Frequently Asked Questions

Find your local ballot drop-off location with thisGIS Map.

Are you registered to vote? Check the registration status with the California Secretary of State.

Want to track your mail-in ballot? Sign up for Where’s My Ballot.

Past election information can be found on the City Election Information page.

Every five years, the City of Escondido Economic Development team updates the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). The CEDS is a document that uses data and community feedback to create policy and activity priorities for a five-year timeframe. The document must be adopted by the City Council and then filed with the federal government bureau, the Economic Development Administration (EDA). Learn more about the federal EDA CEDS.

The CEDS is a way to set a plan to attract and retain high-wage and critical businesses. Businesses play an important role in our community, providing jobs, goods and services to our residents. Many businesses also provide sales tax revenue and serve as a catalyst to attract investment into the City to fund infrastructure improvements.

This document serves as a way to unite the City with the private sector, nonprofits, and other government entities on the economic development priorities of the City that will create a healthy economy. One in which people can find the jobs they want to grow their careers, and that provides the financial backbone of the community.

In this process, in addition to analyzing the data and learning from economic trends, and historical policies, the City heard feedback from residents, nonprofit leaders, and business owners. Participants attended in-person meetings or completed an online survey that was available in both English and Spanish. Altogether, the City presented at 7 community meetings with 105 meeting participants and received 128 survey responses. If you have additional feedback, comments, questions, or if your business is looking for support, please contact our team.

• June 2022: Economic Development subcommittee meeting to begin the process of updating the CEDS
• July 2022: The planning process begins to create a new CEDS; community information meetings at the Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce, to gather initial community feedback
• August: City staff drafts RFP for CEDS consultant
• September: City attorney and finance department approve RFP
• October 2022: Release the RFP for a CEDS consultant
• November 2022: Potential consultant interviews
• December 2022: Consultant selected
• January 2023: Consultant work commences, literature review
• February 2023: Data gathering and collection
• March 2023: City staff presentation of literature and data, community survey design, community meetings commence
• April 2023: Community meetings continue, Economic Development subcommittee presentation and feedback
• May 2023: Community meetings continue, preparation of final report
• June 2023: Presentation of CEDS to City Council for adoption and submission to the EDA

The City Council meets on the first four Wednesdays of the month at 5 pm in the Council Chambers at 201 North Broadway, Escondido. You can confirm meeting dates and times by calling the City Clerk 760-839-4617. A Closed Session may be held at 4 pm.

The agendas are available on Thursday (after 3:30 p.m.) before the upcoming City Council meeting.

The City Clerk's office notifies the community when the agenda has been posted through a free subscriber service. If you would like to be placed on our notification list, please go to Everbridge Nixle Site and register. Other community related messages or alerts from the City of Escondido are posted utilizing this system; at the time of registration you may indicate your preferences.

The agenda and back-up materials are available online, at the City Clerk's office, the Main Library at 239 South Kalmia, and posted at the Council Chambers.

When you enter the Council Chambers, pick up a yellow speaker slip located in the racks on either side of the room. Fill it out and give it to the City Clerk. When the item is considered by the Council, the Mayor will call you up to the podium where you can make your comments. Generally 3 minutes are allowed for each speaker.

A digital "Request to Speak" form is available for members of the public to sign-up to speak from their phone, tablet or computer. Here is a link to the form: In Person Public Comment - City of Escondido This link will be accessible via a QR code inside Council Chambers. This form allows members of the public that are attending a meeting, to get in a digital line to speak on an item.

Members of the public are allowed to submit written comments online that will be distributed to the City Council ahead of the meeting. Here is a link to the form: Public Comment - City of Escondido

Residents of Escondido may view live broadcasts on Cox Cable Channel 19 and AT&T U-Verse Ch. 99 which also are replayed the following Sunday and Monday evenings at 6 pm.

Meetings may be viewed live or archives of past meetings are available at online.

You can use our Contact Form or

• Phone their offices at 760-839-4638 or
• Phone the Mayor at 760-839-4610 or
• Fax information to 760-839-4578 or
• Address a letter to 201 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025

The Mayor and City Council members are:

• Mayor Dane White
• Deputy Mayor Joe Garcia (District Two)
• Councilmember Consuelo Martinez (District One)
• Councilmember Christian Garcia (District Three)
• Councilmember Michael Morasco (District Four)

Access the Escondido Municipal Code online.

Submit a Public Records Request with the City Clerk's Office.

Business licenses are issued by the Escondido Code Enforcement / Business License Division. Call 760-839-4659 or view an informational brochure online.

Complete a Claim Form (PDF) and return it to the City Clerk's office.

Forms are available at the Escondido City Clerk's office, 201 North Broadway, the library, post office, Department of Motor Vehicles, or the Registrar of Voters at 5201 Ruffin Road, San Diego.

Call the Registrar of Voters at 858-565-5800 or visit the Registrar of Voters Website.

Call the County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk (San Marcos office) at (619) 237-0502 or visit the County Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk Website.

The City of Escondido does not handle marriage licensing. Contact the San Diego County Clerk (San Marcos office) at 619-237-0502 or visit the San Diego County Clerk Website.

Contact the County Assessor/Recorder's (San Marcos office) at 619-237-0502 or visit the County Assessor/Recorder's Website.

Visit the North County Transit District's Website.

Visit the Government Links page.

No - Businesses must meet the definition of a small business meaning they:

1. Have no more than 500 employees, or if applicable, the size standard in number of employees established by the Administrator of the Small Business Administration for the industry in which the business concern or organization operates, and
2. Are a small business concern as defined in Section 3 of the Small Business Act (which includes, among other requirements, that the business is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field of operation).

No. If a business owner does not qualify, then a building owner may apply if they meet the 2020 ownership requirement.

An applicant may submit an application for the Grant Program prior to getting their design review applications approved.

Applicants are encouraged to communicate with the Planning Division throughout the Grant application process to ensure their Façade/CEPTED plans are consistent with City design guidelines.

The program allows applicants to request up to:

1. $15,000 maximum or up to 50% of the project, whichever is less, for the façade improvement. Examples:
   • If the total cost of the project is $45,000, the City would contribute $15,000 and the applicant must cover the additional $30,000. b. If the total cost of the project is $10,000, the City would contribute $5,000 and the applicant would cover the additional $5,000.
2. $7,500 maximum or up to 50% of the project, whichever is less, for CPTED property enhancement.
   • Example 1: If the total cost of the project is $30,000, the City would contribute $7,500 and the applicant must cover the additional $22,500.
   • Example 2: If the total cost of the project is $15,000, the City would contribute $7,500 and the applicant would cover the additional $7,500.
3. Final award amounts will be determined by City staff Timeline after approval
   • If the grant has been approved by City Staff, the City of Escondido will draft and agreement for the payment of the grant amount approved. Drafting an agreement may take up to two weeks, so planning a project timeline to reflect this additional period of time is essential for reimbursement.
   • The City will pay applicants once their invoices have been submitted post-project and a contract is finalized. Payments are mailed to the applicant after all required documents are submitted for review and approval.
   • Payment will be made within 30 days of reimbursement submission and approval.

Review meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month; therefore, applications should be submitted no later than the second Thursday of every month.

In order to apply for this grant you must complete the survey form on the Grant Homepage. In addition to completing this, you must also attach the following documents:

1. Project Application
2. Detailed Project Description The project narrative should relate how the project will fulfill the criteria that staff will use to review the application. Specifically:
   • In detail, what improvements are being done and why they are necessary
   • The history of the building How the project will benefit the community and the immediate streetscape
   • The estimated project start and completion dates.
3. Detailed Project Budget The project budget should identify each component mentioned (including labor at a prevailing wage) and a detail of each component part, cost of unit, number of units, and total cost.
   • For projects of complexity, a cover sheet showing total component costs split into labor and materials helps.
   • Photographs of current conditions for each area of requested funding
   • Photographs that are taken from far away to get the general scope
   • Photographs that are taken up close to show detail
   • Photographs of the facade and business sign as seen from a street-side view
4. Renderings of Proposed Changes A proposed "after picture", rendering, or engineering/architectural elevation showing the finished product.
   • Exhibits must be in color.
   • Material or textile examples.
5. Federal W-9 Form This form should identify the individual or organization to be reimbursed. If the recipient is an organization or business, proof must be provided that the grant signatory has the authority to sign.
6. Facade Improvement and CPTED Property Enhancement Funding checklist 
7. Signed Terms and Conditions 
8. Proof of property owner authorization
   • Not required if the applicant is the property owner

Please note, if you are applying for both Facade Improvement and CPTED Property Enhancement funding then you must include attachments 1 through 5 for each project.

All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024 and fully spent by December 31, 2026.

If any of the ARP Act money is not dispersed after December 31, 2026 then it must be returned to the U.S. Treasury.

No, the money may not be deposited into any pension fund. The City is looking into other options to address these budget gaps.

May 10, 2021 the Treasury announced the program guidelines and eligible categories of expenditures:

• Support public health expenditures
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the pandemic
• Replace lost public sector revenue
• Invest in Water, Sewer, and Broadband infrastructure

Community Nonprofit Grant Program - $1,500,000

This program will provide funds to nonprofit organizations in the community to adopt safer operating procedures, sustain operations during periods of closure, and mitigate financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Homelessness and Infrastructure Improvements - $500,000

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the homeless population and, as a result, the City has seen an increase in encampments over the last year. Funding will be used to assist business owners with property improvements and/or changes to their property with the goal of managing the surrounding environment through the strategy of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED).

Business Façade Improvements Grant - $153,509

Qualifying Improvements which significantly improve the business properties' overall appearance.

For more information on Understanding the City's Budget Process (PDF), the Annual Operating Budget, as well as Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) please visit the City's Finance webpage on Fiscal Year 2020/21 Budget Information.

Simply call us at 760-839-4693 and request that a DVD duplication be made for you. Be sure to know the date the meeting took place as well as the particular item. The cost to get a DVD duplicated is $25 per Council meeting. It takes a few days for your order to be processed. Please make checks payable to the City of Escondido.

We will call you as soon as your DVD is ready for pickup. You can pick it up at the City Clerk's office, Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 5:30 pm. Please pay by check, cash, or money order. Make checks payable to the City of Escondido. City Hall is located at 201 North Broadway, Escondido

Yes, we can mail your DVD to you for an additional fee of $5. Just be sure to tell us at the time of ordering that you would like your DVD mailed to you and be sure to include your address. Send a check to the City Manager's Office made payable to the City of Escondido, 201 North Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025. Your DVD will be mailed upon receipt of your payment. The total amount for DVD mailed is $30 per Council meeting.

The City Council Meetings are broadcast live on The Escondido Channel 19 starting at 4 pm on Wednesday and replayed on Sunday and Monday starting at 6 pm. Only cable customers within the City of Escondido boundaries can receive our channel.

In most circumstances, the property will be inspected within five business days after we receive the complaint form. Health and Safety concerns will be investigated as soon as possible.

If you would like to file a Code Compliance Complaint, you may use the online form or you may come into the Code Compliance counter at City Hall, located at 201 North Broadway, and fill one out in person.

The Code Compliance Division does not take anonymous complaints. Our complaint process is confidential and complainant information will be kept confidential to the fullest extent of the law.

Valley Center and unincorporated areas of Escondido are handled by the County of San Diego Code Compliance Division. Please contact them at 760-940-2893.

Please call the Graffiti Removal Hotline at 760-839-4OFF (4633) or use the online form.

Trash cans are allowed to be placed at the curb/pickup location at 6 pm the night before collection and must be removed before 6 pm the day of collection.

The Property Maintenance Ordinance 6-484 regulates the storage of certain items in public view. Items such as boxes, tires, trash cans, furniture and appliances in public view are a violation of the code.

Drainage from a private property onto another private property causing damage is a civil issue.

Building permits and Planning Division approval are required to change the use of any structure. In 1965, the Escondido Zoning Code was amended to require that all properties have off-street covered parking. If the existing covered parking is removed, alternate covered parking must be provided.

The current property owner recorded on Title is responsible for all building violations that may exist.

Depending on the zoning of your specific property, there are different allowable numbers of pets you may have. Please call the Code Enforcement Division at 760-839-4650 and we can look up the Zoning of your property. View the Chapter 33 Zoning.

Depending on the circumstances, the Escondido Humane Society or the Escondido Police Department may address the public disturbance. Code Compliance can only regulate the number of dogs on the property.

Escondido Humane Society -760-888-BARK
Escondido Police Non-Emergency Line - 760-839-4722

All businesses in the city of Escondido are required to obtain a business license. Please contact the Business License Division at 760-839-4659 for information on how to obtain one.

Signage in the city of Escondido requires an application and review by the Planning Division. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671.

The amount of sign coverage allowed depends on the zoning of your property. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671.

The Planning Division may require a Special Event Permit. Please contact them at 760-839-4671.

Garage/yard sales do not require a permit or business license. Garage/yard sales may take place four times a year and may last up to three consecutive days. The sale may take place between 8 am and 6 pm. Garage/yard sales are permitted only at single-family residences including mobile home lots. View Division 7. Garage and Yard Sales.

For nuisance noise issues, call the Escondido Police Department's non-emergency line at 760-839-4722.

The operation of construction equipment is allowed to occur between the following hours:

• Monday through Friday, 7 am to 6 pm
• Saturdays, 9 am to 5 pm
• Sundays and Holidays, 9 am to 5 pm (by the homeowner only)

If construction activity/noise is taking place past these hours, please call the Escondido Police Department's non-emergency line at 760-839-4722.

The Code Compliance Division does not obtain or analyze air samples. Residents can contact an independent testing company or laboratory for this service.

The Code Compliance Division can address the maintenance of the pool causing the breeding of mosquitoes. The County of San Diego Vector Control Program will also respond and treat the water with mosquito-eating fish.

The Code Compliance Division has the authority to enforce the Uniform Housing Code that addresses rodent or insect infestation.

Parking regulations on public streets are enforced by the Escondido Police Department. The non-emergency line is 760-839-4722.

The Code Compliance Division enforces inoperable vehicles on private property. Please call 760-839-4650.

Front yard parking is not allowed with the exception of:

The driveway, which is defined as a permanently surfaced area providing direct access for vehicles between a street and a permitted off-street parking or loading area and extending to a maximum width equal to the curb cut approved by the City Engineer. View Section 28-300.

The Supplemental Parking Space as defined in EZC 33-94.

Article 25 of the Escondido Zoning Code provides the criteria to park your recreational vehicle on a residential property. Recreational vehicles are required to be stored in rear or side yards. If your property does not have suitable access to these areas, parking on the front yard may be permitted but there are additional requirements. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671 or Code Compliance at 760-839-4650 before parking a recreational vehicle on a front yard.

No, parking is not required for ADUs as stated in Section 33-1474(c)(1) of the City's ADU Ordinance.

Only if the primary residence is fire sprinklered. If you do require fire sprinklers for your ADU, a minimum 1-inch water meter, water service, and backflow would also be required. Additionally, a minimum 4-inch sewer lateral is required for single-family dwelling units.

