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Here is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Administrative Services
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There are several ways to sign-up. You can access the Notify Me feature, select which categories interest you under Job Postings and follow the directions. You can also sign-up on the Career Opportunities webpage, select the Job Postings button. You then register your email address, choose your categories and subscribe.
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Firms are required to self register on-line for up to 10 commodities. Please register at link below.
Vendor Registration
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Anyone doing business in the City of La Mesa must have a business license. This includes contractors and those working out of their homes.
Business Licenses
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You can pay your sewer bill at La Mesa City Hall, Finance Division. The address is 8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa. We also have drop boxes located in the parking lot and at the entrances of City Hall for your after-hours convenience.
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Animal Control
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All dogs over four months of age must be licensed with the City of La Mesa. It is a fairly simple process that keeps you in compliance with the law. Just take your dog to any licensed veterinarian for a rabies shot. Take the proof of rabies vaccination to La Mesa City Hall to purchase your license. License prices vary by the length of time you wish to license your dog and whether the dog is spayed or neutered. Failure to comply with the law could result in a citation to appear in court.
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Yes! The City of La Mesa does enforce a leash law LMMC 8.04.130. Dogs must be on leash anytime they leave your property for a walk. This leash law includes all parks in the City of La Mesa. Your dog may be off leash only if he or she is in the enclosed Dog Park area of Harry Griffen Park.
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Yes he is. Anytime you walk your dog you are responsible for picking up after your dog or risk a citation LMMC 8.04.320. Citizens are also required to clean up after their pets on their property as well and not let manure accumulate LMMC 8.04.150.
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The City of La Mesa offers a few options for removing stray cats that have become a problem. You can rent a humane trap from Animal Control for a daily fee. Once you have the cat, La Mesa Animal Control can pick it up for the City's stray cat pick up fee. All daily trap rental fees are waived if the stray cat pick up fee is paid. The trapping of wild animals is regulated by State law. Before setting any trap(s) for wild animals citizens should consult the local office of the State Department of Fish & Game. If any wild animals are inadvertently trapped, they may be released at or within a two mile radius of the location where they were trapped. The Animal Control Officer is available to advise you on ways to address nuisance cat issues in and around your home or neighborhood which may eliminate the need for trapping. The Police Department encourages you to discuss these options with the Animal Control Officer before setting traps.” Cats that are captured in traps must be treated humanely and delivered to the animal shelter or the La Mesa Animal Control Officer. The Animal Control Officer will provide you with specific information on where you may take cats that have been trapped.
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If you have lost your pet, you should report the animal to La Mesa Animal Control to see if it has been picked up. You should also check with the El Cajon Animal Shelter as all animals found in La Mesa are taken there. The Shelter is located at: 125 N. Marshall Avenue
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: 619.441.1580
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The City of La Mesa is home to an array of native wild animals. Skunks, foxes, opossums, raccoons, ducks, coyotes and bats all call La Mesa home. You may discover that wildlife has become a frequent visitor to your home. Native animals will enter a yard for three main reasons; food, water and shelter. By eliminating these enticements you can make your yard less appealing to the animals, preventing their late night visits. Close all openings under your home, deck and out buildings. Make sure all trash is placed in proper receptacles with a tight lid. Keep small pets indoors at night and bring in any pet food. Keep ripe fruit picked from the tree and raked up from the ground. La Mesa Animal Control can provide you with excellent advice and further tips for managing urban wildlife.
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Per the California Penal Code 597.7 it is illegal to leave an animal in a car if by doing so you endanger the health or well-being of the animal. Do not leave an animal in your car during hot or warm weather. Other factors to consider are if the car is in the sun and if the windows are rolled up not allowing ventilation. Your best course is to leave your pet at home when you run errands.
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Animal cruelty encompasses a wide range of offenses against animals. Neglect, abuse, animal hoarding and animal fighting can all be considered different forms of cruelty. Animals should always be provided with food, water and shelter. Pet owners are required to provide care to their animals and not let medical conditions go untended. Animals should not be harmed physically by hitting, kicking or any other malicious act. If you notice any signs of animal cruelty or suspect it is occuring, call La Mesa Animal Control immediately at 619.667.1436 or the La Mesa Police Department at 619.667.1400.
