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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
City Clerk
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The agendas are available on the website or a hardcopy can be requested at City Hall for a fee. Online Agendas |
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The Mayor & Council members can be reached through the City Clerk’s Office at (951) 922-3146. |
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No. A marriage license can be obtained at the Riverside County Clerks/Recorders office. Locations... |
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Yes. An application can be obtained at City Hall or downloaded here. Registration Form |
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No. All tickets issued at the weigh scales are handled by the Riverside County Superior Court. Locations... |
Code Enforcement
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Everybody’s rights are protected under the law. You have certain freedoms as long as they do not infringe on the freedoms of others. When it comes to property, the condition of your property and the activities that take place on it impact the property values and quality of life of your neighbors and community. Therefore, the City of Banning has implemented codes to regulate property maintenance and health and safety issues.
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Yes, but only where it is not visible from the public right-of-way. Hanging a clothesline in a front or side yard or clothes hung to dry on walls, fences, trees, bushes or carport areas that are visible from the public right-of-way are a violation of the Banning Municipal Code. |
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No. Any vehicle under repair that is left unattended could pose a danger to children. In addition, the Banning Municipal Code prohibits the storage or parking of inoperative vehicles visible from the public right-of-way. |
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No. Any structure occupied as a residence without lawful electric and water connections for more than 72 hours is a violation of the Banning Municipal Code and the Uniform Housing Code. |
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No, storing things on your roof is a violation of the Banning Municipal Code.
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Substandard housing is any building or part of a building that has any of the following characteristics: inadequate sanitation, structural hazards, hazardous electrical wiring, hazardous plumbing, hazardous mechanical equipment, faulty weather protection, fire hazard, faulty materials of construction, hazardous or insanitary premises, inadequate exits, inadequate fire-protection or firefighting equipment or improper occupancy.
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First, if the house or apartment is not habitable, do not move in. It is a violation of the Uniform Housing Code to move a tenant into substandard housing. Make sure you inform your landlord of maintenance problems in writing. Insist on signing a rental agreement and always get a receipt for your rent payments. Consult the following resources for more assistance: Riverside County Superior Court and The Fair Housing Council of Riverside County, Inc. A guide to residental tenants' and landlords' rights and responsibilities is available through the State of California... California Tenants |
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Insects and rodents need shelter, food and water. Eliminate all hiding areas such as tall weeds, trash and debris on your property. Keep the feeding area for your pets clean. Eliminate all sources of stagnant water, such as old tires and cans. Keep lids on trash cans. |
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Through a grant provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the County of Riverside, Department of Public Health has developed a program to help fight lead paint poisoning in the county. This program offers free, or low cost, lead-based paint service to qualified families. You may qualify for these services! What types of lead-based paint services are being offered? Lead-based paint inspections conducted by state accredited inspectors, testing children for lead, providing information about lead paint, and hiring certified contractors to take care of lead paint problems. Call (951) 358-5050 to see if you qualify for free, or low cost, lead paint inspections and hazard control service or visit Riverside County Office of Industrial Hygiene |
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No vehicle may be used as a residence. Water and power will not be provided to the vehicle except as necessary for maintenance. |
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Yes, any standing water is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes and provides water to rodents. Potential sources of stagnant water are any catch basins that trap rain or sprinkler water, such as unused swimming pools, plant pots, old tires, empty paint cans, or just low spots on your property. Remove or cover anything that might retain water. Unused swimming pools should be drained.
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Any sign posted without first obtaining a permit from the City is in violation of the Banning Municipal Code. Sign regulations can be viewed online under Appendix A – Zoning, Article 25. |
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The municipal code recognizes three kinds of domesticated animals for R-1 (residential single family) zoning: dogs, cats and pot-bellied pigs. Each property may keep 3 of any combination of these animals. Farm-type animals, such as goats, ducks, roosters, chickens and sheep, etc., are only allowed on agricultural properties.
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The Banning Police Department participates in a program that targets the abatement/removal of junk vehicles from private property in the City of Banning. The Department has been enforcing this program since April 2000. |
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Generally, vehicles which fall under the following classification are considered abandoned vehicles:
Public Nuisance Vehicle. Any vehicle that is abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or any inoperative part thereof; that is on public or private property, not including highways; and creates a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, promotes blight and deterioration, invites plundering, creates fire hazards, constitutes an attractive nuisance endangering the health and safety of minors, harbors rodents and insects, or jeopardizes health, safety and general welfare is a public nuisance.Abandoned Vehicle. A vehicle is considered to be "abandoned" if it is unaccompanied on a highway, public property, or private property in an inoperable or neglected condition that the owner's intention to relinquish all further rights or interests in it may be reasonably concluded.