No, the City currently does not permit for short-term rentals within the City. As a result, rental periods of 30-days or more are required for ADUs.

• A property with a single-family residence may allow for up to two accessory dwelling units (one ADU, and one JADU) on site.
• A property with multi-family residences may allow for at least one ADU, with the potential for additional ADUs. Please contact the Planning Division for multi-family ADU inquiries.

Real Property differentiates real estate from personal property.

Real Property handles Asset Management (which includes property management and lease management), disposes of surplus properties, negotiates for and acquires land rights needed for the City's CIP projects, acquires and grants easement deeds, processes street vacations, provides relocation assistance, and provides all other general functions related to municipal real estate matters.

You are familiar with most: City Hall, Police and Fire facilities, the California Center for the Arts, parks, libraries, etc. Other lesser-known properties held by the City include water and sewage treatment plants, water and sewer pumping stations, flood control waterways, open space areas, commercial leased property, reservoirs, etc.

Municipal real property is categorized as either Excess (available for lease until a higher/better use is identified), Surplus (available to sell), Hold for Future Use, Investment Property (intended to capture rental revenue), City Facility, Redevelopment Successor Agency asset, or Housing Successor Agency asset.

We are strategically managing our portfolio to achieve the highest value on each of our properties, including former RDA properties. The City requires fair market value on all sales and leases of City-owned properties, as determined by an appraisal and/or a broker's opinion of value.

Available properties for lease and for sale are posted on the City's Real Property web page. Please contact the listing broker for the property you are interested in. If a City property is not listed and you are interested in purchasing an unlisted property, there is a $2,500 non-refundable fee after an initial inquiry is made, and the interested party is requested to provide a title report and an appraisal. All sales and leases must reflect the fair market value and must be authorized by the City Council. Proposals for sale or lease of unlisted properties are handled in the order they are received.

Donations that add value to the City's real property portfolio are appreciated. If you would like to make a donation, you may contact the Real Property section. Please provide an APN or address and any other information you have available about the property (zoning, title report, maps, etc.). The City will review the property and determine if it is in the City's best interest to accept the donation.

Contact Real Property with the street address of the property and/or the Assessor's Parcel Number that you are interested in receiving information about. Please note: requests for information and/or research are handled in the order they are received. Staff makes every effort to respond to public inquiries in a timely fashion, however, in order to provide high levels of customer service to all our customers, we do not process requests out of line. If your request is time-sensitive, please include that information in your initial request so that staff can address those needs.

If you would like to request a street vacation, please submit a request in writing to the Engineering Department and include a legal description and plat map, the title report of the applicant's property, along with a $1,200 processing fee. Engineering Services staff will determine if the vacation is possible. Real Property will send notice of the street vacation request to the local utilities. There is a thirty (30) day period for comment from the utilities. If there are no utility conflicts, the street vacation will be placed on the City Council docket to set the public hearing date. The public hearing will take place at least fifteen days following the first Council meeting. Street Vacations are processed in accordance with California Streets and Highways Code Section 8320, et seq.

Real Property staff relies on our vendors and consultants for title support, right-of-way support, appraisal services, and real estate brokerage services. The best way to be considered for providing professional services to the Real Property section is to send your company's information to the Real Property Manager by mail or email. As services are needed, staff will contact firms for informal or formal proposals, depending on the nature of the services being sought.

A general plan is the City's blueprint for meeting the community's long-term vision for the future. A general plan is made up of text describing goals and objectives, principles, standards, and plan proposals, as well as a set of maps and diagrams. 

• Introduction to General Plans (PDF)
• Why General Plans Matter (PDF)
• General Plan Terms and Definitions (PDF)

The term "element" refers to the topics that California law requires to be covered in a general plan (GC § 65302). A city's safety element establishes policies and programs to protect the community from risks associated with seismic, geologic, flood, and wildfire hazards, as well as from other concerns such as drought. A city's housing element assesses current and projected housing needs for all economic segments of the community. In addition, the housing element embodies policies for providing adequate housing and includes action programs for that purpose. By statute, the housing element must be updated every eight years.

• Required Elements within a General Plan (PDF)
• Fire Hazard Planning Technical Advisory (PDF)
• Housing Elements - HCD
• City of Escondido's Housing and Community Investment Study

The State defines environmental justice as "the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins with respect to the development, adoption, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies" (GC §65040.12(e)). Environmental justice includes, but is not limited to, all of the following:

• The availability of a healthy environment for all people.
• The deterrence, reduction, and elimination of pollution burdens for populations and communities experiencing the adverse effects of that pollution, so that the effects of the pollution are not disproportionately borne by those populations and communities.
• Governmental entities engaging and providing technical assistance to populations and communities most impacted by pollution to promote their meaningful participation in all phases of the environmental and land use decision making process.
• At a minimum, the meaningful consideration of recommendations from populations and communities most impacted by pollution into environmental and land use decisions.

• Long before the term "environmental justice" was coined, communities across California experienced discrimination through unjust land use policies and practices. Examples of such discrimination range from Spanish colonizers institutionalizing the Mission system and intentionally disrupting tribal culture and environmental stewardship, to the practice of redlining in cities during the 20th century, to farmworker exposure of dangerous pesticides in the 1960s (pp. 1-2, OPR, June 2020) (PDF).
• Specifically, the State refers to environmental justice communities as "disadvantaged communities" and defines them as:
  • "...an area identified by the California Environmental Protection Agency Pursuant to Section 39711 of the Health and Safety Code or an area that is a low-income area that is disproportionately affected by environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative health effects, exposure, or environmental degradation" (GC § 65302(h)(4)(A)).
• Environmental Justice (EJ) communities within the City have not yet been identified. City staff will work to preliminarily identify communities that may be EJ communities based on their environmental and health hazards, incomes, and climate vulnerability. Once the City's preliminary EJ communities are identified, public input will help finalize where these communities are within the City.
• The EJ element will prioritize goals for our EJ communities in an effort to achieve environmental justice. (return to top)
• View more information: 
  • Environmental Justice Guidelines (PDF)
  • State Attorney General's SB1000 Webpage
  • Senate Bill 1000
  • CalEnviroScreen 4.0
  • CALEJA SB1000 Tool Kit

Phase II construction will begin on September 30, 2024 and will conclude in mid-2025.

Phase II will expand sidewalk on Grand Avenue from Maple Street to Juniper Street. A traffic circle/roundabout at Broadway and Grand, and at Kalmia and Grand Avenue will be constructed. 

Phase II will be constructing a traffic circle/roundabout at Grand and Broadway and these lights will be removed when that is complete.

The Grand Avenue Vision Plan was intended to be constructed in phases as funding becomes available. The City received a Smart Growth Incentive Grant from SANDAG which was sufficient to construct Phase I. Recently, the City Council authorized American Rescue Plan funding for the design and construction of Phase II of the Grand Vision Plan.

Visit the Grand Avenue Vision Project page to learn about any future updates. For specific questions, please email your questions.

Public improvements include all the improvements within the public right-of-way and public easement, as specified and illustrated in the City's Design Standards and Standard Drawings. Public improvements are consist of but not limited to; curb and gutter, sidewalk, driveway, paving, base, alleys, street lights, traffic signals, signing, striping storm drainage facilities, sewer and water facilities, street trees, street landscaping undergrounding or relocation of overhead utilities and all necessary appurtenances thereto.

Public dedication means the dedication or irrevocable offer of dedication of all easements and rights-of-way to the City, in conformance with the circulation element of the general plan, any specific alignment plan, the City Design Standards, or other design studies, necessary for the construction of public improvements, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.

Any new building project owner is required to design (by a registered civil engineer), bond and construct frontage public improvements and grant necessary easements and dedicate necessary public-right-of-way as required by the conditions of approval for the project, in accordance with the City's Design Standards and Standard Drawings and per Sec 23-119 of the Municipal Code.

Any applicant who expands the usable floor area of any existing non single family residential building or dwelling construct frontage public improvements and shall grant necessary public right-of-way or easement dedication as required by the conditions of approval for the project, in accordance with the City's Design Standards and Standard Drawings. Public improvements requirement does not apply to expansion of single family dwellings or mobile homes as per Sec 23-120.

No person shall do any grading without first having obtained a grading permit from the City Engineer except for the following, provided that the exempted activity does not affect sensitive biological species or habitats, mature or protected trees, and required landscaping, as defined in Section 33-1052. The following exempt activities are subject to implementing erosion control measures as defined in the City's stormwater management requirements and may be subject to applicable stormwater discharge permits:

Grading which:

• Involves excavating less than two feet in depth.
• Does not create a cut slope greater than two feet in height and steeper than two horizontal to one vertical. Involves fill slopes less than one foot in depth.
• Does not exceed two hundred (200) cubic yards on any one lot; or
• Does not impact a natural drainage course. (Ord. Number 2001-21, 5, 8-22-01)
• Does not create erosion and any potential impacts on any neighboring properties. Contact the Office Engineering for assistance, prior to begin any grading operation.

All construction activities are subject to implementation of best management practices as stated in the City of Escondido Storm Water Management requirements and the following:

Temporary Erosion Control System:

• All Construction projects involving site grading shall include grading and erosion control plans prepared by a registered civil engineer and approved the City Engineer.
• Prior to issuance of any construction permit, a refundable cash security shall be posted to pay for the costs incurred by the City of cleanup or damage caused by erosion resulting from project construction. Amount of cash security shall be ten % (10%) of the total estimate cost of grading work, a minimum five thousand dollars ($5,000) and maximum thirty thousand dollars ($30,000). However, for the development of a single-family residence that does not require a grading permit, this cash security shall be in the amount of two thousand dollars ($2,000).
• Temporary and permanent erosion control devices, in accordance with the stormwater management requirements, shall be provided to control erosion at all times.
• All public right-of-ways, including but not limited to paved streets, sidewalks, and parkway areas shall be maintained free of loose soil, mud, construction debris, and trash at all times.
• Graded building pads shall be provided with on-site erosion control system designed by a registered civil engineer and approved by the City Engineer.
• The project owner shall provide sufficient equipment and qualified personnel to conduct emergency erosion control methods at all times. A twenty-four (24) hour emergency contact person and telephone number shall be provided to the City Engineer or his authorized representative.

Temporary Erosion Control System Maintenance:

• The project owner shall be responsible for continual maintenance and inspection of the erosion control system. In the event of failure or refusal by the project owner to properly maintain the system, the City Engineer may cause emergency maintenance work to be done to protect public and private property. The cost shall be charged to the property owner.
• In the event that the City Engineer authorizes emergency maintenance work to be done, he may revoke the grading permit by written notice to the property owner. The permit shall not be reissued until the amount used for the emergency work by the City Contractor is replaced.

Permanent erosion protection. The following requirements shall be installed prior to final inspection:

• All manufactured slopes less than three feet in vertical height, or existing slopes stripped of vegetation shall be landscaped to the satisfaction of the Planning Director.
• All manufactured slopes over three feet in vertical height shall be landscaped with ground covers, shrubs and trees and shall be provided, with permanent irrigation system, to the satisfaction of the Planning Director.

The engineering review time line is four to six weeks turn around for the first check and up to four weeks for the subsequent plan checks. Typical project plans go through three to four plan checks. This is dependent on the number of projects being processed, extent of the review, and the involvements by the other City departments and outside agencies reviewing the project.

There are conditions that need to be satisfied prior to connection of sewer:

• The parcel has to be within the City of Escondido
• A sewer main needs to be across the frontage of the parcel or extended by the owner as per the City Engineer.
• The sewer main must be designed and constructed at a depth to allow gravity flow to the public sewer main.
• All repayments must be paid prior to connection.

Pools need to be reviewed by Building, Planning and Engineering. Please contact the Field Engineering Division for an encroachment permit. All excavated soil needs to be deposited in a legal disposal site with a grading permit.

Planning will need to determine if the trees are protected and you will need to know if the trees are within the public right-of-way or on private property. Encroachment permits will be needed if the trees are within the right-of-way. Please contact the Field Engineering Division to obtain an encroachment permit.

The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS or "PERS") to offer a defined benefit retirement plan to full-time City employees. The City's relationship with CalPERS dates back to 1958. Defined Benefit Plans (DBPs) are pension plans in which an employee receives fixed benefits that are based on length of service and salary earned at the time of retirement.

Benefit formulas vary by Classification ("Miscellaneous" or "Public Safety") and by the date an employee entered into CalPERS membership ("Classic" or "PEPRA", if 2013 or later). In a defined benefit plan, an employer promises future benefit payments based on an agreed upon formula (for example, 2.5% of salary x the number of years of service = amount of pension payments) during retirement.

Every year the City and employees contribute to CalPERS to pay for future retirement benefits. There are three costs that make up the total annual contributions.

1. City Normal Cost: CalPERS establishes an employer rate which the City must pay for each participating employee. The normal cost is an estimated percentage of salary based on the employee pool (age, salary, investment returns, etc.) and is determined by periodic actuarial valuations under state law.
2. Employee Contribution: Employees also contribute toward pension related costs (including any cost sharing agreements). The percentage varies depending on the pension formula. It is subject to the City's negotiated memorandums of understanding with applicable employee groups.
3. Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL): Historically, more than 60% of all funds paid to CalPERS retirees comes from investment earnings. When actual investment returns are below an assumed rate of return (currently 6.8%) an unfunded accrued liability (UAL) is created and future required contributions are necessary to amortize the UAL. Conversely, when actual investment returns are above the assumed rate of return, a negative UAL is generated and is amortized by a reduction in the employer normal contribution rate and the future required contributions will decrease.

Source 

In the late 1990's and early 2000's CalPERS was realizing significant success with its investment returns. As of 1999 their investment returns averaged 13.5% for a decade, and plan funding was often more than 100% for most plans. Funded status in excess of 100% is referred to as "super-funded." However, during the Great Recession and resulting downturn in the economy, investment returns were impacted negatively nationwide, including CalPERS investments, decreasing the City's total plan assets and creating an unfunded liability.

In addition to the investment losses, adjustments have been made to demographic assumptions such as retirement rates, and the expectation that retired employees are living longer, contributing to the increasing costs.

The City has taken several steps to address the UAL pension costs. These have included:

Lower Benefits for Employees. Taking advantage of state legislation, two new lower benefit tiers have been established with CalPERS: Tier 2 Employees hired in 2011-12 (depending on employee group) are required to pay the full employee contribution upon hiring. Tier 3 was created in 2013 as a result of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) and establishes a reduced tier of benefits for new CalPERS employees. The employee share for PEPRA employees is higher than that for Tier 1 and Tier 2 employees.

Employee Cost Sharing. In 2018, to help address the long-term budget impacts resulting from CalPERS pension liabilities, the Firefighters Association, Police Officers Association, and Maintenance and Operations bargaining units agreed to share in the costs of the employer's CalPERS contribution. Before the agreements, Classic CalPERS Safety members contributed 9%, and Classic CalPERS Miscellaneous members contributed 8% of their salary towards the employee's retirement benefit. The amount increased by 1% each year until the additional contribution reached 3% for each group. Classic CalPERS Safety members are currently contributing 12%, and Classic CalPERS Miscellaneous members contribute 11% towards their CalPERS retirement benefit.