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Backflow Prevention Program
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It is a plumbing device with a one-way flapper mechanism, specifically designed to allow sewage to flow out but blocks it from coming back when there’s a blockage in the main sewer line.
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The device will be installed outside of the building on your private sewer lateral, usually within 4 feet of the house where the sewer line is shallowest. The plumber performing the work should try to install the device in a location that is convenient and easily accessible for maintenance.
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On average, the cost of installation ranges from $500 to $3,000 depending on the site conditions and difficulty of the installation. The City will agree to pay the participants approved for funding under the Backflow Prevention Program, 50% of the cost, up to $1,500.
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All jobs are different so more difficult installations will require more time to complete. A relatively simple installation will likely take a day or two to complete.
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The installation should be completed within sixty (60) days from the date that your notice to proceed is issued. If additional time is needed, please contact the Engineering Division at 619.667.1338 to make arrangements.
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The City will pay 50% of the total cost of the installation, up to $1,500. This includes all the necessary parts, labor, materials, etc.
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For the device to function properly, it must be cleaned and maintained regularly. If debris and grease accumulate, the flapper cannot close and the valve will fail. In most cases however, the backwater valve will reduce the damage caused by sewer backup.
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Call your plumber or a drain cleaning service once every six months or so to check the valve and clean your sewer line. Let the plumber know that you have a backwater valve installed and show them where it is located. Otherwise, the plumber’s cleaning equipment is likely to damage or destroy the device during cleaning.
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The sewage that would have backed up into your neighbor’s home must go somewhere. If both homes have low-lying plumbing fixtures or the properties share a sewer lateral, it is possible for a backup to occur in the unprotected property. The results will vary depending on the individual situation.
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Call the Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, at 619.667.1338 to request additional information.
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Building Division
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Permits are required for, but not necessarily limited to, residential and business additions, alterations, patio covers, decks, garden and retaining walls, swimming pools, spas, air conditioners, all electrical and plumbing installations including sprinklers, water heaters and gas lines. If you are considering an alteration to an existing building, or a new construction project, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.
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You will need to submit required building plans for the construction project. See Checklist for Plan Submittal Requirements. Submit building plans to the Building Division permit counter. There is a plan check fee due at that time. (Fees are based upon the value of the structure being built.) Once the building plans have been reviewed and approved by all City departments, a building permit will be issued upon verification of the contractor information and the payment of the required fees. All plans should be reviewed by the Planning Division before submittal for a building permit. Call the Planning Division at 619.667.1158 for information. Plan review applications for which no permit is issued within one year following the date of application shall expire by limitation. In order to renew action on an application after expiration, the applicant shall resubmit plans and pay a new plan review fee.
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A property owner doing work on his or her own property may obtain the permit. If a contractor is doing the work, it is recommended that he or she obtain the permit. For more information, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.
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Once you have obtained your permit(s), you may call the automated inspection telephone line at 619.667.1366 to request an inspection.
Inspections can generally be scheduled for the next business day, if requested. Please note that City offices are closed on alternate Fridays, and no inspections are scheduled on dark Fridays. Please check the City Calendar before you call the inspection line. For additional assistance, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.
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In general, an inspection will take place between 8a.m. and 4p.m. However, it varies from day to day due to office assignments or meetings. For additional information, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.
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Yes, unless you have given specific permission to the inspector and the work to be inspected is on the exterior with all permits and plans accessible. Inspections cannot be done if unsupervised minor children or unsecured animals are present. For additional information, please contact the Building Division at 619. 667.1176.
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The Building Division keeps microfilm copies of all building permits issued and inspections made since property was annexed. Building plans may be available for viewing on microfilm for commercial and residential projects submitted within the last ten years. There is a nominal fee to cover the cost of making copies of permits. For additional information, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.
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See the Construction and Demolition Recycling page
here
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Business Licenses
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For new applications: In-city licenses usually take 4-8 weeks and 8-10 weeks during the months of December and January. Out-of-city and home occupation licenses typically take 2-4 weeks to process. For renewal applications: Most licenses typically take 2-4 weeks to process. Current processing times for In-City business license applications are 4-8 weeks. The list below shows the application status for the current business week.