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The Department offers a "Voluntary Release" option in which the Code Enforcement Community Service Officer will come to the property where the vehicle is located, obtain a signed Voluntary Release form, and arrange for the vehicle to be towed away, at no charge to the person who has the authority to sign the Voluntary Release. Any vehicle taken by this action is disposed of by a certified dismantler and may not be sold in a lien sale by the towing company. Please leave a message if no one is available to answer the phone or if it is after business hours. Please remember to leave a call-back phone number. |
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The City of Banning AVA program only responds to Public Nuisance Vehicles located within Banning city limits. Reports of public nuisance vehicles may be made conveniently online through Request Partners. If you would like, you may also make these reports in person by visiting City Hall or by calling (951) 922-3120. REQUEST PARTNERS |
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The Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) division of the Banning Code Enforcement Department mails out certified Notice of Violation letters, which state the City Ordinance sections and California Vehicle Code sections used in determining whether a vehicle is an "attractive nuisance". These letters are mailed to the property owner and the vehicle owner and allow a 10-day time limit in which to correct the problem. After the end of the 10-day time period, there is a re-inspection of the property to ascertain whether the vehicle has been properly taken care of. If the vehicle has not been taken care of, a "Notice to Abate" certified letter is mailed to the same parties, with a deadline to comply with the terms outlined in both letters. If, after the deadline has expired, the vehicle still has not been taken care of, the Code Enforcement Community Service Officer has an Affidavit and Administrative Warrant prepared and signed by a Judge at the Banning Court. This Administrative Warrant is then taken to the property in violation and served either upon the property owner or posted on the property and the vehicle is towed away. Any vehicle taken by this action is disposed of by a certified dismantler and may not be sold in a lien sale by the towing company.
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Economic Development
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Economic Development refers to activities that create jobs, increase shopping opportunities or enhance the desirability of Banning as a place to do business. |
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The Economic Development Committee (EDC) meets on the fourth Thursday every other month at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. The Public is welcomed to attention, comments are limited to 3 minutes. |
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The City Council accepts applications by noting vacancies in the newspaper and on the website. Applications are only accepted when vacanies are announced. Applications are avaliable through the City Clerks Office. |
Electric Utility
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You can pay your bill at City Hall located at 99 E. Ramsey. |
Finance
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All persons, firms and corporations doing business within the city limits of the City of Banning are required to possess a City of Banning Business Tax Certificate. This includes all retail and wholesale establishments engaged in sales and services, contractors, itinerant vendors, solicitors, professional people, carnivals, shows, etc. In order to obtain a Business Tax Certificate, you must first complete the applicable Business Tax Certificate Form(s) and remit the appropriate fee. Upon receipt of the completed form(s) and fee, you will be scheduled for any required inspections. The required form(s) can be obtained online, or are available from the City of Banning Finance Department located at 99 E. Ramsey Street. When completing your application, you must provide the following information (where applicable): State sales tax permit number, fictitious business name statement, federal employer identification number, State employer identification number and a description of the business. Determine which form(s) are applicable to your business: Business Tax Certificate Forms |
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To be included on the City's list of eligible vendors, please submit your company's complete contact information along with a statement on what type of product or service you provide. This should be submitted to the City's Finance Department. The information can be submitted by mail or by using the form on this website entitled "Bidders List". |
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A copy of the City's current budget is available at City Hall from the Finance Department. The cost is $30. The budget is available for public inspection in the City Clerk's Office also located in City Hall. City Hall is physically located at 99 East Ramsey Street. |
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Be prepared to pay a fee at time of application ranging from $50 to $330 depending upon your business type. In addition, if your business is physically located in Banning, you will also be required to pay one-time fees of $42 for fire inspection and $40 for buliding inpection. If your business is a home-based business, you will be required to pay a one-time home occupation fee. |
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A Business Tax Certificate is required for all new and existing business located in the City. Businesses that are changing names, changing ownership, or moving to a new location must also obtain a Business Tax Certificate. This certificate is required before you can legally occupy your building and conduct business operations. In order to obtain a Business Tax Certificate, you must submit the following items to the City between 1:00p.m. - 5:00p.m., Monday through Friday: 1) a completed Business Tax Certificate application 2) an 8 1/2" x 11" scaled & dimensioned floor plan (total square footage & proposed use) 3) payment of $60.50 made out to the City (cash or check only). If the occupancy does not involve tenant improvements, contact the City Building Department within 10 days of submitting your application to schedule an on-site inspection. Once inspected and approved, an official Certificate of Occupancy will be mailed to you and will remain on file with the City. |
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The Banning Government Access Channel will not accept advertisements for commercial products or services. An application will not be approved for cable casting without a form 990 I.D. number. An individual or group that does not have registered Not For Profit Status wishing to place a community service announcement, must gain the sponsorship of a registered Not For Profit organization.
