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Animal Control

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1. I see someone with a dog who is not picking up the dog's waste. What can I do?

Call the Signal Hill Police Department at (562) 989-7201. An officer can issue a citation if there was a witness to the incident, even if the officer did not see the incident occur.

2. Am I allowed to breed my dog or cat in Signal Hill?

No. Breeding animals without a permit is illegal in Signal Hill.

3. How many pets can I have at my residence?

According to Signal Hill Municipal Code 6.04.060, a total of not more than four weaned household pets may be kept at one site, unless any of the weaned pets are dogs bred pursuant to a permit issued under Section 6.16.190 of this code. In this case, all such weaned dogs may be kept at one site until such dogs have reached the age of four months. This limitation shall not apply to fish, rodents (other than rabbits), or caged birds, provided the birds are not allowed to fly free and are maintained in accordance with all applicable health regulations.

4. My neighbor has pets in her yard and does not clean up after them. What can I do?

Call Code Enforcement at (562) 989-7300 if the issue is related to foul smells or waste. Household pets shall be kept in a manner that does not damage or pose hazards to people or property and does not generate offensive dust, odors, or noise.

5. How do I get a license for my dog?

For licensing requirements and information, please view the following webpage. Animal Control

6. I have a problem with barking dogs. What can I do?

To report a habitual barking dog, please contact the Community Services Department at:
2175 Cherry Ave.
Signal Hill CA, 90755
Ph: (562) 989-7330

7. Who should I call for bee problems?

The City of Signal Hill does not handle calls regarding bees or their removal. If you have a problem with bees, do not attempt to kill or remove the bees yourself.

• For Africanized honey bee information, call (800) 233-9279.


• For honey bee swarms or nests inside or on a structure, check your local yellow pages under pest control for a licensed control operator. Only a licensed pest control operator can kill bees in or on a structure.


• For honey bee swarms or nests outside and not on a structure, contact the Department of Health & Human Services at (562) 570-4132.


• For stinging incidents (victim involved), call 9-1-1.

8. My neighbor leaves his dog tied up to a tree all day / night long and the dog howls, whines, and barks. What can I do?

Call the Community Services Department at (562) 989-7330 to file a complaint. It is illegal to tether a dog to a post or tree for long periods of time.

9. Where can I allow my dog to play off leash?

Dogs may only roam off leash in a private, fenced yard. It is illegal to allow dogs off leash on any public property, including school grounds and in parks. It is also illegal to allow dogs off leash on any property that can be accessed by the public. This includes the oil fields on Signal Hill.

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City Clerk

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1. Can I request public records from the City of Signal Hill?

Public records, City Council resolutions and ordinances, and other information can be requested by submitting the Records and Information Request Form to the city clerk's office, which is located at:
2175 Cherry Ave.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

2. When does the City Council meet?

City Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.

3. Where does the City Council meet?

City Council meetings are conducted at City Hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill

4. How can I get the City Council agendas and minutes?

City Council agendas and minutes are available on the city website. Go to the home page and look at the left menu, then click on agendas and minutes.

5. How can I obtain a passport?

We no longer process passport applications at City Hall. You may go to the U.S. Post Office, 2300 Redondo Avenue, Long Beach.

6. Where do I register to vote?

You may pick up a California Voter Registration Form at city hall, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill.

7. What are your hours?

City Hall is open from 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

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Community Development

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1. What is your minimum building permit fee?

The minimum building permit fee is $73.00, plus $10.00, plus $1.00 for BSC for a total of $84.00.

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Detective Bureau

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1. How can I get my property released?

Property is released by appointment only. Please contact Gloria Munoz at (562) 989-7220 to set up an appointment.

2. How do I contact the detective handling my case?

To contact the detective handling your case, call Detective Secretary Gloria Munoz at (562) 989-7220. Please have your report number available.

3. How do I register as a 290 registrant?

290 registration is by appointment only. Please contact Senior Detective B. Leyn at (562) 989-7219 to set up an appointment.

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Facility Rental

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1. Do I need a permit for a simple family picnic?

If your party or picnic will host 25 or more people, you are required to obtain a permit from the Community Services Department at least ten business days prior to the event. Call the department at (562) 989-7330 for more information.

2. Where do I get a permit application?

Applications must be made in person at the Community Services Department in City Hall:
2175 Cherry Ave.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

Business hours are Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, excluding holidays. Cash, check, or money order payments are accepted.