Business License Status List
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Lists can be obtained for $.50 per business listing (200+ businesses cost $100.00) by contacting the Business License Officer at 619.667.1118 or by the email contact form below. Payment must be received prior to obtaining the list and lists may be emailed/printed out.
Email Contact Form
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The City's payment options include payment with Visa/MasterCard or Discover in person with valid ID or personal/business checks and money orders mailed to: City of La Mesa
8130 Allison Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91941 At this time we are not able to accommodate online or over the phone credit card payment requests.
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Please provide as much information as possible including the business name, owner name, address, phone number and type of business to: Report a Problem or Phone: 619.667.1118 or Mail: 8130 Allison Ave, La Mesa, CA 91941
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Residential solicitation is allowed within the City however vehicle solicitation (fliers posted on vehicles in parking lots) is prohibited. Anyone may refuse solicitation and it is best to make this request at the time of the occurrence to the vendor and to ask for a business card for follow up. The City of La Mesa currently has an application process for solicitors wishing to do business within the City. The process includes fees, an investigation and the submittal of photographs. The license is valid for one year from the listed start date. While the City of La Mesa wishes to make contact with every unlicensed solicitor we need your help! If you would like to complain about an unlicensed solicitor please follow the reporting process outlined above. Remember - while soliciting is allowed in residential areas, door-to-door, it is up to you to request "no soliciting".
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The City of La Mesa business license is only a license to operate your business within the City. Business owners are responsible for all other applicable taxes, fees, and legal documents and licenses. Please see our brochure located on the "New Businesses" section for agencies to contact if you are opening a new business or changing ownership.
New Businesses
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Capital Improvement Program
City Clerk
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Mayor Art Madrid
Vice Mayor Mark Arapostathis
Councilmember Ruth Sterling
Councilmember Ernest Ewin
Councilmember Dave Allan
City Council Members
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The Council meets regularly on the second Tuesday at 4:00 pm and on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm with hearings set at 7:00 pm, in the Council Chambers of La Mesa City Hall and are open to the public. The Council also holds adjourned sessions and special meetings as needed. The Council meetings are also broadcast live on Cox Cable Channel 24.
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Yes. You can watch City Council cablecasts live on Channel 24 on the second Tuesday of each month at 4:00 pm and on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:00 pm.
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City Council agendas are prepared by the City Clerk’s office and are available free of charge by the end of the day on the Friday prior to the City Council meeting. Agendas are available online, at the City Clerk’s office, posted outside the Council Chambers, or at the meeting. A complete agenda report packet is available at the La Mesa Library, 8055 University Avenue, and at the City Clerk's Office during normal business hours.
Agendas
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The Members of the City Council and City staff cordially welcome you to the meetings.
The agenda indicates the matters scheduled for consideration at the meetings. If you wish to speak concerning any of these items when they are under consideration, please complete a "Request to Speak" card and submit it to the Council Hostess at the back of the Council Chambers. Approach the microphone at the front of the Chambers when the Mayor calls your name. When you have been recognized by the Mayor, please state your name for the record before you present your comments.
In order that all who wish to speak may be heard, it is requested that you limit your presentation to three minutes.
Should you wish to speak concerning a matter that is not listed on the agenda, you may be heard during that part of the agenda that is listed as "Public Comments." Please complete a "Request to Speak" card and submit it to the Council Hostess at the back of the Council Chambers. Approach the microphone at the front of the Chambers when the Mayor calls your name. When you have been recognized by the Mayor, state your name for the record before speaking on the subject you have in mind.
PLEASE NOTE: In accordance with state law, an item not scheduled on the agenda may be brought forward by the general public for discussion; however, the City Council will not be able to take any action at this meeting. If appropriate, the item will be referred to Staff or placed on a future agenda.
Should you wish to have an item scheduled on a future agenda, please contact the City Clerk's Office at 619.667.1120.