Prepayments to CalPERS. Since FY2017/18 the City has prepaid the annual Unfunded Accrued Liability payment at the beginning of each fiscal year to save 3.5% ($800,000/year).

Creation of a Section 115 Trust. Historically, Internal Revenue Code Section 115 Irrevocable Trusts have been used to pre-fund other post-employment benefits. In 2015, Public Agency Retirement Services (PARS) received a favorable private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service that allows public agencies to pre-fund pension obligations in a Section 115 Irrevocable Trust. This ruling allows the City to safely and securely set aside funds, separate and apart from the state retirement system, in a tax-exempt irrevocable trust to reduce pension liabilities and stabilize pension costs.

The City Council conducted a Pension Workshop on September 27, 2017 (PDF), and determined to establish a Section 115 Irrevocable Pension Trust. On February 14, 2018 (PDF), the City Council authorized the establishment of the Trust with PARS. The City Council also approved a deposit of $1,984,000 to initially fund the Trust. Since then, Council policy have resulted in additional contributions from:

• The Successor Agency Loan Repayment.
• Proceeds from the sale of City property belonging to the General Fund.
• Any General Fund surplus realized at the end of each fiscal year.

Every Year. Implement operational efficiencies, where possible, to minimize costs and impact to service levels as CalPERS costs increase.

According to CalPERS's June 2020 Actuarial Reports, the total estimated cost for the City of Escondido to leave CalPERS exceeds $1 billion. Additional information can be found in the City's CalPERS Annual Valuation Reports for the Miscellaneous Plan and Safety Plan as of June 2020 under the title "Hypothetical Termination Liability."

California public agencies that are member agencies with CalPERS face two significant hurdles to replace the CalPERS retirement benefit with a 401k or similar retirement benefit for their current or future employees:

• The "California Rule", a term defined by California case law, does not allow public agencies to reduce the benefits of retired or current members.
• By State law, the City can only offer retirement benefits that PERS itself allows the City to offer. All full-time employees MUST be placed in the PERS system and offered a defined benefit pension as the law stands today.
• In order to offer a new retirement benefit for employees, the public agency will need to make the full exit payment to CalPERS (estimated to be more than $1 billion) while also funding the replacement benefit program. This means that CalPERS would not be offered to current and new employees and instead those employees would be part of a defined contribution retirement plan, like a 401K plan.

• Actuarial Report - An actuarial valuation is a type of appraisal which requires making economic and demographic assumptions in order to estimate future liabilities. The assumptions are typically based on a mix of statistical studies and experienced judgment.
• California Rule - The California Rule is the result of a 1955 court case (Allen v. City of Long Beach) that concludes that an employee's pension benefit as of the date of hire constitutes a contractual obligation. The California Supreme Court ruled that "Changes in a pension plan which result in a disadvantage to employees should be accompanied by comparable new advantages". The 1955 ruling is currently being contested.
• Defined Benefit Plan (DBP) - A type of pension plan in which an employer promises a specified monthly benefit upon retirement that is predetermined by a formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service and age.
• Defined Contribution Plan (DCP) - A type of retirement plan in which a certain amount or percentage of money is set aside each year by a company (or employee) for the benefit of each of its employees. Benefits directly depend upon individual investment returns.
• Discount Rate - Also known as the expected rate of return or the assumed rate of return. It is the estimated long-term average return expected to be earned on investments.
• Employee Contribution - The portion of Normal Cost required to be paid by the employee, subject to the local agencies negotiated memorandums of understanding with applicable employee groups.
• Employer Contribution - The employer must pay the portion of the Normal Cost, determined by periodic actuarial valuations under state law and based on the agency's benefit formulas and employee groups covered.
• Funded Ratio - Percentage of assets available today to pay all of the pension benefits promised to employees.
• Normal Costs - The annual cost of service accrual for the upcoming fiscal year for active employees. The Normal Cost should be view as the long-term contribution rate for existing employees.
• Pension Obligation Bond (POB) - is a taxable bond that some state and local governments have issued as part of an overall strategy to fund the unfunded portion of their pension liabilities by creating debt.
• PEPRA - Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 - A pension reform bill that went into effect January 1, 2013. The bill impacts new public employees and establishes a limit on the amount of compensation that can be used to calculate a retirement benefit.
• Super-funded - A term used to describe periods in which total available CalPERS assets exceed the total CalPERS liability.
• Unfunded Accrued Liability (UAL) - Portion of the plan's unfunded liability that is not funded by the plan's asset value.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) sets the regulations and framework for how speed limits are established. The speed limit must be established consistent with the CVC in order to be enforceable by the Police Department. The CVC requires the speed limit to be based on and Engineering and Traffic Survey that determines the 85th percentile speed. This speed is considered a safe and reasonable speed for a given road.

If you have concerns with speeding in your neighborhood, please contact Traffic Engineering staff through the contacts listed above. Traffic Engineering staff follows the framework adopted in the Traffic Management Toolbox to evaluate these issues. The toolbox includes different classes of tools from enforcement, signing and striping, and physical infrastructure improvements.

The purpose of Stop signs is to control the right-of-way assignment at an intersection. This complies with the guidance set in the California Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD) for when Stop signs should be used. Research indicates that stop signs are not effective at controlling vehicular speeds as drivers go faster after the sign to make up for "lost" time.

Traffic Engineering evaluates intersections to determine the need for signalization or to modify a signal to add protected left-turn phasing. A Traffic Signal Priority List (TSLP) is developed and used to determine which projects will be funded from the current and future capital budgets.

Red curb and the restriction of parking using signs is reserved for when there are visibility issues at intersections and by the request of emergency services. Parking restrictions are not typically installed at driveways as it is not feasible to refresh red curb paint at all locations.

No, the cameras at traffic signals do not record. The cameras are only used for vehicle detection.

The Mills Act is a State law passed in 1972 allowing a reduction in property taxes for qualified historic properties when owners agree to preserve/restore their properties.

Qualified properties include residential properties listed on the local, state, or national historic register.

Under the contract, property owners are required to maintain/restore the structure to ensure its historical integrity. Improvements are subject to planning division review and should be consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Historic Preservation. The City of Escondido is predominantly concerned with exterior, street-visible improvements. In addition, the property owner agrees to periodic inspections by the Assessor, SHPO, local government, and State Board of Equalization. If an owner does not comply with the terms of the contract a penalty of up to 12.5% of the current assessed value of the home may be assessed.

Typically property owners can expect a 20% to 60% savings on their property taxes. Under State law, the lesser of 1) the current market value, 2) the Proposition 13 value or 3) the restricted value based on the rents will be used to calculate your property taxes.

The term of the contract is 10 years; however, it is automatically extended for one year at its anniversary. The contract runs with the property in perpetuity. Both the owner and local government may cancel the contract by filing a 'notice of non-renewal', which would allow the contract to stop its' annual renewal and 'wind down' over the next 10 years.

Once a complete application is submitted, planning staff reviews the information and conducts a site visit. The application is then presented to the City's Historic Preservation Commission and the City Council for approval.

Although the contract is between the property owner and the City of Escondido, the Assessor's Office must determine the actual assessed value based on a formula established by state law, using the income that could be generated from the property.

The Assessor's Office implements the Mills Act valuation once a year. Contracts recorded by December 31st would be implemented on the following November tax bill. (Note: tax bills will not include a note stating property is under the Mills Act - tax bill will just be lowered).

It is possible that the Proposition 13 value may actually be lower than the restricted value with the Mills Act, and the property would receive no immediate benefit. Some owners who would receive no benefit still apply for the Mills Act. It can be a selling point to a potential buyer because the property would not be reappraised at its full market value upon sale if the property was already under a historical contract.

The City of Escondido taxes the occupancy of any hotel or motel, or any portion of any structure used for lodging for transients. This is also known as a transient occupancy tax ("TOT"). TOT collected by operators from their transient guests helps fund important City services, such as law enforcement and road maintenance.

A Transient is any person who occupies a room or space in a hotel or motel for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.

No. Pursuant to Section 33-8 of Article 1 of the Escondido Zoning Code, a hotel or motel means a building where "transient lodging (for a period of thirty (30) consecutive calendar days or less) with or without meals is provided for compensation." This means a transient may only stay at the hotel or motel for a period of 30 consecutive days or less.

Any person(s) who receives any compensation in exchange for a person occupying any room or space, regardless if the room or space is shared or accessible to others, for 30 consecutive days or less, is considered a hotel or motel operator. Hotel and motel operators must collect the tax, then file a report with the City. The transient shall pay the tax to the operator of the hotel at the time the rent is paid or compensation received. It applies whether hotel or motel units are rented directly by owners, through a local property manager or operator, or through a listing service. It also covers any rent, defined in the Escondido Municipal Code as "the consideration charged to the transient, whether or not received, for the occupancy of space in a hotel, valued in money, whether to be received in money, goods, labor or otherwise, including all receipts, cash, credits and property and services of any kind or nature, without any deduction therefrom..." The TOT also applies when payment for transient guests is made by a third party.

TOT is calculated as a percentage of the rent for the occupancy of a structure or any portion of the structure. In Escondido, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of 10% of the rent charged by the hotel or motel operator.

The law requires that operators collect the tax from transient guests. But it also covers the consideration charged, whether or not received from the transient or third party. Operators hold TOT revenues in trust and remit them to the City every month. The monthly reports and the tax remittance payment must be received by the City of Escondido on or before the last day of the month following the close of the prior month.

Hotel and motel operators must submit a monthly tax return form indicating, among other things, the total amount of room rent charges, penalties, interest, adjustments, and the tax required to be collected. If the hotel or motel operator fails to collect the TOT, the operator is liable to the City for the amount of the tax due on the amount of taxable rent for the occupancy of the structure or any portion of the structure as if the transient guest had paid the tax.

The TOT within the City of Escondido is regulated by Escondido Municipal Code, Chapter 25, Article 4, under the authority of California Revenue and Taxation Code section 7280. If you are not familiar with these regulations, please take some time to review the hotel and motel operator requirements.

The California Water Arrearage Payment Program is a program that will be administered by the State Water Resources Control Board and utilizes funds from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to make direct payments to community water systems to cover customer arrearages, or past due bills, resulting during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

No. City staff are reviewing the state guidelines of these programs and determining which customers are eligible and will apply to the state of California to receive funding on your behalf.

If staff determines your account is eligible for California Water and Wastewater Arrearage Payment Program (CWWAPP), we will credit your account and notify you by mail of the amount we are able to credit based on the funding we receive from the state of California. If you still have a remaining balance after your account has been credited, we will offer you a payment plan.

The City has waived any late fees or interest associated with your bill that you otherwise would have been charged.

No, it will not. The CWWAPP program was established specifically to help with economic issues caused by COVID-19. The programs only cover the relief period from March 4, 2020, to June 15, 2021.

No. This program only covers past-due amounts that remain unpaid at the time a water system receives program funding.

The City has temporarily suspended all late fees and service disconnections for utility customers since March 2020.

The CWWAPP program provides consumer protections. If you're eligible for the program, once the City applies funds to your account, a shutoff cannot occur in the following 90 days. It is still your responsibility to pay your bill after that. Remember: A customer shutoff is a last resort measure. If you still have trouble paying your bills after CWWAPP assistance, we can arrange a payment plan for you.

Receiving other types of bill assistance does not exclude you from eligibility for CWWAPP benefits. However, you must meet qualifications for each program which are also subject to federal and state funding received. The City will apply on your behalf for CWWAPP assistance per the guidance and qualification received from the state.

The law(s) creating the CWWAPP program requires our utility to offer a payment plan that will help customers pay down your remaining balance.

You may also be eligible for other state and local assistance programs, such as the state's COVID-19 Rental Relief Program (for renters) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) if you meet income eligibility requirements. You will, however, need to apply for the LIHWAP and/or the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program assistance programs.

Yes. If you are a commercial Escondido customer, you may be eligible for CWWAPP assistance. We will determine your eligibility based on the program guidelines.

No. CWWAPP only pay for the eligible water (and wastewater, if funding is available) portion of your bill. The state did not establish a program for trash services. You are still responsible for those charges.

You may also be eligible for other state and local assistance programs, such as the state's COVID-19 Rental Relief Program (for renters) and the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) if you meet income eligibility requirements. You will, however, need to apply for the LIHWAP and/or the COVID-19 Rental Relief Program assistance programs.

The state approved the CWWAPP programs only for residential and commercial customers who were at least 60 days behind on their bill at the end of the billing period as of June 15, 2021. Under the state program, if you are current on your bill or are less than 60 days past due, your account does not qualify for these programs. We are required to implement the state's laws as they are written.

Invoice Cloud is a web-based, electronic invoice presentment and payment company that we have partnered with to provide faster, more convenient billing services to our customers. By automating billing and collections, customers can click and pay online while helping the environment and reducing clutter in their home or workspace.

The City wanted to make paying bills easier for their customers, and sought a new vendor with a modern, mobile-friendly site to display, safely process, and store financial information. The City chose Invoice Cloud because it is easy to use, and the security is the strongest available. All data transmitted and stored is secured to the highest standards. The data is not sold or released for any purpose other than to complete transactions.

It is convenient, saves time, reduces errors, and allows you to receive bills anywhere at any time. You can continue to receive a paper bill, but if you elect to go paperless, you can always print out a copy of the bill if needed.

Paying online with a credit card or electronic check saves time, gives you the flexibility to pay how and when desired, and saves money (no more stamps, paper checks or envelopes), and Invoice Cloud will store your information for future use - but only if you choose to store it.

It is very simple. Here are the three steps taken by customers:

1. Customer receives email notification or accesses account via the City's website by clicking on the "Utility Bills" button on the homepage.
2. Customer locates and views invoice and either enters payment information for a One Time Payment or registers to schedule a payment.
3. Customer receives an email confirmation with their payment amount and payment process date.

Yes, many customers use Macs.

The service supports all modern browsers.

Yes, an email address is required for payment confirmation. A payment receipt is sent via email.

Under "How would you like to pay" click on the drop-down box and choose EFT Check.

Yes, you will receive a confirmation email.

You may need to register to receive electronic bills by email, but registration is not required for One Time Payments. One Time Payments require that you enter your payment information each time you make a payment. By registering, you avoid that step and gain access to your payment history.

By registering, you have access to all of your invoices regardless of type and all of the features of the payment portal. These features include the ability to view all current invoices, see previous invoices and payment dates, update your profile information, access the online customer service system, go paperless (if bill type allows), schedule payments for specific dates, and sign up for Auto-Pay. You also avoid having to enter your payment information each time you pay a bill.

Registering is easy and can be done when you make a payment. There are two ways you can make a payment.