3. How far in advance do I need to make my reservation?

Anyone wishing to use an outdoor facility must complete a Facility Use Application. Applications must be received a minimum of ten working days prior to the requested date and will be accepted up to six months in advance. A non-refundable deposit is required at the time the application is submitted. Full payment is due a minimum of ten business days prior to the event date, or the permit will be cancelled. All correspondence and communication will be sent to the applicant.

4. What hours are the community centers available by permit?

Signal Hill Park Community Center is available by permit on Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 10:00 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, from 8:30 am to 11:00 pm. Discovery Well Park Community Center is available by permit Sunday through Saturday, from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Times stated on the application must include time to decorate, set up, conduct the event, and properly clean the facility. Facility Use Application

5. Can I rent the Signal Hill Community Center's kitchen only?

The kitchen at Signal Hill Park Community Center cannot be rented independently; it must be rented in conjunction with the community center. Groups need to bring their own utensils and paper goods. Trash liners will be provided by the city. The oven and stove top are available for light cooking. An ice maker and a portion of the commercial refrigerator are available as well. Facility Use Application

6. Will staff be available during my event?

Staff members will be provided at every usage of indoor city facilities. The city reserves the right to assign additional staff or security for any event. If the applicant is not present after 30 minutes from the start time indicated on the application, staff members will lock up and leave the facility, thus canceling the event. No refund will be given.

7. If I have a permit, do I need to be present during the event?

The applicant is legally responsible for the event and must be on site during usage. Failure to be on site will result in the loss of all fees and deposits. Applicants may be required to show city staff identification on the day of the event. A copy of the facility rental contract must be carried by the applicant to the event.

8. Can staff members sign for deliveries?

Staff members are not authorized to sign for or accept any deliveries. All deliveries must be accepted by someone involved with the activity.

9. Who is responsible for damages or vandalism?

If there is any graffiti or vandalism committed to any of the equipment or facilities, the matter will be handled by the Signal Hill Police Department. All fees and deposits will be automatically forfeited, and the applicant will be subject to additional penalties and charges. Signal Hill Police Department

10. Is proof of residency necessary?

Yes. A California driver's license, identification, or utility bill must be presented prior to the application process. Facility Use Application

11. When are the parks open?

Parks are open from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm daily. Restrooms are open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. Permits for outdoor areas are limited to daylight hours, including set-up, take-down, and removal of equipment. Reservations are only available between dawn and dusk.

12. Are permits available on holidays?

Applications are not accepted, nor are permits issued, for city-recognized holidays or holiday weekends. Park facilities are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Exception: No usage of the amphitheater at the Signal Hill Park is allowed without a permit.

13. What happens if my group number is over the facility's capacity?

Estimated attendance is required to determine the impact upon the facility and the amount of staff that may be required to monitor the rental. Attendance also determines the ability to use a particular facility. The attendance number stated by the applicant should be the maximum amount of people anticipated during the rental at peak attendance. Violations of the attendance and occupancy levels will result in the loss of all fees and deposits. It may also cause termination of the rental due to overcrowding and safety violations, and it could affect the applicant's future ability to utilize city facilities.

14. My outdoor event will have more than 50 guests. Is that okay?

No. Requests for outdoor events exceeding 50 guests must submit a letter of intent describing event and crowd control measures for review and approval by the Community Services Department. If the event will have more than 75 guests, approval may be required from the Parks and Recreation Commission. No payment will be accepted for such a reservation until the event and crowd control measures have been approved.

15. Can I bring my own barbecue grill or taco cart?

No. It is illegal to bring portable barbecues, hibachis, gas grills, etc. to city parks or facilities as per Signal Hill Municipal Code 9.08.010. There are grills available in all parks for public use.

16. Are alcoholic beverages allowed in the park or Community Centers?

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in and around all facilities, parks, and parking lots. Smoking is prohibited in all facilities and within 100 feet of all buildings. Gambling of any kind is not permitted at any facility. Regulations will be strictly enforced. All groups must abide by all laws pertaining to smoking, drinking, and illegal drugs. Failure to comply with this regulation will result in the immediate cancellation of the permitted use and departure from the park facility. All fees and deposits will be forfeited.

17. Is amplified music allowed in city parks?

All amplified music, including DJs and musical groups, are not permitted in the parks.

