What is the typical review timeframe in Development for new project applications?

Applications for new projects are reviewed within a two week time period.

What is the typical review timeframe for Subdivision Maps?

Depending on the complexity of the map, the review period may vary from one week to four weeks.

What are the hours of operations?

8 am to 12 pm and 1pm to 5 pm.

The County Surveyor’s office is closed to the public on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Is there a plan to make services accessible through the Internet?

Plans are underway to make many records available through the Internet.

Is my property in a flood plain?

Contact the Water Resources Agency at (831) 755-4860

Who do I call for a house number?

Street address requests should be made at (831) 755-4881.  Please have your assessors parcel number and road name available.

The form can be accessed on our Web site.

Where do I get information on ownership of property?

Contact the Assessor’s office at (831) 755-5035.

What types of GIS data are available? How much does it cost? How do I obtain information regarding GIS?

Currently, GIS data is available through the County GIS Coordinator,  (831-759-6958)

How much is the traffic mitigation fee for my project? Where can I pay this?

Traffic mitigation fees vary depending on the area of the County and are adjusted annually. Please call

(831) 755-4729 to see if your lot is subject to a traffic fee. Traffic mitigation fees can be paid at the Building Department during the building permit process.

Top of Page

TRANSPORTATION QUESTIONS:

How does a project get added to the Capital Improvement Program (CIP)?

1. A need (based on a safety, operational, capacity or maintained deficiency) has to be identified.

2. Given that our needs always exceed our funding capabilities, the needs are prioritized.

3. The scope of work and need is refined and becomes a project.

4. Funding is pursued for the project.

5. Project funding is secured.

6. Project is added to the CIP.

What grants are available to fund road projects?

There are a variety of grant funds available for road projects. The funds often have stipulations that dictate the type of road project for which they can be expended, i.e. bridges, regional routes, safety improvements. A large percentage of the grants are given by TAMC.

What is TAMC?

The Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) is the regional transportation agency for Monterey County.

What is the Regional Transportation Plan?

The Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is long-range transportation-planning document generated periodically by TAMC.  The RTP identifies existing and future transportation related needs, considers all modes of travel, analyses alternative solutions, and identifies what can be completed with anticipated available funding for projects and programs.

What is the State Transportation Improvement Program?

The State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) is a multi-year capital improvement program of transportation projects on and off the State Highway System, funded with revenues from the State Highway Account and other funding sources.

What is G-12?

The G-12 Route is the route between Highway 101 and the Community of Pajaro that runs along San Miguel Canyon Road, Hall Road, Elkhorn Road, and Salinas Road.

Are there plans for developer fees in Prunedale? Pajaro? Castroville? Oak Hills?

The developer fees relating to traffic impact mitigations vary and depend on the cost to mitigate the impacted transportation facilities. On average the traffic impact fees for a single family dwelling can range for $5,000 to $10,000.

Top of Page

DESIGN/CONSTRUCTION QUESTIONS:

Where can I obtain a Plan Holders’ List for a current construction project out to bid?

Call the Design Engineering office at 831-755-4800 who will forward you to the appropriate staff.  You may also go to our Web Site at, www.co.monterey.ca.us/publicworks/bids.htm

How can I obtain plans and specifications for a project?

Either mail your request with your check for the cost of the plans and specs or stop by the Design Engineering office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (closed between 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.).  Plans and specifications will be mailed out via First Class postal mail.  If you would like your plans and specifications Federal Expressed to you, please include your Federal Express number and expiration date along with your request.

How would I find out about projects coming up for bid?

Projects are advertised in The Californian and in the local newspaper where the project will be taking place (e.g., Carmel project would be advertised in the Carmel Pinecone).  Plans and specifications for new projects out to bid are also forwarded to local Builders Exchanges.

You may also go to our Web Site at, www.co.monterey.ca.us/publicworks/bids.htm

Are the plans and specifications for a project out to bid on the Internet?

Not yet!

What is the price of the plans and specs for a project out to bid?

The price varies depending upon the project.  The price is located in the “Notice to Contractors” in Book One, Special Provisions, and can also be obtained by calling Design Engineering office at (831) 755-4806.

Do you take credit cards?  To whom should I write the check?

The Department of Public Works is not equipped to handle credit cards.  Cash or checks are accepted.  The check should be made out to “Monterey County and at the bottom of the check should indicate the name of the project.