If you meet the above critria, download the application for Community Service Announcement from the link below. Please print out the form, fill it in and return it to City Hall at 99 E. Ramsey Street Banning, CA 92220 along with your 990 I.D. number. Application for Community Service Announcement |
Fire Department – Business Inspections
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When we receive a Business License Inspection form from the City’s Business License Department, it is distributed to the fire station nearest to the business. That station will then do the inspection as soon as possible based on their emergency responses and other mandatory responsibilities. |
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The Fire Department will look for the following:
(These are minimum requirements only. There may be others based on the type of business you have.)1. The required number of fire exits in the building. The number of exits required is based upon the size of the building. 2. An existing fire extinguisher on the premises, the minimum size required is 2A10BC. 3. Are extension cords being used? If so, they are illegal and must removed. 4. Public access doors should be marked with a sign reading "This door is to remain unlocked during regular business hours." 5. Exit doors must have exit signs above them. The lettering is to be a minimum of 6" high. 6. Address numbers must be visible from the street. The numbers must be a minimum of 6” high and 1” wide. 7. Business must have a “Knox” box to assist with Fire Department access during non-business hours. If you do not currently have a Knox box on the front of your business, you must purchase and install one. For more information, please call the Fire Administration office at (951) 922-3210.
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Fire Department – Fire Hazard Concerns
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1. The following is the City weed abatement standard: If your property is 3 acres or less you are required to clear all dry grass, weeds, dead tree limbs, etc. from the entire property. 2. If your property is more than 3 acres, you must mow or disc a 50 foot area around the entire perimeter, and divide the property into no larger than 1 acre plots by cutting or mowing 50 foot paths in a criss-cross or rectangular pattern. If you mow, the remaining vegetation can be no more than 2 inches high. 3. If there is active grazing on your property, you are only required to mow or disc a 10 foot wide strip around the perimeter of the property.
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Yes. Tree limbs must either be removed from the property or pulled a minimum of 30 feet away from any property line or structure. |
Fire Department – Fire Hydrant Issues
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No. Automobiles must park a minimum of 10 feet from a fire hydrant, regardless of curb color. |
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You need to contact the Police Department at 922-3170. Parking in front of a fire hydrant is a vehicle code violation. |
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No. Only ground cover is allowed to grow near a fire hydrant. All other plants must be at least 30" from the fire hydrant. All fire hydrants must have direct visibility and accessibility from the street. |
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Yes. The caps help to keep debris out and protect the hose threads, so please report it to the Fire Department at 922-3210. |
Fire Department – Home Safety Information
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You should have a minimum of one smoke detector in the hallway outside of the bedrooms. However, new codes require that smoke detectors be installed in the following manner: 1. There is to be one smoke detector installed in each bedroom. 2. If the ceiling height in the living room is more than 2 feet higher than the ceiling height in the hallway, there must be a smoke detector installed in the living room.
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Yes, if they are installed properly. The bars in any sleeping room must be hinged and there must be a quick release mechanism inside the room by the window. Security doors with a deadbolt need to be able to be opened from the inside without the use of a key.