18. Is amplified music allowed in the community centers?

DJs and musical groups are permitted within the Signal Hill Park and Discovery Well Park community centers. Staff members reserve the right to monitor, regulate, and/or terminate the volume of amplified sound as to not disrupt other rental groups or residents. Rental groups shall be respectful of this requirement, or the rental permit may be terminated and the group asked to vacate the premises with no refund of fees.

19. What type of decorations may I use?

Nails, staples, etc. may not be used on picnic shelters, fences, or city equipment. Only low-stick tape may be used. All decorative materials must be flame retardant. No rice, confetti, glitter, or birdseed may be used at the park. Decorating must be done during the time frame of the permit and should be removed upon event completion.

20. Can I have a jumper at my event?

Yes. A permit issuing written approval from the Community Services Department must be secured prior to setting up a jumper / bounce house at a city park. The house must be placed on turf and situated so that its entrance is at least eight feet away from any object that could hurt an occupant. The maximum space allowed for the house is 20' by 20'. For safety reasons, houses must be enclosed. Only one bounce house is permitted in a park per day. A picnic shelter permit is required with a bounce house permit.

21. Can I bring my own personal jumper?

No. The public is not permitted to bring their personally owned equipment. Bounce houses may only be set up by qualified representatives of a rental company.

22. What information does the vendor need to provide for my jumper?

An original certificate of insurance in the amount of $1 million naming the City of Signal Hill as an additional insured is required ten working days prior to the reservation. Attraction vendors must supply the city with a copy of the certificate with the following information included:

• Applicant's name as it appears on the facility rental contract


• Date and time of the event


• Location site and address

Representatives of the vendor's company shall set up the equipment. Unauthorized vehicles may not be driven into or onto city parks. The use of a cart, hand-truck, or similar method of transportation is acceptable.

23. What if I need to cancel my permit?

Cancellation must be made in writing to the Community Services Department at least ten business days prior to the event date in order to receive a refund. The non-refundable deposit will be retained upon notice to the city of cancellation. If the applicant cancels less than ten business days prior to scheduled usage, 50% of all fees and deposits shall be forfeited. If the cancellation is made five working days or less prior to the event, all fees and deposits shall be forfeited.

A full refund will be made in the event of cancellation due to inclement weather or a city program. There is no refund for reservation time not utilized by the applicant, except for reasons of inclement weather. Inclement weather refunds will only be issued if approved by the director of community services.

24. Can I bring a dog to the park?

Dogs are allowed in city parks. Owners must keep their dogs on leashes and pick up any pet waste.

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Library

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1. How much do library cards cost?

Resident library cards are free.
Non-Resident library cards are $2.00.
Replacement library cards are $2.00. Library Card Information

2. How old do you have to be to get a library card?

Children can get a library card if they:

• Can write their own names unassisted


• Have a parent or guardian with necessary documentation


• Have permission from a parent or guardian

Library Card Information

3. Do you have to be a Signal Hill resident to get a library card?

No. Anyone can get a library card regardless of residency, however, non-resident library card fees do apply ($2.00). Library Card Information

4. How can I get a library card?

You will need to provide two documents with your current name and address. Acceptable documents include:

• A recent piece of mail


• Car registration


• Driver’s license


• Identification


• Personal check


• Utility bill

Children under 18 must be signed up by a parent or legal guardian. Library Card Information

5. What happens if I lose my library card?

You will need to report your missing card to the library and have it replaced. The replacement fee is $2. Library Card Information

6. What is the maximum length of time a book can be checked out?

Books can be checked out for three weeks at a time.

7. How many books can I check out at a time?

An adult can check out 25 books at a time. Children can check out five books at a time.

8. What if I want to keep my books longer?

If there are no reservations for the books you currently have checked out, you can renew them once for an additional three-week period either by phone at (562) 989-7323 (voice mail messages are not accepted), or in person at: 1770 E. Hill Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

9. What happens if I return books late?

An overdue fine is assessed per book for every day that it is late. Adult overdue fines are $0.35 per day and children’s overdue fines are $0.15 per day.

10. How much does it cost to check out a DVD?

New Release and Entertainment DVDs can be checked out for $1.50. Educational DVDs are free.

11. What is the maximum length of time DVDs may be checked out?

New Release DVDs can be checked out for three days. Entertainment and Educational DVDs can be checked out for seven days.