1. When you receive an email notification that your bill is ready to be paid, simply click on the "View Invoice or Pay Now" button. You will be directed to the City's "Pay and/or View Bills Online" site, powered by Invoice Cloud. Once there, you will be given the opportunity to register or make a One Time Payment. If you choose to register, you will be asked to provide a password and accept the terms and conditions to use the system. The payment information you enter in your profile will then be securely encrypted and saved for your next visit.
2. You can go directly to the City's website and click on the "Pay Your Bill" button. You will then be directed to the City's "Pay and/or View Bills Online" site, powered by Invoice Cloud. Once there, you will need to locate your account and be given the opportunity to register or make a one-time payment. If you choose to register, you will be asked to provide a password and accept the terms and conditions to use the system. The payment information you enter in your profile will then be securely encrypted and saved for your next visit.

Once you have registered, you will need only your email address and password to log in. To login the first time you use the system, you will need your Account Number and Account Pin from your bill.

You should click on "Forgotten Password?" at the bottom of the login screen. You will need your account number and email address to retrieve your password. If you're unable to locate this information, you may call the City, and after verifying your identity, the City can provide you with the information.

There are two ways that payment responsibilities can be shared. If the other payer is part of your household, you may choose to share your login information with that individual. In a situation where personal financial data is not shared, you may forward your email notification to the individual, who will then click on the "View or Pay Now" button and elect to make a one-time payment. They will need to enter their name, email address, address and payment information. They will receive the payment confirmation. You can verify their payment by viewing the invoices in your account.

You can pay by credit or debit card or you may issue an electronic check from your bank account (checking or savings). The City of Escondido accepts Visa, MasterCard, and Discover Cards.

Yes, your bill can be paid in any of the following ways:

• Email notification-based payment - click the "View invoice or Pay Now" button in your email
• Web-based online payment - log in to online bill pay via the website
• Phone payments - pay by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 855-608-2480
• Paper check - sent by whatever means you choose, including U.S. Postal Service

No, to complete the online payment process, you will need an email address so that the system can deliver your payment confirmation. If you do not have an email address, you can choose to obtain a free email account from gmail.com or outlook.com or another provider of your choice.

The information you enter on the payment screen must be exactly the same as it appears on your credit card. This information collected will be used to authorize your payment.

After you submit your payment, you will see a payment confirmation screen. It will contain your payment confirmation message. It will show an approved number for credit cards or a processed number for electronic check. You will also receive a confirmation email after your transaction is submitted. The email will include your account number, invoice number, amount paid, and confirmation message. If your electronic check does not pass through the bank, you will receive an email informing you of the rejected payment. You may need to call the City in order to pay again.

Yes, you may use one payment method for part of the transaction and another payment method for other parts of the transaction.

Credit card transactions typically take 48 hours to settle. An authorization is issued immediately; however, it takes 48 hours for the money to be moved.

EFT transactions typically take 48 to 72 hours to settle.

No, your current bank account (checking or savings) will work fine. So many payments are made electronically now that banks are already prepared for online payments. However, if you have arranged through your bank to automatically pay your bill, you need to contact your bank and discontinue the automated payment, otherwise you may pay your bill twice.

If you are registered, the only information you need to have available to complete a payment transaction is your email address and password. If you make a One Time Payment, then you will also need your bank account or credit card information and your account number.

You can make payment or review your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is always a good idea to pay or schedule a payment at least a few days before the due date to allow for processing time.

Yes, although technically your debit card will be processed like a credit card and you will not be asked to enter a pin number.

Yes, simply login to your account and select "View paid or closed invoices." If you are a registered customer, you will receive an email notification.

Yes, you will have 24 hours a day, 7 days a week access to your account for invoice review and payment, payment history, and customer service requests.

24 months

Yes, each invoice is presented in PDF format.

Simply log into your account and change any of your personal information under the My Profile tab. If you are unable to change some of your information, you may need to call the City and have them change it for you.

A partial payment occurs when only part of an invoice is paid. Please contact the City for more information.

If you feel that this fee has been assessed in error or you would like more information about late fee charges, please contact the City.

If you elect to opt into Auto-Pay, it means that your bills will be paid automatically on their due dates using your default credit card or bank account. This will avoid any late fees and free you from having to remember when to pay.

Yes, simply go into your profile and uncheck the auto-pay box that you had previously checked when you elected to opt into Auto-Pay.

The Auto Pay date will not appear under scheduled payments. Auto Pay will be debited from your account on the due date.

Scheduled payments are scheduled individually by you for each bill on your specified date.

Yes. You can set up a future payment at any time prior to the bill due date.

Yes, as long as it is changed before the date it was scheduled to be paid.

Auto-pay is an automated process that pays your balance in full each billing cycle at 2 am on the due date. Scheduled payments are manually entered by you for the date you choose for each bill you choose.

You will need to contact your bank and cancel your automated or scheduled payment before the payment is due (typically, payments are made a couple of days in advance of the due date, so don't wait until the last minute).

No, you will receive an email notification each time a new bill is ready for you to view and pay. Email notifications go to the email address used when you registered, a second email address may added if you wish to send notifications to an additional or backup email address.

Yes, simply go into your profile and under Paperless Options, select "No, I don't want to go paperless." Be sure to update/save the change.

Steps to Cancel Paperless

Option 1: Click on the "Complete paperless process" link within the email to complete enrollment. If you do not, the paperless option will not be active and will drop off the system within a few days.

Option 2: Log into your account and cancel paperless registration.

Choose >My Profile>paperless option>cancel paperless registration

Self Service Account Linking means that Payers are able to view and pay all open bills with a single transaction. When registering bills under the same email address, payers are given the option to link the related accounts within the service. Linked accounts provide the following efficiencies:

• Linked accounts can access the same encrypted credit card and bank account information, so payers only need to enter it once.
• Multiple first email notifications scheduled for the same day, are grouped into one email rather than sent separately, resulting in fewer notifications for payers.
• Upon receipt of the email notification, the payer can view or pay all bills together, including any open or unpaid bills.
• Payment receipts are always sent out individually.
• Editing an email or password changes it for all accounts in the linked group, however, changing an address, auto-pay or paperless setting is only for the accessed account.

If you are unable to find the information you need in your online payment history or open invoices, please call the City at 760-839-4682.

If you are registered, you can login to the website and view the bill there, or you can call the City and ask them to resend the email.

Please call the City at 760-839-4682 to answer any questions.

Invoice Cloud uses the highest standards in Internet security. Account information is truncated to protect confidential data. Any information retained is not shared with third parties.

Absolutely. Invoice Cloud will safely store all of your financial information using Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliant systems. This includes truncating (abbreviating) account numbers so that even the City does not see your complete account information.

PCI stands for Payment Card Industry, and compliance with the industry standards is a requirement for those that accept the major credit cards and for software providers who have applications that involve the transmission and/or storage of credit card information. If breaches are found on systems that are not PCI compliant, the major credit card companies have the ability to levy significant fines on the offending parties.

You and the City's authorized staff. No one will have access to your financial information as all check routing numbers and credit card numbers are truncated, so you never have to worry about security. As a security precaution, we don't even show your full financial information back to you.

Use mapquest to find City Hall. 

From I-15 North:

• Exit at Valley Parkway, then turn right.
• Follow that road all the way to Broadway, then turn left.
• Proceed on Broadway to the corner of Valley Parkway and Broadway. City Hall is located on the corner.

From I-15 South:

• Exit at Valley Parkway, then turn left.
• Follow the road all the way to Broadway, then turn left.
• Proceed on Broadway to the corner of Valley Parkway and Broadway. City Hall is located on the corner.

From Highway 78 East:

• Take Highway 78 to Broadway and turn right.
• You will go through two traffic signals. Before you reach the third traffic signal, you will see the City Hall complex on the corner of Valley Parkway and Broadway. Parking is located in the front as well as along the side of the building.

You can visit our Employment page.

We also have a job line that you can call to hear the list of our current job openings. The phone number is 760-839-4585. The job line is updated every time we open a new position.

Job Descriptions (Note: These are not open jobs but rather a listing of all jobs that are within the City of Escondido's organization.) If you are interested in any of these positions, you can submit a job interest card that will be kept on file until the position is opened for recruitment. You will be notified when that position is open.

We also have a clipboard in the Human Resources lobby with job descriptions we receive from other cities and agencies. If you are interested in any of these positions, you must go to the particular agency advertising the job to receive an application form.

Unfortunately, we cannot maintain applications and resumes on file for positions that are not currently available. However, you can submit a job interest card online. These are kept on file for one year and will provide you an email notification if that job begins accepting applications during that time.

If you are interested in volunteering or working as an intern for the City of Escondido, visit our Volunteer/Intern Program page.

Yes, the City provides Veterans' Preference Credit for eligible individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

If you have any questions, please call the Human Resources Department at 760-839-4643.

The City of Escondido is an equal opportunity employer.

Community Resources

• North County LGBTQ Resource Center
  Max Disposti, Executive Director
  Email Max Disposti 

The North County LGBTQ Resource Center services include support groups for youth, seniors, military service members, HIV/AIDS testing and prevention, counseling, civil rights advocacy, classes and workgroups.

• Fair Employment and Housing Act - Complaint Process
• Legislative LGBT Caucus
• LGBTQ Workplace Rights Guide
• LGBT Veterans
• Your Rights and Resources from the California State Bar (PDF)

Salmon Poisoning Disease is caused by a bacteria (Neorickettsia) that lives inside a parasite (Nanophyetus) that can infect salmon and trout. Dogs can catch the illness when they eat raw or undercooked salmon or trout that is infected with the disease. Dogs become very ill from the bacteria, but not from the parasite. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, severe lethargy, physical collapse, and possible death. The disease causes no harm to the fish itself.

Humans who eat raw fish or who do not practice good sanitation in preparing fish can become infected by the parasite (but not the bacteria), and experience intestinal illness, usually mild.

Salmon Poisoning Disease can be found anywhere west of the Cascade Range, including northern California. It is not found in southern California waters. However, fish planted from northern waters can carry the disease. Local fishermen and veterinarians in southern California need to be aware of the potential presence of the disease.

• Never allow dogs to eat any raw fish or fish products.
• Fishermen should always use excellent sanitation practices when cleaning.
• If your dog has eaten raw fish caught from a local lake and becomes ill, mention the fish to your veterinarian immediately.

The Escondido Fire Department does not publish individual fire station phone numbers as a matter of security and in order to comply with outside agency regulations.

In an emergency, calling 911 ensures the fastest response by the closest and most appropriate available unit. For further information, to schedule a station tour, or to speak with a specific fire department employee based at a fire station, call Fire Department Administration at 760-839-5400 during regular business hours.

Escondido Fire Department does not recommend that "child" or "invalid" locator decals be placed on home windows for several reasons.

• The average family moves often - on average about once every five years. Each time a house changes hands, room use can also change. Even a single family will switch rooms with time, making the decal meaningless or worse, misleading.
• Even within a short time period, children sleep in rooms other than their own, leave their room when frightened, or spend the night away. Therefore, they will often not be in the room marked with a decal.
• Most importantly, a decal can also be an invitation to a burglar - or worse - to enter through that window because the occupant of that room would present less of a threat.

Keep in mind that rescuing people is a priority for all firefighters. They are trained to make a thorough and systematic search for anyone inside a burning building as soon as they arrive. Spending valuable time looking for windows marked with decals, with no assurance anyone would be in that room, could delay help to anyone still left inside. Firefighters could also be subject to additional risks in entering a building at a marked window rather than following standard search and rescue procedures.

The most effective way to protect yourself and your family in the event of a fire in your house is to:

• Be sure your smoke detectors are working properly.
• Prepare and practice a family fire escape plan.
• If your home does not already have them, consider installing residential fire sprinklers and make certain your next home has them already installed.

Of course, preventing a fire from occurring in the first place is the best way to save lives!

The Escondido Fire Department hires Paramedic (Non-Safety) personnel and promotes personnel from within. For more information, see the Employment page.

Yes, applications may be obtained at Fire Administration Offices located on the third floor of the Police and Fire Headquarters at 1163 North Centre City Parkway. For more information, see Explorers.

Yes, the Escondido Fire Department has a Support Volunteer Program for men and women age 55 or older. For more information, see Support Volunteer Program.

You can join Escondido's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) to learn how to prepare yourself, your family, and your neighborhood to be self-sufficient during a disaster and to help others who may need it afterward. CERT volunteers receive training in a wide variety of skills and ongoing training to help them make a difference in our community. For more information, go to our CERT page or call Jeff Murdock, Emergency Preparedness Manager, at 760-839-5406.

Call 760-839-5420.

The Escondido Fire Department does not service or refill fire extinguishers. You will need to contact a 3rd party that can be found via an internet search.

City of Escondido residents may use the new Permanent Household Hazardous Waste Facility located in Escondido and operated by Escondido Disposal. The facility is open two Saturdays per month and appointments are required.

For more information, see Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facilities.

The Escondido Fire Department charges for paramedic service and for some other services.

The Escondido Fire Department charges base rates for all patients treated and transported or, in certain circumstances, when the patient is treated but not transported. If the patient only requires basic life support procedures and supplies, then the BLS base rate is charged. If the patient requires any advanced life support procedures and supplies, then the ALS base rate is charged. The base rate becomes effective upon the response of the ambulance. This serves as a minimum charge to support the Department's fixed expenses. The base rate charge is structured to fit the type and level of services delivered to the patient. In addition to the base rate, there are other charges for actual supplies used and services rendered including medications, linen, mileage, documentation, etc.

The City of Escondido contracts with Wittman Enterprises for paramedic transport services. For speak to a representative about billing questions, please contact Wittman at 800-906-6552. To request a copy of your medical documentation/records please visit out records request page.

The City of Escondido Code Enforcement Department handles complaints regarding abandoned furniture, appliances, etc., on private property, housing code violations, abandoned cars on private property, and general property maintenance violations. The best way to report concerns in the city is to use the Report It smartphone app. You can also contact Escondido Code Enforcement Department at 760-839-4650.

To report a leaking or otherwise defective fire hydrant or other problems with city-owned property, contact The City of Escondido Public Works Department at 760-839-4668.

To report a car abandoned on a public street or parked in a fire lane, contact the Traffic Division of the Escondido Police Department at 760-839-4721.

To report hazardous weed and/or rubbish conditions within the city of Escondido or the Rincon del Diablo Fire Protection District, or if you have questions about your own property, contact the Escondido Fire Department Weed Abatement Officer at 760-839-6230, or go to our Weed Abatement page to obtain a Weed Abatement Complaint Form.

Other fire hazards, including hazards in the workplace, hazardous waste, and fire lane violations, must be filed in writing on an Escondido Fire Department "Fire Hazard Complaint" Form. All information pertaining to complaints is handled in a confidential manner. A Fire Hazard Complaint Form may be requested by calling 760-839-5400.

Complaints pertaining to Escondido Fire Department personnel may be made in person at the Fire Administrative Offices located on the third floor of the Police and Fire Headquarters at 1163 North Centre City Parkway or call 760-839-5400.

If you have reason to believe that a person is setting a fire or has just set a fire, call 911 immediately. Be prepared to describe the suspect, including physical features and clothing as well as the location and nature of the suspicious activity.

If you have information regarding a fire that has already occurred and is under investigation, please call 760-839-5400.

