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Air Pollution Control - Burn Days

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1. How are burn days decided?: Placer County is divided among three different air basins, Sacramento Valley, Mountain Counties, and Lake Tahoe. The California Air Resources Board (ARB), uses specific criteria (California Code of Regulations-Title 17) to determine the burn day decisions. The Placer County Air Pollution Control District provides this information, on permissive burn days, to the public each day by 8 a.m.

2. What are the specific Title 17 criteria used?

The criteria are based on a meteorological value called 500-millibar (mb) heights.

The height values are obtained from 500-mb forecast weather charts.
500-mb heights typically average 18,300 feet above sea level.
High 500-mb heights are related to sinking air through the air column, which tends to be more stable.
Stability is a measure of the atmosphere’s ability to lift smoke away from the ground. A more stable atmosphere indicates less plume rise, whereas an unstable atmosphere suggests good conditions for plume rise.

3. How are the criteria used to determine a no burn day?

Mountain Counties & Lake Tahoe Air Basin

A no burn day is declared for the following day if the 500-millibar heights are forecasted to be greater than or equal to the specified 500-millibar height criteria listed in Title 17.
A no burn day may be declared if there are significant smoke or ozone impacts.
Air Resources Board Meteorologists may also declare a no burn day if he/she establishes other factors that are not conducive to burning.

Sacramento Valley Air Basin

The stability of the atmosphere is determined by comparing minimum morning surface temperatures to temperatures aloft.
Temperatures aloft are measured by daily aircraft soundings.
Morning stability is calculated from the 3,000 foot temperature minus minimum surface temperature.
Pollutant levels are also a factor in determining a no burn day. Particulate measurements are gathered throughout the Sacramento Valley.
If the stability of the atmosphere is greater than 17° Fahrenheit and particulate measurements are elevated, a no burn day is declared.
A no burn day may also be declared if ozone concentrations are forecasted to be unhealthy.

4. Why are rainy days generally burn days?: Rainy days are usually associated with lower 500-millibar heights. Good smoke dispersion with smoke rising upward. Rain-washes smoke particles out of the air.

5. When can I burn?

Burning is allowed only on a permissive burn day and in those areas of Placer County that allow burning.

For the Greater Auburn Area (within 12 miles) (or for cell phones) call 530-889-6868.
All other areas of Placer County (land lines only) call 800-998-2876 toll-free.
The Air District has established a policy in making federal holidays no burn days in Placer County.

On days when the fire danger is increased, the Air District works very closely with local fire officials to include their information in the burn day message. For more information, contact the Placer County Air Pollution Control District at 530-745-2330.

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Air Pollution Control - Complaints

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1. How do I file an air quality complaint?: Complaints may be submitted to the District via our online form.

2. What information must be provided when submitting an air complaint?

The following information is requested when filing a complaint:

A detailed description of the problem
Nature of the problem
Location where the problem was observed
Suspected source, and type of operation, if applicable
Date, time, duration, and frequency that the problem has been observed, and whether the problem is occurring at the time the complaint is made
Wind condition (speed) and direction at the location of the problem
Impacts on your health, comfort and/or property
Your name, address, and phone number

The District may elect to not investigate complaints that are submitted anonymously, or that do not contain a phone number at which you can be contacted, or which lack the location and a brief description of the problem. This information is required to conduct an effective and efficient investigation, and allow for appropriate enforcement action.

Investigations

The District has limited resources to respond to and investigate complaints. For this reason, the District will only investigate those complaints where the problem location is clearly identified or we can seek additional information by contacting the person who submitted the complaint (the complainant). The District wishes to prevent wasting resources on incomplete, vague, or fraudulent information.

In addition, if District staff do not observe a violation of District rules it may be necessary to base enforcement upon the nuisance complaints of a number of persons, in which case your testimony may be required. The identity of complainants will be kept confidential by the District to the extent possible, unless identities must be disclosed due to litigation. However in neighborhood situations or where there are existing conflicts the identity of the complainant might be assumed or guessed. Complainants may bring suit in private nuisance cases where the District and other public agencies are unable to remedy the situation.

3. Is this an on-going air quality situation or problem?: For complaints which are chronic and on-going, the District has provided a log that can be used to document the time, duration, and conditions that you observe. The log may be downloaded (PDF) and may be filled out electronically or by hand.

4. What happens after I make an air quality complaint?

A District inspector will be assigned to investigate the complaint. Investigations will be conducted as soon as reasonably possible, considering the severity and nature of the complaint, whether the problem is occurring at the time the complaint is received, and District resources and priorities. The investigation often will involve a visit to the location to independently document the situation, evaluate potential sources, and as appropriate, seek actions to correct the problem. In the course of the investigation, the inspector may call you to get clarifying information.

We will take enforcement action on violations of District rules as appropriate during the investigation. After the investigation has been completed, the inspector will contact you to discuss our findings and outcomes.

5. When should an air quality complaint be made?

If your comfort or health is being impacted, a complaint should be reported as quickly as possible after the air quality problem has been observed. The District may be able to respond in time to halt or minimize an on-going problem odor or dust situation. If your report can only be made after the problem has halted, but there is a possibility or even likelihood that it may re-occur, you can contact the District to investigate after the fact. Through our outreach we may be able to stop the reoccurrence of the problem.

Also, if the problem does re-occur, contact the District as soon as possible so that we may respond and our staff are able to verify the problem. Our ability to verify, identify the source of, and potentially resolve a complaint is significantly aided by being able to observe the problem while it is taking place.

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Air Pollution Control - Granite Bay Burning

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1. Is smoke a problem with residential backyard burning in the Granite Bay area?: For many years, citizens in the Granite Bay area have been concerned with smoke impacts from residential burning. As our population has increased, there are more homes on smaller lots with closer neighbors resulting in more smoke impacts. Numerous complaints have been filed with both the Air District and the South Placer Fire Protection District regarding nuisance smoke. This has decreased with the changes that took place in 2003.

2. Why implement changes in Granite Bay?

In March of 2002, the Air District made a presentation to the Granite Bay Municipal Advisory Committee (MAC) regarding smoke from residential backyard burning. As a result of this presentation, the MAC formed the Residential Burn Compromise Committee to determine the desire of the community and to recommend a compromise policy that would satisfy citizens on both sides of the issue (suburban and rural). Air District and Fire District staff worked with the Committee to provided technical support. The final report of the committee was presented and endorsed by the MAC in March 2003 with recommended changes in burn permit issuance, the burn hours and the burn season. These changes were implemented by both the Air District and the South Placer Fire District.

In April 2005 the Residential Burn Compromise Committee reconvened in order to review the burn hours. A recommendation to the MAC was made and approved to extend the burn hours for the month of May.

3. What is included in the Granite Bay area?: Residents who live in the 95746 and 95661 zip codes.

4. When is the burn season?: The burning season begins when the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) summer Burn Ban is lifted in the fall and ends June 15th, or earlier.

5. Do I need a burn permit and where do I get one?: Residents must obtain a year round residential burn permit from the South Placer Fire Protection District in order to burn. Burn permits are not required from the Air District for residential burning, however for Non-Residential burning please contact the Air District to obtain a burn permit or for burn permit information.

6. What days can I burn?: Residential burning is allowed only during the first half of each month, from the 1st to the 15th, on those days that are authorized as burn days. There is no burning allowed on Easter or on federal holidays. The 16th through the end of each month are designated no burn days.

7. What are the burn hours?: Burning must be conducted between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. except for the month of May in which the burn hours are between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. There is no burning on Easter or on federal holidays. The 16th through the end of each month are designated no burn days.

8. How do I find out if its a burn day?

The Air District maintains a daily burn day message system that has a specific message for Granite Bay residents. Burning is allowed only on a permissive burn day.

For the Greater Auburn Area (within 12 miles) (or for cell phones), call 530-889-6868
All other areas of Placer County (land lines only), call 800-998-BURN (2876) toll-free

The Air District has established a policy in making federal holidays no burn days in Placer County. On days when the fire danger is increased, the Air District works very closely with local fire officials to include their information in the burn day message.

9. What are the different drying times for vegetation?

Material & Size Required Drying Times

Prunings/cuttings less than 3 inches diameter needs 15 days minimum of drying

Prunings, brush, small branches 3 to 6 inches diameter needs 3 to 6 weeks drying

Trees, stumps and large branches greater than 6 inches diameter needs 6 weeks minimum drying

Stumps or vegetation greater than 12 inches diameter, at the cut end, shall not be included in the burn unless they are split in half and free of dirt.

10. How should I burn my material?

All vegetation must be dry and reasonably free from dirt. If your burn pile is wet let it dry before burning. Before it rains, cover your burn pile with a tarp to keep it dry. Only burn vegetation that can be reasonably burned before the next day. Avoid causing a smoke nuisance to neighbors or nearby businesses.

Visit the CAL FIRE website for safety tips and requirements when burning vegetation.

11. How are the burn rules enforced?: The Placer County Air Pollution Control District works together with the South Placer Fire Protection District to enforce the burn rules.

12. What are the regulations for non-residential burning?

All other open burning requires a year round Burn Permit from the Air District. This includes:

Agricultural Burning
Burning for Land Development
Ditches
Levees
Roadways

Contact the Air District at 530-745-2330, if in doubt about the burning requirements.

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Air Pollution Control - Land Development Burning

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1. What is land development burning?: It is the use of open outdoor fires for the disposal of vegetation grown on property being developed for commercial or residential purposes.

2. Do I need a burn permit from the Air Pollution Control District?

An air district burn permit is required for land development burning. An air district burn permit is only issued for vegetation removed for residential development purposes from the property of a single or two family dwelling or when the burn permit applicant has provided a demonstration. A demonstration needs to be made that there is no practical alternative that can be used in lieu of burning to dispose of the vegetation. In addition to other information provided in the application, the demonstration shall include a discussion of the availability and feasibility of the alternatives to open burning, including:

Implementation costs
Efforts made to reduce the quantity of material to be burned
The impact of burning upon air quality conditions
Such other factors that warrant inclusion such as weather considerations, topography, and hazardous fire conditions

Fire Agency Burn Permits may also be required. Contact your local fire agency for further information.

3. What can be burned?: Only vegetation originating on the premises and reasonably free of dirt, soil, and visible surface moisture can be burned. The burning of poison oak (toxicodendron diversilobum) or oleander (nerium oleander) may be subject to additional permit conditions. You cannot move material from one location to another location for burning.

4. What are illegal-disallowed combustibles?

These are some of the materials which are illegal to burn. Smoke from burning them can contain harmful chemicals, which may cause illness.

Asphalt Shingle
Construction Debris
Dimensioned Lumber
Garbage or Rubbish
Metal
Paints or Coatings
Plastics
Rubber Insulation
Tar
Tar Paper
Tires
Wire

5. Are there alternatives to burning?

Alternatives include:

California Materials Exchange Program, matching people with things to dispose of - like doors, windows, glass, or plastic items, with people who need the same items
California Restore Directory
Compost, mulch, chip or shred branches, vegetation, leaves, or pine needles
Firewood larger branches and wood
Freecycle, a grass roots exchange focusing on local communities
Recycle cardboard and paper

View more information on alternatives to burning.

6. Once I have an air pollution permit, how should I burn my material?

All material must be dry and reasonably free from dirt, soil, and surface moisture. Burning dry material takes less effort, creates less smoke, and may not cause a nuisance or complaints.

Material Size Drying Times

Fine prunings or cuttings less than 3 inches in diameter - 15 days
Smaller than 6 inches in diameter - 3 to 6 weeks
Greater than 6 inches in diameter - 6 weeks

Burning Process

Only material that amount of vegetation that can be reasonably expected to burn before the next day. Before it rains, prevent your material from getting wet by covering it with a tarp. If you pile is wet, let it dry a few days. Burn in a manner to prevent excessive smoke. Excessive smoke is that which causes a nuisance.

Vegetation shall be stacked in such a manner to promote drying and ensure combustion with a minimum amount of smoke. Burning shall be curtailed when smoke is drifting into a nearby populated area or when it is or may become a nuisance or hazard. Vegetation to be burned should be ignited as practicable with applicable fire control restrictions.

7. Can I burn stumps or larger vegetation?: Vegetation or stumps greater than 12 inches in diameter shall not be burned unless they are split smaller than 12 inches in diameter and are free from dirt. The drying time for vegetation greater than 6 inches applies.

8. When can I burn?

All burning must take place on a burn day. All Federal Holidays are no burn days. For Burn Day information, please call:

The Auburn Local Calling Area: 530-889-6868
Toll Free in Placer County: 800-998-2876
- The toll-free number is only for landlines in Placer County

9. Who can I contact for information on burning and air quality?: Contact the Placer County Air Pollution Control District.

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Air Pollution Control - Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA)

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1. Where are NOA deposits, or rock formations that may contain NOA, located in Placer County?

Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) deposits are most often found in ultramafic rock formations, often NOA is found in serpentine rock. Geologic maps prepared by the California Geologic Survey (formerly the California Division of Mines and Geology) show areas of higher probability for asbestos-containing rock within the broad zone of faults that follows the low foothills and lay in a south-east to north-west band. The Placer County communities of Auburn, Colfax, Meadow Vista, and Foresthill are among those that are within this fault band. Generally, the areas in Placer County that lay to the west of Folsom Lake and to the south of Wise Road are geologic areas that have a lower probability for the presence of NOA such as:

Granite Bay
Lincoln
Loomis
Newcastle
Penryn
Rocklin
Roseville

There are some isolated areas of higher probability for the presence of NOA within the Tahoe National Forest.

Identification

The identification of locations in Placer County that have the potential to contain NOA has been improved with the development of an enhanced 1:100,000 scale map by the California Geological Survey. This map denotes areas of Placer County that are more or less likely to contain NOA based on available soil and geologic studies, with some field verification. The enhanced map and accompanying report, Special Report 190, and information on how to purchase paper copies of the report are available at the California Geological Survey website. Enlarged maps have been prepared for different areas of Placer County where NOA may be found. These maps are available on the NOA Maps and Resources page.

The characterization of an area as having a lower overall probability of NOA presence means that although the likelihood is slight, in some instances NOA might be found within such an area. Similarly, locations in areas identified as being most likely to have NOA may not contain NOA.

Rock Formations

NOA deposits have been found in rock other than ultramafic and serpentine rock; for example NOA deposits have been found in metavolcanic rocks such as the Copper Hill Volcanics in the Folsom vicinity. Metavolcanic rock formations are prevalent in areas to the northeast, north, and west of Auburn. Finally, in areas with sedimentary alluvial rock deposits such as those existing in western Placer County; it is possible that analytically detectable NOA may be found.

2. Considering the findings of the EPA and the ATSDR activity-based air monitoring in El Dorado Hills in El Dorado County, will similar monitoring be conducted by the District?: For several reasons, the District does not believe that activity-based monitoring by the District is necessary at this time. Currently, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not plan to conduct monitoring of this type in Placer County. Learn more on the Activity-Based Air Monitoring page.

3. What is being done to minimize the disturbance of NOA deposits, or rock formations that may contain NOA, in Placer County?

The District believes that the best and most effective approach to minimizing and preventing impacts from naturally-occurring asbestos is a proactive program designed to minimize and control soil disturbance and thereby limit the release into the air of fine particulate matter, including any asbestos fibers that may be present. This approach is one that is endorsed by the conclusions of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's Health Consultation for El Dorado Hills, El Dorado County, and through the State Air Resources Board’s adoption of regulations that the District enforces to control and manage dust in areas where Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) may be present.

Learn more on the Minimizing and Preventing NOA page.

4. What is asbestos exposure and why is asbestos exposure a concern?

Ultramafic or serpentine rock, which often contains asbestos, has been used in surfacing applications subject to pedestrian, vehicular, and recreational use. Activity in areas with asbestos-containing rock or soil may create dust emissions containing asbestos fibers. Asbestos exposure primarily results from breathing in asbestos fibers, and less commonly from ingesting asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers are too small to be seen by the naked eye. All types of asbestiform minerals are considered hazardous with no safe exposure level established for non-occupational exposures.

While exposure to low levels of asbestos for short periods of time is thought to pose minimal risk, asbestos fibers can penetrate body tissues and remain in lung or abdominal areas for a long time. Asbestosis is widespread scarring of lung tissue caused by breathing air contaminated with asbestos dust or fibers. Asbestos inhalation also can cause the two layers of membrane covering the lungs (the pleura) to thicken. The more a person is exposed to asbestos fibers, the greater the risk of developing asbestos-related diseases including lung cancer and rarely, mesothelioma - a rare cancer, mostly caused by asbestos, which may affect the pleura or peritoneum. The illnesses caused by asbestos may not be noticed for twenty years or more, with mesotheliomas usually developing 30 to 40 years after exposure. (Merck Manual of Medical Information, 1997, page 182)

Additional Information

For further information, visit the Health Effects of Asbestos website.

5. What can I do to reduce my exposure and that of my family to NOA fibers?

Because there is no level of asbestos exposure established that is deemed to be without risk, and because of a latency period of 10 to 20 years or more for any signs or symptoms of asbestos-related disease to appear, precautions should be taken to minimize exposure to dust that potentially contains asbestos fibers. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) recommends these steps to reduce or prevent asbestos exposure in areas of naturally-occurring asbestos.

Outdoors

Walk, run, hike, and bike only on paved trails.
Play only in outdoor areas with a ground covering such as wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel, grass, asphalt, shredded rubber, or rubber mats.
Pave over unpaved walkways, driveways, or roadways that may have asbestos-containing rock or soil.
Cover asbestos-containing rock or soil in gardens and yards with asbestos-free soil or landscape covering.
Pre-wet garden areas before digging or shoveling soil.
Drive slowly over unpaved roads.

Indoors

Keep pets from carrying dust or dirt on their fur or feet into the home.
Remove shoes before entering your home to prevent tracking in dirt.
Use doormats to lower the amount of soil that is tracked into your home.
Keep windows and doors closed on windy days and during nearby construction.
Use a wet rag instead of a dry rag or duster to dust.
Use a wet mop on non-carpeted floors.
Use washable area rugs on your floors and wash rugs regularly.
Vacuum your carpet.

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Air Pollution Control - Permits

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1. What are stationary source permits?: Air Quality Permits, like building and other business permits are a part of doing business in California. In Placer County, these permits are issued by the Placer County Air Pollution Control District, a local governmental agency responsible for protecting the air quality in our area. Information on Outdoor Burning can be found under Burning Information and Requirements page.

2. Who needs a permit?

Permits are required by state and federal law for any operation or equipment that has the potential to pollute the air. Permits are required of both small and large businesses. They are generally required:

Before construction begins for a new operation
Whenever a change of ownership occurs
Before a modification takes place
Before equipment is replaced or relocated
For portable equipment

View a questionnaire (PDF) which can be used to determine if a permit is required.

3. Why do I need a permit?

The District issues permits to ensure owners and operators of all equipment and processes that causes or controls the discharge of air contaminants are aware of and follow federal, state, and District rules. View Placer’s air quality attainment status (PDF). Before anyone builds, alters, replaces, operates, or uses machinery or equipment which may cause the issuance of air contaminants, the person must obtain a permit to do so from the Air Pollution Control Officer of the District (California Health and Safety Code, Chapter 4, Article 1, 42300). The permits include administrative requirements and limitations on operation (i.e. “Conditions”) that if violated would result in non-compliance with District, State, or federal emission limitations.

Since Placer County does not meet some of the air quality standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the California Air Resources Board, the District must have a strategic plan to improve air quality. Air Quality Planning requires a thorough knowledge of the current emission inventory as well knowing where additional reductions can or cannot be achieved. Issuing permits allows the District to do better air quality planning, to improve compliance with established control measures, and to work with businesses to assure that their operations follow federal, state and local regulations and are coordinated with the District's air quality strategy.

4. How does the permit process work?

The District issues two permits for a stationary source. The first - issued before construction begins - is an Authority to Construct. When construction is completed and Authority to Construct permit requirements are met, the District issues a Permit to Operate.

Authority to Construct (A/C)

The A/C permit allows construction of a new facility or the installation or the modification of equipment at an existing facility.

Inspection & Temporary Operation

Following construction, installation, or modification, District staff inspects the facility to ensure proper installation of all equipment. A temporary operating period is allowed for testing, calibration, and demonstration of compliance with conditions of the A/C.

Permit to Operate (P/O)

The P/O allows continued operation in accordance with all permit conditions and local, state, and federal air pollution requirements.

Re-Evaluation

The P/O is re-evaluated every year and is updated as necessary to ensure compliance and to reflect any changes to local, state, or federal requirements.

5. What is an authority to construct (A/C)?

The Authority to Construct (A/C) is the first permit issued. A facility owner must file for the permit before construction begins to ensure compliance with all applicable District rules and regulations. This permit does allow changes during the planning stage, if it's necessary to alter the design to comply with the District's rules. A District engineer evaluates the project based on the information supplied in the permit application and any other equipment or process information made available.

