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Aquatics

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1. How do I register my child for swim lessons?

See Summer Grapevine Guide or call the Parks and Recreation Office at (626) 308-2875. Swim Lesson Registration

2. When are swim lessons offered?

Swim lessons are held June through August, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon, evenings and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Swim Lesson Information

3. Where is the wading pool located?

The wading pool is located at Smith Park, 232 West Broadway.

4. When is Smith Park Pool open?

The pool is open for recreational swimming beginning when school is out in June through mid August.
The hours of recreational swim are:
Monday - Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday & Thursday night 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Recreation Swim

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Building & Safety Division

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1. Does my permit ever expire?

Yes, if the work authorized on the site by such permit has not commenced within 180 days or is suspended and/or abandoned for a period of 180 days after its issuance. New fees may be assessed to renew the permit.

2. Is a City permit required for re-roofing?

Yes, in all cases.

3. What is the procedure to construct/install a sign for my business?

A sign plan and permit are required for all types of signs. Call the Community Development Department at (626) 308-2806 for information. The process and all requirements can be found in code section 153.323 (B) and 153.325 of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

4. How soon will I be able to schedule an inspection after I call?

Inspections can be scheduled for the next business day if there is an opening available. During especially busy times, you may need to wait two or three business days for an inspection.

5. What department is responsible for scheduling occupancy inspections?

This is coordinated through the Community Development Department at (626) 308-2806.

6. How many layers of roof covering materials are allowed before I need to completely tear off?

Two layers.

7. Do I need City approval and a permit to install a fence, gate or wall?

City approval is required in all cases. However, wood fences six feet high and less do not require a building permit.

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City Trees

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1. What does the City ordinance say?

The City Tree Ordinance states:
• No person shall cut, trim, prune, transplant, destroy or remove more than 1/3 of the live foliage of any mature Class 1 tree located anywhere on private property without first obtaining a permit from the City.
• No person shall cut, trim, prune, transplant, or destroy more than 1/3 of the live foliage or remove any tree of “historical/landmark” significance located in any of the single family residential zones of the City anywhere on private property without first obtaining a permit.
• Finally, no person shall reduce the height of any protected “mature tree” more than 1/4 over two years without first obtaining a permit from the City.

2. Do I need a permit to prune mature trees?

Pruning is the most common tree maintenance procedure. Forest trees grow well in a natural environment. However, landscape trees need a different level of maintenance. Pruning should be done with an understanding of how the tree responds to each cut. Improper trimming can cause damage that will last for the life of the tree, or worse, shorten the life of the tree entirely. This is why the City requests that residents apply for a permit before pruning or trimming their tree.

3. What are the conditions for getting a permit?

The Community Development Director will grant a permit if one or more of the following findings is made:
• The tree constitutes a nuisance or hazard
• The trimming is found to be necessary by a professional arborist, to maintain or enhance the health or appearance of the tree
• The tree has not been reduced in height more than 1/4 over a two-year period
• The trimming or removal of the tree is deemed necessary to prevent a substantial inconvenience/ financial hardship to the resident/property owner.

4. Are there any exemptions?

Permits are not required for the removal, trimming or pruning of a tree damaged by storm, fire, or other natural disaster or otherwise determined to be dangerous by the City Manager, Community Development Director, Police Officer, firefighter or code enforcement officer.

Also exempted from this ordinance are the following types of trees:
• Immature Class trees—do not exceed 19” circumference when located in the front yard or do not exceed 30” circumference when located in a side/rear yard
• Trees that must be removed or trimmed by order of any public agency or public utility having jurisdiction
• Any palm tree or fruit tree.

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Engineering

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1. Whom do I contact to report a street or sidewalk maintenance problem?

Call the Public Works manager at (626) 308-2825 ext.221.

2. Whom do I call for parkway tree trimming?

Call the Public Works manager at (626) 308-2825 ext. 221.

3. How often are the streets swept and whom do I call for street sweeping services?

Streets are swept once every two weeks. Contact the Public Works manager at (626) 308-2825 from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm on weekdays or the city engineer at (626) 308-2806 ext. 4631.

4. Whom do I contact to get street lights installed or repaired?

Contact the City Engineer at (626) 308-2806, ext. 4631 For repairs, call the Public Works Manager at (626) 308-2825. ext.221.