Can I forward my bid to you?

No.  Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the Clerk to the Board of Supervisors, Monterey County Courthouse, 240 Church Street, Room 226, Salinas, California 93901 until the date and time of the bid opening of a specific project.

Whom would I talk to regarding an on-going construction project?

The Construction Office or the Receptionist would refer the caller to the Resident Engineer, take a message, or forward the call to the Design and Construction Engineer.

What is the status of my pay estimate check? (Frequently asked by the Contractor to Construction office, not the general public at large)

Refer caller to the Resident Engineer or to the Construction Office at (831) 755-4925.

Who can answer a technical question about a project currently out to bid?

Call the Design Engineering Office so your telephone call may be forwarded to the Design Engineer in charge of the project or the Construction Engineer.

How do I get a copy of the County Standard Specifications?

Contact the Development Section (831-755-4923 or 831-755-4922).

What projects do you have coming up for bid in the next six months?

The Project Schedule can be reviewed for upcoming projects.  A request for more detailed information would be forwarded to the Engineer in charge of the project (shown on the Project Schedule) or to the Design and Construction Engineer.

Who’s the Resident Engineer on a particular construction project?  How can I reach him/her?

Call the Construction office (831) 755-4925 where the caller would be forwarded to the Resident Engineer or a phone message would be taken.  The caller may be forwarded to the Design and Construction Engineer if the call is “urgent” and/or the Resident Engineer is unavailable at (831) 755-4800.

What’s your fax number?  What are your hours?

Design Engineering fax number is (831) 755-4958.  The Construction Engineering fax number is (831) 759-7289. The main fax number for Public Works is (831) 755-4958.
The hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The office is closed between 12 and 1 p.m.

Top of Page

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICE RELATED QUESTIONS:

How can I find out if there is an inactive landfill near my home?

The Monterey County Department of Public Works has the responsibility to monitor and manage 13 closed landfills in the unincorporated area of the County. Inactive landfill locations can be obtained by contacting (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas and requesting a referral to the Environmental Services Section for response.

How can I get a street light installed?

Street lights on Monterey County roads are owned and operated by PG&E. Operation and maintenance is funded in three ways. Certain streetlights are installed at the request and direction of the Public Works Department, are related to traffic safety, and are funded from road maintenance funds. Some areas of the County through the formation of a County Service Area (CSA) have installed area security lighting and fees are collected from the participating properties to fund operation and maintenance. Some individual property owners have requested the installation of a streetlight for personal benefit and they are responsible to fund the installation, operation, and maintenance through PG&E.  Streetlights installed at the request of the property owner must be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department through the Encroachment Permit process. More information regarding street lighting can be obtained by contacting (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas and requesting a referral to the Traffic Section for response.

How can I get a street light repaired?

Refer to the Maintenance FAQ for this same question.

What is the sewer charge or County Service Area charge on my tax bill?

Certain urban services are provided to County residents through the creation of County Service Area or County Sanitation District. These services are funded through fees collected on the Tax rolls. More information can be obtained by contacting (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas and requesting a referral to the Environmental Services Section.

How do I connect to a public sewer system and what will it cost?

Some areas of the County are serviced through public sewers. More information on the areas serviced, the process for connection, and the cost can be obtained by contacting (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas and requesting a referral to the Environmental Services Section.

Top of Page

ROAD AND BRIDGE MAINTENANCE RELATED QUESTIONS:

How do I request other routine maintenance activities?

The Monterey County Department of Public Works has responsibility to perform road maintenance, repair, pavement patching, litter removal, dead animal removal, maintenance of traffic control devices and other routine activities on local “public roads” in the unincorporated area of Monterey County. During normal working hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, the routine activity should be reported by calling (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas.  Similar routine activities on State Highways are under the jurisdiction of Caltrans; and on city streets these activities are the responsibility of the locality. Private roads are generally the responsibility of a homeowners association or legal owner of record of the road.

Do I need a permit to trim or remove trees?

If you wish to have a tree on the County road right-of-way trimmed or removed, you should contact the Road District Superintendent for the area where the work is to occur. Contact with the District Road Superintendent can be initiated by calling (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas. The Monterey County Planning and Building Department should be contacted to trim or remove a tree or trees on private property. Contact http:www.co.Monterey.ca.us/pbi/questionnaire/tree.htm. For trees on highways, please contact Caltrans (link).