Applicants must demonstrate that they can operate in compliance with the District rules and regulations. When the District engineer is satisfied that the project will comply, an Authority to Construct/Temporary Permit to Operate is issued.

6. What is a permit to operate (P/O)?: After construction is completed, operation begins to demonstrate compliance with the authority to construct conditions. District staff inspects the facility to ensure that all the necessary equipment has been installed in accordance with the Authority to Construct. When the District is satisfied that the operating facility does not violate District rules and regulations, a Permit to Operate will be issued. The Permit to Operate contains the parameters within which the facility may operate. This permit must be renewed annually and may be reviewed and modified as needed.

7. How do I apply for an air quality permit?

Contact the District to receive a Permit Application Package. The application form and instructions are also available online. Applicants must submit:

A completed permit application and an application fee
A detailed description of equipment
Detailed information on the operation process and the materials used

View a fact sheet (PDF) which provides assistance in submitting a complete and accurate permit application.

8. What are the permit fees?

The District charges permit fees (PDF) to cover the cost for reviewing applications, issuing permits and ensuring compliance. Different fees apply to different types of permits and equipment.

Engineering Analysis and Evaluation Fee: This fee is based on the number and type of equipment proposed, and covers the technical processing of the Authority to Construct application. For complex projects the fees may be increased to cover the actual time spent evaluating the application and issuing the permit.
Annual Operating Fee: For most businesses, permits are reviewed every year and updated as necessary. A renewal fee is charged based on the number and type of equipment plus the total annual emissions. This fee covers the permit review and annual inspections.

9. How are permits renewed?

Permits are renewed annually. An invoice for annual fees will be mailed to the company approximately 45 days in advance of the expiration date for existing permits, with 30 days for payment. Once the invoice is paid, the permits will be renewed. The District’s intention is that the renewal permit will be issued prior to the expiration of the existing permits.

If there are no changes to a permit, only a one page coupon indicating payment and renewal will be provided. Companies should keep copies of the original permits and all coupons on file.

If invoices are not paid when due, a late penalty will be assessed. If all permit fees that are due, including late penalties, are not paid, and the permits have expired, enforcement action may be taken for operation without a valid permit. An expired permit may be reinstated only by filing a new application accompanied by an application fee and payment in full of all fees previously due.
If invoices or permits are late, due delays that are the responsibility of the District, the existing permits continue to be in good standing until invoices are sent, payment received, and permits issued. No enforcement action or late penalties will result.

If you are concerned that you may have missed the receipt of the renewal invoice or the new permit, you are welcome to contact the District to inquire concerning the status of your permit.

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Air Pollution Control - Rail Yard Study

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1. Why did the Air Resources Board conduct the Roseville Rail Yard Air Quality Study?: The Placer County Air Pollution Control District requested the California Air Resources Board (ARB) study on behalf of Placer county residents to learn the levels of diesel emissions from the J.R. Davis Rail Yard and their relative impact. The District requested the study because of residents' concerns and because the ARB had identified "diesel particulate matter" as a toxic air contaminant.

2. Why is the Air Resources Board (ARB) concerned about diesel particulate matter?: Diesel engines emit a complex mixture of air pollutants, composed of gaseous and solid material. The visible emissions in diesel exhaust are known as particulate matter (PM), which includes carbon particles or "soot." In 1998, ARB identified diesel PM as a toxic air contaminant. Health risks from diesel PM are highest in areas of concentrated emissions, such as near ports, rail yards or freeways.

3. What are the results of the study?: The study results indicate high concentrations of "diesel particulate matter" which can cause cancer, in an area surrounding the rail yard. The level of cancer risk associated with diesel emissions from the rail yard depends on length of exposure and proximity to the yard.

4. What is being done to address the Rail Yard study results?: The District is committed to working with Union Pacific to reduce emissions at the rail yard. The Air Resources Board (ARB) is also involved in this effort. Both the District and ARB have formalized agreements with Union Pacific to take specific actions to reduce emission from the rail yard.

5. What can I do about the Rail Yard study results?: There are no practical personal protective measures recommended for healthy individuals. Individuals with unique sensitivities such as chronic lung disease or asthma may consider indoor air filtering units such as those described on the Air Resources Board website.

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Air Pollution Control - Residential Burning

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1. Is residential backyard burning allowed in Placer County?: Residential burning is allowed, in a burn pile, at a single or two family residence. All burning must be done in a pile as burn barrels/containers were prohibited in 2004.

2. Do I need a burn permit?

An Air District Burn Permit is not required for residential burning, however a fire agency burn permit may be required. Contact your local fire agency before you burn at your residence to find out their requirements. Information on CAL FIRE's Burn Restrictions and Burn Permits can be found at their website.

Burning on or at a vacant lot, parcel or a business is not considered residential burning and requires a burn permit from the Air District, if not otherwise prohibited.

3. What can be burned?

Only vegetation originating from a single or two family residence as listed below can be burned.

Dry Brush/Shrubs
Dry Grasses and Forbs
Dry Leaves
Dry Pine Needles
Dry Plants and Flowers
Dry Trees and Trimmings
Dry Vines
Dry Weeds

The burning of lawn clippings and cannabis is prohibited. Do not burn oleanders or poison oak as the smoke can be hazardous. Non-glossy paper can still be used to start a fire. Know what is in your burn pile as you are responsible if illegal materials are burned.

4. When can I burn?

Burning is allowed only on a burn day and in those areas of Placer County that allow burning. For the Greater Auburn Area (within 12 miles) or for all cell phones, call 530-889-6868 or for all other areas of Placer County (land lines only), call 800-998-BURN (2876) toll-free.

It is the policy of the Air District that federal holidays are no burn days in Placer County. If you live next to a school, daycare, playground, ball field, etc, consider burning only when children or students are not present. On days when the fire danger is increased, the Air District works very closely with local fire officials to include their information in the burn day message.

5. What are the different drying times for vegetation?

Material & Size Required Drying Times

Prunings/cuttings less than 3 inches diameter needs 15 days minimum of drying

Prunings, brush, small branches 3 to 6 inches diameter needs 3 to 6 weeks drying

Trees, stumps and large branches greater than 6 inches diameter needs 6 weeks minimum drying

Stumps or vegetation greater than 12 inches diameter, at the cut end, shall not be included in the burn unless they are split in half and free of dirt.

6. Are there any areas of Placer County with burning restrictions?

The following areas in Placer County have additional requirements with regards to burning.

City of Auburn (Burn permits are required from October 1^st to May 31^st. Burn day hours are from 8 a.m. until dark)
Granite Bay (Burn permits are required year-round. Burn day hours are from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., and during the month of May from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. Easter is a no burn day.)

The following cities and locations do not allow burning:

Many larger and/or higher density developments in Placer County have no burning through the land development process where burning has been restricted through conditional use permit or through Codes, Covenants, and Restrictions (CC&Rs).

7. Are there any alternatives to burning in Placer County?: The Air District encourages the use of alternatives instead of burning. Using an alternative to burning can be an excellent way to dispose of the annual growth of vegetation and to also eliminate a smoke nuisance.

8. What are some of the materials that are illegal to burn?

The following is a list of some of the materials are illegal to burn. Smoke from burning them can contain harmful chemicals, which may cause illness.

Asphalt shingles
Construction/demolition debris
Dirt
Furniture
Garbage or rubbish
Lawn clippings
Lumber
Metal and cans
Paper and cardboard (see the California Air Resources Board website for more information.)
Plastics and glass
Rubber
Tar paper
oleander
Poison Oak
Cannabis

View the Proper Disposal of Deceased Animals and Waste (PDF).

9. Can I use a burn barrel/container?: On January 1, 2004 the California Air Resources Board’s Toxic Control Measure-Outdoor Residential Waste Burning became effective. This measure prohibits the use of a burn barrel/container and the burning of cardboard and paper for disposal, however non-glossy cardboard and non-glossy paper can still be used to start a fire. The community of Iowa Hill was granted an exemption in Placer County and can continue to use their burn barrels and burn clean, dry non-glossy paper as there is no garbage service at this time.

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Air Pollution Control - Wood Burning Appliances

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1. What types of appliances are subject to the emission requirements of Rule 225, Wood Burning Appliances?

The following appliances are subject to the emission requirements:

Fireplaces
Hydronic Heaters
Indoor and Outdoor Wood Burning Stoves
Inserts
Residential Wood Fired Boilers

2. What types of appliances are not subject to the emission requirements of Rule 225?

The following appliances are not subject to the emissions requirements:

Chimoneas®
Cook Stoves
Masonry Heaters
Non-Permanent Outdoor Fire Pits
Pellet Stoves
Pizza Ovens
Wood Burning Campfire Rings

Also, gas and alcohol burning appliances are not subject to Rule 225.

3. Where can I find a complete online copy of Rule 225?: Download a copy of Rule 225 (PDF).

4. May I contact the APCD if I have a question about wood burning appliances?: Yes, you can contact the Air Pollution Control District (APCD) at 530-745-2330, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Also, information about all of the APCD’s wood burning appliance programs and requirements can be found on the APCD’s page.

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Assessor - Aircraft

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1. Why do I have to pay taxes on my aircraft?: California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Personal property is not exempt.

2. I paid the sales tax when I purchased the aircraft. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
Personal property taxes are paid annually.

3. Why did I receive an Aircraft Property Statement?: The filing of an annual Aircraft Property Statement (PDF) is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the property so that an accurate value can be determined.

4. What will happen if I do not return the Aircraft Property Statement?: It is important that the statement be returned every year. If you no longer own the aircraft, you are still required to notify the Assessor in writing. If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file a statement as mandated per California Revenue and Taxation Code, section 463.

5. What if the due date to file an Aircraft Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?: Whenever the due date for filing an Aircraft Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

6. Where will my aircraft be assessed since I take it to many locations?: The aircraft should be assessed where habitually situated. The location where an aircraft is habitually situated is the airport at which the aircraft is usually present when not in flight. If an aircraft spends a substantial amount of time at multiple airports, it is habitually situated at the airport where it spends the most ground time.

7. How is the aircraft value determined?: The value is determined by reviewing the annual Aircraft Property Statement, confirmed sales of similar aircraft, and value guides such as Aircraft Blue Book.

8. Why is the average retail value, as listed in the price guide for January 1, different from the assessed value?: California Revenue and Taxation Code, Property Tax Rule 10, mandates that the Assessor include within the value all components of the full economic cost of placing property in service. An aircraft value may typically include an adjustment to the average retail base to add sales or use taxes, freight or shipping cost, labor and materials, or after-market additions.

9. Why did my aircraft value go up/down from last year?: For the purpose of California property taxation, aircraft are valued at their fair market value each and every year as of the January 1 lien date. Values determined for previous years cannot be used as a factor in determining the current year’s value. Values can increase as well as decrease from year to year because of fluctuations in the market. Aircraft, unlike real property, are not subject to a base year value or a minimum inflationary factor. The fair market value of an aircraft on lien date is unrelated to its net book value (purchase price less depreciation).

10. What if I do not agree with the aircraft value?

You may call, email, or write to the Assessor’s Office to discuss the value. When making a written request for an informal review, please note that if the value was the result of an estimated assessment made by the Assessor for failure to file a property statement by May 7, you will need to complete and return an Aircraft Property Statement (PDF) with your request for an informal review.

When writing to request an informal review, please provide the following in support of your opinion of value:

Comparable sales of aircraft that have sold close to January 1st. Sales occurring after March 31st may not be considered.
Photos and estimates to repair (if condition considerably affects the value).
The exact year, make, and model (if not previously provided).
Documentation showing the insured value as of January 1st.
An appraisal for the aircraft.
Any additional documentation that would support your opinion of value.

Placer County Assessor’s Office Contact Information:

Mailing Address: 2980 Richardson Dr. Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-889-4300
Email: [email protected]

11. What if I still do not agree with the aircraft value after an Assessor’s Informal Review?

You can file an Assessment Appeal Application online or by calling 530-889-4020. In order to appeal an assessment, you must file an Assessment Appeal Application with the Clerk of the Board between July 2 and September 15 (or the next business day if the September 15 falls on a weekend or holiday).

Should your value notice be the result of an escape assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

12. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my aircraft?: Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid statement was not received by May 7th or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

13. What should I do when I sell my aircraft?: Contact the Federal Aviation Administration, and notify the Assessor’s Office in writing with information regarding the sale or file an Aircraft Affidavit (PDF).

14. I sold or disposed of my aircraft after January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return an Aircraft Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of an aircraft at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date) is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to pay taxes.

15. I sold or disposed of my aircraft before January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return an Aircraft Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, an informal review of your assessment will be completed.

16. Can my taxes be prorated?: No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of disposal date. Any proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

17. I filed bankruptcy. Why do I have to pay the tax?: Bankruptcy does not relieve the Assessor of determining a fair market value. Assessed value and payment of taxes are separate issues. You should contact the Placer County Tax Collector at 530-889-4120 for issues regarding whether payment is required after bankruptcy.

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Assessor - Aircraft - Aircraft Property Statement

Show All Answers

1. Why did I receive an Aircraft Property Statement?: The filing of an annual Aircraft Property Statement (PDF) is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the property so that an accurate value can be determined.

2. What will happen if I do not return the Aircraft Property Statement?: It is important that the statement be returned every year. If you no longer own the aircraft, you are still required to notify the Assessor in writing. If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file a statement as mandated per California Revenue and Taxation Code, section 463.

3. What if the due date to file an Aircraft Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?: Whenever the due date for filing an Aircraft Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

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Assessor - Aircraft - General

Show All Answers

1. I paid the sales tax when I purchased the aircraft. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
Personal property taxes are paid annually.

2. Why do I have to pay taxes on my aircraft?: California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Personal property is not exempt.

3. Where will my aircraft be assessed since I take it to many locations?: The aircraft should be assessed where habitually situated. The location where an aircraft is habitually situated is the airport at which the aircraft is usually present when not in flight. If an aircraft spends a substantial amount of time at multiple airports, it is habitually situated at the airport where it spends the most ground time.

4. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my aircraft?: Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid statement was not received by May 7th or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

5. Can my taxes be prorated?: No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of disposal date. Any proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

6. I filed bankruptcy. Why do I have to pay the tax?: Bankruptcy does not relieve the Assessor of determining a fair market value. Assessed value and payment of taxes are separate issues. You should contact the Placer County Tax Collector at 530-889-4120 for issues regarding whether payment is required after bankruptcy.

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Assessor - Aircraft - Historical Exemption

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1. What constitutes "available for display to the public"?

"Available
for display to the public" means actual display or documented willingness
to display at either (a) an organized air show, (b) a museum, or (c) a special
designated area set aside for historical aircraft open to the public.

To qualify
as available for display to the public under any situation, other than (a),
(b), or (c) above, an individual must document that the aircraft is displayed
in such a manner that the general public may reasonable be assumed to be aware
that public viewing is clearly invited, and that there are reasonable
accommodations to allow public viewing of the aircraft.

To qualify as available for display
under any situation also means that (1) there must be a reasonable effort to
make the general public aware of the display and (2) there must be reasonable
viewing hours.

2. Does notifying the public that the aircraft will be available for display at the owner's home, by appointment only, qualify as "public display"?: No. Making the aircraft available by appointment only is not a clear invitation for viewing issued to the general public. Also, an owner's home site will lack reasonable accommodations for public viewing in most instances.

3. Is an aircraft stored on private property, but visible from a state highway, on "public display"?

No. The
plane must be displayed in a place where deliberate public viewing can be
accommodated during reasonable viewing hours.

4. Please explain the significance of the word "available".: As used in the statute, "available" means that if an aircraft was formally scheduled for display at a qualifying site and the display was canceled (e.g., because of rain), the date would count as a day available for display.

5. Must a display be in California?: No. There is no requirement that the aircraft display site be in California.

6. Must the applicant list at least twelve future dates to qualify for the exemption under prospective treatment?: No. For anticipated display in the initial qualifying year, the applicant need only certify that the aircraft will be made available for display at least 12 days in order to qualify for the exemption. The assessor can request additional information at a later date to verify compliance. If, at a later date, it is determined that the owner did not meet the exemption qualifications, an escape assessment can be issued.

7. What constitutes "commercial purpose"?: Conveyance of passengers or goods for any business reason or use of the aircraft for any revenue-producing activity would constitute commercial purpose.

8. If an aircraft is depreciated as business property, or expenses are written off as business expenses, is the aircraft being used for commercial purposes?: Yes. Owner recognition of business-related aircraft use is factual documentation that the aircraft is used for commercial purposes.

9. What constitutes use as "general transportation"?: "General transportation" means conveyance of or travel from one place to another. Use of an aircraft for general transportation means flight of the aircraft from one place to another, for the primary purpose of transporting passengers, self or goods from one location to another. To constitute general transportation there must be flight from one place to another, not flights that originate and end in the same place with no intervening stop. Recreational flying, maintenance-related flying, and flights necessary to maintain the owner's pilot's certificate would not constitute general transportation unless the flights are primarily for the purpose of transporting goods or persons to another location. Flights to and from historical aircraft shows or displays do not constitute general transportation.

10. Is the $35 fee, charged and collected by the assessor upon the initial application for exemption of a specific aircraft, a one-time fee per county regardless of a later change in county situs?: Yes. If an owner
removes an aircraft from the taxing jurisdiction of a county and then returns
the aircraft at a subsequent lien date, the fee is not required for a
subsequent application filed for the same aircraft.

11. Is the fee per application or per aircraft?: A separate application and fee is required for each aircraft. If an individual owns multiple potentially qualifying aircraft, then separate applications are required for each of the aircraft, with a fee charged for each application.

12. If an aircraft is moved to another county, and an exemption application is filed in the second county, should the second county charge the fee?: Yes. The application filed in the second county is the initial application in that county.

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Assessor - Aircraft - Sale of Aircraft

Show All Answers

1. What should I do when I sell my aircraft?: Contact the Federal Aviation Administration, and notify the Assessor’s Office in writing with information regarding the sale or file an Aircraft Affidavit (PDF).

2. I sold or disposed of my aircraft after January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return an Aircraft Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of an aircraft at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date) is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to pay taxes.

3. I sold or disposed of my aircraft before January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return a Aircraft A ffidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, an informal review of your assessment will be completed.

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Assessor - Aircraft - Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Exemption

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1. If I am a resident of Southern California County and am stationed in Northern California, am I eligible for this exemption?: No. As a resident of California, your boat would be subject to taxation in the county the aircraft is located. The exemption would only apply if your residency is in the other 49 States and you are temporarily stationed in California. Should you change your residency to California then the exemption would cease.

2. If I retire and decide to stay in California temporarily, can I keep this exemption?: No, you must be active duty assigned to California. Once you retire, you are no longer assigned to or required to reside in California.

3. I own an aircraft with a friend. He has 33.3% ownership and I as an active duty servicemember own 66.6%. Is the aircraft fully exempt?: No, only the servicemember would be qualified for the exemption. 66.6% of the assessed value would be exempt.

4. It is mid-July and I didn’t get my claim form in. Can I still file a claim?: Yes. Since it is expected for active duty servicemembers to be temporarily away, the claim for exemption can be filed at any time without a penalty. However, without an annual filing, the aircraft will be assessed, a bill issued and due by the delinquent date. If you receive a bill and then file the claim, a correction to the tax roll will need to be submitted. Since the correction involves multiple offices, you will want to pay the bill to avoid any delinquent penalties, interest or liens. Once the correction is complete, you will receive a refund for any taxes paid. The Assessor’s Office has no authority to abate any penalties, interest or liens charged by the Tax Collector’s Office for delinquent taxes.

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Assessor - Aircraft - Valuation

Show All Answers

1. How is the aircraft value determined?

The value is determined by reviewing the annual Aircraft Property Statement and value guides such as Aircraft Blue Book and VREF.

These price guides are based upon market transactions and are a reliable source of information for aircraft valuations. Please keep in mind, the price guides that are publicly available online typically correspond to the current date and may not match the value as of January 1st.

2. Why is the average retail value, as listed in the price guide for January 1, different from the assessed value?: California Revenue and Taxation Code, Property Tax Rule 10, mandates that the Assessor include within the value all components of the full economic cost of placing property in service. An aircraft value may typically include an adjustment to the average retail base to add sales or use taxes, freight or shipping cost, labor and materials, or after-market additions.

3. Why did my aircraft value go up/down from last year?: For the purpose of California property taxation, aircraft are valued at their fair market value each and every year as of the January 1 lien date. Values determined for previous years cannot be used as a factor in determining the current year’s value. Values can increase as well as decrease from year to year because of fluctuations in the market. Aircraft, unlike real property, are not subject to a base year value or a minimum inflationary factor. The fair market value of an aircraft on lien date is unrelated to its net book value (purchase price less depreciation).

