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1. Do I need a Building Permit?

According to the California Building Standards Code, no building or structure may be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official. If your project included the need for any structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical work, you will need to apply for a Building Permit? 

2. What do I need to Apply for a Building Permit?

The City Requires two (2) Full sets of Plans  and a Building Permit Application filled out to be submitted in  to the Community Development - Building Division, all Structural sets of plans Must include a SITE PLAN MAP. and  example is located on the Forms and application.

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1. How do I apply for a City Business License?

You may download the appropriate form from our website or come to City Hall, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Please ask for Brian Arellano, Finance Assistant, and he will be happy to assist you.

2. How Do I Start A New Business?

Before applying for a business license, please read the "Starting Your Own Business" checklist to help you determine who you need to contact.

You are also advised to contact the City of Avenal Community Development Department at (559) 386-5782 to make sure your location is zoned for your specific business type.
Download the checklist

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1. What type of data collection software does the City use?

City Website
Vendor - CivicPlus
Product - CivicPlus
Categories - Public Information
System Purpose - City Website
Categories - Content management of web posting/calendars/documents/ Web applications
Custodian - Information Technology
Frequency Data is Collected - As needed
Frequency Data is Updated - As needed
Utility Payments
Vendor - Convenient Payments LLC dba GovTeller
Product - GovTeller
Categories - Online and In-person Utility payments by debit/credit card
System Purpose - Collection of payments for utility billing, business licenses, animal control, etc.
Categories - Credit card payments
Custodian - Utility/Finance
Frequency Data is Collected - Daily
Frequency Data is Updated - Daily

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1. Can I park my car in my front yard?

No, cars are not allowed to be parked in the front yard of homes.

2. What days can I water my lawn?

Due to the Tier 3 Water Conservation restrictions, watering days have been restricted to:

Odd Number Addresses: Watering only on Mondays & Fridays from 12:00 a.m. - 11:59 p.m. 

Even Number Addresses: Watering only on Tuesdays & Saturdays from 12:00 a.m. -11:59 p.m.

Sunday Watering: NO WATERING ALLOWED

For more information on Tier 3 Water Conservation Restrictions, please read the front page News Flash or follow this link.

3. Can I appeal a citation?

Yes. Within ten (10) calendar days following the date of your abatement citation, you may appeal to the Avenal Planning Commission by filing an Appeal application with the City.

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1. What facilities are available to rent?

We currently have two facilities that are accessible to the community:
1) Scout House - 25 capacity. This building is utilized for small group meetings and programs such as the Cub Scouts.

2. What youth programs are available during the Summer?

The Recreation Department offers a Kidz Spot Summer drop-in program. It is open Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the Veteran's Memorial Hall located at 108 W. Kings Street.

There are several other programs offered through various community organizations. Click on links below for more information.

3. Do you have a Drama Program?

Yes, We are funded through PG&E which provides funding for one (1) play a year. We are currently rehearsing for "The Little Mermaid? The performance date is yet to be determined.
Location: Veteran's Memorial Hall, 108 W. Kings Street.

4. When is the Independence Day Celebration?

It is held on the last Saturday in June.

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1. When do I need a Zoning Permit?

A Zoning Permit is a Land Use that the City requires Prior to any development within the city limits. That includes but not limited to  ANY NEW BUSINESS,  EXISTING BUSINESS MOVING FROM ONE PLACE TO ANOTHER, DEVELOPEMENT OF A PROPERTY.  IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS  AND WANT TO KNOW MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE  CONTACT THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. 

2. What can I do on my Property?

Depending on what zone district you are located in, the types of uses will vary.  Please contact the Community Development Department to Find out what zone district you are located in. 

3. Where can I find the Zoning Ordinance?

The Zoning Ordinance can be found in the Planning and Zoning Tab under the COmmunity Development Department or 

Please Click Here: https://www.cityofavenal.com/315/Zoning-Ordinance

4. Do I need approval for my business sign?

Yes, the Community Development Department must approve all signage to ensure compliance with the Zoning Ordinance.