Children who play with fire place themselves, their families, and their neighborhoods at risk. Contact the Burn Institute at 858-541-2277 for intervention services.

Any time your smoke detector goes off, it's important to pay attention. If it's sounding its loud alarm because it senses the presence of smoke, check your home thoroughly. If you smell smoke and are unable to locate a fire, call 911 and we'll send an engine to make sure that a fire isn't smoldering in a hidden area and it won't cost anything. If you don't smell smoke, the detector may be reacting to the presence of dust, steam, or a small insect or spider. Dust and bugs can be removed by a vacuum cleaner. If steam from a nearby shower is affecting your smoke detector regularly, move the detector to a different spot.

If the detector is just chirping, thumping, or buzzing, it probably means that the battery is low. Replace the battery as soon as possible. Without a working battery, a smoke detector can't do its job and the risk of dying in a fire increases great.

During times of heavy rain, the City of Escondido will provide for citizens sand and bags located at Kit Carson Park. City personnel does not provide filled bags but will provide both the sand and the bags.

Visit our records request webpage or use the link to the Next Request Portal.

Structural BMPs are devices or landscape features that help to prevent pollutants in storm water runoff from leaving a developed property, entering our storm drains, and impacting our local waterways. All types of structural BMPs require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure that they are operating effectively.

Examples of device-type Structural BMPs include drain insert filters, hydrodynamic separator structures, manufactured filtration systems, and underground storage vaults. Landscape feature-type Structural BMPs are vegetated and go by various names, including vegetated swales, bio-swales, bioretention basins, and biofiltration basins. Some proprietary biofiltration systems combine manufactured structures and vegetation into one Structural BMP.

Because it's the law. San Diego Regional Water Board MS4 Permit has required structural BMPs (formerly treatment control BMPs) for certain new and redevelopment projects since 2002. The City's Storm Water Design Manual (PDF) for priority development projects includes an overview about inspection and maintenance for specific types of BMPs. Structural BMP information is also available through CASQA.

Land development projects generally alter the natural conditions of the land by removing vegetative cover, compacting soil, and constructing impervious surfaces like streets, sidewalks, parking lots, and buildings. Unlike natural landscapes, impervious surfaces associated with development do not allow natural processes of infiltration, retention, and evapotranspiration of storm water to take place. Impervious surfaces also generate increased amounts of storm water runoff that can carry pollutants such as trash, fertilizers, pesticides, oils, metals, and sediment into our watersheds. Increased runoff volumes, discharge rates, and velocities also adversely impact stream habitat by causing unnatural erosion of creek beds and banks. To reduce the negative impact storm water runoff can have on our local waterways, certain developed properties are required to install and maintain structural BMPs.

If your property was developed or re-developed since 2002, you may have been subject to BMP requirements depending on the applicable criteria in force at the time. Property owners and property managers should be able to locate and identify the required structural BMPs on your property. Structural BMP requirements "run with the land," so if you have recently purchased a property with structural BMPs, you are responsible for performing the required maintenance. Structural BMPs should not be removed or altered without prior approval from the City.

BMP information should be documented on each development's grading plans in addition to an approved Water Quality Technical Report (prior to 2013) or Storm Water Quality Management Plan (2013 to present). These documents would have been prepared by a licensed engineer as part of a property's development approvals.

If you need assistance with identifying and locating your BMPs, please email Environmental Programs or call 760-839-4074. Please provide your property address or the Project ID that appears on your maintenance certification form.

If your property has been lost or stolen, you should file an online report as soon as possible. If you have a record of the serial number on the item(s) or if you have applied your own number, include that in the report. Items that are reported with their serial numbers stand a far better chance of being returned to their owners. An owner has 90 days to claim his/her found property. If you have lost some property and would like to see if it has been turned in, you may contact us by phone. As a finder, you may contact the Evidence and Property Division at 90 days to see if the item remains unclaimed; we will advise you of release procedures at that time.

Owners must pick up any safekeeping and/or personal property items within 90 days of the item coming into our custody (EMC Section 10-163). If you need more time, call or write to request an extension. Unclaimed items, including items belonging to incarcerated persons who have not contacted the Evidence and Property Section, will go to auction or be disposed of.

For all evidence held in which a person has been arrested or cited, we must receive a District Attorney Evidence Release on all defendants, even if the owner of the property was not arrested or his/her part of the case is concluded. In some cases, the District Attorney may not release items immediately, pending further investigation or appeals. On cases which the District Attorney's office did not file charges or the charges were dropped, the Investigation Division will be responsible for the adjudication of all evidence involving criminal cases, with the exception of traffic-related evidence for which the Traffic Division will assume responsibility. Upon closure of the cases and receipt of necessary releases, an owner must pick up his/her property within 90 days (EMC Section 10-163).

In order to be helped in the most efficient manner, please bring your government-issued photo ID, along with your case number. Please note that firearms will not be released without an appointment. Please call 760-839-4740 or email us with any questions.

No, your home phone number is already listed in the database and does not need to be registered. AlertSanDiego is for cell phone and VoIP registration only. Registering your cell phone will not replace or "overwrite" your home line. All efforts will be made to reach you at all of your contact numbers.

Yes, your information will be kept confidential. It may be shared with other public safety agencies but it will only be used for emergency purposes. Under no circumstances will your information ever be sold or used for commercial purposes.

Yes. Fill out the form again with up to five additional cell phone numbers.

Unfortunately we do not have enough resources to register everyone individually. Please use the sign up online.

Yes, the sign up page is hosted on a secure server and all data submitted is encrypted.

Volunteers come from all walks of life. Some are fully employed elsewhere, some have families, some are single, some are students, and some are retired.

Anyone over 18 years of age is welcome to apply, with a valid California driver's license.

The Escondido Police Department does not offer student internships due to the extensive background investigation, uniforms provisions, and training required for volunteers. We generally require a commitment of at least two years. The background process, typically taking 3 to 6 months, exceeds the duration of most school semesters, making it infeasible for the student to complete the necessary internship hours within their academic time frame. 

The applicants can expect to be interviewed, fingerprinted, and have a background check done. The volunteers may elect to work day or evening hours during a seven day week. A minimum of 12 hours per month is required. Most volunteers have a regular schedule, although some may elect to be available "on call" or for special short-term assignments. Help is needed in nearly every area of the Police Department.

If you have any questions or would like to speak with the Volunteer Sergeant, please call 760-839-4908 or email for more information.

Volunteers have various responsibilities and duties. However, their main function is to perform non-hazardous duties that were previously handled by a sworn officer and non-sworn personnel. Volunteers may elect to work in one or more of the following areas:

Patrol

• Patrol the city in marked volunteer patrol cars and serve as the "Eyes and Ears" of the Department
• Provide citizen assistance
• Perform vacation house checks
• Exercise fixed point traffic control
• Participate in the Neighborhood Watch Program
• Enforce handicapped and fire lane parking regulations
• Mark and assist in abating unattended or abandoned vehicles
• Graffiti reporting
• Missing persons
• Radio procedures and codes
• Assist at DUI and Traffic Safety Checkpoints
• Participate in Special Events
• Child Fingerprinting
• EsPD Store Front

• Make a meaningful difference by helping others
• Use existing skills and experiences
• Learn new skills
• Widen personal range of experience
• Make new friends
• Help make your community a better place to live

Facilities that require Permit coverage fall under one of the categories listed in Attachment A of the Permit. Here is an online tool to look up your SIC code.

1. Notice of Exclusion Certification (NEC) (PDF) When your industrial activities and materials are NOT exposed to storm water Submit NEC form, checklist, and site map
2. Notice of Intent (NOI) (PDF) When your industrial activities and materials are exposed to storm water Submit the NOI form, site map, storm water pollution prevention plan (SWPPP)

To begin, create an account on smarts.waterboards.ca.gov. Next, register your business, upload the Permit Registration Documents (PRDs) and pay the annual fee. Check the Water Board’s website for additional requirements.

Contact your trade organization to see if an applicable compliance group has been formed in your area. Compliance groups share resources, such as a qualified person overseeing the program and access to training, which could reduce costs to individual businesses.

The City of Escondido informs local business owners of the regulation. The City is required to notify state regulators of any business operating within its jurisdiction that it believes has not obtained the coverage required by the State Industrial Permit.

• Contact the local permit administrator, Tony Felix, at 619-521-5921 or email Stormwater Division
• Visit the State Water Board's Industrial Storm Water Program

Visit Water Board's Toolbox page for To-Do lists and brochures for No Exposure Certificates in English and in Spanish.

Sprinklers and their piping are pressure-tested at two to three times higher than your plumbing system, even though they use the same pressure as your plumbing. Therefore, the chance of a leaking sprinkler is practically nil. Like your plumbing pipes, sprinkler pipes are not exposed to cold areas so they are protected from freezing. They do not leak because, unlike faucets and other fixtures that are operated often throughout their lives, fire sprinklers remain closed until needed and thus do not receive the wear and tear of daily use.

As the graphic above explains, the heat from a fire will open the nearest sprinkler. Its water cools the hot fire gases, making it impossible to open other sprinklers. Thus, in nearly all cases there is not enough heat to open the next nearest sprinkler. In the rare case that the heat is too much for the nearest sprinkler, the next nearest sprinkler will open to overcome the fire. The operation of more than one sprinkler occurs in a small percentage of commercial buildings, but is very unlikely in homes. Thus, only the sprinklers necessary to stop the fire will operate, and fire records show that it usually takes just one.

Why, then, do people think that all of the sprinklers in the room go off at the same time? There are two reasons. First, Hollywood gag writers show all of them going off for comic effect. They have shown this happening from someone merely lighting a cigar or pulling a fire alarm switch. Those actions cannot even make one sprinkler open, let alone all of them.

The second reason is that a lot of people mistakenly think that smoke will open a sprinkler. They have seen smoke spread throughout a room, so they conclude that smoke affect all of the sprinklers in the room. But once people understand that:

• Only heat can open a sprinkler (smoke can't melt metal or burst glass) and,
• Only a threatening fire can generate enough heat to open a sprinkler, then they understand that all of the sprinklers won't open at the same time, even in a smoky room.

Residential fire sprinklers are much smaller than ones that you see in stores and offices. All residential models come in colors to match popular ceiling and wall colors, and manufacturers will even custom-paint them for you. Many models are partially recessed into the ceiling, and only 1/4"-3/4" is below the ceiling. If you want them completely recessed, these models are also available. The fully recessed models are hidden by a cover plate that is painted to match the ceiling. The cover is held in place by a metallic link that melts in a fire and exposes the sprinkler.

It is common to find that visitors do not notice the sprinklers at all unless you point them out, even the ones that are not recessed into the ceiling.

One of the myths about sprinklers is that they will cause water damage. While this may seem logical (after all, they spray water), fire records show that the reverse is actually true. Here is why. A residential fire sprinkler sprays about only 10-18 gallons of water per minute and operates early in a fire to stop the burning. A hose used by firefighters flows ten times that amount, 175-200 gallons a minute. If sprinklers are not present, fires typically burn for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until firefighters arrive and begin spraying it with their hoses. Two things happen to cause more damage than sprinkler. First, more of your possessions have burned up before the firefighters intervened, and then you have 10 times more water being sprayed on what is left at a very high pressure.

The combination of the sprinkler's quick response, the smaller water flow and lower pressure significantly reduce water and property damage. Think about it. What is more damaged, a sofa that can de dried off (sprinklered fire) or one that has turned to ashes (manual suppression)? How about an oil painting that was protected by a fine spray (sprinklered fire) or one where all that was left was part of a frame (manual suppression)? Without sprinklers, the heat and smoke from a fire travel very quickly, damaging the furniture and possessions throughout the house. With sprinklers, the sprinkler nearest the fire will stop it before it can develop the damaging heat and smoke.

You can install an alarm to alert you when a sprinkler opens and water starts flowing. The alarm will also alert neighbors, and you can have it monitored by an alarm company so they can call the fire department if no one is around.

Only qualified contractors should install fire sprinklers. They will know how to install the system in compliance with national standards, which ensures that the spacing is correct and an adequate water supply is available. Also, fire sprinklers have different operating temperatures and flow patterns. You need someone knowledgeable who can select the correct sprinkler for each area of the home.

All items that might be attractive to a thief, such as radios, televisions, camera equipment, stereos, small appliances, tools, and sports equipment, should be marked.

Small or very valuable items such as jewelry or antiques can be either engraved by a jeweler or photographed for identification purposes.

To mark your property, you can go to the Public Library and borrow an engraver for three days using your library card. It's important to return the engraver within the loan agreement time so others can use it.

You can also purchase an inexpensive engraving tool at hardware, department or variety stores.

When engraving, hold the tool straight up and down. The engraving tool can be adjusted for surface differences. Practice using the engraving tool before you mark your property.

Make a list of the engraved items including the make, model, size, color, and serial number, as applicable. Also, record the exact spots where you have engraved the items.

You should keep this record at home as a reference and for additions. Also, keep a copy in a secure place such as a safety deposit box.

The permit will be an original (not a copy). It is valid for 30 days (time frame will be listed on the permit). Name of Solicitor, Name of the Organization and their address, and the name and address of the city the solicitor wishes to do business in must also be listed on the permit.

All Solicitors must have a valid Business License to conduct business in the City of Escondido, per Escondido Municipal Code (EMC) 16-17.

All Solicitors must display a proper Business License, per EMC 16-26(4).

Solicitors cannot interfere with a business, including harassment of the owner, employees and/or customers, per Penal Code (PC) 602.1(a).

Solicitors, as well as all persons, cannot use offensive words that are inherently likely to provoke an immediate violent reaction, per PC 415(3).

Please call the Escondido Police Department at 760-839-4722 for in-progress activity, or if you have any questions or concerns.

Disability is defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act Title 42, Chapter 126, Section 12102 (1).

Major Life Activities are activities like caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, or lifting. For more, see the Americans with Disabilities Act Title 42, Chapter 126, Section 12102 (2) (A).

Yes! Please contact by email or phone. We will gladly assist you. Please have all of the information needed to complete the Application Form ready when you contact us.

Please have the following ready for us on the day of installation:

• A spare house key that will go into the box
• You will need to complete the Residential KnoxBox Permit to Enter and Use Agreement Form (PDF). If you have a landlord, they must also sign this agreement.

Please email us or call 760-839-5400. We will remove the Knox Box and return your home key.

This program was initially funded by an allocation from Rincon Del Diablo Water District and was supplemented by Community Development Block Grant funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. In addition, the Assistance League of North Inland County donated 89 KnoxBoxes to the program. These generous contributions ensure that people who will benefit from the program are able to obtain lock boxes.

The City maintains all public sanitary sewer mains within service boundaries. This includes over 350 miles of pipelines, which are generally located within public streets or easements dedicated for City of Escondido use.

Each home or commercial building has a separate connection to the public sanitary sewer main called a sewer lateral. In accordance with the Escondido Municipal Code 22-165, it is the property owner’s responsibility to maintain and repair their own sewer lateral from the house up to the point of connection with the public sanitary sewer main. This includes both the portion on private property and the portion located beneath the sidewalk and street up to the point where the lateral connects to the public main. The drawing below illustrates the difference between a sewer lateral and a public sanitary sewer main.