4. What if I do not agree with the aircraft value?

When writing to request an informal review, please provide the following in support of your opinion of value:

Comparable sales of aircraft that have sold close to January 1st. Sales occurring after March 31st may not be considered.
Photos and estimates to repair (if condition considerably affects the value).
The exact year, make, and model (if not previously provided).
Documentation showing the insured value as of January 1st.
An appraisal for the aircraft.
Any additional documentation that would support your opinion of value.

Placer County Assessor’s Office Contact Information:

Mailing Address: 2980 Richardson Dr. Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-889-4300
Email: [email protected]

5. What if I still do not agree with the aircraft value after an Assessor’s Informal Review?

Should your value notice be the result of an escape assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

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Assessor - Boats/Vessels - General

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to pay taxes on my vessel?: California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Personal property is not exempt.

2. I paid the sales tax when I purchased the vessel and paid registration fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales and/or use tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
Personal property taxes are paid annually. Payments made to the Department of Motor Vehicles do not include property tax.

3. Why is my vessel being assessed in Placer County when I take it to many locations?

The situs of a vessel can be determined in a variety of manners. We look at the following to determine the situs of a vessel:

1. Where is the vessel registered?
2. Where is the boat primarily located? – (i.e. In your garage, at a facility).
    a. If located at a facility within Placer County, situs is established at that facilities principal location.
        i. If the facility you contract with is full and your vessel is sent out of State or County temporarily for the winter season to a secondary location, situs has not changed.
3. Where is your primary residence (domicile)?
    a. If applicable, where is your secondary residence (domicile)?
4. Where is the vessel primarily used?
5. Has situs been established elsewhere?

4. My vessel was stored or located in the State of Nevada on the lien date of January 1. Why do I have to pay California taxes?

The situs of a vessel can be determined in a variety of manners. We look at the following to determine the situs of a vessel:

1. Where is the vessel registered?
2. Where is the boat primarily located? – (i.e. In your garage, at a facility).
a. If located at a facility within Placer County, situs is established at that facilities principal location.
i. If the facility you contract with is full and your vessel is sent out of State or County temporarily for the winter season to a secondary location, situs has not changed.
3. Where is your primary residence (domicile)?
a. If applicable, where is your secondary residence (domicile)?
4. Where is the vessel primarily used?
5. Has situs been established elsewhere?

5. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my vessel?: Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid statement was not received by May 7th, or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for valid statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

6. Can my taxes be prorated?: No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of the disposal date. Any proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

7. I filed bankruptcy. Why do I have to pay the tax?: Bankruptcy does not relieve the Assessor of determining a fair market value. Assessed value and payment of taxes are separate issues. You should contact the Placer County Tax Collector at 530-889-4120 for issues regarding whether payment is required after bankruptcy.

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Assessor - Boats/Vessels - Sale of a Boat/Vessel

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1. What should I do when I sell my vessel?: File a release of liability with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and notify the Assessor’s Office in writing with information regarding the sale. Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor's Office.

2. I sold or disposed of my vessel after January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of a vessel at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date), is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to pay taxes.

3. I sold or disposed of my vessel before January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, an informal review of your assessment will be completed.

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Assessor - Boats/Vessels - Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Exemption

Show All Answers

1. If I am a resident of Southern California County and am stationed in Northern California, am I eligible for this exemption?: No. As a resident of California, your boat would be subject to taxation in the county the boat is located. The exemption would only apply if your residency is in the other 49 States and you are temporarily stationed in California. Should you change your residency to California then the exemption would cease.

2. If I retire and decide to stay in California temporarily, can I keep this exemption?: No, you must be active duty assigned to California. Once you retire, you are no longer assigned to or required to reside in California.

3. I own a boat with a friend. He has 33.3% ownership and I as an active duty servicemember own 66.6%. Is the boat fully exempt?: No, only the servicemember would be qualified for the exemption. 66.6% of the assessed value would be exempt.

4. It is mid-July and I didn’t get my claim form in. Can I still file a claim?: Yes. Since it is expected for active duty servicemembers to be temporarily away, the claim for exemption can be filed at any time without a penalty. However, without an annual filing, the boat will be assessed, a bill issued and due by the delinquent date. If you receive a bill and then file the claim, a correction to the tax roll will need to be submitted. Since the correction involves multiple offices, you will want to pay the bill to avoid any delinquent penalties, interest or liens. Once the correction is complete, you will receive a refund for any taxes paid. The Assessor’s Office has no authority to abate any penalties, interest or liens charged by the Tax Collector’s Office for delinquent taxes.

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Assessor - Boats/Vessels - Valuation

Show All Answers

1. How is the value determined?

Value is determined by reviewing the Vessel Property Statement and price guides such as NADA by JD Power.

The price guides are based upon market transactions and are a reliable source of information for vessel valuations. Please keep in mind, the price guides that are publicly available online typically correspond to the current date and may not match the value as of January 1st.

2. Why is the average retail value, as listed in the price guides for January 1, different from the assessed value?: California Revenue and Taxation Property Tax Rule 10 mandate that the Assessor include within the value all components of the full economic cost of placing property in service. A vessel value will typically include an adjustment to add sales or use tax.

3. Why did my vessel value go up/down from last year?: For the purpose of California property taxation, vessels are valued at their fair market value each and every year as of the January 1 lien date. Values determined for previous years cannot be used as a factor in determining the current year’s value. Values can increase as well as decrease from year to year because of fluctuations in the market. Vessels, unlike real property, are not subject to a base year value or a minimum inflationary factor. The fair market value of a vessel on lien date is unrelated to its net book value (purchase price less depreciation).

4. What if I do not agree with the vessel value?

You may contact the Assessor’s Office to discuss the value. When making a written request for an informal review, please note that if the value was the result of an estimated assessment made by the Assessor for failure to file a property statement by May 7, you will need to complete and return a Vessel Property Statement (PDF) with your request for an informal review.

When writing to request an informal review, please provide the following in support of your opinion of value:

Comparable sales of vessels that have sold close to January 1st, sales occurring after March 31st may not be considered
Photos and estimates to repair (if condition considerably affects the value)
The exact year, make, and model (if not previously provided)
Documentation showing the insured value as of January 1st
An appraisal for the vessel
Any additional documentation that would support your opinion of value

Placer County Assessor’s Office Contact Information:

Mailing Address: 2980 Richardson Dr. Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-889-4300
Email: [email protected]

5. What if I still do not agree with the vessel value after an Assessor’s Informal Review?

Should your value notice be the result of an Escape Assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

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Assessor - Boats/Vessels - Vessel Property Statement

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have a Vessel Property Statement?: This is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the property so that an accurate value can be determined.

2. What will happen if I do not return the Vessel Property Statement?: It is important that the Vessel Property Statement (PDF) be returned even if you no longer own the vessel. If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file as mandated by the California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463.

3. What if the due date to file a Vessel Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?: Whenever the due date for filing a Vessel Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

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Assessor - Builder's Exclusion

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1. What is considered the start of construction?: Any physical activities on the property that result in visible changes such as clearing and grading land, excavation, layout of foundations, installation of temporary structures, and demolition of existing structures or fixtures.

2. Do I need to contact the Assessor's Office after my construction is completed?

Builders only need to notify our office within 45 days of the earliest date that any of the following occur:

The property changes ownership pursuant to an unrecorded contract of sale.
The property is leased or rented.
The property is occupied or used by the owner or with the owner’s consent if the occupancy or use is incidental to an offer for a change of ownership, including, but not limited to, use of the property as a model home.

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Assessor - Business Property

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to pay taxes on my business personal property?: California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Business personal property is not exempt.

2. I paid sales tax when I purchased this equipment. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
Personal property taxes are paid annually.

3. What is unsecured property?: Unsecured property is a personal liability of an Assessee, generally the owner of a business, which has not had the tax payment secured by the ownership of real property.

4. Why do I have to file a Business Property Statement?: An annual filing of a Business Property Statement (PDF) is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the business property so that an accurate value can be determined.

5. What is this BOE 571 Business Property Statement form used for?: This is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. An Assessor’s request for the filing of an annual statement is sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the business property so that an accurate value can be determined.

6. What will happen if I do not file the Business Property Statement form?: It is important that the statement be returned even if you no longer own the business property. If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file as mandated by the California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463.

7. What if the due date to file a Business Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?: Whenever the due date for filing a Business Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

8. How do I fill out the form?: Refer to the instructions provided. If you still have questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 530-889-4300 or visit our office.

9. Can I file my form electronically?: For your convenience, the Assessor’s Office offers access to a free online filing program (E-File) from mid-January until May 7th at 5 p.m. annually. E-Filing is quick and secure, with an immediate confirmation that your filing has been accepted. The E-Filing program replaces the need for a printed submission of the Business Property Statement to be mailed to the Assessor’s Office.

10. I tried to E-File but I can’t find the link mentioned in my letter?: The E-Filing program is not available after May 7th at 5:01 p.m. All statements filed after May 7th at 5 p.m. must be submitted by mail.

11. I found the E-Filing link, but it is asking for a Business Identification Number (BIN)? What is this and how do I obtain one?: The Business Identification Number (BIN) is a unique access code that provides private and secure access to your property statement through the E-File program. A new BIN is issued each year and is included with the Notice and Assessor’s Request to File a Business Property Statement letter sent in January. Because the BIN is unique each year, the BIN you received last year will not work to grant you future access to the E-Filing program. If you require a new BIN, you will need to email the Assessor’s Office.

12. Can I return my completed Business Property Statement by fax or as an email attachment?: Statements returned to the Assessor by fax or email must be accompanied by a cover letter on company letterhead. This cover letter must include a description of the information being submitted, contact name and telephone number, email address, and be signed and dated by the taxpayer or taxpayer’s authorized agent. All emailed statements must be in a PDF format and emailed to the Assessor's Office.

13. I have a home-based business and all my equipment is my own personal equipment. Do I have to report it?: Yes. If you are using the equipment for business purposes, it is reportable, assessable, and taxable as business personal property.

14. My business property is moveable and goes in and out of the County depending on the job. Which county should I report it to?

Movable property has situs where it is located on the lien date of January 1 if it has been in the county for more than 6 of the 12 months before the lien date and is expected that it will remain or return to the county for:

Any substantial period (6 months)
For a committed use of an undetermined or unspecified period during the 12 months after the lien date

If the property does not meet the qualifications, the location of the property is the location where it normally returns or is stored when not in use, such as a construction or rental yard, or the principal place of business of the owner if no such location exists.

15. What if I lease all my equipment? Do I still have to report it?

Yes. All True Leases, Capitalized Leased Equipment, and Lease to Purchase Option Equipment, where the final payment has not yet been made, are reported in Part III on the front of the property statement, or as an attached listing if more space is required.

Capitalized or Purchase Option Leased Equipment, where the final payment has been made, must be reported in Schedule A at the original cost and original year acquired, not the buyout cost or year the final payment was made.

16. I closed my business and the business assets are not being used. Why do I have to file a property statement or pay taxes?

Business property not in use but located within the county is still assessable. If you have received a Business Property Statement you should complete it for the remaining property and add a letter of explanation as to where and what the remaining assets are.

If you have not received a Business Property Statement, you should complete and return a Business Property Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. There is a section regarding property remaining after a business closure. Based upon the information you provide, a review of your assessment will be completed.

17. What do I include in supplies?

Examples of reportable supplies are:

Chemical
Fuel
Fuel, insecticides and fertilizer used by agricultural taxpayers
Janitorial
Manufacturing
Medical supplies held by a doctor’s office to be given to patients, incidental to service, even if the samples were provided at no charge
Ordinary office

Put in the total amount of the retail value of supplies you had on hand on January 1. If you are not sure, make an estimate of the amount you normally keep on hand.

18. Can someone else file my Business Property Statement for me?

When signing, please remember that it is important to complete all the areas of the Declaration by Assessee in order to validate a signature. The declaration must be signed by either the assessee/owner, a duly appointed fiduciary, or a person authorized to sign on behalf of the assessee such as: a member of the bar, a certified public accountant, a public accountant, an enrolled agent, a partner, corporate officer, LLC manager or managing member, or other person as defined by the State of California Board of Equalization.

In the case of a corporation: the declaration can be signed by an authorized employee or agent who has been designated to sign on behalf of the corporation, by the Board of Directors, by name or by title, only if a valid Agency Authorization has been filed with the Assessor.
In the case of a partnership, the declaration can be signed by an authorized employee or agent who has been designated to sign on behalf of the partnership, by name or by title, only if a valid Agency Authorization has been filed with the Assessor.
In the case of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the declaration can be signed by an authorized employee or agent who has been designated to sign on behalf of the LLC manager or by the members, by name or by title, only if a valid Agency Authorization (eForm) has been filed with the Assessor.

Agency Authorization

When a declaration is signed by an employee or agent, other than a member of the bar, a certified public accountant, a public accountant, an enrolled agent or a duly appointed fiduciary, the assessee’s written Agency Authorization form (eForm) to authorize the employee or agent to sign the declaration on behalf of the Assessee must be filed with the Assessor. The Assessor may at any time require a person who signs a property statement and who is required to have written authorization to provide proof of authorization.

Business Property Statement

A Business Property Statement (PDF) that is not signed and executed in accordance with the foregoing instructions is not considered a valid filing. The penalty imposed by section 463 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code for failure to file is applicable to non-valid or unsigned Business Property Statements.

19. How is the assessed value determined?: Depreciation tables are set for different types of equipment and are based on the annual Equipment and Fixtures Index, Percent Good and Valuation Factors approved by the California State Board of Equalization, Assessor’s Handbook 581. Equipment is depreciated based on the equipment’s original cost and type and year of acquisition to arrive at the fair market value. View Equipment Factors and Classifications (PDF).

20. What if I do not agree with the values? Can my value be reviewed?: You may call, email, or write the Assessor’s Office to discuss the value and make a written request for an informal review. Please note that if the value was the result of an estimated assessment made by the Assessor for failure to file a property statement by May 7, of each year, you will need to complete and return a Business Property Statement (PDF) and attach a Federal Depreciation Schedule with your request for an informal review.

21. What if I do not agree with the Assessor’s value after an Informal Review?

Should your value notice be the result of an Escape Assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

22. What should I do if I've closed, sold, or disposed of my business assets after January 1?: Please complete, sign, date, and return a Business Property Affidavit (eFile) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of assessable business property at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date) is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale, closure, or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to report and pay taxes.

23. What should I do if I've closed, sold, or disposed of my business assets before January 1?: Please complete, sign, date, and return a Business Property Affidavit (eFile) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, a review of your assessment will be completed. If business property is still located within the county, it may still be assessable. Non-use or storage of a business asset is not the determining factor for its assessability.

24. Can my unsecured business property taxes be prorated?: No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of the disposal date. Proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

25. I filed bankruptcy, why do I have to pay the tax?: Bankruptcy does not relieve the Assessor of determining a fair market value. Assessed value and payment of taxes are separate issues. Please contact the Placer County Tax Collector at 530-889-4120 for issues regarding whether payment is required after bankruptcy.

26. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my business?: Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid property statement was not received by May 7th, or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

27. I don't own the building, I just rent the space. Why do I have a tax bill?

The bill is not for real property such as the land or building. It is for the business personal property and fixtures used in the operation of a business such as:

Computers
Counters
Desks
Racking
Stoves
Tables

28. Where can I find additional information on Business Personal Property?: For additional information on Business Property, please visit the California State Board of Equalization website.

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Assessor - Business Property - Business Property Statement

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1. Why do I have to file a Business Property Statement?: An annual filing of a Business Property Statement (PDF) is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the business property so that an accurate value can be determined.

2. What is this BOE 571 Business Property Statement form used for?: This is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. An Assessor’s request for the filing of an annual statement is sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the business property so that an accurate value can be determined.

3. What will happen if I do not file the Business Property Statement form?: It is important that the statement be returned even if you no longer own the business property. If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file as mandated by the California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463.

4. What if the due date to file a Business Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?: Whenever the due date for filing a Business Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

5. How do I fill out the form?: Refer to the instructions provided. If you still have questions, please contact the Assessor’s Office at 530-889-4300 or visit our office.

6. Can I return my completed Business Property Statement by fax or as an email attachment?: Statements returned to the Assessor by fax or email must be accompanied by a cover letter on company letterhead. This cover letter must include a description of the information being submitted, contact name and telephone number, email address, and be signed and dated by the taxpayer or taxpayer’s authorized agent. All emailed statements must be in a PDF format and emailed to the Assessor's Office.

7. What do I include in supplies?

Examples of reportable supplies are:

Chemical
Fuel
Fuel, insecticides and fertilizer used by agricultural taxpayers
Janitorial
Manufacturing
Medical supplies held by a doctor’s office to be given to patients, incidental to service, even if the samples were provided at no charge
Ordinary office

Put in the total amount of the retail value of supplies you had on hand on January 1. If you are not sure, make an estimate of the amount you normally keep on hand.

8. Can someone else file my Business Property Statement for me?

In the case of a corporation: the declaration can be signed by an authorized employee or agent who has been designated to sign on behalf of the corporation, by the Board of Directors, by name or by title, only if a valid Agency Authorization has been filed with the Assessor.
In the case of a partnership, the declaration can be signed by an authorized employee or agent who has been designated to sign on behalf of the partnership, by name or by title, only if a valid Agency Authorization has been filed with the Assessor.
In the case of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the declaration can be signed by an authorized employee or agent who has been designated to sign on behalf of the LLC manager or by the members, by name or by title, only if a valid Agency Authorization (eForm) has been filed with the Assessor.

Agency Authorization

Business Property Statement

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Assessor - Business Property - General

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1. Why do I have to pay taxes on my business personal property?: California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Business personal property is not exempt.

2. I paid sales tax when I purchased this equipment. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
Personal property taxes are paid annually.

3. What is unsecured property?: Unsecured property is a personal liability of an Assessee, generally the owner of a business, which has not had the tax payment secured by the ownership of real property.

4. I have a home-based business and all my equipment is my own personal equipment. Do I have to report it?: Yes. If you are using the equipment for business purposes, it is reportable, assessable, and taxable as business personal property.

5. My business property is moveable and goes in and out of the County depending on the job. Which county should I report it to?

Any substantial period (6 months)
For a committed use of an undetermined or unspecified period during the 12 months after the lien date

6. What if I lease all my equipment? Do I still have to report it?

7. Can my unsecured business property taxes be prorated?: No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of the disposal date. Proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

8. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my business?: Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid property statement was not received by May 7th, or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

9. I don't own the building, I just rent the space. Why do I have a tax bill?

The bill is not for real property such as the land or building. It is for the business personal property and fixtures used in the operation of a business such as:

Computers
Counters
Desks
Racking
Stoves
Tables

10. Where can I find additional information on Business Personal Property?: For additional information on Business Property, please visit the California State Board of Equalization website.

11. Who needs to file a Business Property Statement?

Business property owners must file a Business Property Statement (PDF) each year detailing the acquisition cost of all supplies, equipment, fixtures, and improvements owned at each location within Placer County.

Businesses are required by law to file a Business Property Statement (PDF) if the aggregate cost of business property is $100,000 or more or upon request by the Assessor.
Separate filings are required for each business location.
Statements are due April 1.
A 10% penalty of the assessed value will be added if the property statement is not received by May 7^th at 5:00 p.m.
Business Property Statements are private documents and are held confidential by the Assessor.

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Assessor - Business Property - Online Filing

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1. Can I file my form electronically?

For your convenience, the Assessor’s Office offers access to a free online filing program (E-File) from mid-January until June 1st at 11:59 p.m. Business Property Statements received after June 1st are late and subject to penalty. E-Filing is quick and secure, with an immediate confirmation that your filing has been accepted. The E-Filing program replaces the need for a printed submission of the Business Property Statement to be mailed to the Assessor’s Office.

On-Line Business Property Statement Filing offers a convenient and secure option that we encourage you to take advantage of today. You will be guided through the electronic version of your property statement, with help screens available. You will be able to leave and return to your e-file statement for completion or corrections until the earlier of June 1st at 11:59 p.m., or statement submission to the Assessor. Business Property Statements received after June 1st are late and subject to penalty. After an initial filing, previously submitted information will be carried forward and only updating of information will be necessary.

Important: Proper settings are required to access all the features of the e-filing website. If you experience problems entering data or saving your Business Property Statement, you may need to make changes to your Trusted Sites (PDF).

Multi-Jurisdictional Filers

Placer County also participates in a statewide program for multi-jurisdictional businesses called Standard Data Record (SDR). The SDR system allows filing of Business Property Statements for a multitude of locations in different counties in a single standardized XML data format.

2. I tried to E-File but I can’t find the link mentioned in my letter?: The E-Filing program is not available after June 1st at midnight. All statements filed after June 1st must be submitted by mail.

3. I found the E-Filing link, but it is asking for a Business Identification Number (BIN)? What is this and how do I obtain one?: The Business Identification Number (BIN) is a unique access code that provides private and secure access to your property statement through the E-File program. A new BIN is issued each year and is included with the Notice and Assessor’s Request to File a Business Property Statement letter sent in January. Because the BIN is unique each year, the BIN you received last year will not work to grant you future access to the E-Filing program. If you require a new BIN, you will need to email the Assessor’s Office.