5. What days are Planning Commission meetings?

Planning Commission meetings are held every first Monday of the month.

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1. Does Avenal Police Department have Facebook or Twitter?

Yes, you can follow us on Facebook!
Official Avenal PD Facebook

2. How can I submit an anonymous tip?

You can submit a tip by phone by calling the tip line at (559) 401-9576.

You can also submit a tip through this website with the link provided below.

Anonymous Tips Form

3. My vehicle was towed. What is the process to get it back?

If your vehicle was towed and is being held for a 30 day impound, you can request an appointment for an impound hearing. Impound hearings are scheduled in person or via phone and are held during the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).

4. Does Avenal Police Department offer LiveScan Fingerprint services?

Yes, this service is by appointment only. Contact the Records Division at 559-386-4444 to schedule an appointment. When you come for your scheduled appointment, please be sure to bring a valid form of identification and the Request for LiveScan form.

5. How can I obtain a copy of law enforcement reports?

Reports can be requested by phone or in person. The report will be available upon request. If the report is unavailable at the time of request, the Records Division will advise when the report is ready for pick up. A victim can obtain one (1) free copy of a report; however, there is a cost of $12.00 for each additional copy. Information is released per California State Law, Government Code Section 6254(f).

6. Can I get my fix-it ticket signed off?

If the violation is correctable and repairs have been made to your vehicle, an Avenal Police Officer can sign off your ticket. You must have your ticket with you for an Avenal Police Officer to sign it off. If you are unable to locate your ticket, please contact Avenal Police Department Records to obtain a copy of your ticket.

7. How do I obtain a complete criminal history record on myself?

Individuals must submit fingerprints using the Live Scan process, which is available at Avenal Police Department by appointment only.

For additional information, you may contact Avenal Police Department Records and/or refer to California Department of Justice - Record Review Unit. State of California, Department of Justice Website

8. Under Megan's Law in the State of California, can I see if registered sex offenders live in my neighborhood?

Yes, select the link to the California Department of Justice's official website, which lists designated registered sex offenders in California. State of California, Department of Justice Website

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1. How can I find out about open bids with the City?

Please visit the Bid Postings page for the latest open bids.
Bid Postings Page

2. Who do I contact to report a broken street light?

Please contact the Public Works Department to report a streetlight that is out. Please report exposed wires or a damaged streetlight pole immediately. Call 559-386-5782 weekdays, between 8 am and 5 pm.

You may also submit an online request through our Reporting Form service.

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1. How do I request utility services?

You can request service in person by visiting our office at 919 Skyline Blvd. Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm.

The customer must present proper identification such as: a valid U.S. Drivers License or a valid identification card from the DMV. If you are out of town you can submit your request in writing along with a copy of your ID.
A meter deposit in the amount of $100.00 is also required for new customers who have not had service within the past year. Requests made after 3:30 pm will be completed the following working day.

2. What is MidValley's Holiday Trash Collection Schedule?

MidValley’s Holiday Trash Collection Schedule for the year 2020 is as follows:

3. What is my watering schedule?

If your address ends in an odd number, you may water Mondays and Fridays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

If your address ends in an even number, you may water Tuesdays and Saturdays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM

4. Are swimming pools allowed during our water shortage?

Residents may not fill a swimming pool (both in-ground and above-ground) without first submitting a written request to the City Manager. Please contact the City Clerk, Maria Ortiz at 559-386-5804 for more information.

5. Is my water safe to drink?

Yes. The tap water in Avenal is safe to drink. Please contact the Utility Supervisor Ronald Brumley regarding questions or concerns about water. He can be reached at 559-386-0868.

6. Do I need a Yard Sale Permit?

Yes you are required to have a yard sale permit, the cost if $10.00 and you are only allowed 3 permits per year

7. When is my water bill due?

Your water bill is due upon receipt; however as a courtesy you are given until the first day of the following month to pay without late fees. On the second day of each month a 10% penalty fee will be added to any unpaid balance.