How do I report a dangerous or hazardous condition occurring on the County road or resulting from a situation on a County road?

Some examples might be flooding on the road or private property, a tree down across the road or blocking a portion of the road or driveway, malfunctioning traffic signal, power lines down across the road, debris on the roadway, a hazardous material spill, a major slide or slip-out, a road washout, sewer spill, structural failure, major pot holes, or other events critical to the road and its safe operating condition.
During normal working hours 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday dangerous conditions on the County’s road system or resulting from the road system should be reported to the Public Works Department-Maintenance and Operations Division at (831) 647-7748 Monterey or (831) 755-4800 Salinas. During non-working hours and on weekends, dangerous or hazardous conditions on the County’s road system or resulting from the County road system should be reported to a 911 operator. A detailed description of the dangerous condition, its location, size, and other pertinent information will improve the Public Works Department’s ability to respond expeditiously. The 911 operator will notify the appropriate District Road Superintendent of the situation.

How do I adopt an activity on a County road? Some examples might be litter removal, graffiti removal, landscape maintenance, shoulder maintenance, and other routine activities.

The Department of Public Work's Adopt-A-Roadway Coordinator can be contacted during normal working hours at (831) 755-4925 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Top of Page

ENCROACHMENT RELATED QUESTIONS:

What is an encroachment permit?

A permit to work within County right-of-way.

What are the fees for a road permit?

The fee depends on the type of work being done.  

For questions regarding Encroachment Permits?

Please call (831) 755-4800 x4930.

How do I get a permit to film or photograph in the road right-of-way or on County property?

You have to apply for the film permit and provide a Certificate of Insurance with endorsement to the County. You must also apply with Sheriff's Department for any traffic control or safety services required by your project.

Do I need a permit to cut a tree?

Yes, if the tree is within County right-of-way and is not a protected tree by County ordinance.

How do I get an annual permit for transporting extra legal loads over County roads?

Apply at the beginning of the calendar year to the transportation permit agent at (831) 755-4932.

What is the expected turnaround time for processing an encroachment permit?

Depending on location, it can take one to three days (the inspector has to do a pre-inspection of site before approving or disapproving an application).

Do I need a permit for a bike race?

Yes, if you are closing a road or interrupting traffic flows.

Who do I talk to regarding installation of a driveway, sidewalk, curb and gutter?

Contact the Encroachment Section at (831) 755-4800 x4930. (link to encroachment permit form).

Who do I talk to regarding utility trenching within County right-of-way?

Contact the Encroachment Section at (831) 755-4800 x4930.

Who do I talk to regarding a transportation permit for extra legal loads?

Apply to the transportation permit agent at (831) 755-4800 x4932.

What is required for a trenching permit to install a sewer, water or storm drain service line?

You need to furnish an executed agreement with utility companies providing the service and apply for an encroachment permit. 

Top of Page

How is the speed limit determined?

California bases speed regulations on the basic speed law:

No person shall drive a vehicle upon a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic on, and the surface and width of, the highway, and in no event at a speed, which endangers the safety of persons or property. (Section 22350 of California Vehicle Code).

Prima Facie Speed Limits-Prima Facie means “on the face of it” and they are considered reasonable and prudent under normal conditions. Certain blanket prima facie limits are established by law, including 15 mph limit in alleys, blind intersections, and at blind railroad crossings and 25 mph limit in business and residence districts. These limits exist whether posted with signs or not. There is also a part-time 25 mph limit in school zones “when children are present,” when posted with “SCHOOL” warning sign. The speed is 25 when passing a senior center when posted with a “SENIOR” warning sign and 25 adjacent to any children’s playground in a public park during the time children are expected to use the facilities if properly posted.

The California Vehicle Code permits raising or lowering certain prima facie speed limits on the basis of an Engineering and Traffic Survey. An Engineering and Traffic Survey is defined as follows:
A survey of highway and traffic conditions in accordance with methods determined by the Department of Transportation for use by State and local authorities.
An engineering and traffic survey shall include, among other requirements deemed necessary by the Department,  all of the following:

FLEET MANAGEMENT FAQs:

How do I report a complaint about a reckless driver operating a county vehicle?

Immediately call Fleet Management at 755-4949/4944 and provide as much information as possible.