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Assessor - Business Property - Sale of a Business

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1. I closed my business and the business assets are not being used. Why do I have to file a property statement or pay taxes?

If you have not received a Business Property Statement, you should complete and return a Business Property Statement (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. There is a section regarding property remaining after a business closure. Based upon the information you provide, a review of your assessment will be completed.

2. What should I do if I've closed, sold, or disposed of my business assets after January 1?: Please complete, sign, date, and return a Business Property Affidavit (eFile) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of assessable business property at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date) is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale, closure, or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to report and pay taxes.

3. What should I do if I've closed, sold, or disposed of my business assets before January 1?: Please complete, sign, date, and return a Business Property Affidavit (eFile) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, a review of your assessment will be completed. If business property is still located within the county, it may still be assessable. Non-use or storage of a business asset is not the determining factor for its assessability.

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Assessor - Business Property - Valuation

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1. How is the assessed value determined?: Depreciation tables are set for different types of equipment and are based on the annual Equipment and Fixtures Index, Percent Good and Valuation Factors approved by the California State Board of Equalization, Assessor’s Handbook 581. Equipment is depreciated based on the equipment’s original cost and type and year of acquisition to arrive at the fair market value. View Equipment Factors and Classifications (PDF).

2. What if I do not agree with the values? Can my value be reviewed?: You may call, email, or write the Assessor’s Office to discuss the value and make a written request for an informal review. Please note that if the value was the result of an estimated assessment made by the Assessor for failure to file a property statement by May 7, of each year, you will need to complete and return a Business Property Statement (PDF) and attach a Federal Depreciation Schedule with your request for an informal review.

3. What if I do not agree with the Assessor’s value after an Informal Review?

Should your value notice be the result of an Escape Assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

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Assessor - Data Requests

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1. Can I get Placer County Assessor data at no cost?

The Placer County Community Development Resource Agency has a website with Placer County Assessor Parcel Data that can be downloaded at no cost.

The fields available are:

APN
Land Use Description
Land Value
Structure Value
Owner Address 1
Owner Address 2
Owner City
Owner State
Owner Zip
Shape Area
Shape Length
Situs Street Number
Street Name
Street Type
Structure SqFt
Tax Description

2. How can I get a mailing list of property owners in Placer County?

All data requests are processed on an individual request basis. You may order by completing a Request For Data Form (PDF). Please see our Fee Schedule (PDF) for pricing information. Data is available in the following electronic formats only: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, or comma separate values (CSV). The data can be provided via email attachment, FTP transfer, or CD depending on payment method. The fields available are:

Acres (if 1 acre or larger)
Asmt Description
Asmt Status
Assessors Parcel Number (APN)
Book (Assessor Map Book)
Exemptions (Homeowners & Other Exemption)
Last Certified Values (Land, Structure, Growing, PPValue, NetValue)
Last Transfer Date and Deed Number
Owner Address
Owner Name
Site Address (includes community but no zip codes)
Tax Rate Area (TRA)
Taxability Code (including descriptions)
Use Code (including descriptions)

3. Can I attach a spreadsheet with a list of parcels to get all the available information?: Yes, please provide full parcel numbers in an Excel spreadsheet. The parcel number(s) must be 12 digits with no dashes.

4. I own/operate a business. Is it possible get the addresses of homes with pools in my local area (e.g.: Rocklin, Roseville, and Lincoln)?: Yes, a selection can be done based on Assessor’s map book pages (first three digits of parcel number), Assessment District (tax code), or Group Code (sometimes helpful in identifying an area).

5. Is a list available of all business owners that own and operate in Placer County?: Yes, a list is available for purchase. You may order by completing a Request For Data Form (PDF). Please see our Fee Schedule (PDF) for pricing information.

6. Can I get a mailing address list of all subdivisions in Tahoe City including: Sky Land, Pine Land, Tahoe Woods, and Tahoe Pines?: We can do a selection based on Assessor’s map book pages (first three digits of APN), Assessment District (tax code), or Group Code (sometimes helpful in identifying an area).

7. Can data be supplied in label form?: We do not supply labels; however, we can provide electronic data in the following formats: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, or comma separate values (CSV) that you can use to generate labels.

8. How can I purchase the Secured Tax Data Roll?: You can purchase the Placer County Assessment Master by completing the Request for Data Form (PDF). There are instructions on the back of this form as well as an informational sheet (PDF) that will provide information regarding: cost, media type, format, ordering, payment, files available, and file layouts.

9. Is there a way to receive monthly data for people who have moved to the county?: We can provide you with data regarding people who have moved to Placer County; however we do not offer monthly subscriptions. All data requests are processed on an individual request basis.

10. Where can I find the Annual Assessed Valuation Reports?: Annual Assessed Valuation Reports are located on our website.

11. How can I obtain the Assessed Valuation for the City of Roseville for the past 5 years?: Annual Assessed Valuation Reports are located on our website.

12. Is there any other way to get Placer County Assessor data?: You can purchase Assessor Data for any of the 58 California Counties from Parcel Quest.

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Assessor - Disaster Relief

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1. My home was damaged by a fire. What do I do? Where do I start?

If your property has been damaged by a calamity, you need to file a disaster relief claim with the county assessor. This will allow your current property taxes to be reduced for that portion of the property damaged or destroyed. This reduction will be from the first of the month in which the damage occurred, and will remain in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired. Some county assessors have the authority to reduce a property's value for damage without a disaster relief claim. Please check with your county assessor's office to verify whether a claim is required.

In addition, if your property has been substantially damaged or destroyed in a Governor-proclaimed disaster and you have either filed a disaster relief claim with the county assessor to reduce your taxes or have been granted disaster relief by the assessor, you may file a claim to postpone the next installment of property taxes that occurs immediately after the disaster. If you file a "property tax deferral claim" with the county assessor before the next property tax installment payment date, that payment will be postponed without penalty or interest until the county assessor has reassessed the property and you receive a corrected tax bill.

To qualify for deferral, for property receiving a homeowners' exemption, "substantial disaster damage" means damage amounting to at least 10 percent of its fair market value or $10,000 whichever is less. For all other property, the damage must be at least 20 percent of value. However, tax deferral is not available where property taxes are paid through impound accounts.

2. How do I qualify for disaster relief?

Property tax relief is available to owners of real property, business personal property, agricultural crops, boats, aircraft, and certain mobile homes. Unassessed items such as household furnishings are not eligible for relief.

Qualifying damage resulting from calamity would be due to fire, flood, earthquake, storm, vehicle or other means of disaster through no fault of the property owner(s).

To qualify for property tax relief, you must file an application with the county
assessor within 12 months from the date of damage or destruction. The loss
estimate must be at least $10,000 of current market value to qualify.

3. Where can I get the application for reassessment of property damaged by misfortune or calamity?: You may obtain an application by calling the Assessor's Office, by downloading it from our website, or by visiting any of the assessor office locations.

4. Once I file my application, what is the process?: After the application is processed by the Assessor's Office, a Notice of Supplemental Assessment will be sent to you detailing the amount of any reduction. The refund will be prorated from the date of destruction to the end of the fiscal year.

5. How does the Assessor's office determine the amount of property taxes to be refunded if my house was partially damaged?: Our appraisers will determine the market value of the property before and after the damage. The percentage of loss is then applied to the assessed value of the property and a refund or reduced bill is issued.

6. After my property is rebuilt or repaired following the damage, will my property taxes increase over what they were before?: No. Property owners will retain their previous taxable value if the house is rebuilt in a like or similar manner. However, any new square footage or extras, such as additional bathrooms, will be added to the previous base year value at their full market value.

7. What if I disagree with the value as determined by the Assessor's Office?: If you disagree with the value established by the Assessor’s
Office, you must file an assessment appeal within six months from the date on
the Notice of Supplemental Assessment. An appeal can be filed with the Clerk of
the Assessment Appeals Board.

8. Our home was damaged from a forest fire last year and we had to move out while it is being repaired. Are we still allowed the homeowner's exemption even though we have not returned to our house?: Yes. Temporary absence from a dwelling for repairs made necessary by a natural disaster will not result in the loss of your homeowner's exemption as long as you have not established permanent housing elsewhere.

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Assessor - Exemptions - Disabled Veterans'

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1. I didn’t know there was property tax exemption available. Is it too late to file?: You may, subject to a late-penalty, file a claim for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption. The law limits the refunds to the current year plus 7 prior years.

2. The claim form says to file supporting documentation. What documents are requested?: A copy of your DD214 and the formal notification of ratings decision from the VA. For surviving spouse, also submit a copy of the death certificate, marriage certificate and letter of Dependents Indemnity Compensation (DIC). For the Low Income Level, also attach the Low Income Worksheet itemizing all taxable and non-taxable household income.

3. Do I have to file a claim form every year?: The Basic disabled veterans exemption requires a one-time filing. Upon approval of an initial filing an annual eligibility claim will be sent for subsequent years. If there is no change to your eligibility, then no action is required. The Low Income disabled veterans exemption requires an annual filing. Upon approval of an initial filing a claim form and income worksheet will be sent annually and must be filed before 5:00pm February 15th (or the next business day if the 15th falls on a weekend holiday).

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Assessor - Exemptions - Educational

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1. Is a Charter School a Government Entity and excluded from taxation?: Charter Schools are an extension of the California Public School system. The Charter School must have approval from the California State Department of Education, Placer County Office of Education and an active charter with a Unified School District. Charter Schools are exempted from taxation if a claim form is filed annually, they are not automatically excluded from taxation.

2. Is any school instructing students in grades K – 12 eligible?: A Private, Nonprofit School, regardless of receiving public grants is not considered a Public School. A Public School is any school publicly funded, governed by the State Department of Education and Placer County Office of Education. The instruction extends past Pre-K – 12 to include: Community Colleges, State Colleges and State Universities.

3. Isn’t a Community College or University considered a College and therefore should file for a College Exemption?: Community Colleges and Universities are governed by the State Department and Placer County Office of Education and are considered Public Schools. The College Exemption is afforded to Non-Profit Colleges or Seminary Schools and confers upon its graduates at least one academic or professional degree based on specific courses. For-Profit Colleges are not eligible to file for any exemption in California.

4. What types of property are exempt?: Real and personal property owned by a Public School or College, used exclusively by the entity may qualify for an exemption. Any use by another operator may be subject to taxation. The exemption is considered based on both the owner of the property and the use thereof.

5. How does a Public School receive an exemption on property they don’t own?: A For-Profit owner can file for a Lessors’ Exemption if the property is leased to a Public School and the lease or rental agreement specifically provides that the exemption will fix the terms and Lessor will pass any tax savings to the Lessee in the form or reduced rents, refund of market rents paid or a reduction of Common Area Maintenance (CAM) fees in a triple net (NNN) lease, equal to the reduction in taxes. If the Lessor does not claim the exemption on the property, the Lessee may file a claim for refund with the Auditor Controller’s Office as the Lessee shall be deemed to be the person who paid the tax through rents or CAM fees. The Lessee shall be refunded for the portion of the property eligible for the exemption even though the actual bill was paid by the property owner.

6. Do we have to file every year?

Yes. A claim form is required to be received by our office or postmarked before 5:00 p.m. February 15th every year. The only exception is if the 15th falls on the weekend, then the next business day at 5:00 p.m. is the due date.

Information regarding Educational Exemptions can be found in Revenue and Taxation Code: 202, 202.2, 202.5, 202.6, 202.7, 203, 203.1, 203.5.

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Assessor - Exemptions - Nonprofit

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1. We didn’t know there were property tax exemptions available. Is it too late to file?: An organization may, subject to a late-penalty, file a claim for the Welfare Exemption. The law limits the refunds to the current year plus 3 prior years.

2. We have filed for an Organizational Clearance Certificate. Can we file the Welfare Exemption Claim Form now or wait until we receive the certificate?: The Welfare Exemption Claim Form is subject to filing deadlines based on the date of eligibility for the first-time filing, and due before 5:00 pm February 15th every year (or the next business day if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday) for the annual filing. The claim form and supplemental claim forms cannot be processed without a valid Organizational Clearance Certificate; however, if the claim form is filed timely, the full eligible exemption will be enrolled without a late penalty once the certificate is issued regardless of how long it takes to receive the certificate.

3. The Assessor’s Office determined that the property or portions of the property was not eligible for the Welfare Exemption. What is my recourse if I do not agree?: Denial or partial denial of an exemption has no formal appeal process. You may file a claim for refund with the County Board of Supervisors. If the refund claim is denied, you may file a refund action in Superior Court.

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Assessor - Exemptions - Religious

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1. What does “religion” mean?

The content of a religious belief is not a matter of governmental concern and should not be subject to an inquiry concerning its validity. The county assessor, however, is required to administer the exemption. The courts have defined "religion" by enumerating the elements of a religion to simply include:

a belief, not necessarily referring to supernatural powers,
a cult involving a gregarious association openly expressing the belief,
a system of moral practice directly resulting from adherence to the belief, and
an organization within the cult designed to observe the tenets of the belief.

2. What does “worship” mean?

The courts have defined “worship” as the formal observance of religious tenets or beliefs activities eligible for Church/Religious type exemptions are limited to “traditional ceremonial functions”.

Traditional ceremonial functions include regularly scheduled services attended by the full congregation of the church. They also include services attended by only some members of the congregation, such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, confirmations, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and similar ceremonies.

3. Does all property owned by religious organizations receive an exemption? If not, what kind of use is disqualifying?

Contrary to a common belief, not all activities engaged in by religious organizations qualify for property tax exemption. Some non-qualifying uses are:

For-profit groups using the property
Vacant, unused, or excess property
New construction or demolition that has not begun as of the January 1 lien date
Fundraising - property used primarily for producing income
Thrift Stores (unless they are part of a planned, formal rehabilitation program)

Any frequent or exclusive space used by a non-qualifying operator, even if the same space is also used by the Church would be eligible for an exemption. There is no proration of exemption based on time.

4. What property qualifies for this kind of exemption?

Contrary to a common belief, not all activities engaged in by religious organizations qualify for property tax exemption. Some non-qualifying uses are:

The Church Exemption:
An exemption is available to church property used exclusively for worship. The property (land, structure or personal property) may be owned, leased, or rented by the religious organization.
The Religious Exemption:
An exemption is available to a church property which has the same exclusive qualifications as the Church Exemption but is expanded to cover preschool, nursery school, or parochial school activities run by the Church and not a third party operator. The property must be owned by the religious organization. Housing for church staff or clergy is not used exclusively for religious worship and is not eligible. The property would receive a partial exemption for any non-qualifying use.
The Welfare Exemption:
An exemption is available on property owned by a religious organization and used exclusively for one or more of the above activities and/or any other religious activities or housing by church staff and/or clergy. The property must be owned by the religious organization. The property would receive a partial exemption for any non-qualifying use. The property may qualify for a mixed used exemption (i.e. Religious and Welfare) based on the qualified usage.

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Assessor - Governor-Declared Disaster

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1. How will Proposition 19 affect Base Year Value Transfers for victims of wildfires and of Governor declared disasters?: Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, was passed by California voters on November 3, 2020. The provisions of Proposition 19 that relate to Base Year Value Transfers for victims of wildfires and natural disasters become operative on April 1, 2021. Please visit the State Board of Equalization’s website at https://boe.ca.gov/prop19/ for the latest information available on Proposition 19 and its impact on this exclusion.

2. My property and/or home were damaged and the Governor declared a disaster in my area. What type of relief is available?

If your property has been substantially damaged or destroyed in a Governor-proclaimed disaster, you may be eligible for a reinstatement of your home’s previous base year value. To be eligible, you must file a disaster relief claim with the county assessor to reduce your taxes and rebuild the property in a like or similar manner. Alternatively, you may choose to buy another comparable property and transfer your base year value to the new property. You will not be able to do both.

Can I buy another house in the same county and transfer the base year value of my damaged house to my new house?

Yes, section 69 provides for this relief to you under certain circumstances:

The damaged property must amount to more than 50 percent of its full cash value immediately prior to the disaster. This applies to any type of real property, not just residences.

The property must be transferred to a comparable replacement property, acquired or newly constructed, within the same county and within five years after the disaster.

Comparability is crucial – the replacement property must be similar in size, utility, and function to the property which it replaces.

The replacement property must not exceed 120 percent of the full cash value of the property damaged or destroyed. Any amount of the full cash value of the replacement property that exceeds 120 percent of the full cash value of the damaged property (immediately prior to the damage) shall be added to the adjusted base year value of the damaged property. The sum of these amounts shall become the replacement property's replacement base year value.

Please contact your county assessor's office for an application.

Can I buy another house in a different county and transfer the base year value of my damaged house to my new house?

Under section 69.3, a principal residence that was damaged in an area that was a Governor-proclaimed disaster that occurred on or after October 20, 1991 may have its base year value transferred to a replacement residence in a different county only if the county has adopted an ordinance that allows such taxable value transfers. At this time, there are 11 counties that have such an ordinance: Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Modoc, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, and Ventura. The replacement residence must meet the following criteria:

It must be purchased within three years of the disaster.
Its market value must be of equal or lesser value than the market value of the damaged property immediately prior to the date of the disaster. Depending upon the year in which the replacement property is purchased, the market value of the damaged property is adjusted up to 115 percent when comparing with the replacement property.
It must be eligible for the homeowners' or disabled veterans' exemption (your principal place of residence).
Claims for this exclusion must be filed with the county assessor within three years of the purchase of the replacement property.

3. I don't want to rebuild in the same location. Can I buy another house in the same county and transfer my base year value to the new house?: Yes,
Section 69 of the Revenue and Taxation Code provides for this relief. Certain
rules apply, so please contact us if you are considering this option.

4. Can I buy another house in a different county and transfer my base year value?: Yes,
under Section 69.3 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, but only if you are moving
to a participating county. Please contact our office for a list of
participating counties.

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Assessor - Homeowners' Exemption

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1. Is there a fee to apply for the Homeowners' Exemption?: There is no charge to apply for the Homeowners’ Exemption.

2. I received a notice indicating there was a fee to apply for the Homeowners' Exemption. What should I do?: Disregard the notice. This is not an official mailing from the Assessor’s Office. There is never a charge to file a Homeowners’ Exemption form (PDF). If you are not receiving a Homeowners’ Exemption, contact the Assessor or access the application form (PDF) to apply for the exemption.

3. What is a Homeowners' Exemption?

California property tax law provides for an exemption of up to $7,000 of the assessed value of a dwelling that is used as a principal place of residence on January 1 of each year. This is a property tax savings of approximately $70 per year. In order to qualify for the exemption you must either:

Own and occupy the dwelling as your principal residence as of January 1, each year
Intend to occupy, as your principal residence, a recently purchased or constructed dwelling within 90 days after the purchase or completion of construction

If you qualify for this exemption under option number 2, the first year of the exemption will only apply to a Supplemental Assessment (if any).

4. How do I get a Homeowners' Exemption?: New property owners will usually receive an exemption application within 90 days of recording a deed. If you acquired the property more than 90 days ago and have not received an application, please email the Assessor’ Office, call 530-889-4300, or download the Homeowners’ Exemption form (PDF).

5. What is the filing period for the Homeowners' Exemption?: The deadline to file for the full exemption is February 15 of each year. A partial exemption (80%) is available if filed between February 16 and December 10. The full exemption is also available on a supplemental assessment (up to the amount of the supplemental assessment), providing the full exemption has not already been applied to the property on the regular tax roll or on a prior supplemental assessment for the same year. The deadline to file for the full exemption on a supplemental assessment is within 30 days of the Notice of Supplemental Assessment. A partial exemption (80%) is available if filed after the 30th day of the Notice of Supplemental Assessment, but on or before the date on which the first installment of taxes on the supplemental tax bill becomes delinquent.

6. Do I need to reapply for this exemption every year?: No, once you have filed for a Homeowners’ Exemption and you continue to own and occupy the residence, you will automatically receive the exemption.

7. How can I verify that I am receiving a Homeowners' Exemption?: A Homeowners’ Exemption will appear as a $7,000 reduction in assessed value on your property tax bill.

8. If I move out and rent my house to someone else, am I eligible for the exemption?: No. If you do not own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence, you must cancel your Homeowners’ Exemption by writing our office. Please include the date you moved and your new mailing address.

9. May I claim the exemption on two properties, as live I in both?: No. The exemption is available for only one principal place of residence. If the dwelling is used as, or intended for use as, a vacation or secondary home, a rental property, or is vacant and unoccupied, it will not qualify for the Homeowners’ Exemption.

10. My wife & I live in separate residences. May we claim the exemption on both residences?: Yes, by using one person as claimant on each residence. Separate claims must be filed and the reason for having separate residences needs to be stated on the form. The attributes of residence may be determined by: the intention to remain there is not temporary; where you are registered to vote; where vehicles are registered; where you return after work and between trips; and where personal belongings are kept.