12. How many DVDs can I check out at one time?

You can check out up to five DVDs at one time.

13. Can DVDs be renewed?

DVDs cannot be renewed.

14. What happens if I am late in returning DVDs to the library?

An overdue fine is assessed per DVD for every day that it is late. The overdue fine is $1.50 per day.

15. How much does it cost to check out a book on CD?

Books on CD are free to check out.

16. What is the maximum length of time books on CD can be kept?

Books on CD are checked out for three weeks at a time.

17. How many books on CD can I check out at one time?

Adults can check out up to five books on CD at any one time.

18. What if I want to keep my book on CD longer?

If there are no reservations for the book on CD you currently have checked out, you can renew it once for an additional three-week period by phone at (562) 989-7323 (voice mail messages are not accepted), or in person at: 1770 E. Hill Street, Signal Hill, CA 90755.

19. What happens if I am late in returning my book on CD?

An overdue fine is assessed per book on CD for every day that it is late. The overdue fine is $0.35 per day.

20. How long can I use a public computer?

Adult computer sessions are one hour long. Children sessions are 30 minutes. Additional time or sessions may be granted depending on the availability of computers.

21. How do I sign up for computer use?

You must present your library card to the circulation staff, who will then sign you up for the next available computer. If all computers are in use, you will be placed on a waiting list.

22. May I print items from the computer?

Patrons can print black and white documents at $0.15 per page.

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Park Program

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1. What do “drop-in program” and “general supervision” mean?

Since the Park Program is a drop-in program, children are free to come and go as they please. Our staff members can’t force them to stay. The program also provides general supervision, which means staff members provide games and activities and encourage participation; however, children are not required to participate.

2. Do you have to be a Signal Hill resident to participate in the Park Program?

No. The Park Program is open to any child between the ages of 6-12 years old.

3. What will happen if my child misbehaves while attending the Park Program?

Children who continually disrupt the program will not be allowed to continue participation. They also risk being banned from the park.

4. What will my child do while attending the Park Program?

Staff members are on hand to lead games, provide arts and crafts, and help children with homework.

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Parking Citations

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1. How do I pay a parking citation in person?

Bring your citation (or have the citation number available) during regular business hours to the Signal Hill City Hall:
2175 Cherry Ave.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

Cash, checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are accepted. If you have questions regarding a payment made in person, please call (562) 989-7316.

2. How do I pay a parking citation by mail?

Parking citations can be paid by mailing the payment in the envelope provided with the citation. The envelope is pre-addressed to:
City of Signal Hill, C/O Parking Citation Service Center
P.O. Box 11923
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1923

Please write the citation number on your check before mailing. If you have questions regarding a mailed payment, contact the Phoenix Group at (800) 535-2421.

3. How do I contest a parking citation?

To contest a parking citation, you must request an administrative review form within 21 days of issuance of the parking citation or within 14 days of the mailing of the delinquent penalty notice. You may pick up the form at the Signal Hill Police Department or request that the form be mailed to you by calling (562) 989-7200. The Police Department is located at:
1800 E. Hill St.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

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Police

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a crime report?

Victims of crimes or persons involved in traffic collisions may request the report at the front desk of the Police Department during normal business hours. The person requesting the report must fill out a request form and show proof of identity. The fee for the report is $20 and must be paid by cash only in exact change.

Insurance companies and law offices may obtain crime reports or traffic collision reports by mailing the request, along with a check for $20, to the Police Department's Records Division:
1800 E. Hill St.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

Youmay also purchase some types of crime reports. Refer to our Police web page and select the Police Reports on the left hand side.

How to purchase a copy of a report online

2. What is needed to get my vehicle out of impound?

The registered owner must respond to the Signal Hill Police Department with:

• $140 in cash only and in exact change (no fee if towed for 22651(g) or 22651(c) VC)


• A valid driver’s license, or a valid U.S. government-issued I.D. or passport and a licensed driver


• A valid vehicle registration or moving permit

Additional towing and storage fees will be charged and are payable at the tow yard. A release must be obtained from the Police Department prior to the vehicle being released from the impound yard. Driver's licenses and vehicle registration status will be verified by the department prior to releasing the vehicle.

