space (Reducing and Removing Flammable Plant Materials)


Visit the Fire Safe Sonoma site and download the booklet 'Living with Fire in Sonoma County'. This will offer you clear guidelines for vegetation management in your neighborhood. Call 707-543-3500 for more information or to report problems. You can also visit our website to learn where the WUI's are located. For more information visit the Fire Safe Sonoma website.

7. Is there a limit on garage/yard sales?

You may hold three (3) garage or yard sales per year. The items sold must be personal household items and may not include any items bought for resale. Call 707-543-3200 for information or to report problems.

8. What is the Residential Parking Permit Program?

The residential parking permit program addresses neighborhood parking problems resulting from long-term parking by non-residents. It generally restricts on-street parking by non-residents in specified neighborhoods to one hour.

Residents may purchase an annual permit that frees them from the parking restrictions in their neighborhood. Call 707-543-3325 for more information or to report problems.

9. What do I need to know about basketball hoops on streets or sidewalks?

Call 707-543-3800 for information or to report problems.

10. How do I report Street Lighting, Traffic Signals and Traffic Signs?

To report malfunctioning City-owned street lights or traffic signals, and missing or vandalized signs, call 707-543-3880

Traffic signals and signs on state highways, such as Sonoma Highway 12, and Sebastopol Highway 12 are maintained by Caltrans. Call Caltrans’ Petaluma office at 707-762-6641.

11. Who is responsible for sidewalk maintenance?

Sidewalk maintenance is the responsibility of fronting property owners. You can call the City at 707-543-3881 to request the placement of an asphalt patch. Concrete repairs and replacements are made at the expense of the fronting property owner. 

12. How can I report Trash Dumping?

Persons seen “dumping” their trash, garbage, weeds, or garden wastes in public or private places can be prosecuted if the following information is available:
- Description of Violator
- Eyewitness Testimony
- License Plate Number and/or Vehicle Description
- Name and Address of Violator


To report activity, call 707-528-5222.

13. How do I report Junk Accumulation?

An accumulation of garbage, trash, appliances, car parts, old furniture, or scrap materials may be a visual blight to a neighborhood. Call 707-543-3200 for information or to report problems.

14. How do I report illegal storm drain dumping?

City storm drain pipes go directly to our creeks. Only stormwater should enter catch basins (e.g. opening in curbs). Report anyone seen dumping oil, caustic items, or any other liquids into a storm drain at 707-543-3881.

15. What is the purpose of the Industrial Waste Discharge Permit?

Pollutants, petrochemicals, pesticides and heavy metals, i.e. gold, lead, silver, chrome and zinc, can easily upset the bacterial and chemical balances of the wastewater treatment facility. Businesses must obtain an Industrial Waste Discharge Permit from the Utilities Department before pouring, placing, or discharging them into the sewer system. Call 707-543-3369 for information or to report problems.

16. How do I report Water Theft?

Illegal tampering with the water system can cause contamination to the City’s water system, interrupt waste service, and hamper fire protection. Contractors wishing to obtain water from a City fire hydrant must obtain a permit from the Utilities Department and pay an $800 (fully refundable) deposit.

Applicants will receive a water meter with appropriate backflow device to protect against contamination. Anyone tapping into a City water line without a permit will be subject to penalties. Call 707-543-4200 for information or to report problems.

17. Why does a home business need a Home Occupation Permit?

You must obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the City’s Department of Community Development, and a business tax certificate from the Finance Department. The basic premise for issuing a Home occupation permit is that the business will not change the residential character of the property or the neighborhood. There are also other rules governing Home Occupations. Call 707-543-3200 for further information or to report problems or visit our Home Business Permits page.

18. Who do I contact for animal control?

If you need assistance regarding barking or stray dogs, feral cats, or an injured animal, call Sonoma County Animal Control at 707-565-7100.

19. Who do I call about dead animals in the public right-of-way?

The City of Santa Rosa Transportation and Public Works Department is responsible for picking up dead animals (both domestic and wild) from the public right-of-way. If this is the case, you may report the problem online or call the Transportation and Public Works Department at 707-543-3881. If there is a dead animal on private property, please call Sonoma County Animal Control at 707-565-7100. To report a problem online, visit our
Online Reporting page.

20. How can I report loud parties?

There are City laws that relate to loud parties. Call 707-528-5222 for information or to report a problem.

21. What can I do about Solicitors?

Solicitors are required to have a permit in the form of a photo I.D. card issued by the Santa Rosa Police Department. No individual may solicit or peddle for a business at any home where a sign stating “No Peddlers or Solicitors” is clearly visible.

A solicitor for a non-profit organization should have a letter of exemption issued by the Santa Rosa Police Department. When a solicitor comes to your door, you may ask to see a permit. To report problems, call 707-528-5222.

22. How can I report a Neighborhood Crime?

If you have information regarding any ongoing illegal activity in your neighborhood, you can leave an anonymous tip at 707-543-DRUG (3784). Names, descriptions, addresses and license numbers of suspected individuals are helpful.

23. What is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch has proven to be an effective tool in crime prevention. Through Neighborhood Watch, you can learn how to make your home, possessions, and family less likely to be victimized by crime. Call Crime Prevention at 707-543-3653 for more information.