11. I have two residences on my property. May I claim the exemption on both residences?: Yes, if each person living in each residence is on title. Separate claims must be filed.

12. I am living in a motor home on the property. May I claim the exemption?: Yes, the owner may be living on the property in other ways than a conventional house.

13. I have the Disabled Veterans' Exemption. May I claim the Homeowners' Exemption also?: No, only one exemption can be claimed.

14. My title is in the name of my trust. May I claim the exemption?: Yes, if the trust is for the benefit of the person living on the property, while they are alive.

15. I did not know about the exemption. May I file for back years?: No, the exemption is processed as of our “received” date.

16. I don't want to disclose my Social Security Number. May I claim the exemption without it?: No, your social security number is necessary for tracking purposes to ensure that only one Homeowners’ Exemption is being claimed per person.

17. I don't have a Social Security Number. May I claim the exemption without it?

Yes, you may claim the exemption without it until you obtain a social security number. Please write “none” where the form asks for your social security number. You will need to verify this fact by supplying a copy of one or more of the following:

Federal and/or State income tax returns
Bank related documents such as account applications or statements
Employment related documents such as hiring documents, health enrollment forms or dental plan enrollment forms

Also needed, will be a copy of a Medicare or Medi-Cal card or a California Drivers’ License or California Identification card to provide to the State Board of Equalization in lieu of a social security number.

18. Is the Homeowners' Exemption form considered public information?: No, the Homeowners' Exemption form is not public information; only the amount of the exemption that shows up on the tax roll is public information.

19. Is my Social Security Number used to track anything other than the Homeowners' Exemption?: Yes, it can be used to track child support information.

20. Does the exemption apply to servicemen who are not legal residents of California?: Yes, as long as the house is not rented.

21. Need Additional Information on Homeowners' Exemption?: For additional information on the Homeowners’ Exemption, please visit the California State Board of Equalization at: https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/homeowners_exemption.htm, or download the Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption Form (PDF).

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Assessor - Inter-Spousal Transfers

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1. My spouse and I are on title to our house, if I give my interest to my spouse, will this trigger a reassessment?: No. All transfers between spouses during the marriage are excluded from reassessment regardless of the vesting on title. The vesting may be joint tenants, tenants in common, community property, community property with right of survivorship or in the family trust.

2. My spouse and I are getting a divorce; we are severing our ownership vesting to tenants in common. Will this trigger a reassessment?: No. Transfers of ownership as a result of dissolution of marriage do not trigger reassessment.

3. My spouse and I are getting a divorce, the divorce settlement agreement states we are to keep the house until our children graduate from college after our divorce. Will this trigger a reassessment?: No. Your ex-spouse or you, may buyout each other or sell the property in the open market as long as it is stated in the divorce settlement. Regardless of how title is held, the transfers between spouses pursuant to a property settlement agreement do not trigger a reassessment.

4. My ex-spouse and I are on title as tenants in common. If we have a mutual agreement can we transfer property to the other without a reassessment?: No. There is no excludable relationship and there is no divorce marriage settlement agreement. Even though you have a 50% mutual agreement, and if your ex-spouse decides after you are divorced to give up 50% interest, it will result in a reassessment of that 50% if you did not obtain a divorce marriage settlement agreement.

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Assessor - Manufactured Homes

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1. Are manufactured homes the same as mobile homes?

Although they may generally have the same meaning, for California property taxation purposes, the term mobile home is now obsolete and was changed to manufactured home in California Revenue and Taxation Code section 5801 in January 1992.

2. Do I have to file a Change of Ownership Statement following the death of the owner if the manufactured home was held in the decedent's trust?

Yes. Whenever there is any change in ownership of real property or of a manufactured home, the transferee must file a Change in Ownership Death of Real Property Owner (BOE-502-D) (eForm)with the county assessor in the county where the manufactured home is located. If the property is subject to probate proceedings, the Change in Ownership Death of Real Property Owner (BOE-502-D) (eForm) must be filed prior to or at the time the inventory and appraisal is filed with the court clerk.
In all other cases in which an interest in real property is transferred by reason of death, including a transfer through a medium of a trust, the Change in Ownership Death of Real Property Owner (BOE-502-D) (eForm) must be filed with the county assessor by the trustee, if the property was held in trust, or the transferee within 150 days after the date of death.

3. How are manufactured homes taxed in California?

Manufactured homes in California are generally subject to two taxes:

Sales tax or use tax at the time of sale or resale, and
Either the annual local property tax or the annual vehicle license fee, which is also called an in-lieu fee.

If your manufactured home was originally purchased new on or after July 1, 1980, it was automatically subject to local property taxes. If purchased new prior to that date, you or the prior owner could voluntarily convert the annual vehicle license fee to local taxation. The general property tax rate throughout California is limited to 1 percent of a property's assessed value. However, depending upon where your manufactured home is located, there may be other taxes or fees necessary to pay off any voter-approved general obligation bonds or other indebtedness which could result in a slightly higher overall property tax rate.

4. How can I change the taxation of my manufactured home from license fees to the local property tax system?

You can request a voluntary conversion to local property taxes by contacting the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the county assessor. You may find HCD contact information at: http://www.hcd.ca.gov[External]. Once manufactured homes have been changed to local property taxation, it is not possible to reinstate the vehicle in-lieu license fees.

5. How does the county assessor determine the value of my manufactured home?: Manufactured homes are subject to Proposition 13 under which the county assessor determines the base year value of a manufactured home, which is generally the market value at the time of purchase. Thereafter, annual increases to the base year value are limited to the inflation rate, as measured by the California Consumer Price Index, or 2 percent, whichever is less. Any new construction will have its own separate base year value. When the manufactured home is sold, it will be reassessed at its current fair market value and a new base year value will be established. If your manufactured home is located on land that you own, the land will be assessed separately. If you live in a tenant-owned mobile home park, a different valuation rule may apply.
The basic structure is assessable. Also assessable are all accessories, including, but not limited to: awnings, fences, windbreakers, storage cabinets, heaters, carport, water coolers, cabanas, porches, and skirting.

6. I am a disabled veteran. Am I entitled to the Disabled Veterans' Exemption on my manufactured home?

Yes. The first $100,000 or $150,000 of the full value of a manufactured home may be exempted from local property taxation if the manufactured home is owned by a blind or disabled veteran, or the veteran's unmarried surviving spouse, with the exempt amount depending on the annual income of the veteran. For additional qualification requirements visit the Disabled Veterans' Exemption page for more information.

7. I am considering placing my existing manufactured home on a permanent foundation. How will this affect the valuation of my property?: Once the manufactured home has been installed on an approved permanent foundation, the entire manufactured home and all attached accessory improvements become assessable as real property and are valued in the same manner as a conventional home. The home is no longer classified as a manufactured home.

8. I own a manufactured home. Do I qualify for a Homeowners' Exemption?: Yes. To be eligible for the Homeowners' Exemption, a person must own and occupy a dwelling as a principal place of residence on the January 1 lien date. The exemption applies to qualified manufactured homes assessed for local property taxation purposes. If manufactured homes are subject to the vehicle license fee, the exemption can be applied to land, accessories, and/or other improvements for the manufactured home that are owned by the person claiming the exemption.
A person who owns a manufactured home subject to local property tax on rented land is eligible for either the Homeowners' Exemption or the Renters' Credit, but not both.

9. I received my local property tax bill, and I disagree with the valuation placed on my manufactured home by the county assessor. What can I do?: If you do not agree with the value determined by the Assessor, or if your request did not result in a lower value, please contact the Assessor's office to learn more about and review your assessed value. You may also file a formal appeal with the Placer County Assessment Appeals Board which is an independent board established to resolve differences in property value opinions between the county assessor and property owners. In Placer County, you must file your formal appeal on an "Application for Changed Assessment" between July 2 and November 30 of the fiscal year that you are disputing.
For more information on how to file an Assessment Appeal, visit the Placer County Assessment Appeals Board's website.

10. If I purchase a manufactured home or if there is new construction on the home, will I have to pay supplemental taxes?: Manufactured homes that are subject to local property taxation are subject to supplemental taxes.

11. My manufactured home is currently licensed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. Are there any advantages to converting to local property taxation?: There may be advantages, but each case should be evaluated individually. One possible advantage is that property taxes are payable in two annual installments. You may also be entitled to the $7,000 Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption or other exemptions administered by the county assessor. It should be noted, however, that if you receive the Homeowners' Exemption, you cannot apply for the Renters' Credit on your California State Income Tax return. Additionally, manufactured homes subject to local property taxation are exempt from any sales or use tax upon resale. Therefore, you may enhance the marketability of your manufactured home by voluntarily converting it to local property taxation prior to selling it. Once you convert to local property taxation, you or any subsequent owners cannot revert back to vehicle license fees.

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Assessor - Mapping

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1. Why do parcel numbers change?

There may be several reasons:

A map book page was reconfigured and the parcel was moved to another map book or page.
The parcel/property’s configuration changed causing the old parcel number(s) to be voided, and new parcel(s) to be created.
The maximum number of parcels numbers that could be assigned to a map page or block was reached. This requires all parcels on the page to be changed.

2. How long does it take for new parcel numbers to be created when a deed, Parcel Map or Subdivision records?: The Mapping Division processes all deeds/Maps in the date order they are recorded. You may contact our office and a member of our staff will provide an estimate of when the new number(s) will be available.

3. My parcel is ‘X’ acres and your office records show my parcel having only ‘Y’ acres (an amount that is less). Why does the size of my parcel show less than what I really have?: In most cases, the reason is due to a public road/access. If the parcel includes a portion of a public road, this area is subtracted from the gross acreage of the parcel.

4. Can I split or combine my parcels? What are the requirements?

A split is a separation of one Assessor’s parcel into two or more Assessor’s parcels, resulting in separate tax bills for each. A combination merges two or more current assessor parcels into one tax bill. This action is for property assessment purposes only. It does not imply legal lot status nor does it constitute legal lot approval by any Planning/Building authority. If you have questions regarding legal lots, you should contact the Planning Division of the Placer County Community Development Resource Agency (CDRA) at 530-745-3000.

Only the property owner or legally authorized agent can request to have a parcel split or combined for property tax purposes. The following is a summary of the requirements, all new parcels will be created for the future roll:

Complete an Assessor’s Parcel Boundary Change Request (PCA627) (PDF). A non-refundable fee of $73 for the first 2 new created or 2 parcels combined into 1 new parcel, as well as an additional $36.50 for each new or combined parcels must be included with this application.
A split must be along established lot lines from a recorded Subdivision or Parcel Map (unless splitting undivided interests in one parcel).
First and second installments for current and previous tax years due (or not yet due and payable) on the parcels being combined or split must be paid in full prior to request being processed.
The recorded ownership of all parcels must be exactly the same.
All parcels must be contiguous (directly adjoining each other and not separated by a roadway).
All parcels must be in the same Tax Rate Area (TRA) unless the size of the parcel to be combined or moved across existing TRA boundaries is less than 45,000 square feet or less than $50,000 in value. (R and T Code 606 (b) (c)).
The request must physically fit on the assessor map page.

5. Why do I have two parcel numbers when I purchased one property?

There may be several reasons:

The property was split by a tax rate line. Tax rate lines are established by the State Board of Equalization. If the property in question is less than 45,000 square feet, or less than $50,000 in value, we can combine the parcels.
A road or water feature may divide the parcels or the parcels are on two different map pages and we cannot combine them.

6. Why can’t my two parcels be combined?

The most common reasons are:

There is not enough room on the map page.
The parcels are more than 45,000 square feet and are in different tax rate areas.
The parcels are assessed at more than $50,000 and are in different tax rate areas.
The ownership is not identical for all of the parcels.

7. What can I do about being charged double for the direct charges and/or special assessments?: The Assessor's Office is not involved with special assessments (direct charges). We suggest you contact the Placer County Auditor-Controller at 530-889-4160 or call the phone number associated with the direct charge(s) on your tax bill.

8. How can I get an Assessor Map from your website?: Learn how you may obtain maps on our Assessment Inquiry page.

9. Can I get a copy of the Survey/Parcel or Subdivision maps?: The Assessor’s Office does not provide copies of these maps to the public. We suggest you contact the Placer County Clerk-Recorder’s Office at 530-886-5600.

10. Where would I get a site/plot plan of my property?: You will need to contact the city building department where your property is located. If your property is located in an unincorporated area of Placer County, you may contact the Community Development Resource Agency (CDRA) Building Services at 530-745-3010.

11. Where would I get my existing building plans?: You will need to contact the city building department where your property is located. If your property is located in an unincorporated area of Placer County, you may contact the Community Development Resource Agency (CDRA) Building Services at 530-745-3010. Our office can provide building record information from our property files. You will need to provide identification (driver’s license, identification card) to verify you are the owner of the property.

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Assessor - New Construction

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1. How is new construction assessed?

Reassessment of a property is required any time new construction occurs (Section 71, Revenue and Taxation Code). Thus, new construction, when not considered normal maintenance or repair, is assessable if it adds value to the property. The market value (not necessarily the cost) of the addition or other "new construction" is determined by the assessor and added to the existing property assessment. The value of the existing property is not affected.

New construction that adds value to the property represents the incremental value added to the existing property and will generate a supplemental assessment. The previously existing property, however, is not reappraised; its assessed value will not change except for the annual inflation adjustment of up to 2%.

It is important to note that the county assessor, by law, is required to value all new construction, even if a building permit has not been issued. However, not every building permit for new construction results in reassessment. In general, the Placer County Assessor’s Office processes thousands of building permits annually, yet less than half result in supplemental assessments.

2. How does the assessor discover new construction projects?: The county assessor becomes aware of such new construction because copies of all building permits issued by a county or city are required to be sent to the county assessor. Discovery of new construction can also occur in a variety of other ways, such as that reported at the time a property transfers ownership, information volunteered by the public, or personal observation by county assessor's staff performing routine field checks.

3. What can I do if I disagree with the assessment?: You may request an informal review of the assessment from the Placer County Assessor's Office. If the review does not result in a satisfactory conclusion, you may pursue an assessment appeal.

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Assessor - Ownership

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1. How will Proposition 19 affect Base Year Value Transfers and the Parent-Child and Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusions?: Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, was passed by California voters on November 3, 2020. The provisions of Proposition 19 that relate to the Parent-Child Exclusion and the Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusion become operative on February 16, 2021. The provisions of Proposition 19 that relate to base year value transfers become operative on April 1, 2021. Please visit the State Board of Equalization’s website at https://boe.ca.gov/prop19/ for the latest information available on Proposition 19 and its impact on these exclusions.

2. What is a change in ownership?

For property tax purposes, a change in ownership in real property is the transfer of a present interest in real property, including the transfer of the rights to the beneficial use thereof (Revenue and Taxation Code 60). Often a change in ownership occurs upon the purchase, sale, gift, or inheritance of real property. Generally, a change in ownership will initiate a reassessment of any property; however, certain exclusions may apply as outlined:

The transfer of property between husband and wife.
The transfer of property between registered domestic partners.
The transfer of property to a co-tenant as the result of the death of the other co-tenant.
The transfer of property between parents and children.
The transfer of property between grandparents and grandchildren.
The transfer of property between individuals and a legal entity (or between legal entities) where the proportional ownership interest remains exactly the same before and after the transfer.

3. Will adding a spouse on title to my property result in a reassessment?: No. An interspousal transfer will not result in a reassessment.

4. Will refinancing my property result in a reassessment?: Generally, refinancing will not cause a reassessment of the property as long as you do not add or delete someone from the title. If you add or delete someone from title, the person contending that the change in ownership is only for refinancing purposes has the burden of proving that assertion.

5. Will transferring title to a legal entity result in a reassessment?

In general, the transfer of any interest in real property to a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or other legal entity is a change in ownership of the interest transferred and will be reassessed.

Exceptions: Transfers between individuals and legal entities or between legal entities which result solely in the method of holding title and in which the proportional ownership interest remained the same before and after the transfer are not subject to reassessment. If this applies, the property owner will be required to provide documentation to the Assessor’s Office such as but not limited to, corporation papers listing all stockholders and/or all stock certificates issued with voting rights, articles of organization; or partnership agreements listing all members and their percentages of interest; or the operating agreement listing all members and their percentages of interest in the limited liability company.

6. Can I get information on how to change title?

If you want to add, change or remove a name from the property tax records, you must submit for recording appropriate deeding type documents with the County Clerk-Recorder in Auburn. Concurrently, with the document(s) submitted, an appropriate Change in Ownership Statement for the Assessor’s Office must be attached or additional fees may be charged. Change in Ownership Forms are available on the Assessor’s website.

Before you record any document, speak with your tax advisor or seek legal counsel for information about any potential reassessment (tax increase) or legal implications that may result from your recordation.

7. Does the death of a property owner result in a reassessment of the property they own?

Generally, yes. However, the property may qualify for a reassessment exclusion, if one of the following conditions applies:

The transfer of property between husband and wife.
The transfer of property between registered domestic partners.
The transfer of property between co-tenants.
The transfer of property between parent and child.
The transfer of property between grandparent and grandchildren.

8. What documents need to be submitted to the Assessor’s Office upon the death of a property owner?

A Change in Ownership Death of Real Property Owner (BOE-502-D) (eForm) must be filed with the Assessor’s Office within 150 days after the property owner’s death. Additional documents may be needed:

If the decedent died without a will:
- Letters of administration
- List of heirs showing relationship to decedent
If the decedent died with a will:
- A copy of the signed will
If the decedent held the property in a trust:
- Copy of entire trust, including amendments and attachments.
If applicable, Claim for Reassessment Exclusion for Transfer between Parent and Child (BOE-58-AH) (PDF)
If applicable, Claim for Reassessment Exclusion Transfer from Grandparent to Grandchild (BOE-58-G) (PDF)
If applicable, Affidavit of Co-Tenant Residency (BOE-58-H) (PDF)

9. Will the property be reassessed if the decedent’s property passes to the spouse or registered domestic partner?: No. State law excludes from reassessment property transferred between husband and wife, and registered domestic partners. Registered Domestic Partners are two people who have filed a Declaration of Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of the State.

10. Can property be reassessed if the decedent’s property passes to a co-tenant?: Yes. However, the co-tenant may qualify for reassessment exclusion. In order to qualify a claim for an Affidavit of Cotenant Residency (BOE-58-H) (PDF) must be filed with our office.

11. Can property be reassessed if the decedent held the property in a trust?: Yes. A change in ownership occurs upon the date of death of the owner of the property, also referred to as the trustor, or present beneficiary of the trust. Generally, the change in ownership and, if applicable, the date of reassessment, is the date of the death of the property owner, not the date of distribution to the heirs, or successor beneficiaries.

12. Will property be reassessed if it passes to the decedent’s children?

No. In order to receive reassessment exclusion, a Claim for Reassessment Exclusion for Transfer between Parent and Child (BOE-58-AH) (PDF) must be filed with our office within a specified time frame. A claim must be filed within three years after the date of transfer (event), or prior to transfer to a third party, whichever is earlier, or within 6 months after the mailing of the notice of supplemental or escape assessment.

If the time requirements have expired, and the property has not been transferred to a third party, a claim can still be filed, however, the exclusion will only apply to future tax years.

13. Is there a deadline for filing a Claim for Reassessment Exclusion for Transfer between Parent and Child?: Yes, A claim must be filed within three years after the date of transfer (event), or prior to transfer to a third party, whichever is earlier, or within 6 months after the mailing of the notice of supplemental or escape assessment. If the time requirements have expired, and the property has not been transferred to a third party, a claim can still be filed, however, the exclusion will only apply to future tax years.

14. Is property eligible for exclusion if it is received or inherited from a grandparent?

In some cases, yes. Transfers from grandparent to grandchild are eligible for reassessment exclusion only if all the parents of the grandchild, that qualify as children of the grandparent, are deceased. In order to receive an exclusion, a Claim for Reassessment Exclusion Transfer from Grandparent to Grandchild (BOE-58-G) (PDF) must be filed with the Assessor's office within a specific time frame. A claim must be filed within three years after the date of transfer (event), or prior to transfer to a third party, whichever is earlier, or within 6 months after the mailing of the notice of supplemental or escape assessment.

If the time requirements have expired, and the property has not been transferred to a third party, a claim can still be filed, however, the exclusion will only apply to future tax years.

15. How do I find the owner of a property in Placer County?: The Assessor’s office does not provide owner name information on their website. However, you may contact the Assessor’s office at 530-889-4300 or submit a Contact Us Inquiry via Assessor’s Contact Us page. Be sure to provide the Assessor’s Identification Number and/or complete address of the property you are inquiring about.

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Assessor - Possessory Interests

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1. What is a Possessory Interest?: A Possessory Interest (PI) is created when a private party has the beneficial use of tax-exempt (government owned) property.

2. Why do I have to pay property taxes if the property is tax-exempt?: The California property tax laws allow for the users of the property to be assessed when the owner is tax-exempt because it is government owned.