3. Where can I get my fingerprints taken?

View the following webpage to find locations and contact information for nearby locations where you can get your fingerprints taken. Fingerprinting Services

4. How do I find out what crimes have occurred in Signal Hill?

Visit our web page on the CrimeReports.com site. This will allow you to look at the crimes that have occurred in the city. You may select different types of crime and date ranges depending on what you are looking for. Crime Mapping

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Public Works

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1. Where can I recycle my Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste?

You can bring your Household Hazardous and Electronic Waste items to a collection event or permanent site sponsored by the LA County Department of Public Works

2. My sewer lateral is backing up. Who is responsible to clear it?

Sewer laterals are the responsibility of the property owner. In the event a problem is caused by a problem in the sewer main, please contact the LA County Sanitation District

3. How do I request service or report a problem to Public Works?

Your concern or request will be directed to the appropriate staff member when you complete and submit a Public Works Service Request.

4. What is the holiday schedule for trash collection?

The holiday schedule is as follows: Refuse Holiday Schedule

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Records Bureau

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a crime report or a traffic collision report?

Victims of crimes or persons involved in traffic collisions may request the report at the front desk of the Police Department during normal business hours. The person requesting the report must fill out a request form and show proof of identity. The fee for the report is $20 and must be paid by cash only in exact change.

Insurance companies and law offices may obtain crime reports or traffic collision reports by mailing the request, along with a check for $20, to the Police Department's Records Division:
1800 E. Hill St.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

2. What is needed to get my vehicle out of impound?

The registered owner must respond to the Signal Hill Police Department with:

• $140 in cash only and in exact change (no fee if towed for 22651(g) or 22651(c) VC)


• A valid driver’s license, or a valid U.S. government-issued I.D. or passport and a licensed driver


• A valid vehicle registration or moving permit

Additional towing and storage fees will be charged and are payable at the tow yard. A release must be obtained from the Police Department prior to the vehicle being released from the impound yard. Driver's licenses and vehicle registration status will be verified by the department prior to releasing the vehicle.

3. How do I pay a parking citation in person?

Bring your citation (or have the citation number available) during regular business hours to the Signal Hill City Hall:
2175 Cherry Ave.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

Cash, checks, cashier's checks, and money orders are accepted. If you have questions regarding a payment made in person, please call (562) 989-7316.

4. How do I pay a parking citation by mail?

Parking citations can be paid by mailing the payment in the envelope provided with the citation. The envelope is pre-addressed to:
City of Signal Hill, C/O Parking Citation Service Center
P.O. Box 11923
Santa Ana, CA 92711-1923

Please write the citation number on your check before mailing. If you have questions regarding a mailed payment, contact the Phoenix Group at (800) 535-2421.

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Reserve Police Officers

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1. How do I apply to become a reserve police officer?

Reserve police officer applications can be obtained from the Signal Hill Police Department:
1800 E. Hill St.
Signal Hill, CA 90755
Ph: (562) 989-7200

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Traffic Bureau

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1. How do I obtain a copy of a traffic collision report?

Persons involved in traffic collisions may request the report at the front desk of the Police Department during normal business hours. The person requesting the report must fill out a request form and show proof of identity. The fee for the report is $20 and must be paid by cash only in exact change.

Insurance companies and law offices may obtain crime reports or traffic collision reports by mailing the request, along with a check for $20, to the Police Department's Records Division:
1800 E. Hill St.
Signal Hill, CA 90755

2. Whom should I contact for questions about information in a traffic collision report?

For questions about traffic collision reports, please contact Traffic Sergeant Christopher Nunley at (562) 989-7222 ext. 76.

3. What should I do if I am involved in a collision?

If you are involved in a collision in Signal Hill, it is best to remain at the scene and have the officers respond to the location. The investigation will usually only take a short time and will save you an enormous amount of time later.

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Youth Sports

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1. Do children need to bring their own equipment for different sports?

No. The City of Signal Hill provides all of the equipment needed, but children are welcome to bring their own if they would like.

2. Who provides the snack for children at the games?

At the beginning of the season, the coaches will ask all willing parents to sign up for a snack slot. Parents would sign up to bring either drinks or snacks to one game.

3. Do you have to be a Signal Hill resident to participate in the youth sports program?

No. All are welcome to join our free youth sports program as long as they meet the age requirements.

4. After I sign up my child, how do I receive information for the season?

One week after registration closes, we will send letters out to the address that you have provided on the registration form with information about practices and teams.