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No, it is not safe. Your oven/stove is not vented like your heater is. Therefore, carbon monoxide builds up in your home and can cause illness or death. |
Fire Department – Smoke Detector Installation Requests
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This program is only available to senior citizens (over age 62) and/or low income families. Low income families will be required to complete a form, to be evaluated by the Community Redevelopment Director, to confirm eligibility. |
Home Page
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To view the Capital Improvement Program documentation select the link. View Document... |
Human Resources
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We have our avaliable jobs posted on this site. Access them by clicking on the following link. Current Job Listings |
Planning
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Consult with City Staff early. Retain the service of a competent, professional design team. Define who will be responsible for the overall coordination of your project and serve as the contact person with City Staff. If the project is publicly sensitive ( i.e., infill project or higher density than surrounding area) meet with neighbors early to receive their input. |
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A CUP is a Conditional Use Permit . A process which provides for public input and review of certain uses which require special consideration because of their unique site development requirements and operating characteristics. CUP is a means of regulating the use of property in a zone where they are not permitted by right. The Planning Commission grants a CUP which is a discretionary permit granted subject to conditions to ensure compatibility with surrounding land uses. |
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A document which contains zoning standards, guidelines and policies regulating the development of the community and implements the City's General Plan. |
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The General Plan is the City's guide for the physical development of the community. The plan's goals and policies address elements such as Land Use, Circulation, Housing and Enviromental Quality.
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After studies of a project have been completed, a finding is made in regards to its effect on the environment. If the proposed project will not have a significant effect on the environment, a Negative Declaration is made and filed. |
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A minor subdivision involving the creation of up to four lots. |
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A resolution is a written decision of the Planning Commission or City Council. |
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Setback is the minimum distance required between a property line and a structure. Setbacks vary by zone, to confirm your zoning area and setbacks, please contact the
Planning Department at (951)922-3125. |
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A Subdivision is the legal process of dividing land into separate lots. |
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Tract Map is a major subdivision involving the creation of five lots or more. |
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A Variance is a grant of exception from a specific zonning standard when the Planning Commission finds, in those rare instances, that the particular physical surroundings, shape, or topography condition of the property would result in a hardship upon the owner. There are five legal findings that must be made in order to grant a variance. |
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An EIR is an Enviromental Impact Report. A comprehensive study required by CEQA when a project may have a significant effect on the environment. The purpose of the report is to provide decision-makers with detailed information about environmental effects, mitigation measures to reduce or eliminate those effects and analyze project alternatives. |
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An Ordinance is a law adopted by the City Council |
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CEQA stands for California Environmental Quality Act. CEQA is a state law which requires an analysis of potential adverse enviromental impacts prior to final decision on planning and zoning matters. |
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The city is divided into zones which are areas with their own regulations for what uses are allowed and the development standards for same. The primary premise behind zoning is the separation of incompatible uses.
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Public Works-Airport
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The airport is located 2,200 feet above sea level. |
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Prices vary due to fluctuating fuel costs and various types of hangars that are leased out. Please call an airport attendant at (951) 922-3320 for current rates. |
Public Works-Engineering
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Any applicable plans must be approved by the Engineering Division and all required fees must be paid. Additionally, the contractor must show proof of $1 million general liability insurance, show proof of the required license for the various work to be performed, and pull a City-issued Business License. A Public Works Inspection must then be requested by the contractor by calling the Engineering Division at (951) 922-3130. |
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Notification for an inspection can be made up to 24 hours prior to commencing any work shown on the Public Works Permit, and by calling (951) 922-3130. The contractor must show proof that he/she has pulled a Public Works permit. |
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You may view a list of projects currently bidding by visiting the "Bids" section on the City of Banning home page. Bids |
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You can receive information via e-mail by signing up for the City of Banning's free "New Bid Notification" service. New Bid Notification |
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Once plans have been reviewed for on-site improvements by the Community Development Department, the Engineering Division reviews the off-site improvements. An applicable Plan Check fee will be assessed and must be paid prior to the plan check, with the amount varying depending on the size and type of project being performed. An engineer will review the plans and provide his/her comments. The plans must then be revised for future plan checks by the person who originally prepared them. |
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Site plans submitted to the Public Works Department are plan checked by the planning engineer, who types up Conditions of Approval that must be met and signed prior to issuance of a Public Works or Building Permit. A site plan review fee and any other applicable fees must also be paid before a permit can be issued. A plan check may be required from other engineers based on the type of work being performed. |
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The typical turn-around time between the submittal date and when the required fees are calculated is four to six weeks, and that period could be shortened or lengthened depending on the nature of work shown on the plans and by the number of plan checks the engineers are reviewing. Plans are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. If you would like to know more about the status of your plans, please call the Engineering Division at (951) 922-3130. |
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Questions and comments about the trash collection service, such as new bin requests, missed pickups, special pickups, etc., can be directed to Waste Management at (800) 423-9986.