When a sewer backup or other problem occurs, in most cases it will not be obvious whether the problem area is in the sewer lateral or the public main. If this occurs, call 760-839-4668 24 hours/day.

The City will come out to inspect the public sewer main free of charge. If a problem is found within the public main, it will be repaired as soon as possible. If the public main is found to be clear, the property owner will be informed that the blockage is probably in the sewer lateral. In this case, the property owner is responsible for maintenance or repair.

Caution: When trying to locate a sewer problem, never open manholes or other City of Escondido structures. Due to potential hazards, only City of Escondido personnel are authorized to open and inspect these structures.

If the sewer problem is found to be in the sewer lateral, the property owner can hire a contractor to make repairs or, if equipped, can make repairs themselves. Contractors can be researched under listings such as "Plumbing Drain and Sewer Cleaning" or "Sewer Contractors". If you plan to hire a contractor, we recommend getting estimates from more than one company.

Before any work is begun, a City of Escondido repair permit is required (even for repairs on private property). More information on how to get a repair permit is available by calling our Building Division at 760-839-4647. Once you are aware of a sewer lateral problem, it should be repaired as soon as possible. Sewer laterals, which leak or overflow, are a public health risk and can damage the environment.

When digging to make sewer repairs, it is very important to know where other utilities are located so that damage can be avoided. Most utility companies belong to a locating service called Underground Service Alert (USA).

By calling USA at 811 or 800-227-2600 48 hours before you dig, the utility companies will be notified that you are planning to dig and will come out, free of charge, to mark the location of their utility lines. 811 website.

If a sewer lateral repair involves digging in a street or other public right-of-way, an encroachment permit will also be required. Encroachment permits are available from the agency that maintains the street. In most cases, this is the city. For more information, call the City's Field Engineering Office at 760-839-4664.

Sewer Lateral Repair Checklist

1. Obtain a Repair Permit; call 760-839-4647
2. Call Underground Service Alert 48 hours before you dig at 811 or 800-227-2600
3. Obtain an Encroachment Permit for repairs outside of the property line by calling 760-839-4664
4. Questions? Call our friendly Building Division staff at 760-839-4647

Return to Collections home page. Learn more about how to prevent sewer spills.

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If non-emergency, call 760-839-4722.

No, If a crime took place outside of the city of Escondido please call the police department for that city.

If this took place on a state Freeway please call the Highway Patrol Office at 800-835-5247 (1-800-TELL-CHP).

A known suspect is when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime. Suspect information also includes knowing the license plate number of the suspect vehicle.

A backflow prevention device is designed to prevent water from reverse flowing. This prevents contaminants and pollutants from entering the potable water distribution system.

Commercial, industrial, agricultural, and multi-family properties. Properties with fire sprinkler systems, wells, booster pumps, and auxiliary water supplies.

As required by California State Law: Title 17, Article 2 section 7605, subsection C; Backflow preventers shall be tested at least annually or more frequently if determined to be necessary by the water supplier or health agency. By maintaining compliancy with state law and having your backflow prevention assembly tested annually, you will help to ensure that the drinking water supplied to your community remains safe.

Additionally, mechanical backflow prevention devices have internal seals, springs and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear or fatigue. These parts may need to be replaced periodically and a backflow test will help in determining this. Mechanical backflow prevention devices can also be illegally bypassed, therefore, all backflow prevention devices need to be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly and protecting the public water supply.

The flow of water (or other liquids, mixtures or substances) under pressure into the city system from any source or sources other than its intended source.

Any physical connection, or arrangement of piping or fixtures, between two otherwise separate piping systems, one of which contains potable water and the other of which contains non-potable water or industrial fluids or questionable safety, through which, or because of which, backflow or back-siphonage may occur into the city system.

A metered water service connection between the city system and a customer system which is cross-connected to a contaminated fixture, industrial fluid system or which a potentially contaminated supply or auxiliary water system, constitutes one type of cross-connection. Other types of cross-connections include connectors such as swing connections, removable sections, four-way plug valves, spools, dummy sections of pipe, swivel or change-over devices, sliding multiport tube, solid connections, etc..

Back-siphonage. The flow of water (or other liquids, mixtures or substances) into the city system from any source other than its intended source, caused by the sudden reduction of pressure in the city system.

If you have received an Annual Backflow Assembly Testing Notice, your device is due for its annual test. Please have your backflow assembly tested by a certified tester by the due date indicated on your notice. Your tester will need to submit your test results to the City electronically through their SwiftComply account. If you have received an additional Annual Backflow Assembly Testing Notice after having had your device tested, please contact your Certified Tester to ensure they have successfully submitted your test results electronically through their online SwiftComply account to the City of Escondido.

A review of our records has indicated there is a hazard present on the private side of your water service connection. The installation of an approved backflow prevention device at your meter is required to protect the public water distribution system from this hazard. Once you have selected an approved device, install it per the City of Escondido standard design drawing for backflow prevention devices which can be found on our City website. Contact the Cross-Connection Control Department to have your new device tested immediately after the installation is complete.

Quick tips and install criteria for backflow prevention assemblies: 

• Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly (RP) type only 
• Must be installed directly behind meter; no more than 18 inches between customer side ball valve and upstream riser of device 
• Relief valve of device must be installed between 12 inches and 30 inches above grade 
• Threaded red brass or copper only; no PVC 
• No unions on upstream side unless associated with a regulator required for device rating 
• Must be same size as meter or larger 
• Must be lead free
  Note: Follow the following links to reference Standard Design Drawings for more information

Related Links

• Certified Testers List
• Approved Backflow Prevention Assemblies (PDF)
• Standard Design Drawings - Backflow Assemblies (PDF)

Storm drain discharges are flows that enter the storm drain system and do not consist entirely of rainwater. Any water that flows from households and businesses can carry pollutants into the storm drain system. Pollutants entering the storm drain system are harmful to our environment and our quality of life. Because of this, storm drain discharges are prohibited.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Irrigation runoff.
• Sediment and dirt.
• Wash water from cleaning equipment or surfaces, including mobile operations.
• Hazardous materials and chemicals.
• Illegal dumping of trash and debris.
• Improper Pool discharges.
• Pet waste.
• Building or home improvement materials.

All prohibited storm drain discharges are defined in Escondido Municipal Code, Chapter 22, Article 2, Section 22-22. For a list of exceptions, see Escondido Municipal Code Section 22-23.

It is imperative that we learn to use water efficiently both indoors and outdoors to help achieve long term conservation goals. To achieve these goals, we must avoid behaviors that could contribute to water waste.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Watering landscapes between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm
• Watering landscape areas in a manner causing significant runoff (irrigation runoff).
• Watering outdoor landscapes during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall.
• Washing any vehicle with a hose not having a water shut-off nozzle.
• Washing off hardscape with a hose.
• Leaks and line breaks resulting in water leaving the property.

Water Violations are actions that are defined in the Escondido Municipal Code, Chapter 31, Article 5, including Section 31-230 and Section 31-232.

A pump station is being built in MVP to allow recycled water from the Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility (MFRO) to be distributed to agricultural users.

The project is anticipated to take 18 months.

The project will include public restrooms and an architectural style friendly to the community with noise attenuation features.

The Membrane Filtration Reverse Osmosis Facility (MFRO) is currently under construction on West Washington Avenue and will treat the City’s existing recycled water supply through membrane filtration and reverse osmosis technologies and provide that water to agricultural users. This pump station will transport the recycled water to a storage reservoir above the Mountain View area.

As part of this project, new restrooms are being installed in Mountain View Park.

All of the parking spaces that are impacted by this project will be replaced elsewhere in the park and there will be no impacts to the Fitness Court, ball fields or play structure during construction.

Both parking lots off of Citrus Avenue are open for parking.

• Community Services staff hosted a public outreach meeting at Mountain View Park on October 5, 2019 where this project and the related park benefits were specifically outlined.
• A City Council presentation was done on November 6, 2019 and the project was approved.
• The Planning Division mailed out notices to surrounding residents on June 25, 2020.
• Information about the project was shared on the City’s social media accounts and in the City Manager’s Weekly Activity Report.
• Construction start notices will be sent out prior to the project start date on August 30, 2021.

• Solutions for Global Warming
• Assembly Bill 32: California Global Warming Solutions Act
• California Attorney General's Environment and Public Health Page
• University of San Diego's Energy Policy Initiatives Center (EPIC)

Climate change, like many environmental issues, can be overwhelming in its size and complexity. But the combined efforts of individuals can be powerful. Taking personal action and setting an example for others will send a strong message to business and government.

Significant statewide and federal legislation is forthcoming. In the meantime, actions made on an individual and local level will make a substantial difference. A recent Greenhouse Gas Inventory prepared by University of San Diego found that "when aggregated, the impact of individual actions on San Diego County's regional greenhouse gas levels is significant. The combination of passenger vehicles, light-duty trucks, residential electricity use, and natural gas consumption accounts for about 19 MMT CO2E [Million Metric Tons of Carbon Dioxide Equivalent], or 56% of total emissions."

Reducing our carbon footprint is primarily about using less energy, which means spending less money for electricity, natural gas, water, and fuel. A good first step is to calculate your individual carbon footprint with Cool California's Carbon Calculator to see your personal contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.

There are a variety of home improvements and actions that will reduce our footprint at home, ranging from simple changes of habit to complete home remodels. Changing our purchasing habits is one of the best ways to affect the priorities of companies vying for our patronage, effectively allowing us to vote with our dollars. Learn more on the Cool California Website.

Conserve Water

•  The City of Escondido has an arid climate and only receives an average of 15 inches of rain a year. Transporting, purifying and distributing water in our area takes a lot of energy. See our Water Conservation page for more information on how to use water efficiently both indoors and outdoors.
• Save water by creating a beautiful California-friendly landscape. Get inspiration by visiting the Water Conservation Garden in El Cajon or by using WaterSmart Resources. If you think you've got what it takes, we invite you to enter the annual WaterSmart Landscape Contest.

Conserve Energy

• Get an energy audit. SDG&E has a free online tool that provides an accurate overview of your current electricity and natural gas consumption.
• Replace standard light bulbs with long-lasting and energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. These bulbs are generally available at little to no cost. Visit Exchange to Save for more information.
• Use energy efficient appliances. Electronics with the Energy Star logo meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. For more information and a list of Energy Star approved products, visit www.energystar.gov.
• Be conscious of electricity use at home. Turn off unused lights, televisions, and other appliances. Consider purchasing an electricity monitoring device to precisely track your usage.
• Be wary of "energy vampires," or appliances and power adapters that use power even though they are turned off. Connect adapters to a power strip and turn them all off when you're done using them.
• See SDG&E's FAQ about appliances for more great tips.
• Visit Escondido's Energy Information page for additional information.

Purchase Green & Reduce Waste

• Produce in the United States is shipped an average of 1,500 miles before it reaches your plate. To decrease your stomach's carbon footprint, purchase food grown locally and organically. The Escondido Farmer's Market, happening in downtown every Tuesday afternoon, is a great place to find locally grown food items.
• If you can't make it to our Farmer's Market, look into local Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs deliver seasonal produce grown locally to various neighborhood pick-up points, or even to your doorstep!
• Compost your leftovers to reduce solid waste and create free fertilizer for your garden. Visit the EPA's Composting site for more information.
• Avoid using disposable bags at the grocery store. Most markets have reusable bags made of cloth or recycled materials for sale right in the checkout aisle, but a backpack can work just as well.
• Avoid products with unnecessary amounts of single-use packaging.
• Buy used. Extending the life of an item is doubly effective because it is kept out of the landfill and prevents the need for a new one to be made.
• Pay your bills and view your bank statements online. This reduces the amount of solid waste your household produces and saves energy and money spent on unnecessary printing and mailing.
• Remember the three R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Visit our Recycling and Waste Reduction page for more information.

Build Green

• When building a new home or remodeling an existing one, utilize Green Building Principles of site design, energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality, and materials selection. Information as well as a comprehensive rating system can be found at Build it Green.
• Get free customizable building plans for Green homes, find Green builders, and read reviews of building materials and appliances at Free Green.
• Plant shade trees to reduce your home's temperature and the need for air conditioning.
• Consider purchasing a solar photovoltaic array, which allows you to sell energy back to the grid when you're generating more than you use. Also consider a solar hot water heater.
• Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency to find out about the various state and local incentives available for adding energy-efficient improvements to your home.

Request a Free Tree

The City of Escondido’s tree canopy, the part of a City that is shaded by trees, plays an essential part in the City’s infrastructure and beauty. Trees clean the air, reduce rain water runoff and erosion, and have many other benefits.

In comparison to other cities in our region, Escondido has the highest number of trees per square mile. In order to maintain and grow our Urban Forest, the City and SDG&E offer residents the opportunity to request a free tree. Learn more about the Adopt-A-Tree program and our City’s tree canopy.

Whether you own a business or are employed by one, voicing your opinion about climate change is important. Make it a policy to accept comments from employees or even customers about ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy.

Start a car- or bike-pooling program and offer amenities and incentives for employees who use alternative transportation. Some examples include partial transit reimbursement, raffle prizes, free gym memberships, and verbal recognition.

Consider a green purchasing policy. Make an effort to purchase recycled paper products, energy efficient appliances, and biodegradable packaging where feasible.

Reduce paper use. Print on both sides of the page for large documents, use email to send documents when possible, and endeavor to achieve a paperless office.

One business's trash is another's treasure. Use the California Materials Exchange (CalMAX) to search for available or desired materials in a variety of categories such as bulk glass, construction materials, storage containers, pallets, and beanie babies.

Advertise. Being an environmentally friendly business is great Public Relations and customers looking for ways to support going green will reward you with their patronage. Joining the San Diego County Green Business Project is a good way to start.

Incorporate green building design when building a new facility or remodeling an old one. Visit the business section of Build It Green or the US Green Building Council's LEED website for more information.

Visit SDG&E's Business Energy Savings Center for information and rebates for businesses large and small.

The best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from your automobile is to leave it parked! Walk, bike, or roller-skate for nearby errands, and use NCTD service for more distant ones.

Use iCommute, Craigslist Ridesharing, or a similar service to set up one-time or recurring carpools with like-minded people.

Consider working from home one day a week, or re-arrange your hours to complete your work-week in fewer days, if feasible.

Drive with fuel economy in mind. The U.S. Department of Energy maintains a list of Gas Mileage Tips involving simple driving habits and maintenance measures that can substantially increase your car's fuel efficiency.

Buy a more fuel efficient vehicle. In USD's Greenhouse Gas Inventory for San Diego County, light-duty trucks were shown to be responsible for just over 50% of on-road emissions. If you own one of these vehicles, consider driving it no more than necessary or replacing it entirely. There are many options for high-MPG and alternative fuel vehicles, from plug-in electric cars to biodiesel trucks and everything in between. Visit the Department of Energy's Fuel Economy website for information on tax incentives available.