5. Whom do I contact to have time limited curbs repainted?

Call Engineering Division at (626) 308-2806.

6. How can I find out the size of my lot?

You can view the L.A County Assessors website. L.A County Assessors

7. How can I find my property line?

The City is not able to assist in locating property lines or corners. Community Development Department staff can help you find the parcel or subdivision map for your area. These show the property lines and dimensions, but may not be very helpful without the proper surveying training and equipment. Obtaining a property survey by a licensed land surveyor is the recommended way to accurately determine a property line. You must contact a private survey company for that service.

8. When and where will the next hazardous waste round-up be held?

Contact Los Angeles County Public Works Department at (800) 552-5218.

9. What is the phone number for each of the water companies?

The City of San Gabriel is serviced by five water companies. The majority of the city is serviced by:

• San Gabriel County Water District - (626) 287-0341

The other companies are:

• San Gabriel Valley Water Company - (626) 448-6183


• California American Water Company - (888) 237-1333


• Sunnyslope Water Company - (626) 795-4163


• Southern California (American States) Water Company - (909) 394-3600

The attached map shows the service areas of each of the five water companies. Map

10. Whom do I call for trash pick-up?

Athens Services has an exclusive franchise for disposal service in the City. Their phone number is (626) 336-6100.

11. What are the City's truck routes?

See our map of the City's truck routes. Map

12. How do I get my sewer lateral information?

Contact Engineering Division or visit City Hall to get a copy.

13. I am moving; can I put our moving container on the street?

You may apply for the large metal trash bin permit.

14. How can I get an address changes?

The property owner may submit the address changes request with the address changes fees.

15. How can I get copy of an as-built plan or centerline tie?

Contact the Engineering Division or visit City Hall to get a copy.

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Finance

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1. What do I need to do in order to get an overnight parking permit?

Parking permits are required in order to park on every street in the City between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., 365 days a year. Permits are only issued to passenger vehicles. No permits will be issued for oversized vans, commercial vehicles, or any vehicles with advertising or work equipment on them. You need an application form, available on our website or at City Hall, listing your name, address, phone number and reason for needing the permit. If you live in an apartment the landlord or manager must indicate the number of parking spaces assigned to your unit and sign the application. You must list all of the vehicles at the household, regardless of how many permits you want. We will need to see the current DMV registrations for all of the vehicles. If you would like a one year permit ($110.00) all of the registrations must have the current San Gabriel address printed on them. If you would like a six month permit ($90.00) you may bring in the original registration(s), cross off the old address and write in the new address, and we will issue a six month permit. Should you come back to renew, all of the registrations will need to have the correct address on them.
Temporary permits may be purchased at either of the two vending machines in town, in front of the Police Station at 625 S. Del Mar, or in front of the Parks and Recreation Building, 250 S. Mission Dr. The temporary passes are $3.00 per night and you may purchase up to seven nights at a time. Temporary passes may also be purchased on-line, at www.paymycite.com. There will be a $.50 convenience fee added to each on-line transaction.

2. Where can I pay or contest a parking ticket?

Parking tickets may only be paid through the mail, to the address on the back of the ticket. If you would like to contest the ticket you may go to the Police Station, 625 S. Del Mar between 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. every morning, or 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. every evening, seven days a week. You may also pay the ticket, or contest it in writing, or on-line at www.paymycite.com.

3. What do I need to do in order to open a massage business in the City of San Gabriel?

First you need to get the desired address approved by the Planning Division. Then each owner and manager of the business must come to City Hall and pay for an operator permit. Once the operator permit has been issued by the Police Department the owner may apply for a business license and Certificate of Operation. We will need the Articles of Incorporation and Statement of Information, LLC papers, and/or Fictitious Business Name Statement, whichever are applicable. We will also need a scale drawing of the floor plan of the business. Everyone who provides massage services in the City must be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council. All independent contractors will need to apply for their own business licenses. All employees must show their CAMTC cards. All massage business owners will be responsible for notifying the san Gabriel Police Department every time someone new comes to work for them or someone leaves, within seven days of the addition or departure.