3. How do Possessory Interests differ from other assessments?: Possessory Interests (PI) are only those rights held by the private possessor. PIs do not include the value of any rights retained by the public owner or any right that will revert back to the public owner at the end of the term of possession. PI assessments are normally less and often significantly less than fee simple assessments of similar, privately owned property.

4. How does the Assessor distinguish which Possessory Interests are assessable and those which are not?

For a Possessory Interest to be taxable it must be:

Durable: There must be reasonably certain evidence to show that the possession will continue for a determinable period of time.
Exclusive: Its holder must be able to exclude others from interfering with the use of the property, (or, where there is concurrent use, the concurrent use does not significantly interfere with the holder’s use).
Independent: The use must be independent of the public owner. That is, its holder may exercise authority and control of the property apart from the rules and regulations of the public owner.

5. Why are Possessory Interest holders being charged property tax in addition to the rent they pay to a government entity? Isn’t that a form of double taxation?: Government entities do not pay property tax and thus their rent charges do not include an increment to recover such taxes. At the same time, the private possessor still receives the services and benefits (fire and police protection, schools and local government) that other similar taxable properties enjoy and the Possessory Interest property tax helps to pay the holder’s fair share of those costs.

6. How are Possessory Interests valued?: The income approach is the most commonly relied upon method. The value is typically based on the lease payments made to the landlord of the term of possession by the occupant.

7. Why are Possessory Interests assessed on the Unsecured Tax Roll?: Possessory Interests (PI) are normally assessed on the Unsecured Tax Roll because the property is not owned by the assessee and cannot provide security for the taxes owed. The county cannot lien the property in order to satisfy a delinquent property tax. PIs are assessed as real property on the Unsecured Roll but still fall under the umbrella of Proposition 13. Although PIs appear on the Unsecured Roll, they are still assessed according to the laws pertaining to secured real property.

8. How do Possessory Interest Unsecured tax bills differ from Secured Roll tax bills?: Unsecured tax bills are due and payable in full no later August 31st each year. If paid after August 31st, a penalty of 10% plus costs will be added to the amount due. Unsecured tax bills are not split into two installments with two different delinquency dates, as is true of Secured Roll tax bills.

9. I received a tax bill for the year July 1 through June 30, but I vacated the property in March. Why do I have to pay for the year after I vacated?: The assessee is determined on January 1st each year for the upcoming fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th. Tax bills for unsecured property become delinquent if not paid by August 31st each year. Contact the Assessor if you vacate the property between January 1st and June 30th.

10. Where can additional information about Possessory Interest Assessments be obtained?: View the Assessor’s Hand Book AH-517, The Appraisal of Possessory Interests (PDF).

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Assessor - Prop 193: Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusion

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1. How will Proposition 19 affect the Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusion?: Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, was passed by California voters on November 3, 2020. The provisions of Proposition 19 that relate to the Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusion become operative on February 16, 2021. Please visit the State Board of Equalization’s website at https://boe.ca.gov/prop19/ for the latest information available on Proposition 19 and how it will affect the Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusion.

2. May eligible family members combine their exclusion benefits?: Yes. For example, a mother and a father could combine their individual $1 million benefits to exclude from reassessment a transfer to their children of $2 million of value in real property that is not the parents' principal residence.

3. Must the property qualify as the principal residence of both the transferor and the transferee?: No. The residence need only qualify as the principal residence of the transferor.

4. What is meant by a "principal residence"?: A principal residence is a dwelling for which the owner/claimant has been granted, in the name of the parent or the child, either a homeowner's exemption (claimant owned and occupied as principal residence at the time of sale or within two years of the acquisition of the replacement property) or a disabled veteran's exemption (claimant a veteran with service-related disability and a California resident on January 1 of claim year). Only a reasonable portion of the land will be considered a part of the principal residence if the land exceeds the area reasonably necessary as a site for the residence.

5. What is the filing deadline for a Prop 193 claim?

The exclusion claim must be filed either

within three years of the purchase or transfer of the property, or
prior to the subsequent transfer of the property to a third party, whichever is earlier. However, if the claim is filed within six months after the date of mailing of the Assessor's notice of supplemental or escape assessment issued as a result of the purchase or transfer for which the claim is filed, the claim will be deemed timely. Further, if the property has not been transferred to a third party, the Assessor may grant the exclusion prospectively pursuant to an otherwise untimely claim, if certain conditions are met.

Let's explain these terms. The base year is the year when the property or portion thereof was purchased, newly constructed, or underwent a re-appraisable change in ownership by the current transferor. The base year value (also called 'original base year value') is the full market value of the home in that base year, typically either the purchase price or the 'Proposition 13 value.'

Proposition 13 was a 1978 Constitutional amendment to control rising property taxes. It limited the assessed value of existing real property to the1975-1976 assessed values, limited tax rates to one percent of assessed value (plus voter-approved surcharges), and limited inflation-based value increases to no more than two percent annually. Proposition 13 value is the full market value, adjusted by these limits. The factored base year value is the original base year value, adjusted by the annual inflation factor for each taxable year of the current transferor?s ownership.

6. When must I file my claim for exclusion?: Your claim must be filed with the County Assessor within three years of the date of transfer, or prior to the subsequent transfer of the property to a third party, whichever is earlier.

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Assessor - Prop 58: Parent-Child Exclusion

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1. How will Proposition 19 affect the Parent-Child Exclusion?: Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, was passed by California voters on November 3, 2020. The provisions of Proposition 19 that relate to the Parent-Child Exclusion become operative on February 16, 2021. Please visit the State Board of Equalization’s website at https://boe.ca.gov/prop19/ for the latest information available on Proposition 19 and how it will affect the Parent-Child Exclusion.

2. Does the first $1,000,000 in value represent the current market value, or the assessed value?: The value used is the Proposition 13 value (also called factored-base-year value) immediately prior to the transfer date. Basically, this would be the taxable value on the assessment roll.

3. How many parent-child transfers of a principal residence may qualify under Proposition 58?: There is no limit. However, each transferred residence must qualify as a principal residence.

4. What is meant by child under Proposition 58?

Any child born to the parent; or
Any stepchild or stepchild's spouse while the relationship of stepparent and stepchild exists; or
Any son/daughter-in-law of the parent; or
Any child statutorily adopted before the age of 18.

5. What is the effective date of Proposition 58?: Proposition 58 applies to any transfer of real property between parent and child on or after November 6, 1986, and to transfers between spouses on or after March 1, 1975.

6. Which transfers of real property may qualify?

Transfers between parent and child of the principal residence; and/or
Transfers between parent and child of the first $1,000,000 in value of other real property.

7. Who are the transferor and transferee?: The transferor is the current owner of property being transferred. The new owner is the transferee.

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Assessor - Severely and Permanently Disabled Persons

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1. How will Proposition 19 affect Base Year Value Transfers for severely disabled homeowners?: Proposition 19, The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act, was passed by California voters on November 3, 2020. The provisions of Proposition 19 that relate to Base Year Value Transfers for severely disabled homeowners become operative on April 1, 2021. Please visit the State Board of Equalization’s website at https://boe.ca.gov/prop19/ for the latest information available on Proposition 19 and its impact on this exclusion.

2. What are the detailed requirements for Proposition 110 exclusion?

You or a spouse residing with you must be severely and permanently disabled when the original property was either sold or modifications were completed.
Both your origianal and replacement property must be eligible for a homeowners' or disabled veterans' exemption and the replacement property must be your principal residence.
The replacement property must be of equal or lesser value than the original property.
The replacement property must be purchased or built within two years (before or after) the sale of the original property.
To receive retroactive relief from the date of transfer, you must file your claim within three years following the purchase or completion of new construction of the replacement property.
The disabled person, spouse, or legal guardian must submit a Physician's Certificate of Disability (Form BOE-62A) with the claim.

3. How many times can I apply for this exclusion?: One time only.

4. If I qualify for Proposition 110 benefits, do I still need to file for a Homeowners' Exemption on the replacement property?: Yes. Homeowners' exemptions are not automatically granted.

5. What tax relief is available for homes modified to improve accessibility?: If qualified, the value of the improvement, addition, modification, or feature that specially adapts a home's accessibility for a severely and permanently disabled person is excluded from property tax assessment.

6. If I make an improvement to my replacement home within two years of purchase, can I get additional tax relief for the new construction?: Yes, as long as the total amount of your purchase and the new construction does not exceed the market value of the original property at the time of its sale.

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Assessor - Short Term Vacation Rental (STR) Properties

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1. What is a Short-Term Vacation Rental?: A Short-Term Vacation Rental is defined in the Placer County Ordinance. For more information about the ordinance visit https://www.placer.ca.gov/6109/Short-Term-Rental-Program

2. What personal property do I have to report?

Household Furnishings which may include:

Beds, sofas, tables, chairs, televisions, bookcases, appliances, desks, etc. (anything moveable and of value)

3. What do I need to report?: You will need to report the cost of each item and the year each item was acquired. Attaching an asset list to your property statement is helpful.

4. What if I bought the Short-Term Vacation Rental property and the furniture was already in place? I don’t know the cost.: You should estimate the current fair market value of each item and put that value in the most recent year on the business property statement.

5. What if I threw away some furnishings during the year?: You would no longer need to report those items on your business property statement.

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Assessor - Solar

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1. What is an "Active Solar Energy System?": A system that uses solar devices, which are thermally isolated from living space or any other area where the energy is used, to provide the collection, storage, or distribution of solar energy.

2. Are swimming pool and hot tub heaters included?: No. “Active solar energy system” does not include solar swimming pool heaters or hot tub heaters.

3. Who can qualify for the Solar Energy Exclusion?: The first purchaser of a building with a solar energy system may qualify for the Solar Energy Exclusion.

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Assessor - Taxpayers' Bill of Rights

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1. What is the State Board of Equalization's responsibility?: The State Board of Equalization Property Taxpayers’ Advocate is responsible for reviewing and distributing property tax information and for the prompt resolution of taxpayer inquiries, complaints, and problems. The Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office may be reached by phoning 888-324-2798.

2. What are the responsibilities of the Assessor?: The Assessor is elected to a 4-year term. As an elected department head, the Assessor is required by the State Constitution to locate and assess all taxable property in the County.

3. What are the taxpayer's responsibilities?

Since any increase in assessed value will increase the amount of taxes you pay, it is very important to contact the Assessor’s Office if you feel that the new assessment value differs from the market value of your property. We welcome the opportunity to review any information you may have relating to the value of your property. If you have any questions concerning the valuation, please call the Assessor’s Office at 530-889-4300.

Taxable property includes both real and personal property.

Real Property consists of land and improvements permanently affixed to land. For example, homes, buildings, other structures, pools, fences, orchards, vineyards, and certain machinery or equipment affixed to land, including taxable mobile homes, (those on a permanent foundation) are all classified as improvements.
Personal Property consists of tangible property not classified as land or improvements. For example, office equipment and furnishings; commercial, industrial and agricultural machinery and equipment not affixed to land; business supplies; boats, aircraft and manufactured homes not attached to a permanent foundation are all classified as personal property.

4. When do real property appraisals happen?

Article XIII-A of the California Constitution (Proposition 13) requires the Assessor to reappraise real property at its full market value when either of the following occurs:

A change in ownership.
New construction is completed (or partially completed on the lien date).

When real property is reappraised due to the above, a new “base year” is established. This base year value must be adjusted annually by an inflationary factor, not to exceed 2% per year. In any year, your assessment, adjusted for inflation, is referred to as the “factored base year value.”

5. What is a business personal property appraisal?: Unlike most real property, business personal property is reappraised annually. Assessments are based on reported acquisition years and costs, which are adjusted annually to reflect market value. When statutorily required or otherwise requested, business owners must annually file a Business Property Statement with the Assessor, detailing acquisitions and disposals of equipment in order for the Business Property Division to derive appropriate values. Manufactured Homes, although classified as personal property, are treated, for valuation purposes, in the same manner as real property, and therefore, are not reappraised annually.

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Assessor - Value Review Program

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1. What is a Temporary Decline in Value?

Revenue and Taxation Code Section 51 requires the assessor to enroll either a property’s Factored-Base-Year Value (established under Proposition 13) or its market value as of the lien date. This reduction is temporary and the assessor is required to review the market value of the property each lien date after the reduction until such time as the Factored-Base-Year Value is less than or equal to the market value.

When the Factored-Base-Year Value is again enrolled, the property is no longer subject to the annual review, and will receive indexing not to exceed 2% per year.

2. Is there a charge to have my value reviewed?: No, there is no charge to have your value reviewed for a decline in value.

3. Do properties other than single-family residences qualify?: Yes, all real property qualifies.

4. How can the assessed value of my property be increased after you reduced it?: The assessor is required to review and increase the value to market or the Factored-Base-Year Value as of each lien date following the initial reduction. Just as there is no limit on the amount of reduction, there is no limit to the amount being restored to the Factored-Base-Year Value.

5. Is the Assessor required to restore my protected Proposition 13 value even if it’s more than a 2% increase?: Yes, just as there is no limit to the amount of reduction when arriving at market value, there is no limit to the amount being restored when market value increases, up to the factored Proposition 13 base year amount.

6. If I have been granted a reduction for the current year will I have to request another review next year?: No, once you have been granted a reduction pursuant to Proposition 8 your next year's value will automatically be reviewed. A Notification of Assessed Value will be sent to you in July, which will indicate our findings.

7. What should I do if I disagree with the value placed on my property?: If after review of the Notification of Assessed Value you disagree with the value, you have until September 15 (or the next business day if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday) of that year in which to file an Assessment Appeal Application with the Assessment Appeals Board.

8. Why isn't my value reduction permanent?: Proposition 8 (now California State Revenue and Taxation Code Section 51) requires the Assessor to compare each property's Factored-Base-Year value with the current market value, and enroll the lesser of the two each year.

9. What if after having been given a reduction, my value continues to decline?: Once a property value has been lowered for Proposition 8, your next year’s assessed value will be automatically reviewed. The lower of current market value and Factored-Base-Year Value will be enrolled.

10. What will happen to my assessment if values start to rise?

Your taxable value reduction to market value is temporary and the assessor is required to review the market value of the property each lien date after the reduction, until such time as the Factored-Base-Year Value is less than or equal to the market value.

Unless there is a change in ownership or new construction, this increase in value cannot exceed the original assessed value plus the annual inflationary factor not to exceed 2% per year.

11. My land value looks alright, but my structure value looks high. Can I just have my structure value lowered?: No, the total property value must be considered. Only total assessed value can be compared. The lower of total property current market value and total property assessed value is enrolled.

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Assessor - Vessels/Boats

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1. Why do I have to pay taxes on my vessel?: California Constitution Article XIII and Revenue and Taxation Code Section 201 state that all property is taxable unless it is stated that it is exempt. Personal property is not exempt.

2. I paid the sales tax when I purchased the vessel and paid registration fees to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Why am I paying taxes again?

Sales and/or use tax and property tax are two different types of taxes.

Sales tax is paid at the time of purchase.
Personal property taxes are paid annually. Payments made to the Department of Motor Vehicles do not include property tax.

3. Why do I have a Vessel Property Statement?: This is a requirement of section 441(d) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code. Statements are sent in order to gather the most up to date information on the property so that an accurate value can be determined.

4. What will happen if I do not return the Vessel Property Statement?: It is important that the Vessel Property Statement (PDF) be returned even if you no longer own the vessel. If a statement is not returned, an estimated assessment will be made using the best information available, and a 10% penalty on the assessed value will be added for failure to file as mandated by the California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463.

5. What if the due date to file a Vessel Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday?: Whenever the due date for filing a Vessel Property Statement falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the statement may be filed by the close of business (5 p.m.) on the next regular business day with the same effect as if it had been filed on the specified due date.

6. Where will my vessel be assessed since I take it to many locations?

The situs of a vessel can be determined in a variety of manners. We look at the following to determine the situs of a vessel:

7. My vessel was stored or located in the State of Nevada on the lien date of January 1. Why do I have to pay California taxes?

The situs of a vessel can be determined in a variety of manners. We look at the following to determine the situs of a vessel:

1. Where is the vessel registered?
2. Where is the boat primarily located? – (i.e. In your garage, at a facility).
a. If located at a facility within Placer County, situs is established at that facilities principal location.
i. If the facility you contract with is full and your vessel is sent out of State or County temporarily for the winter season to a secondary location, situs has not changed.
3. Where is your primary residence (domicile)?
a. If applicable, where is your secondary residence (domicile)?
4. Where is the vessel primarily used?
5. Has situs been established elsewhere?

8. How is the value determined?: Value is determined by reviewing the Vessel Property Statement, current market data, confirmed sales of similar vessels, and value guides such as NADA.

9. Why is the average retail value, as listed in the price guides for January 1, different from the assessed value?: California Revenue and Taxation Property Tax Rule 10 mandate that the Assessor include within the value all components of the full economic cost of placing property in service. A vessel value will typically include an adjustment to add sales or use tax.

10. Why did my vessel value go up/down from last year?: For the purpose of California property taxation, vessels are valued at their fair market value each and every year as of the January 1 lien date. Values determined for previous years cannot be used as a factor in determining the current year’s value. Values can increase as well as decrease from year to year because of fluctuations in the market. Vessels, unlike real property, are not subject to a base year value or a minimum inflationary factor. The fair market value of a vessel on lien date is unrelated to its net book value (purchase price less depreciation).

11. What if I do not agree with the vessel value?

When writing to request an informal review, please provide the following in support of your opinion of value:

Comparable sales of vessels that have sold close to January 1st, sales occurring after March 31st may not be considered
Photos and estimates to repair (if condition considerably affects the value)
The exact year, make, and model (if not previously provided)
Documentation showing the insured value as of January 1st
An appraisal for the vessel
Any additional documentation that would support your opinion of value

12. What if I still do not agree with the vessel value after an Assessor’s Informal Review?

Should your value notice be the result of an Escape Assessment, you have 60 days from the date of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment to file an Assessment Appeal Application.

13. Why do I have a 10% penalty note on my tax bill for my vessel?: Either the Assessor’s request to file a valid statement was not received by May 7th, or no statement was received. California Revenue and Taxation Code section 463 mandates that a late filing penalty of 10% of the assessed value be added for valid statements not timely filed by May 7th. The Assessment Appeals Board is the only authority with the ability to abate a penalty for late filing.

14. What should I do when I sell my vessel?: File a release of liability with the California Department of Motor Vehicles, and notify the Assessor’s Office in writing with information regarding the sale. Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor's Office.

15. I sold or disposed of my vessel after January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Under California Law, the owner of a vessel at 12:01 a.m, January 1 (lien date), is responsible for taxes and must be assessed at full value. Sale or disposal of property after the lien date does not relieve the Assessee of the obligation to pay taxes.

16. I sold or disposed of my vessel before January 1st. Why do I have a tax bill?: Please complete and return a Vessel Affidavit (PDF) to the Placer County Assessor’s Office. Based upon that affidavit, an informal review of your assessment will be completed.

17. Can my taxes be prorated?: No. Unsecured bills are never prorated regardless of the disposal date. Any proration of taxes should be done between the buyer and seller at the time of sale.

18. I filed bankruptcy. Why do I have to pay the tax?: Bankruptcy does not relieve the Assessor of determining a fair market value. Assessed value and payment of taxes are separate issues. You should contact the Placer County Tax Collector at 530-889-4120 for issues regarding whether payment is required after bankruptcy.

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Assessor - Williamson Act-CLCA

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1. What is the purpose of the California Land Conservation Act (CLCA) or Williamson Act?: The purpose, as set forth in state law, is an effort to preserve agricultural land despite increasing conversion of such land to urban uses.

2. How does the Williamson Act work?: Farmers enter into an agreement with the County of Placer to restrict the use of their land to the production of agricultural commodities for commercial purposes. This restriction would eliminate the potential subdivision uses of the land, which would reserve this land for future production of food and fiber.

3. What is an Agricultural Preserve?: An Agricultural Preserve is a specifically described area, or areas, of the County devoted to agriculture and other compatible uses. It is established by a Resolution of the Board of Supervisors prior to, or at the time the agreement is signed with the landowner.

4. Who can qualify for Williamson Act?: Any landowner actually using their land for the production of agricultural commodities for commercial purposes, and which meet the minimum qualifications established by the Board of Supervisors, has the potential to be in the program. The basic minimum needed to qualify is 20 acres in size and the production of $4,500.00 in gross income annually. The County Agricultural Commissioner can provide more specific information regarding whether a property is likely to qualify for the program.

5. Since the passage of Proposition 13, if landowners enter into an agreement, will their property taxes be reduced?: In most cases, yes, but each case must be considered individually by the Assessor. You should contact the Assessor’s Office at (530) 889-4300 for further information regarding tax reductions.

6. If there were to be a reduction, would it be for the current year's taxes?: No, any reduction would apply only to the next year’s and future taxes, provided the agreement is signed by the landowner and the Board of Supervisors prior to the lien date, January 1^st.