City Clerk's Page
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To apply for a board, commission or committee, submit a completed application to the City Clerk’s office, located in City Hall, 8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91941. If you have any questions, please call the City Clerk’s office at 619.667.1120.
Applicants are appointed to the various boards, commissions and committees after a standard interview and appointment process. Unexpected vacancies are usually filled from the applications on file.
Detailed information describing the duties and responsibilities of the various boards, commissions and committees, as well as applicant qualifications, is available on this website or at the City Clerk’s Office.
Boards, Commissions, & Committees
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The City Clerk’s Office will provide a copy of any public record under its jurisdiction, including ordinances, resolutions and Council minutes. The cost for copies is $.10 per page.
City Clerk's Page
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You can view La Mesa's Municipal Code online. A Code book is also available at the City Clerk’s Office and at the La Mesa Library, 8055 University Avenue, during normal business hours.
Municipal Code Online
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General municipal elections are held in November of each even-numbered year. The staff at the Registrar of Voters will be happy to check the records to find out if you are registered to vote. You can contact the Registrar of Voters at 858.565.5800.
Registrar of Voters
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Certified copies of birth and death certificates are available through the San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk’s office. Marriage licenses are also available. For specific information visit the website or call 619.237.0502. The East County branch is located at 200 South Magnolia Avenue, El Cajon, CA 92020, and the phone number is 619.401.5700.
To file for a divorce, contact the Family Law Court at 619.236.0189 or at www.sdcourt.ca.gov.
San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk’s website
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City Hall is located at 8130 Allison Avenue in La Mesa. Take I-8 or Highway 94 to the Spring Street exit. Turn west onto Allison Avenue and we’re on the north side of the street.
Map to City Hall
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Classes
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Yes, we offer classes for ages six months through adult. Our classes are listed in the Community Services Schedule.
Community Services Schedule
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The La Mesa Recreation Center is located at 4975 Memorial Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941 in MacArthur Park.
Location....
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Community Development
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Permits are required for, but not neccessarily limited to, residential and business additions, alterations, patio covers, decks, garden and retaining walls, swimming pools, spas, air conditioners, all electrical and plumbing installations including sprinklers, water heaters and gas lines. If you are considering an alteration to an existing building, or a new construction project, please contact the Building Division at 619.667.1176.For additional information please see the Building Division page.
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To report a zoning code violation in your neighborhood please submit the Zoning Complaint Form [PDF] to the address below or complete the online form at Request Tracker. Zoning Complaints may be submittted in person to: Code Compliance Officer
Planning Department
8130 Allison Avenue
La Mesa, CA 91941
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Community Services
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Yes we do. Please see our Classes page for more information.
Classes Page
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La Mesa Community Center is located at 4975 Memorial Drive in La Mesa, off La Mesa Blvd. From Freeway 8 take the Jackson Drive exit and turn right. Turn right again at La Mesa Blvd and right at Memorial Drive. Turn into the first parking lot on the right.
Map
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Yes we do. Please see our Facilities page for more information.
Facilities Page
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Yes there is. Please see our Aquatics page for more information.
Aquatics Page
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Engineering and Development Services
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Please contact the Engineering Division at 619.667.1166.
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Contact the Engineering Division at 619.667.1166 to locate your property line.
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Environmental Services
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Each spring the City and EDCO Disposal Corp hold a Clean-up Day for La Mesa residents. The only items not accepted are hazardous waste, wet garbage, tires, explosives, and business waste. Call the City at 619.667.1338 for further information or clarification. For landfill information call 619.562.0530. Bulky item pick-up is also available from EDCO for a small fee. Call 619.287.7555.
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If they leave their trash carts on the street past collection day, set them out too early or let trash accumulate for weeks, call the City at 619-667-1338 or
report it on-line
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Call EDCO at 619-287-7555. If your complaint is not handled to your satisfaction, call the City of La Mesa at 619-667-1338.
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Scavenging is illegal. You can deter scavenging by not setting your bin out until 6 a.m. on the day of collection. If this doesn’t help, get a complete description of the person, the vehicle, and its plate number, if possible. Then call La Mesa Police Dept. immediately at 619.469.6111.
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