• Go Solar! California: "A one stop shop for information on rebates, tax credits, and incentives for solar-energy systems in California."
• City of Escondido Water Conservation Programs and Rebates
• San Diego County Water Authority's Rebates and Incentives (also in Spanish)
• Rincon del Diablo Water District
• SDG&E Rebates and Incentives for the Home (also in Spanish)
• SDG&E Rebates and Incentives for Businesses (also in Spanish)
• SDG&E Lighting Exchange
• US Department of Energy Tax Incentives

Green Living Tips, Eartheasy, Treehugger, and OurEarth are just of few of many websites loaded with information on living a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.

• Friends of Daley Ranch
• San Dieguito River Park Conservancy
• Escondido Creek Conservancy

The City of Escondido has instituted several measures aimed at curbing green house emissions at City hall as well as various City facilities.

• The City Hall Central Energy Plant that was originally installed in 1988 was upgraded with a state-of- the-art energy efficient system in 2007 that now saves the city $179,000 in annual operating costs.
• City Hall was re-roofed in 2007 with a heat reflective material further saving cooling costs. The California Consumer Energy Center has information about cool roof technology.
• The City retrofitted 20 public works vehicles in 2005 with mitigation funds received from the San Diego Air Pollution Control District to install filters that capture diesel exhaust particulate matter that would otherwise be released in the air.
• Escondido, in partnership with the local water district, offers water conservation programs/rebates to single-family and business customers.
• The City's Water Conservation web page provides helpful tips and programs on conserving water.
• The City offers education and public outreach in the form of presentations to elementary school students and community groups about water conservation and storm water pollution prevention.
• Escondido is an active participant in the 52 Ways to Love Your Water pledge campaign.

Escondido, along with other developers and contractors of several large public and private projects, are incorporating environmentally friendly features that will serve as an example for others:

Escondido is proud to be the home of Palomar Medical Center West, which plans to install a green roof on one of its structures. Apart from being pleasant to look at, green roofs reduce the heat island effect, lowering the need for air conditioning, and retain storm water, reducing the amount of runoff that enters the sewer system.

The Stone Brewery recently opened for business in Escondido and raised the bar for businesses incorporating green technology. Surrounded by drought-tolerant landscaping, topped with a 312-kilowatt solar array which provides roughly 40% of Stone's energy needs, and serviced by a fleet of biodiesel trucks, the rapidly expanding brewery has made environmentalism part of a very successful business plan. Stone Brewery's World Bistro & Gardens is a "slow-food" restaurant, offering a menu of seasonal, organic, and locally grown sundries.

Westfield Shoppingtown sports a light-colored "cool roof" designed to curb the urban heat island effect and reduce the need for air conditioning.

The City pursued LEED certification for the new Police and Fire Facility located on North Centre City Parkway.

The City is developing Green Building practices for public and private uses.

Escondido is the home of two North County Transit District Sprinter stops as well as the District's storage and maintenance facility.

The Escondido Downtown Business Association has partnered with Palomar Pomerado Hospital to provide free shuttle service between Downtown and the Escondido Transit Center during weekday commuting hours, making public transportation for downtown employees more viable.

The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), in cooperation with North County Transit District (NCTD), the City of Escondido and unincorporated County initiated the Escondido BREEZE Rapid that commenced service in 2009 to enhance transit service between the Downtown Escondido Transit Center and Westfield Shoppingtown.

Escondido is updating its General Plan—the City's blueprint for future growth. A component of that update will be incorporating policies that promote sustainability as well as Smart Growth planning principles that advocates compact, transit-oriented land use and the concentration of growth in the city's core. Smart Growth takes a broad view and prioritizes long-term regional visions over short-term interests in order to prevent inefficient urban sprawl. The main elements of Smart Growth are:

• Compact, Pedestrian- and Bicycle-Friendly Neighborhoods
• Transit-Oriented Development
• Preserving Open Space
• Improving Existing Communities

Visit the Escondido's General Plan Update for more information.

If yes, all businesses operating and/or conducting business in the City are required to have a Business License. Please refer to the letter you received for further instructions on how to proceed. If you have submitted the required form that was linked in the letter, or contacted our office at  ext. 4694, then no further action is required from you at this time. Please be assured that we are tracking all the responses.

Please note: Many letters were intended for specific people and/or businesses. Therefore, if the business does not belong to you, it may belong to a previous resident or owner. Please do not be alarmed of identity theft.

All businesses in the City of Escondido are required to obtain a business license. Please visit the main Business Page for information on how to obtain one.

Yes, all outside businesses conducting business in the City of Escondido are required to have a business license.

Business license fees are based on the annual gross receipts as reported on Federal Income Tax Form Schedule "C". Businesses located in Escondido are required to report all annual gross receipts earned by the business.

Outside businesses are only required to report annual gross receipts earned in the City of Escondido.

Yes, by using our new online portal. Visit the portal and follow the instructions.

Yes, you can pay business license fees on line by using our new online portal.

The City of Escondido does not accept business license payments by telephone.

Change of address cannot be done online through the portal. Please contact Business License at 760-839-4659 or by email.

Signage in the City of Escondido requires an application and review by the Planning Division. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671.

The amount of sign coverage allowed depends on the zoning of your property. Please contact the Planning Division at 760-839-4671.

The Planning Division may require a Special Event Permit. Please contact them at 760-839-4671.

Garage/yard sales do not require a permit or business license. Garage/yard sales may take place four times a year and may last up to three consecutive days. The sale may take place between 8 am and 6 pm. Garage/yard sales are permitted only at single-family residences, including mobile home lots. Division 7. Garage and Yard Sales.

Yes, as long as you have a valid City of Escondido business license.

A NAICS (pronounced NAKES) code is a classification within the North American Industry Classification System. The NAICS System was developed for use by Federal Statistical Agencies for the collection, analysis and publication of statistical data related to the U.S. Economy.

NAICS is a self-assigned system. Visit Find my NAICS Code and search for your business category (e.g., contractor, beauty salon, artist, etc.). You will then get a six-digit code.

A SIC (pronounced SIK) code is a Standard Industrial Classification that contains a four-digit code classifying industries by the type of activity. It is used by the City to determine if further evaluation is required based on the type of business.

Once you have your NIACS Code, you can do a crosswalk by going to Find my SIC Code and typing your NAICS code, and the crosswalk will automatically find your SIC code.

On November 18, 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance Number 20-29R, which created a program to regulate and license tobacco retailers within the City of Escondido. The regulations, which include obtaining a TRL, become effective for tobacco retailers in 2021. Starting July 1, 2021, a TRL is required in order to sell any kind of tobacco products in the City. The TRL application, issuance, and annual renewal is separate from your regular annual business license.

Businesses that sell any tobacco products must have a Tobacco Retail License, in addition to their main City of Escondido business license. Applications are accepted on our online portal.

A recent survey showed that some Escondido businesses sell tobacco products to minors, including vaping devices and e-cigarettes, which is in violation of state law. The TRL program will help reduce the number of stores selling these products to minors. Tobacco retailers will be required to pay a licensing fee to cover the costs of administration and annual compliance checks. Compliance checks will review existing tobacco laws regulating underage sales, compliance with the STAKE Act, and a requirement that retailers refrain from selling drug paraphernalia.

The cost is $88 annually.

You will not be authorized to sell tobacco products in the City of Escondido.

Two business licenses. One business license for normal operations, and an additional license if tobacco is sold. Note: Each location will need its separate licenses.

The process will take approximately two weeks as the Police Departments will need to do an assessment after the application is submitted.

If your TRL is suspended, you will lose your tobacco retail license, but may stay open for non-tobacco related items under your normal business license.

Yes, in that it would require an annual renewal. However, while your normal City of Escondido business license fees may be based on gross receipts and other requirements, the TRL is a flat fee of $88. Note: Your Tobacco Retail License will be aligned with your existing City business license to ensure both are renewed concurrently every year through separate processes.

All cities with city council districts must engage in "redistricting" every 10 years following the decennial federal census in order to ensure that all districts continue to have equal populations and follow all state and federal laws. In 2013, the Escondido City Council transitioned to a district-based voting system to elect its 4 City Council Members, replacing its at-large election system. The City of Escondido must now ensure that no changes are needed in light of the new 2020 federal census data and must go through the regular decennial redistricting process.

The redistricting process was designed to be as transparent and accessible as possible. You are invited to attend one or more of the Independent Redistricting Commission meetings or the City Council meetings to provide input in person. Please see below for the schedule. You can also provide input by mail or email or by dropping off materials to the Commission. Please see below for contact information.

The redistricting process timeline is prescribed by the 2013 Consent Decree. This requires that the City conduct an open and transparent process that ensures the full and meaningful public consideration of and comment on the drawing of district lines. Thus, the Commission shall provide public notice of and hold a minimum of six public hearings at which all Escondido citizens will have equal opportunity to comment on the drawing of district lines. The public hearings shall be held at six geographically diverse locations throughout Escondido. Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Filipino translation services shall be provided at each of these six public hearings.

After a Preliminary Redistricting Plan has been finalized by the Commission, the Commission shall hold at least three public hearings in various geographic areas of the City before it makes any modifications. These three public hearings shall be conducted in both English and Spanish.

After having heard comments from the public on the preliminary plan, the Commission shall, in consultation with the expert consultant, approve a Recommended Districting Plan by majority vote. The approved Recommended Redistricting Plan will be submitted to the City Council for its up or down approval.

The City Council shall hold at least one public hearing on the Recommended Redistricting Plan of the Commission before any adoption of a Final Redistricting Plan.

The Commission's decisions will be governed by federal and state legal requirements as well as criteria specific to Escondido. The U.S. Constitution requires districts contain roughly equal population and it and the federal Voting Rights Act (FVRA) prohibit racial discrimination. The federal Voting Rights Act also prohibits discrimination because of language minority status[1] in addition to practices that have a discriminatory effect, such as at-large elections or districts that make it harder for a racial or language minority group to elect a representative of choice.

Escondido's decisions will also be governed by federal and state law, and the 2013 Consent Decree. In ranked order, the Commission must address the following criteria:

• Districts shall comply with the U.S. Constitution, including reasonably equal population.
• Districts shall comply with the federal Voting Rights Act.
• Districts shall be contiguous and drawn to encourage compactness.
• Districts shall respect the geographic integrity of neighborhoods and communities of interest.
• Districts shall not be drawn to favor or discriminate against a political party, incumbent or candidate.

A Community of Interest or COI is a group of people in a defined geographic location that share a common bond or interest. A Community of Interest is a "a contiguous population which shares common social and economic interests that should be included within a single district for purposes of fair and effective representation." It is important to keep communities and neighborhoods together in new council districts because it may help ensure fair representation for that community.

The Independent Redistricting Commission is seeking public input and testimony throughout this process. Because there are no datasets available for Communities of Interest, we appreciate your help to define them for the City of Escondido. Please tell us what defines your Community of Interest, where it is located (including physical boundaries) and why it should stay together.

Resources for Submitting COIs:

• Understanding the term "Communities of Interest"
• Escondido Written COI Form
• How to Submit Your Escondido COI Online

As counted by the 2020 Census, the City of Escondido had a total population of 151, 516. The decennial census is the only survey that counts everyone, so we have to use those data to draw districts. There are 4 council districts. To figure out the 'ideal population' for each council district, take the total population 151,516 and divide it by the number of districts (4) which equals approximately 37,879 persons.

Districts are drawn using the total population as counted by the last census. Everyone who was counted, irrespective of age, residency status or other demographics has to be assigned to a district. Districts are not equalized using voters, registered voters, or citizenship.

The Commission is made up of seven Escondido voters who were interested in serving in the effort to draw district lines. They applied to serve on the Independent Districting Commission and were selected by a Selection Panel of three retired judges who live in San Diego County.

The Commission is made up of the following individuals:

• Commissioner: Robert Case
• Commissioner: Carolyn Clemens
• Commissioner: Amy Dao Doan
• Commissioner: Kristy Jurgensen
• Commissioner: Xochitl Reyes
• Commissioner: Juan Reynoso
• Commissioner: Mariela Saldana

Each of the Commissioners had to comply with certain criteria. They have to be Escondido voters. In addition, they had to certify that they had not been involved in certain political behaviors in the last 10 years. They were not allowed to: (1) have been a candidate for local, state or federal elected office, (2) been a paid employee or consultant for a California political candidate or political committee, (3) been an official or paid employee of a California political party, (4) made donations greater than $5,000 in any 2-year period, and (5) cannot be a current candidate for any local, state, or federal elected office. In addition, Commission members must agree not to run for Escondido City Council for five years after their service on the Commission.

We would like to hear from you so we can make informed decisions about how to redraw the Council district lines. Specifically, we need information from you about your neighborhoods and communities of interests. You are the expert who knows your community and neighborhood! If we know the geographic locations of the Communities of Interest in Escondido, we can consider them when drawing lines and we won't inadvertently split them! Keeping communities together in the same district can help to get more responsive representation.

If you have more questions, we are available to answer them!

• You can attend the community meeting or any of the City council hearings
• Or email your question to the Commission
• Or mail your question to:
  Escondido Independent Redistricting Commission, c/o Escondido City Clerk's office
  201 N Broadway, Escondido, CA 92025
• Or call us: 760-839-4617

As part of this year's budget process and to further engage Escondido residents citywide, the City has launched The Escondido Discussion to hear local community priorities and City service needs.

The City is continuing to recover from the long-term effects of COVID and potentially faces an $8 million budget gap this year. Due to this budget shortfall, the City may have to decide on cuts to City services, including public works and public safety services. This is why we want to hear from YOU what local priorities you have and the City services you rely on as we strive to continue to provide the level of service residents expect and deserve.

You've told us maintaining local public safety in Escondido is important to you - we agree. Securing additional locally controlled funding can help the City to maintain local fire protection and prevention services, paramedic and emergency medical services and police services to reduce crime.

In a recent community survey and through public engagement, residents identified the following community service priorities:

• Addressing homelessness
• Attracting businesses and jobs to the City
• Improving public safety and police services
• Maintaining and repairing local streets, roads and sidewalks
• Keeping public areas clean and free of graffiti

We want to hear from you!  Join The Escondido Discussion by visiting the Discussion webpage. 

The Community Satisfaction Survey was conducted by True North Research to provide a statistically reliable understanding of residents' satisfaction, priorities, and concerns as they relate to services, facilities, and policies provided by the City. A random selection of 1,298 residents were chosen to participate in English and Spanish. The results can be used to estimate the opinions of all adult residents of the City within a 2.7% margin of error. The margin of error is the difference between what was found in the survey of 1,298 adults and what would have been found if all 114,184 adults had been interviewed. The Escondido Discussion survey casts a broader net to allow all community members to provide their feedback on priorities and concerns. It provides more anecdotal rather than statistical data.

Graffiti is a crime which is characterized by the defacing of public or private property using a wide range of markings which include painting, etching, carving and markers. Graffiti should be removed immediately. When graffiti is immediately removed a message is sent out stating "We care, we will not tolerate graffiti in our neighborhood". Prompt graffiti removal is a deterrent to future graffiti in that the "tagger" realizes the graffiti is not visible for any length of time and eventually will most likely stop tagging in the area.