4. Does the City of San Gabriel allow Internet Cafes?

All Internet cafes, game rooms or arcades must apply for a Conditional Use Permit before they may apply for a business license. The CUP process involves a public hearing before the Planning Commission, takes approximately 2-3 months, and costs approximately $2,000. If the CUP is granted the business owner may then apply for a business license. If the CUP is denied, the money is not refunded and the business may not open. In any event, gambling or wagering of any kind is not allowed under any circumstances. Internet cafes or game rooms may not try to skirt the CUP requirement by giving a business description of "Computer Repair Shop" or "Computer Services" if indeed Internet gaming will take place.

5. Does the City of San Gabriel allow Electronic Cigarette Stores?

The City currently allows E-Cigarette or "vaporizer" stores, as long as they comply with all State and Federal laws concerning the "cigarettes" and their accessories, not the least of which is the "juice" being sold.

6. Does the City of San Gabriel allow Medical Marijuana Dispensaries?

No. Our municipal code prohibits medical marijuana dispensaries in all zones and specific plans of the City.

7. What do I need to do to get Yard Sale Permit?

You are allowed to have a yard, garage, or estate sale for two consecutive days every six months. A permit is required; there is no fee for the permit. You may pick up the permit at City Hall by presenting identification with the San Gabriel address on it. You may also request a permit on the City website.

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Mission Playhouse

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1. Where can I find out more about the Mission Playhouse?

Visit the Mission Playhouse website. Mission Playhouse

2. What’s on at the Mission Playhouse?

Find out on our calendar page. Calendar

3. How do I buy tickets for an event at the Mission Playhouse?

Nearly all the events at the playhouse are staged by independent producers who make their own arrangements as to how they sell tickets. Please find the event you wish to attend on the Mission Playhouse website's event pages and use the telephone number, website, or email address listed there to purchase your tickets. Events

4. How do I rent the Playhouse for an event or film shoot?

Send us an email or call Anna Cross, Managing Director at (626) 308-2865. Alternatively visit our Rentals page. Rentals

5. How can I get on to the Playhouse Mailing List?

To receive our twice-monthly e-news, simply sign up online. If you prefer not receive emails from us, but would like to receive our brochure in the mail, just send us an email or call (626) 308-2865. E-Newsletter

6. I’d like just to look around the Playhouse; how do I do that?

If you’re thinking about renting the Playhouse for an event and would like to look around first, please contact Anna Cross, Managing Director at (626) 308-2865. If you would simply like to take a tour, please contact us here.

7. I have another question which isn't listed here; who do I contact?

Please send us an email or call us at (626) 308-2865. We’ll do our best to help or pass your inquiry on to the person best-placed to answer your query.

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Neighborhood Improvement Services

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1. What is code enforcement?

Code enforcement is a function local governments perform that citizens consider important for accomplishing community goals, such as protecting property values and the environment. Others view code enforcement as an annoying intrusion into the free use of private property. Traditionally, it has been a process whereby local governments use various techniques to gain compliance with duly adopted regulations such as land use and zoning ordinances, health and housing codes, sign standards, and building and fire codes. In recent years, federal and state regulations governing air and water quality have come into play. Local governments are now obliged to include enforcement of these rules and regulations in the array of responsibilities they assume for protecting the public health and welfare.

Contemporary code enforcement involves local enforcement officials in the job of ensuring compliance with codes and regulations in a timely fashion within the limits of the law. Consequently, enforcement officials must be fully acquainted with the adoption process and the thinking behind the regulations they enforce as well as the legal limits placed on them.

In this context the code enforcement official is a unique public servant whose responsibility lies squarely between policy making and the realms of law enforcement and litigation. The U.S. Congress, state legislatures, and city councils and county boards of supervisors adopt codes and regulations to solve problems or respond to federal, state, or community mandates. Enforcement applies these laws to specific properties, either by using notices to persuade voluntary compliance, issuing fines, or by filing court actions, all under the rubric of "police powers."

2. How can I file a complaint?

Complaints may be filed using any of the following methods:

• In person: Our office is located at 425 South Mission Drive. Our office hours are 8:00 am through 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, except Tuesdays. On Tuesday City Hall closes at 6:30 pm.


