Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: I would like to report a pot hole.
   A: Call Street Division at (619) 527-7500 or use the on-line Street Service Request Form.
   
   
2. Q: I would like to start a business and get a Business License.
   A: You may apply at any City of San Diego Community Service Centers, there may be one close to your location. You may also go downtown to the City Treasurer's Office at 1200 Third Avenue, first floor, or contact the Business Tax Division at (619) 615-1500.
   
   Please see the following website for Small Business Assistance information at http://www.sandiego.gov/economic-development/business-assistance/small-business/.
   
   
3. Q: I would like to get a building permit.
   A: If your project is in the City of San Diego, please call (619) 446-5000 or visit the website: "Development Process: Step by Step" at
   http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/devprocess/index.shtml.
   
   If your building permit does not require a plan, and it is electrical, mechanical or plumbing, you may apply for your building permit, and pay for it, at your local City of San Diego Community Service Centers. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
   
   You may also apply for a "Simple Permit" online by visiting the following website: http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/industry/simplepermits.
   
   
   
4. Q: My credit report shows a debt to the City of S.D.
   A: Call City Collections at (619) 744-3100. You may also pay your debt at your local City of San Diego Community Service Centers. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
   
   
5. Q: The light on my street is out.
   A: Call Street Division at (619) 527-7500 or use the on-line Street Service Request Form.
   You can also report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
   
   
6. Q: Someone left an item (sofa, refrigerator, mattress, etc) in the alley.
   A: Call Environmental Services/Litter Control at (858) 694-7000, or report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Centers. You can also report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Centers. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
   
   
7. Q: The trees on my street need trimming.
   A: Call Street Division at (619) 527-7500 or use the on-line Street Service Request Form. You can also report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
   
   
8. Q: I want to have a birthday party at a park, where do I apply for a permit?
   A: Call that park's Recreation Center for information.
   
   
9. Q: Who do I call to request trash containers?
   A: Call Environmental Services at (858) 694-7000, or report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
   
   
10. Q: My neighbor's yard has too many weeds.
    A: You may call the Fire Department, Weed Abatement Office at (619) 533-4444, or report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
    
    
11. Q: Can you tell me how to file a claim against the City?
    A: Call Risk Management Department/Claims at (619) 236-6670. Please review the instructions located on the City's website at http://www.sandiego.gov/riskmanagement/services/liability.shtml#liability.
    
    
12. Q: Who can I call if the tree roots have damaged the sidewalk?
    A: Call Street Division for sidewalk & street repairs at (619) 527-7500 or use the on-line Street Service Request Form. You can also report it at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
    
    
13. Q. Can you please tell me in which Council District I am located?
    A: Your Residential Services will help you to locate your Council District, or you can call (619) 236-6440.
    
    
14. Q: What are the dates and times the City Council meets?
    A: When in session, they meet every Monday at 2:00 p.m., and every Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Council Meeting dates and times are posted by the City Clerk's Office.
    
    
15. Q: Who do I call regarding parking tickets?
    A: Call Parking Management/Parking Citations at (619) 236-7145 or visit the Parking Management Web site for more information. You can also visit your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
    
    
16. Q: How do I request a birth certificate?
    A: That is a County Government function. For more information, please call (619) 237-0502, or visit the County website at http://www.sdarcc.com/arcc/services/birthdeath_certificates.aspx.
    
    
17. Q: How can I get married at City Hall?
    A: We do not perform marriages at City Hall, that is a County Government function. For more information contact the County Recorder's Office at (619) 237-0502, or visit the County's website at http://www.sdarcc.com/arcc/.
    
    
18. Q: Can I have the phone number for the Water Department?
    A: For Customer Service and Billing, please call (619) 515-3500. For Emergency Services, please call (619) 515-3525. Visit the Water Department Web site for more information, or pay your water bill at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at, http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.
    
    
19. Q: If I give you my address, can you tell me the zoning of my property and how many units I can build on my property?
    A: Zoning maps are now online at http://www.sandiego.gov/development-services/zoning/zoning.shtml, or you can call the Development Services Department at (619) 446-5000.
    
    
20. Q: When will the overhead utility lines in my neighborhood be moved underground?
    A: Contact the Utilities Undergrounding Program Information Line at (619) 533-3841 or visit online at http://www.sandiego.gov/undergrounding/schedule/masterplan.
    
    
21. Q: Where can I apply for a United States passport?
    A: The City of San Diego offers this service at your local City of San Diego Community Service Center. You can find the nearest location at http://www.sandiego.gov/servicecenters/.