7. What must landowners agree to do under the Williamson Act Agreement?: They agree to use their land only for agricultural and related compatible uses. All residences on property covered by Williamson Act contracts are limited to residences for people who labor full time on the agricultural preserve. This limitation is irrespective of how many parcels of land may exist in the preserve.

8. How long does the Williamson Act Agreement run?: The agreement runs for an initial period of ten (10) years and is automatically renewed at the end of each year for an additional year so that the agreement always has ten years to run.

9. How can the Williamson Act Agreement be terminated?: The agreement can be terminated by either the County or the landowner serving the other party with a Notice of Non-Renewal. The agreement will be terminated nine (9) calendar years after serving of this notice with that nine (9) year period beginning on the renewal date of the contract, which is January 1. The penalty clause in the agreement does not apply to a Notice of Non-Renewal.

10. What other ways may the Williamson Act Agreement be cancelled?

The agreement may be canceled by mutual agreement between the Board of Supervisors and the landowner if the Board finds that a number of circumstances exist which make the cancellation of the contract appropriate. If the necessary findings can be made, a cancellation fee shall amount to 12-1/2% of the full market value of the property relieved of the restriction placed upon it by the Land Conservation Act.
The agreement becomes null and void when an action is filed under eminent domain proceedings and no penalty is imposed.

11. Should landowners withhold any land?: Yes, if they are contemplating selling a portion of it in the near future, or if they are contemplating giving a portion of it to their children who are not connected with the farming operation in any way. Withholding land does not divide the property as required by the Subdivision Map Act. That is through a separate subdivision process. They should consider the zoning’s minimum parcel size requirements when withholding land.

12. Can I sell my land during the terms of the agreement?: Yes, but the land will remain subject to the agreement and the new owner is bound by it. The same is true of heirs, in the case of inheritance.

13. How can I enter into a Williamson Act Agreement?

The first step is to submit an application to the Planning Department along with the appropriate filing fee. The County’s Agricultural Commission will review the application and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors, based upon the agricultural operation. The application will also be reviewed by the Planning Commission; their comments will address potential land use conflicts. The Board of Supervisors will then hold a formal public hearing and decide whether to enter into a Land Conservation Agreement with the property owner. If the Board approves the application, an Agricultural Preserve will be established, and the agreement will then be entered into with the landowner.

For further information regarding the Land Conservation Act, please contact the Planning Department at (530) 886-3000.

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Auditor-Controller - 1915 Act Bond Direct Charges

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1. What is a 1915 Act Bond?: Under the Municipal Improvement Act of 1913 and Improvement Bond Act of 1915, 1915 Act bonds can be issued by an assessment district to raise money needed to build improvements, such as streets, curbs, gutters and underground sewer and water infrastructure that generally enhance land value and give land utility. The properties that directly benefit from the improvements are then assessed an annual amount on the property tax bill. The direct charge you pay is used to make the payments of principal and interest on the bonds. If a 1915 Act Bond direct charge on the annual property tax bill is not paid in full by June 30th, the property may be subject to foreclosure by the levying taxing entity.

2. How can I tell if there is a 1915 Act Bond direct charge on my tax bill?: For a complete current-year list of all direct charges, please visit the Direct Charge Contacts (PDF). 1915 Act Bonds are identified by either a single or double asterisk. If any of those are on your tax bill, then you have a 1915 Act Bond on your property.

3. How long will the 1915 Act Bond charge be on my bill?: This charge is used to make the payments of principal and interest on the bonds and will stay in effect until the bonds are paid off. Only the levying entities have the maturity information, so please contact them directly with any questions. The phone number for each is shown on your tax bill and on the Direct Charge Contacts (PDF).

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Auditor-Controller - Allocation of Property Tax

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1. What is the assessed value of a specific tax rate area (TRA) or a specific taxing entity?: See the various assessed value information links on our office’s main Property Tax Information page. These links will also show you the TRAs within a taxing entity.

2. How are property taxes allocated?: See the Distribution of Tax Dollars Levied chart in the Final Budget, which can be accessed through the Financial Reports page. You can also access the 1% Property Tax Rate Allocation to Taxing Entities (AB8) schedules for the last 10 years.

3. What are the increment factors for a specific tax rate area (TRA)?: See the AB8 Tax Increment by Taxing Entity within TRA schedules for the last 10 years on our office’s main Property Tax Information page.

4. What is the Teeter Plan?: Beginning in 1993 to 1994, Placer County implemented the alternative method of apportionment commonly referred to as the Teeter Plan. The basic concept of the Teeter Plan is that the County apportions to taxing agencies 100% of their secured (and supplemental secured) levy (adjusted for roll changes), with the County owning the delinquent receivables. Placer County “Teeters” all secured ad valorem taxes as well as all direct charges (with the exception of 1915 Act Bond and Mello Roos charges). 55% of the current secured roll is apportioned in December, 40% in April and 5% in June. We also distribute any adjustments due to roll changes processed during the year in June.

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Auditor-Controller - Direct Charges

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1. What are property tax direct charges?

Direct charges are flat amounts levied by various taxing entities on a per parcel basis. They are for services or benefits provided directly to a property and are non-ad valorem (not based on value). The Auditor-Controller performs the ministerial duty of placing these charges on the annual tax bills. Each year, in accordance with state law, the levying entity provides our office with a listing of the parcels and amounts to be charged, along with a resolution from their Board.

The calculation of the charges is the responsibility of the levying entity. Please contact them directly with any questions. The phone number for each is shown on your tax bill. View a complete current-year list of direct charges (PDF).

2. What are the property tax direct charges for?: Direct charges are levied for a number of purposes. For questions regarding any of these charges, please contact the levying entity directly. The phone number for each is shown on your tax bill and on the Direct Charge Contacts (PDF).

3. Are there any reductions to or exclusions from property tax direct charges for senior citizens?

Our office is aware of two direct charges currently offering some adjustment for senior citizens. These are:

Tax code 63200 - City of Rocklin Park Development and Maintenance
Phone: 866-807-6864
Tax Code 73505 – Tahoe Truckee Unified School Measure AA
Phone: 530-582-2500

Our office does not have any specifics about these exemptions. Please contact the levying entity directly with any questions.

4. Are direct charges tax-deductible?: Please contact the Internal Revenue Service or an income tax professional for this information.

5. Can our association place our road maintenance fee on the tax roll?: You would have to officially form a County Service Area (CSA) or Permanent Road Division (PRD) in order to have road maintenance fees placed on the tax roll. For information on this process, contact the Department of Public Works at 530-745-7591.

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Auditor-Controller - Mello-Roos Direct Charges

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1. What is Mello Roos?

The Mello-Roos Act of 1982 provides a method for local governments to finance public facilities. This legislation allows taxing entities to designate specific areas as “Community Facilities Districts” (CFDs) and, with the approval of two-thirds of the qualified voters, allows these entities to issue bonds and collect special taxes (in the form of direct charges) to finance such projects. The direct charge you pay is used to make the payments of principal and interest on the bonds.

If a Mello-Roos direct charge on the annual property tax bill becomes delinquent, the property may be subject to foreclosure by the levying taxing entity.

2. How can I tell if there is a Mello Roos direct charge on my tax bill?: The last two characters of the tax code description on your tax bill will be MR.

3. How long will the Mello Roos charge be on my bill?: This charge is used to make the payments of principal and interest on the bonds and will stay in effect until the bonds are paid off. Only the levying entities have the maturity information, so please contact them directly with any questions. The phone number for each is shown on your tax bill and on the Direct Charge Contacts (PDF).

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Auditor-Controller - Roll Correction & Refunds

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1. When will my roll correction be processed?: Before the Auditor’s Office can process a roll correction, we need to receive the revised assessed value information from either the Assessor’s Office or the Assessment Appeals Board. Once we have received accurate data from the appropriate office, we are usually able to process the change within two weeks. If the change results in a refund, it will be at least an additional week before the refund check is created.

2. When can I expect my refund?: If you are expecting a refund due to an overpayment or duplicate payment of property taxes, please contact the Tax Collector’s Office.

3. Why didn’t I receive any interest on my refund?: Per California State Law, interest is paid when it is $10 or more, but it is not paid on negative supplemental assessments.

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Auditor-Controller - Supplemental Taxes

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1. What is a supplemental tax?/Why did I receive two supplemental assessments?

A supplemental assessment is created each time property is revalued by the Assessor due to a change in ownership or completion of new construction. The date either of these occurs is called the “date of event.” Supplemental taxes are calculated for the portion of the fiscal year for which the change in value applies. A factor based on the date of event is set by state law and this factor is applied to the tax rate calculation. The Auditor issues refunds when supplemental assessments result in a decreased value.

The value of a supplemental assessment is the difference between the prior and the new assessed values. The taxes are prorated based on the date of event on which the change of ownership occurred or the new construction was completed to the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. Depending on the date of event, either one or two supplemental assessments may be generated. If the event date was between January 1st and June 30th, there are two supplemental assessments because two different tax years are affected. The following show examples of how two assessments might occur. Please remember that taxable property is assessed by the Assessor each year as of the January 1st lien date to generate tax revenue for the fiscal year that begins on the upcoming July 1st.

If property was purchased in February, 2011, then one assessment is for the value difference for the remainder of the 2010 to 2010 fiscal year. The other assessment is for the value difference for the 2011 to 2012 fiscal year since the event occurred after the January 1, 2011 lien date for the 2011 to 2012 secured roll. This value difference will not be picked up on the annual secured roll until the January 1, 2012 lien date, which is for the 2012 to 2013 tax roll.
Multiple “Supplement Events” occurred (such as a change in ownership followed by completion of new construction or multiple completions of new construction) within a fairly short time span. A separate assessment will be calculated for each Supplemental Event.

Additional Information

For additional information on the assessing of supplemental values, contact the Placer County Assessor. For additional information on paying supplemental taxes, contact the Placer County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

2. How are my taxes calculated?

Property taxes for the various tax rolls are calculated as follows:

Secured Taxes = (Net Assessed Value times Tax Rate) plus Direct Charges
Supplemental Taxes = Net Assessed Value Difference times Tax Rate times Proration Period for each appropriate tax year until the difference is included on the annual secured roll
Unsecured Taxes = (Net Assessed Value times Prior Year Tax Rate) plus Direct Charges

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Auditor-Controller - Tax Rates

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1. What does a Tax Rate consist of?

In California, Proposition 13 was passed in 1978. It limits the property tax rate to 1% of assessed value, plus any additional ad valorem (based on value) tax rate necessary to fund local voter-approved general obligation bonds and other indebtedness. Therefore, any tax rate you see on your tax bill in addition to the 1% represents a debt or debts approved by the voters.

Prior to Proposition 13, tax rates set to cover an entity’s general obligation bonds and other indebtedness could be passed by a majority vote. Proposition 13 changed this by requiring a two-thirds vote. In the November 2000 election, voters approved Proposition 39 allowing the voting threshold for school general obligation bonds to be lowered to 55%, if the school board so chooses.

2. I thought a tax bill couldn’t exceed 1% of the assessed value. Why does my bill exceed 1%?: In California, Proposition 13 was passed in 1978. It limits the property tax rate to 1% of assessed value, plus any additional ad valorem (based on value) tax rate necessary to fund local voter-approved general obligation bonds and other indebtedness. Therefore, any tax rate you see on your tax bill in addition to the 1% represents a debt or debts approved by the voters. In addition, direct charges (non ad-valorem items) may be placed on the tax bill at the express written direction of various local taxing entities.

3. How is the general obligation bond rate calculated?: The tax rates for voter approved debt are computed yearly. Several components are used to make this calculation. Generally, the two primary factors are the amount of money needed for the annual repayment to the bondholders and the assessed value in the district for the tax year. In addition, other components are used, such as the prior year balance and revenue from other sources.

4. When does the general obligation bond mature?: Please see the Maturity Dates for Voter Approved General Obligation Bonds (PDF).

5. If I’m over 65 or do not have any children, why do I still have to pay the voter-approved general obligation school bonds?: Tax rates for local voter approved general obligation school bonds are levied on all properties within the school district boundaries pursuant to the California State Constitution.

6. My children don’t go to the school listed on my tax bill. Why are these charges on my bill?: The property tax/tax rate area structure provides information as to what school district (not individual school) your property is in. It does not determine the specific school that your children would attend. That information and the intra-district boundaries are maintained by the school system. Please contact the school district or the Placer County Office of Education to confirm the appropriate school for your children.

7. I live in another county, so why do I have to call Placer County with questions about my tax bill?: Some school districts are located in more than one county. The “primary” county (County of Control) is the one responsible for calculating the tax rate to be levied throughout the school district’s boundaries. Since that primary county has the specifics about the calculation, it is necessary to contact them. For example, the Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD) is in El Dorado, Nevada and Placer counties. Placer is the County of Control, so our phone number appears as the contact number for TTUSD tax rate data.

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Bear River Campground

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1. Can I stay at Bear River Campground for a couple of months while I transition between living situations?: There are no long-term or living accommodations at BRCG. The longest stay at our campgrounds is 7 days in a row, and no more than 14 days total within a calendar year.

2. Are there hook-ups for RVs? Can I get running water to my RV?: There are no hook-ups for RVs, electricity, or running water provided at the campground.

3. Are there showers? Is there drinking water? What about flushable toilets?: There is no running water, showers, sinks, or flushable toilets provided at the campground.

4. Can I reserve any spot for my RV?: RVs can be accommodated only in sites 5 & 7-23.

Sites 1-4 are walk-ins, tent only. Site 6 is not large enough to fit an RV.

5. How big can my RV be?: RVs can be no larger than 30'.

6. Do I need to check in before a certain time?: You can check in at whatever time you'd like; however, you must book your reservation online ahead of time.

Note that check-in time begins at 2:00pm and check-out is 12:00pm on the final day of your reservation.

7. When and how can I reserve your Group Campsites?: Group campground reservations are made online beginning at 8:00 am the first business day following January 1st for the camping season that begins April 1st of the same calendar year. Camping season ends October 31st each year (for example, if January 1st falls on a Friday, reservations would be accepted beginning Monday, January 4th at 8:00 am). You must have special event insurance to have a group reservation.

8. Are fires allowed at the campgrounds?: We allow fires in designated barbecues and fire pits up to July 1^st each year. No open fires are allowed at the campground after July 1^st. Cooking is only allowed on portable propane-type camp stoves after July 1^st. This measure is made in order to protect our nearby residents from wildfire risk. The July 1^st fire ban date is subject to change during abnormally dry years.

9. Is fishing allowed?: Yes, but it is pursuant under Fish and Game laws and regulations. Please visit this page for more information.

10. Can I bring my quad?: No. Off-roading vehicles are not permitted.

11. Is there parking for the day-use area? What are the hours?: Yes. There is limited parking, so please plan ahead. Hours are sunrise to sunset.

12. An emergency has come up and I need to cancel my reservation. How far in advance do I need to cancel in order to receive a refund?: You must call at least 5 days in advance at (530) 886-4901 for the family campsites, and at least 30 days in advance for the group campgrounds.

13. Can I hunt or shoot at the campgrounds?

No. Hunting is not allowed in the Bear River Campground.

No person shall possess a weapon unless possession is authorized under the California Penal Code. No person may shoot, discharge, or fire any bullet, arrow, or other projectile into, over, or on the Bear River Campground.

14. Can I pan for gold in the river?: Please view state codes for mining. Click here. We do not allow any motorized equipment or other methods that can potentially cause erosion.

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Central Services

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1. Who are your customers?

Are customers include:

501(c)3 Non-Profits in Placer County
Cities
County
Local Government Agencies
Schools

2. How much does it cost?: For a quote, contact Candi Boewer or Leslie Blagg.

3. Where are you located?

We are located at:

11459 F Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603

4. What is the turnaround time for printing?: Offset printing jobs require up to 10 business days and digital copy work can be same day service depending on quantities and complexity.

5. Do you accept electronic files?: Yes. PDF format is preferred.

6. Are there design services available for my project?: Yes. We offer the current versions of InDesign, Illustrator, PageMaker, digital photography, and a wide array of clip art to complete any design requests.

7. Can you design logos?: Yes. We can design custom logos or modify existing logos.

8. Can I get a proof of my project before it's printed?: Yes. We provide proofs for all projects.

9. Can you design electronic forms or websites?: Yes. We can design interactive forms.

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Child Support Services

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1. What is an obligor/obligee?

Obligor - The person who owes court-ordered child support.
Obligee - The parent or guardian to whom child support is owed.

2. I am an obligor. If I lose my job, do I still have to pay child support?: Yes, but call the Child Support Services Department right away, and ask them to review your case. The court can modify the child support order if you lost your job through no fault of your own.

3. I am an obligor, but my child lives with me now. Can I change the child support order?: Yes. When there is a change in visitation or custody of the child, you can either go to the court to ask for a change in the child support order, or you may ask the department for a modification from the court.

4. My ex-spouse has remarried and has another family to support. How does this affect the support owed to our children?: The amount of the child support order may be decreased if the parent paying support must also support children from another relationship.

5. I am an obligor. What should I do when I get the Summons and Complaint?: A blank Answer Form is supplied with the Summons and Complaint; fill it out and file it with the Superior Court Clerk within 30 days. The Child Support Services Department or family law facilitator in your county can help you fill out the necessary forms.

6. What if an obligor ignores or forgets about the Summons and Complaint?: If the obligor does not respond, the estimated child support payment sent with the Summons and Complaint will be the amount of child support ordered by the court. When the court enters the order, the obligor will need to ask the court for permission to challenge it.

7. If I respond to the court, will I have a chance to talk to the judge?: Yes, if you respond to the Summons and Complaint and contest paternity or the amount of child support requested, you will be given a court date.

8. How will the court decide how much child support I have to pay as an obligor?: The amount of child support is based on various factors, including the income of both parents and the amount of time each parent cares for the child. The court uses child support guidelines found using the California Guideline Child Support Calculator. Consult the California Guideline Child Support Payment Calculator User Guide (PDF) for assistance or to seek advice from an Attorney or Family Law Facilitator.

9. How will my employer know how much money to take out of my paycheck to pay my child support?: After the court decides the amount of child support, a document called an Order/Notice to Withhold is mailed to your employer with instructions on how much to deduct and where to send the payment.

10. Is there any way to avoid having to go to court?: Yes. You can avoid going to court by signing a legal agreement (stipulation). The obligor and the department can agree (stipulate) on the amount of child support if the obligee is receiving public assistance benefits. If neither parent is receiving public assistance benefits, then both parents may sign a legal agreement (stipulation) about the amount of child support.

11. What else is in a stipulation?

Stipulations vary with circumstances, but the usual stipulation contains the agreement that the obligor is:

The parent of the child
Willing to allow the court to enter an order without appearing in court
Willing to pay child support
Willing to provide health insurance for the child if available through the parent's Employer

12. The obligor has group health insurance available at work. Must the children be covered by that insurance?: Yes. Health Insurance must be included in any child support order. Even if it is not available immediately, the court order will order both parents to provide insurance when it does become available. This applies to all cases.

13. Sometimes the other parent gives me money. If it goes through the child support office, they keep some of the money. Won't I get more if I just let the other parent pay me when they can?: Your child has every day needs that cannot be subject to the parent's willingness to pay when they feel like it. Children receive more support from parents who have an active child support order in place.

14. Can I still open a child support case even if the other parent has been gone for a long time?: Yes. But the longer parents are gone, the harder it may be to find them.

15. Is my child support case open to the public?: Child support case information is confidential and not open the public, but documents in court files or County Recorder files are public records.

16. What can I expect when I visit the Child Support Services Department?: The process to obtain child support begins with opening a child support case, and your help and cooperation are required. A caseworker will ask for information about you, your children, and the other parent. The more information the caseworker has, the faster a child support order can be obtained.

17. What will happen to my case if I move?: Be sure to tell the Child Support Services Department when you move. The child support case follows the obligee to any new county or state of residence.

18. What can I do if I am a victim of family violence?: You can ask that information about your case not be shared with other agencies or with any other party. If you receive CalWORKS or Medi-Cal, you can ask that the department not act on your case.

19. Can I get child support if I'm not sure who the father of my child is?: No. Paternity must be established before child support can be ordered. Paternity gives your child many rights, including child support, access to medical records, government benefits, and more.

20. The man doesn't have any money or even a job to support my child. Why should I bother proving that he is the father?: If you don't establish paternity, your child won't be able to get child support or health insurance, even after the alleged father gets a job. Proving he is the father as soon as possible makes collecting child support easier later on, including possible government benefits.

21. Can paternity be established for my child if the father lives in another state?: Yes. The Child Support Services Department will ask for a genetic test from the court in the other state. Also, a man can sign a Declaration of Paternity voluntarily declaring he is a child's father even if he lives in another state or another country.