• Telephone: Our telephone number is (626) 308-2806 ext. 4636. Anyone wishing to speak with a staff person may call this number between the hours of 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. If the telephone line is already in use, you may leave your complaint information on the answering machine. Complaints may also be recorded at this same telephone number 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


• Online: Complaints may be filed online any time.

3. Are complainants required to identify themselves?

Complainants can remain anonymous but staff will not be able to ask additional questions or give updates to anonymous complainants.

4. What training and certifications does NIS staff have?

NIS staff members are certified by the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO) in the disciplines of housing inspections, property maintenance inspections, and land use and zoning inspections. NIS staff members are also Authorized Inspectors charged with the investigation of violations of the state’s water quality laws. NIS staff also possess Penal Code 832 (PC 832) certification to ensure that the rights of our citizens are not violated or diminished.

5. How long will it take NIS Officers to investigate my complaint?

NIS Officers will try to perform an initial investigation within 24 hours of receiving your complaint. Complaints are prioritized with issues dealing with the health and safety of our community getting first priority.

6. Can I convert my garage to a living space?

No. The International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and the California Health and Safety Code (H&S) do not allow for the habitation of structures not intended for habitation. Also, the San Gabriel Municipal Code requires all covered parking spaces to be free of any obstructions.

7. When do I have to remove my receptacles from public view?

Containers can be placed out by the householder or commercial customer not earlier than 6:00 pm of the day preceding collection and the containers shall be removed from public view by the householder or commercial customer from the collection place not later than 8:00 pm on the day of collection.

8. What can I do if I get a notice and do not understand what the violation is?

Call the NIS Officer listed on the bottom of the notice. NIS staff encourages you call. Staff seeks to educate citizens and business owners and encourage voluntary compliance.

9. What are some specific violations?

It is a violation to have any of the following:

• An inoperable vehicle in public view


• Dilapidated structures


• Flaking paint


• Holiday lights installed year round


• Junk & debris stored on private property


• Obstructions in the public right of way


• Open & abandoned buildings


• Overgrown vegetation

All of the conditions listed above are violations of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

10. What are the consequences of failing to comply once you have been issued a Notice of Violation?

NIS staff will issue administrative fines if violators of the code are uncooperative and fail to abate the violation (s) by the abatement date set by the NIS Officer. The San Gabriel Municipal Code has deemed any violation of the code a misdemeanor; subsequently, NIS staff may initiate legal action if violations are not abated.

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Parks

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1. Are picnic areas in the park available for rent?

There are four picnic areas available for rent on weekends. There are three areas at Vincent Lugo Park and one area at Smith Park. Please call the Recreation Office at (626) 308-2875 for additional information. The majority of picnic areas at Smith and Vincent Lugo Park are available on a first come, first serve basis without a fee.

2. When are the parks open to the public?

Park Hours : 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. daily.

3. Can you have moon bounces or live animal shows in San Gabriel Parks?

These are not allowed, pursuant to San Gabriel Municipal Code Section 10-2.06.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Who designed La Laguna de San Gabriel?

La Laguna de San Gabriel, also known as "Dinosaur Park" was designed by Benjamin Dominguez in 1965.

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Transportation

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1. How do I apply for a reduced-fare pass or TAP card?

The City of San Gabriel offers reduced-fare TAP Cards to city residents 62 years and older and disabled residents. TAP Card reloads are sold for $9 a month at the Parks and Recreation Office, 250 South Mission Drive, from 8:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with extended hours Tuesday until 6:00 p.m..

For additional information, please call the Parks and Recreation office at (626) 308-2875.
TAP Reduced -Fare Passes

2. Can I bring a bike on the bus?

Each transit bus is equipped with bike racks that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. You can also take your bike on Metro rail. Cyclist's Guide

3. Are there Park and Ride Lots in San Gabriel?

There are two convenient Park and Ride Lots as well as public parking lots in the city of San Gabriel. The Del Mar Park and Ride, 1753 S. Del Mar Ave.San Gabriel, CA 91778 is a free parking lot located at the intersection of Del Mar and Norwood Ave with 128 spaces. The Mission District Park and Ride, 243 S. Mission Dr.San Gabriel, CA 91778 has 100 parking spaces and is located in the heart of the Mission District.
Metro Park and Ride Lots