If you have questions about your bill, please call the City of Banning's Utility Billing Department at (951) 922-3185. |
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The Engineering Division can provide water and sewer maps that detail whether water and/or sewer lines exist near a particular address.
Research must then be conducted by an Engineering representative to determine whether those utilities have ever been implemented at the property. To speak with an Engineering representative, please call (951) 922-3130. |
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The Engineering Division can research a property's history through the Community Development and Utility Billing departments to determine whether a permit was ever issued to install a sewer line or if any pre-existing property was ever connected to the City sewer system.
If none of these conditions are true, a property is likely connected to a septic system, which may be confirmed by a private, licensed contractor.
You may contact the Engineering Division by calling (951) 922-3130. |
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The addition of sidewalk is now a requirement for new homes and for room additions/remodels of 500 square feet or more, but it was not a requirement for many years.
Each year, the City of Banning receives a limited supply of county SB-821 funds that are used for pavement and sidewalk construction/renovation projects. A committee votes on the locations within the City that are most in need of these improvements, and the project is budgeted and bid out the following year. Anyone requesting sidewalk or pavement improvements is welcome to submit their requests in writing to the Public Works Department, 99 E. Ramsey St., Banning, CA 92220. |
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City standards are available for purchase at the Engineering counter, at a cost of $31, either by cash or check made payable to the City of Banning. |
Public Works-Parks & Streets
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Street lights are maintained by the Electric Utility Department, which will respond to repair requests posted on the City's Request Partner site. Request Partner |
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The streets department will provide street sweeping and alley cleanup services if you post your request on the City's Request Partner site. Request Partner |
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The City of Banning can only trim trees on its own property, which includes City-owned easements and anything in the City's right-of-way. The City would first need to determine whether or not the portion of land where the tree is rooted (typically in front of a residence or other property, nearest the street or sidewalk) falls in the City's right-of-way. Requests for City service can be made by using the Request Partner site. Request Partner |
Redevelopment
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The current assessed values within the project area are designated as the "base year value". This includes the assessed value of all taxable land and improvements within the boundaries of the project area. The taxes resulting from any increase in assessed value over the base year, per the standard rate, become a primary source of revenue for an agency. |
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In legal terms the redevelopment plan describes the purposes, goals, and objectives which will help eliminate existing deteriorating and/or inadequate physical and economic conditions from within a project area. A Plan is formulated and an implementation program is selected to achieve the goals and objectives for the local redevelopment program. Citizen input from public workshops, city council and agency meetings, and a public hearing is also considered before plan/amendment adoption. View the Redevelopment 5-Year Plan. |
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The Redevelopment Agency is composed of the City Council members elected by Banning citizens. However, the Agency is a separate body, corporate and politic, from the City of Banning. The Agency is activated by the CCRL's enabling legislation. Community Redevelopment Agency
99 E. Ramsey St.
Banning, CA 92220
Telephone: (951) 922-3171
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No! In accordance with Article XIII of the State of California Constitution, taxes will only increase if there is a change in ownership or if there is new construction on the property.
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No. The Banning Redevelopment Agency does not have the power to levy taxes. The Agency receives its revenues by a redistribution of the basic 1% property tax assessment pursuant to a standardized state formula.
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If you live or own a business in a redevelopment project area, you will have any opportunity to participate actively in improving the quality of life in your neighborhood. A community redevelopment program will usually include provisions for the substanial reuse and rehabilitation of existing facilities as well as long term revitalization of whole existing neighborhoods. |
Water & Wastewater
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Contact the Water Department at (951) 922-3281 or (951) 849-6296. |
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Contact the Police Department at (951) 922-3170 for our after hours emergency personnel. They will be able to assist you.
If you need help from 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday, telephone the Water & Wastewater department at (951) 922-3281. |
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You should telephone the Water & Wastewater at (951) 922-3281. Offices are open 7:30 to 5:00 Monday through Friday. After hours please contact the Police Department at (951) 922-3170. |
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