Research has indicated the typical graffiti offender is young and male. Most offenders are between the ages of 15 and 23, many offenders were found to be students.

Some of the motivating factors for graffiti have been identified as peer pressure, boredom, resentment, failure, frustration, despair, recognition, and gang affiliations.

Yes, various types of graffiti have been identified. The category and characteristics of the most common types are listed below:

• Common Tagger - usually seen in high volume and have a common style name or theme. The tagger hopes to gain recognition by having the tag in as many locations as possible and the more difficult the location is to access, the greater the notoriety.
• Gang Graffiti - characterized by gang names or symbols applied in a highly stylized manner in highly visible locations. This type of tagging is used to mark turf controlled by the gang, taunt or insult other gangs, boast of achievements or honor slain gang members.
• Artistic Tagger - this type of graffiti is characterized by large vivid mural type tags commonly called "masterpieces". These tags are generally very colorful and in conspicuous locations.

The Public Works Operations Division and the Escondido Police Department are working together to operate the City of Escondido's Anti-Graffiti Program. The Anti-Graffiti Program is a multi-faceted plan to eradicate graffiti. The Public Works Graffiti Eradication Team photographs and geo-locates on the photograph every graffiti tag they respond to prior to eradication. The file containing the photographs of the tag is given to the Escondido Police Department for analysis using Graffiti-Tracker software. The images of the graffiti are used in the investigation and prosecution of violators.

The City of Escondido also distributes graffiti cleanup kits free of charge to residents who have been the victims of graffiti. Anti-graffiti education literature has been mass mailed to City of Escondido residents and efforts are under way to distribute this literature to the school districts.

The property owner or any person leasing, occupying or having permission to maintain the property is responsible for removing graffiti. The City of Escondido does, as a courtesy, assist property owners with graffiti removal at no charge to the property owners when certain conditions are met. The conditions are as follows:

1. The graffiti must be visible from the public right-of-way.
2. The graffiti is not applied higher than the first story of a building, approximately 10 feet above the ground level.
3. The City staff can reach the graffiti without the use of ladders or man lifts.
4. The property owner has signed the waiver to allow City staff to access their property and remove the graffiti.

Permitting or allowing graffiti to remain on your property is a public nuisance. Graffiti not only makes our residential and our business communities unattractive, it adversely affects our property values, business sales and the community's image. Ignoring graffiti gives the mistaken impression that it is acceptable and only invites more graffiti. It will take the awareness, support, and participation of all to combat the problem of graffiti within our City.

Although you did not place the graffiti and you are the victim of a crime, it is your responsibility to remove the graffiti. Graffiti removal kits are available at the Escondido City Hall and the Public Works Administration Offices at 475 N Spruce Street. Graffiti is no different than a vandalized fence or a broken window caused by a vandal, in that, the property owner would be responsible for the repairs. The city does assist property owners with removal when the graffiti is within the conditions stated, otherwise, the property owner or any person leasing, occupying or having permission to maintain the property is responsible for removing graffiti.

Whenever you see graffiti on property within the City limits which is visible from the public right of way, call the Escondido Graffiti Hotline at 760-839-4OFF (4633) or use the online form.

 When reporting graffiti always provide the address or location of the graffiti; a brief description of the graffiti; and your name, telephone number and e-mail address if you have an e-mail account. This information will allow City staff to contact you should additional information be needed.

You can also volunteer to participate in the “We Clean Escondido”   Adopt-a-Block litter removal program by contacting the Recycling Hotline at 760-839-6216 and listening to the recorded message on “We Clean Escondido”

An internal service request is created within the Public Works Operation Department dispatching a Graffiti Eradication Team (GET) member to the site of the reported graffiti. A search of the property owner waiver files is completed to determine if the City has been granted permission to enter the property to remove the graffiti. If there is no waiver on file, an attempt is made to contact the property owner to get a waiver signed. If a waiver is on file, the GET staff responds to the site and eradicates the graffiti. Prior to eradication of the graffiti, the graffiti is photographed and the photographs are submitted to the Escondido Police Department where they are cataloged and used to investigate and prosecute the perpetrator.

GET members use a variety of techniques to eradicate graffiti based on the type of graffiti and the surface it has been placed on. GET Members are equipped with high pressure power washers, airless paint sprayers, paint brushes, rollers, assorted cleaning chemicals and grinding equipment for removal of graffiti from concrete. Every effort is made to match existing paint colors when possible. GET members carry approximately 40 different paint colors in their vehicles. Unfortunately, with weathering a perfect paint match is not always possible. If you have paint that matches the area where graffiti was placed, please provide this information when reporting to the Hotline and the GET member will contact you to get the paint when they are removing the graffiti.

Remove graffiti from your property immediately.

Report graffiti when you see it to the Graffiti Hotline 760-839-4OFF (4633)

Look to eliminate access to graffiti prone areas on your property using landscape barriers and lighting.

If you see graffiti vandalism in progress, call 911 and report it immediately to the Escondido Police Department.

Yes, graffiti vandalism is a misdemeanor and violators can be severely punished. Vandals may receive a sentence of up to six months in prison, be required to perform community service, pay fines, make restitution to the property owner and/or attend educational classes. In addition, juvenile offenders may lose their driver's license or have their driving privileges deferred. Parents of juvenile graffiti vandals may be ordered to pay a fine and restitution, and attend classes or participate in community service activities with their juvenile.

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A billing error occurred for wastewater services because what was adopted by City Council in October 2023 was not properly coded into the billing software system. 

The winter months used to calculate our wastewater estimates were incorrect resulting in over and undercharging on residential wastewater billing accounts. Water use data from Winter 2022-2023 should have been used as the basis for wastewater estimates, as that winter had unusually high rainfall and very little irrigation and outdoor water use. This approach was meant to fairly reflect actual indoor water use which would be returned to the sewer system as wastewater. However, the system was not programmed to lock in Winter 2022-2023 for 5 years, but automatically updated in spring 2024 and began using Winter 2023–2024 data instead to calculate wastewater rates.

Estimating wastewater flow is industry standard. Typically, wastewater providers try to estimate what percentage of potable water used at a home will return to the sewer system. The percentage differs depending on climate and property type. 

In Southern California, estimates typically utilize potable water usage data from winter months. Potable water is measured, and outdoor watering (which doesn’t return to the sewer system) is at its lowest during these months. 

In Escondido before 2023, it was assumed that 80% of potable water used at a Single-Family Residential home during the winter would be returned to the sewer system. The remaining 20% of water use was assumed to be outdoor use, including irrigation/filling a pool and wouldn’t be returned to the wastewater system. For multi-family and mobile home properties the return rate was set to 100%, because outdoor watering uses are negligible for these property types.

However, the winter of 2022/23 was historically wet (24 inches of rainfall was recorded between December 2022 to March 2023). The rain essentially eliminated the need to irrigate, and pools were being topped off with rainwater. As a result, in October 2023 Council agreed that the wastewater flow estimate would be 100% of the Winter 2022/23 water usage for the next 5 years. The historic rainfall effectively eliminated the need to use water outdoors, and it could be assumed that all water used at a home would be returned to the sewer system. 

If you received a check from the City, it is because your account was identified as one that was overbilled and due a credit. Rather than crediting your bill, the City decided to send you a check for the amount owed to return the money to you as quickly as possible. This is a legitimate refund from the City of Escondido. 

Unlike potable water, which is metered directly, wastewater is typically estimated based on how much potable water you use. It’s not practical or cost-effective to measure wastewater flow from each home because wastewater pipes are not pressurized or full and include solids. 

The amount of potable water used at a home is not equal to the water that is returned to the sewer system. Outdoor water use, including irrigation and filling pools, will not be returned to the sewer system.

Your bill changed for two reasons:

1. The amount of water you used in Winter 2022-2023 was different than Winter 2023-2024
2. Water use data from Winter 2022-2023 should have been used as the basis for wastewater estimates; however, the system was not programmed to lock in Winter 2022-2023 for 5 years, and instead used Winter 2023-2024 data to calculate wastewater rates.

Water usage patterns are highly variable, between and within households. Changes in any of the following could lead to a major bill difference:

• Occupancy (more people = more water use; less people = less water use)
• Appliances (replacing for more efficient fixtures, changes in frequency of use)
• Lifestyle habits (i.e. showering more or less often)
• Property type & size (landscaping/gardening needs, filling up your pool)
• Behavioral changes (hosting guests, vacations, working from home)
• Leaks

If you are receiving a bill credit, that means you used more water in Winter 2023/2024 than Winter 2022/2023. If you were underbilled, that means you used less water in Winter 2023/2024 than Winter 2022/2023.

Wastewater providers estimate wastewater flow based on winter water use, when outdoor water use is typically lowest. 

The wastewater winter water average is calculated by using your potable water meter reads from December to March and calculating a monthly average.

Before the 2023 Rate Study, the monthly average would be multiplied by a return factor (or the percentage of potable water that was expected to return to the sewer system). But in October 2023, the return factor was set to 100% as it was assumed that all potable water used at a home was returned to the sewer system because outdoor water use, which wouldn’t return to the sewer system, was minimal due to significant rain.  

Escondido City Council approved a new methodology in the 2023 rate study, locking in Winter 22/23 water usage data for 5 years. This new methodology was chosen because it was a really wet year and provided a very accurate estimate of indoor water usage, because outdoor watering needs were effectively eliminated. 

Your wastewater bill is based on water consumption, and usage patterns vary widely between households, even if the houses seem comparable. Major factors that could impact your water use and wastewater bill include:

• Household characteristics (number of occupants, lifestyle habits, appliance efficiency)
• Property type & size (landscaping, pools)
• Behavioral changes (hosting guests, vacations, working from home)
• Leaks

Learn more about water conservation, about filling your pool, and use the Water Calculator to estimate your household water use.

Wastewater charge = Monthly Fixed Charge + (estimated wastewater flow x rate per 1,000 gallons)

• The monthly fixed charge and the rate per thousand gallons is updated annually, on July 1^st. Current rates are posted here.
• If the Monthly Fixed Charge was $7.03 per month/per unit, this amount would be charged regardless of the amount of wastewater flow.
• The estimated wastewater flow is calculated by using your potable water meter reads from December 2022 – March 2023 and calculating a monthly average. Before the 2023 Rate Study this monthly average would be multiplied by a return factor, but Council agreed to remove the return factor and assume that all potable water was returned to the sewer system because irrigation needs were minimal due to significant rain.  
• The estimated wastewater flow is multiplied by a rate per 1,000 gallons. If the rate was $9.43, a customer would pay $9.43 for every 1,000 gallons of wastewater flow.  

For example: A home uses around 200 gallons of water a day during the winter period (December – March). With an average month having 30 days, the monthly average would equal 6,000 gallons of water (200 gallons x 30 days). 

$7.03 + (6 kgallons x $9.43)

$7.03 + $56.58 = $63.61

*Please note that the Monthly Fixed Charge and rate per 1,000 gallons used is updated each July 1.

Escondido City Council adopted wastewater rates that will be effective through December 31, 2028, and are based on water usage data from Winter 22/23. You will still see slight adjustments to your bill during these 5 years because monthly fixed charges and the rate per 1,000 gallons will be updated annually (on July 1) for wastewater.

However, during this 5-year period your wastewater flow estimate is set, and changes in behavior will not impact your wastewater bill. However, your behaviors and potable water use will impact your water bill. Here are some tips for water conservation and how to control your water bill: https://www.escondido.gov/747/Water-Conservation

If you had a leak anytime between December 2022 – March 2023, please contact the Utility Billing team at 760-839- 4682 or UBCustomerservice@escondido.gov with the following information:

1. when the leak started
2. when it was fixed
3. verification of the leak (repair receipt)

•    Learn more about the Water Shutoff Protection Act

•    Please contact the Utility Billing team at 760-839- 4682 or UBCustomerservice@escondido.gov to discuss arranging a payment plan for you. Remember: A customer shutoff is a last resort measure.

Your wastewater charges will be calculated using whichever is less:

• The city-average winter water use (i.e. for a Single-Family home the average is 5,852 gallons per month), per unit OR
•  Actual winter water use for the first complete winter period that the account was open. 

All customers who were undercharged will receive a letter in December. The letter will provide the total dollar amount the customer owes.  

Additionally, the total amount owed will be listed on bills starting in January 2026. The balance will decrease as you make payments and will remain on the bill until the total amount is paid in full.  

As a default, the customer will be automatically charged an additional $10 per month, per dwelling unit until the account is paid in full. This payment plan has been set up to help customers pay off their balance gradually.  

Alternate payment arrangements, including paying the debt in full (at any time) or reducing the additionally monthly charge can be arranged.  

Payment arrangements cannot be reduced below $5 per month and the total outstanding amount must be paid in full. To arrange an alternative plan please complete you must complete a form by December 23, 2025, which will be available online https://escondido.gov/FormCenter/Utilities-20/Alternative-Payment-Plan-for-Residential-135 or can be picked up in person at the Utility Billing Counter at City Hall.  

You are being back billed because you were undercharged due to a billing error. To correct this, you are being back billed for the amount that should have been charged originally.  

When some customers are not billed for services they’ve received, the financial burden shifts unfairly to others who are paying their share. Back-billing corrects this imbalance and ensures that everyone contributes equitably to the system we all rely on. 

Our sewer system require ongoing investment to remain safe and reliable. The revenue from wastewater charges funds critical projects—such as replacing aging pipes and upgrading treatment facilities—that protect public health and support future growth. Without recovering these costs, we risk delaying or canceling essential improvements, which could lead to higher costs and service disruptions down the road. 

To help you pay off your balance gradually and reduce potential financial burden, the default payment plan is an additional $10 per month, per dwelling unit until the account is paid in full.  

If you anticipate that this additional, temporary charge will result in financial hardship, you can request an alternative payment plan. You must complete a form by December 23, 2025, which will be available on the City’s website https://escondido.gov/FormCenter/Utilities-20/Alternative-Payment-Plan-for-Residential-135 or can be picked up in person at the Utility Billing Counter at City Hall.  

Yes. Starting in January, your bill will include both the additional monthly charge ($10 per month per dwelling unit), as well as list the total outstanding amount. You can choose to pay the total amount at any time.  

The City Council considered a report on September 17, 2025 which explained the billing error. After considering the impact of the error, the Council voted to back bill customers $10 per unit, per month until each account is paid in full.  

The staff report is available here (Item 8). 

The meeting recording is available here (Item 8). 

Rates were adopted by the City Council in October 2023 (Item 5). The rates were effective January 1, 2024 and included future rate adjustments through January 1, 2028. These rates will be in effect until the next rate study happens, currently scheduled for the end of 2028.  

Your wastewater charges help keep our community safe and our system reliable. Revenue collected from wastewater charges pays for maintaining and replacing sewer pipes, upgrading treatment facilities, meeting public health and environmental regulations, and planning future improvements.  

Without recovering these costs, we risk delaying or canceling essential improvements, which could lead to higher costs and service disruptions down the road.