22. What happens when the obligor has money to pay child support but still won't pay?: The Child Support Services Department can use a variety of enforcement tools available to collect the payments. Also, the court may find an obligor in contempt of court, or in rare instances, guilty of a misdemeanor and/or felony.

23. What should I do if the obligor moves away?: Notify the Child Support Services Department as soon as possible; child support can be enforced anywhere in the U.S. Also, if you have custody and move away, your child support case can be transferred to your new county or state.

24. I have a California support order and the other parent lives in another state. I asked the other state to help me collect support, but the judge lowered the child support amount. Is that legal?: Laws known as the "Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Orders Act" and the "Uniform Interstate Family Support Act" may prevent a state from changing another state's court orders. If the child lives here and an order is issued in California, only a California court can change it in most cases.

25. May I look at the payment records?: Yes, you may see the records of all payments made by the obligor on your case. If you have custody, and you think the Child Support Services Department made a mistake, you have the right to ask for a review or audit.

26. The obligor is in jail. Can I still get support?: Unless the parent in jail has assets or other income, child support will be nearly impossible to collect. An obligor who goes to jail should contact the Child Support Services Department to modify the child support order. Otherwise, past-due child support will add up plus interest, and the obligor will be responsible for paying it when released.

27. I am receiving CalWORKs. How is child support distributed?

In every month that a child support payment is made, a notice will be mailed to the obligee showing how much money the obligor paid. Each month, the first $50 of current child support (a disregard) is paid to the obligee. The remainder goes to repay the County for any CalWORKs payments received.

New federal law may change the disregard payment amount. Contact the Child Support Services Department or County Welfare Office for more information.

28. If the Child Support Services Department cannot find the obligor, can I still get CalWORKs or Medi-Cal benefits?: Yes. If you are eligible and cooperate with the Child Support Services Department, you can receive CalWORKs or Medi-Cal benefits while the Department tries to find the obligor.

29. I received CalWORKs in the past, but not now. How is child support distributed?: Current support and arrears owed to you is paid to you. Anything collected above current support and the arrears owed to you are kept by the Child Support Services Department to pay for past-due child support when you received CalWORKs payments in the past.

30. Do you offer workshops or assistance to fathers and mothers?

Yes, the Child Support Services Department typically hosts three monthly information seminars for the purpose of providing education and answers to the public about all aspects of the child support program. Participants may remain anonymous and can simply listen in, or they can ask specific questions to gain the information they are seeking. No reservations are necessary, and we encourage you to drop in to one of the workshops held at:
Placer County Department of Child Support Services
1000 Sunset Boulevard
Suite 200
Rocklin, CA 95765

Please contact Child Support Services or visit the Child Support Services page to confirm the dates and times of each event.

31. Can you assist with child care, counseling, or parenting classes?: We cannot directly assist you with these areas, but we can supply you with resources for these needs.

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Clerk-Recorder - Fictitious Business Names

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1. Does it matter if another business has the same name?: The Clerk will file any appropriately completed fictitious business name statement. Thus, there may be more than one person(s) with the same fictitious business name. However, Business and Professions Code Section 14411 states "The filing of any fictitious business name statement... shall establish a rebuttable presumption that the registrant has the exclusive right to use as a trade name the fictitious name, as well as any confusingly similar trade name, in the county in which the statement is filed, if the registrant is the first to file such a statement." Our office is not staffed to search records, but the public is welcome to come in and do a name search at no cost or search online.

2. What is the fee to file a Fictitious Business Name Statement?

Fees for Fictitious Business Name Statements are as follows:

$30 for the first business name and owner on the statement
$5.50 for each additional business name and/or owner.
The filing fee includes one certified copy. Additional certified copies are $2.

3. Do we have to publish the Fictitious Business Name Statement in the newspaper?: Yes, you must publish in a Placer County newspaper of general circulation, in the area you're conducting business, once a week for four consecutive weeks. The newspaper will send us a Proof of Publication. Fees vary with each newspaper. Your first publication must appear in one of the newspapers listed below within 45 days from the date you filed your Fictitious Business Name statement with the County Clerk's Office. Contact the newspaper at least one week in advance of your 45-day deadline.

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Clerk-Recorder - Marriage Licenses

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1. How far ahead of time do we need to get our Marriage License?: The license is valid the same day it is issued and usable for up to 90 days.

2. Do we need a blood test to get a marriage license?: No. As of January 1, 1995, blood tests are no longer necessary.

3. How much does a marriage license cost?

Marriage license fees are:

$57 for a Public Marriage License
$60 for a Confidential Marriage License

Please see the Fee Schedule for more information.

4. Where do we go to get the marriage license?

Auburn

County Clerk-Recorder's Office
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603

Tahoe

The Carnelian Bay Office (by appointment only). Please call 530-886-5610 to make an appointment.

5. Do we get a copy of the marriage license?: No. You may purchase a certified copy at the Recorder's Office for a fee of $15 for a public and $20 for a confidential.

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Clerk-Recorder - Real Property

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1. How do I find the Recorder's Office?

The Recorder’s Office is located on the left-hand side of the first floor the Larry Oddo Finance Administration Building in the DeWitt Center in Auburn. If you are coming from Sacramento, Roseville and Rocklin:

Take Interstate 80 East to the Highway 49 exit in Auburn.
Turn left onto Highway 49.
Take Highway 49 to Atwood Road.
Turn left on Atwood Road, and go one mile to Richardson Drive.
Turn right onto Richardson.
The building will be on the right side just past the first stop sign.

If you are coming from Colfax or Lake Tahoe:

Take I-80 West to the Bell Road exit.
Turn right onto Bell Road.
Take Bell Road past Highway 49 and turn left onto Richardson Drive.
The building will be one and a half blocks down on the left side.

Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays. Recording hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m, Monday through Friday, except for legal holidays.

2. What types of documents can be recorded?

Any document affecting title to real property that is authorized or required by law to be recorded. This includes, but is not limited to:

Deeds of Trust
Grant Deeds
Mechanic’s Liens
Reconveyances
Tax Liens

The recording requirements for documents are established by the codes for the State of California. Documents presented for recording must meet certain basic requirements.

3. How do I record a document?

Documents are recorded Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can bring your document to our office between those hours. If the document meets recording requirements, the staff will record it while you wait. Documents can also be mailed to our office. The mailing address is:

Placer County Clerk-Recorder's Office
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603

4. How much does it cost to record a document?

The basic recording fee is $14 for the first page of a document and $3 for each additional page. This is for a standard 8.5-inch by 11-inch letter-sized document. If any page of a document is larger or smaller than 8.5 inches by 11 inches, or if a page has anything stapled, taped or glued to it, the document will require a $3 non-conforming fee for each and every page. Therefore, the fee for a non-conforming document is $17 for the first page and $6 for each additional page. There also may be additional fees for Documentary Transfer Tax, debtor notification on involuntary liens and additional indexing.

For a complete list of our fees, please see our fee schedule. If you need assistance calculating the recording fees for your document, you may contact our office at 530-886-5600.

5. Will the Recorder’s Office help me prepare my document?: The Recorder’s Office can only provide you with the recording requirements for a document. This office is prohibited by law from providing you with legal advice. We recommend that you contact a legal advisor or title company for assistance in preparing your document.

6. What happens to my document after it is recorded?: Since it is the responsibility of the Recorder’s Office to preserve these records, images of the original documents are placed on roll film for archival purposes. Once a roll of film is completed, it must be examined to make certain that all the images are clear and complete. If the images on a roll of film are acceptable, the original documents are returned to the address shown in the upper left corner of the document approximately four to six weeks after recording.

7. What is Documentary Transfer Tax? When is it paid?: Documentary Transfer Tax is 55 cents per each $500 of the sale price or value of the real property being transferred. It is due at the time of recording on any transfer of real property, unless an exemption from Documentary Transfer Tax under the California State Revenue and Taxation Codes is provided.

8. How do I find out what has been recorded for a certain property?: To find out what documents have been recorded for a certain property requires a search of our records. Searching records is not within the legal scope of this office. However, our records are open to the public 8 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, and you or your representative are welcome to search our records. Because the grantor/grantee index is a name index, the property owner’s name is required in order to search.

9. How do I find out how much a certain property sold for?: The Recorder’s Office does not keep a record of sale prices. Sale prices can be estimated from the amount of Documentary Transfer Tax shown on a deed. However, the Documentary Transfer Tax amount may not accurately reflect the true purchase price, since Documentary Transfer Tax is not charged on assumed loan amounts.

10. How do I find out if a lien has been filed against my property? How do I get it removed?: You will need to search our records under your name to find out if a lien has been placed against you or if a recorded lien has been released. The Recorder’s Office cannot remove any liens placed against you. To have a lien released, you will need to contact the party who placed the lien and acquire a proper release document.

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Clerk-Recorder - Vital Records

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1. How do I order a copy of a vital record from another county or state?: The Placer County Clerk-Recorder only has vital records for Placer County. For births and deaths, you will need to contact the county or state where the event occurred. Copies of marriage licenses may be obtained from the issuing county or state.

2. I was adopted. How do I obtain a copy of my birth certificate?: Adoption records are sealed at the time of adoption. If there is no birth record in the county where you were born, you must contact the California State Office of Vital Records for a copy. For information on how to order a copy from the state, you may call their information line at 916-445-2684. If you wish to obtain a copy of your original birth certificate, you must obtain a court order. For further information on how to obtain that court order, you should contact your legal advisor.

3. How do I correct information on a vital record?

Some incorrect information on a vital record can be corrected by amending the record. To amend a record, a "Request to Amend a Vital Record" may be completed and mailed to the California State Office of Vital Records. If the amendment is filed within a year of the event, there is no charge. If more than a year has passed since the event, there will be a $20 processing fee. Once the request has been processed, you may purchase a new certified copy of the record from the County of which the event occurred or the California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records.

The "Request to Amend a Vital Record" form is available from the Vital Statistics Division of the Placer County Health Department, the Placer County Clerk-Recorder or the California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records. For further information on what information on a birth or death record can be amended, please contact the Vital Statistics Division of the Placer County Health Department at 530-889-7158.

Please Note: It can take from 7 to 12 months for an amendment to be processed by the State.

4. How do I legally change my name? How do I add a parent to a birth record?: To legally change a name or change a parent on a birth record requires a court order. For further information, contact the Placer County Court Clerk at 916-408-6000, a legal advisor, or the California Department of Public Health, Office of Vital Records at 916-445-2684.

5. How do I obtain a certified copy of a vital record for the Lake Tahoe area?: The Lake Tahoe area encompasses two states, California and Nevada. The California part of the area is serviced by three counties: Placer and Nevada Counties to the north and El Dorado County to the south. To obtain a certified copy of a birth or death, you will need to know in which state or county the event occurred. For certified copies of marriage licenses, you will need to know in which state or county the license was issued.

6. How do I obtain copies of my naturalization papers?: For copies of naturalization papers, you should contact the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) at 800-375-5283. It may take up to a year to obtain copies. For naturalization papers issued prior to 1930, the INS may direct you back to the county. If so, you will need to contact the Placer County Archives.

7. How do I obtain copies of my divorce papers of file for divorce?: The Placer County Clerk-Recorder does not maintain divorce records. That is a function of the Placer County Court Clerk. For family law information regarding how to file for divorce or how to obtain copies of Placer County divorce records, you can contact the Placer County Court Clerk at 916-408-6000 or go to the Placer County Superior Court website.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Accessory Homes

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1. Where are Accessory Homes allowed?: At this point in time every parcel zoned residential in Placer County is allowed to have up to three dwellings. One primary dwelling, one ADU and one JADU. The ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet if detatched from the primary unit, or up to 50% of the primary dwelling square footage if it is attached. The JADU can be up to 500 square feet and needs to be built within the framework of either the primary or ADU.

2. Is a permit required for a new Accessory Home?: Yes, in all cases a building permit is required. Property owners interested in constructing an Accessory Home on their property are encouraged to speak with our Accessory Home team prior to preparing construction documents, to discuss your concept and verify what permits will be needed. Please e-mail [email protected].

3. Can an Accessory Home be sold separately from the primary residence?: No, accessory homes cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling unit.

4. Can an Accessory Home be rented?: Yes, however, rental of the Accessory Home for thirty (30) days or less is prohibited.

5. What is the maximum size an Accessory Home can be?: An attached Accessory Home may be up to fifty percent of the existing living area of the primary residence. A detached Accessory Home is limited to a maximum total floor area of 1,200 square feet.

6. Can I add a “tiny home” as an Accessory Home?: Yes, tiny homes are permitted in Placer County.

7. How many accessory homes can I build on my property?: At this point in time every parcel zoned residential in Placer County is allowed to have up to three dwellings. One primary dwelling, one accessory home (ADU) and one Junior ADU (JADU).

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Building

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1. Can a portion of an existing house, garage or other accessory structure be converted to an Accessory Home?: Yes, provided the structure was legally constructed with building permits and the structure can be upgraded to meet the current building code requirements for a living unit. When an existing garage or other accessory structure is converted to an Accessory Home, no additional building setback verification is required. The Accessory Home must have independent exterior access from the existing residence.

2. Can an Accessory Home be constructed above or attached to a garage?: Yes, provided the garage was legally constructed with building permits, the structure can be upgraded to meet the building code requirements for a second story and a living unit. An Accessory Home constructed above a garage must meet the setbacks required by zoning.

3. How close can an ADU be to a property line or adjacent building?: Fire separation will need to comply with tables R302.1(1) and R302.1(2) of the California Residential Code. ADUs equipped with automatic sprinklers require a 1-hour rated exterior wall if constructed within 3’ of a property line or 6’ from an adjacent sprinklered structure on the same lot. ADUs not equipped with fire sprinklers require a 1-hour rated exterior wall if constructed within 5’ of a property line or 10’ of an adjacent building on the same lot. For ADUs that are attached to a primary dwelling, 1-hour rated wall and/or floor assemblies are required to separate the dwelling units. See CRC R302 for additional information. Fire separation requirements do not apply to JADUs that are built within the walls of an existing dwelling.

4. Are automatic sprinklers required in my ADU?

Per R313.2, ADUs are exempt from automatic fire sprinkler system requirements if ALL the following are met:

The unit meets the definition of an Accessory Dwelling Unit as defined in the Government Code Section 65852.2.
The existing primary residence does not have automatic fire sprinklers.
The ADU does not exceed 1,200 square feet in size.
The unit is on the same lot as the primary residence.

5. Can I convert my existing garage to an ADU?

Yes, existing accessory structures can be converted to an ADU. Some important considerations to keep in mind are:

Fire separation requirements per R302.
Structural adequacy of existing structure. If existing structural members are subjected to increased loads, structural retrofit may be required. (Example: The ceiling joists for an existing garage may have been sized without considering the additional weight of drywall, mechanical units, etc.)
A vapor retarder is required per R506.2.3. If one was not installed during construction of an existing slab, a post installed product may be used. If installing a post installed vapor barrier, Placer County requires that an alternate materials request form be submitted along with product specifications. Requests will be reviewed on a case by-case basis. Placer County is currently working on providing a list of pre-approved products that can be used as a post installed vapor barrier.

6. What kind of egress requirements apply to my ADU?

ADU egress will need to comply with R311. Below is a list of some (but not all) applicable code requirements:

Not less than one egress door. Door shall be side hinged and shall provide not less than 32” clear opening (sliding glass doors do not meet this requirement). The required egress door shall open directly into a public way or to a yard or court that opens to a public way. Egress shall not require travel through a garage.
JADUs require a separate exterior access from within the unit. The required access shall meet egress requirements.

7. Can a single HVAC system be installed to serve both the primary dwelling and attached ADU?: No. CMC 311.4 prohibits the transfer of air between adjacent dwelling units. Separate HVAC systems are required for each dwelling unit.

8. Does my ADU require separate utility meters?: ADUs are eligible for, but do not require individual utility meters. If you are planning on extending utility connections from the primary dwelling to the ADU, you will need to demonstrate that the existing utilities are adequate to serve the proposed ADU. (Example: gas line sizing diagram, electrical load calculations, drainage fixture unit calculations, etc).

9. Does my ADU require solar?: For new construction, the CA Energy Code 150.1 typically requires a new PV solar system to be installed to meet the prescriptive or performance energy design for the ADU. There are some exceptions, such as (but not limited to) participation in a shared solar electric generation system (CEC 150.1(b)(1), exception), and limited solar access (CEC 150.1(C)14, exception 1). Solar is not required for attached ADUs or conversions of existing space, including existing permitted attached and detached garages.

10. Does my project need to comply with Wildland Urban Interface requirements?: If your project is located within any Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland Urban Interface Fire Area, then it will need to comply with the materials and construction methods outlined in CA Residential Code R337, as amended by Placer County. The requirements of R337 apply to new construction and to significant additions/remodels where the roofing, siding, and windows are all replaced within (1) year of building permit issuance per Placer County Code 15.04.270.

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Cost

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1. What are the impact fees for ADUs?

Impact fees are waived or reduced when building an ADU.

All impact fees are waived on ADUs less than 500 sf.
All impact fees are waived, except school fees on ADUs less than 750 sf.
For ADUs larger than 750 sf impact fees are proportional to the size of the primary dwelling. Ex: a 1,200 sf ADU with a primary dwelling of 2,400 sf will pay 50% of the impact fees.

2. How much money can I save by using Placer County’s preapproved plans?: Using Placer County’s pre-approved plans will save an estimated $6000-$10,000 in design fees. In addition, the review period will be reduced because the plans are preapproved.

3. Is there any financial assistance in building/permitting my ADU?: Yes! Currently, CalHFA is offering a $40,000 grant to help with building an ADU. Check out our Financing and Grant Assistance page to see these opportunities.

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Engineering

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1. Will I need an additional driveway?: It depends. For an additional driveway connecting to a County maintained road, an encroachment permit may be applied for. The Department of Public Works will review the application and determine whether an additional encroachment will be permitted.

2. What about grading?: A grading permit may be required if the grading outside the footprint is extensive or if there are proposed retaining walls greater than 4ft in height or surcharged. For the complete list of work that requires a grading permit please see placer.ca.gov/2371/grading-permits.

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Env Eng (Public Sewer)

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1. If the ADU is detached and built at same time as the primary unit?: Charge SFD connection fees and all fees for ADU’s at 0.714 EDUs.

2. If the ADU is attached and built at same time as the primary unit?: No additional charges, no connection fees, no O&M fees. If the property is on a STEP system see STEP information below.

3. If the ADU is detached and built later?

Lot cannot be split

No connection fees, but still charged 0.714 EDUs for O&M and usual inspection fees.
Additional O&M fees apply for STEP system maintenance if a STEP system is required on the parcel.

4. If the ADU is detached on a splittable lot?

Lot can be split and ADU is situated on portion that can be a separate lot

Standard Connection fees apply to the SFD and the ADU fees at 0.714 EDUs
The ADU shall have its own connection point.
If the applicant chooses to split the lot, the applicant is required to pay the remaining balance for full connection fees and the balance of O&M fees.

5. Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) Systems – Existing SFD and New ADU: Applicants proposing an ADU or JADU are required to upsize the existing STEP system to meet current standards at the applicants expense.

6. Detached on a splittable lot, STEP systems – New or Existing SFD and New ADU: If there is sufficient room between the primary home and the ADU for a future parcel split, the applicant is required to install a second STEP system and connection point.

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Environmental Health

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1. Can I connect my ADU/JADU to my existing septic system?: To determine the septic requirements for an ADU/JADU Environmental Health staff will need to review the file for your parcel. Based upon the age of the system, sizing of the system and other required data our staff will determine the sewage disposal requirements for the ADU. More than likely, soils testing (perc and mantle) will need to be completed with Environmental Health and a private sewage disposal consultant. ADUs must be sized for a minimum of 2 bedrooms and be served by a separate septic tank.

2. If my existing home is on septic but public sewer is nearby what are my requirements?: If public sewer is physically and legally available within 300 feet of any portion of the property boundary the ADU/JADU will be required to connect to public sewer. Additionally, all structures on the property with plumbing would also be required to connect to public sewer as well.

3. If I use a tiny home as my ADU/JADU are the septic system requirements different?: The septic requirements are the same for all types of construction of the ADU (traditional construction, manufactured home, tiny home etc).

4. If I convert the space above my garage to an ADU do I still need a new septic system?: An ADU must be served by a separate septic tank and the leachfield is required to be sized for a minimum of 2 bedrooms. If the existing septic system is not adequately sized and/or adequate data regarding the system does not exist, soils testing will be required to determine the sewage disposal requirements for the ADU.

5. What is the 100% repair area and can I use this area for the construction of my ADU?: The 100% repair area is an area designated on your property where a new leachfield would be installed at the time of failure of the current septic system. An adequately sized 100% repair area is required for all structures on the property. This area must be free of structures, grading, parking, driveways etc. and must meet all required setbacks.

6. What are the domestic water supply requirements for an ADU?: In order to construct an ADU/JADU the parcel must be served by a potable water supply defined as either public treated water or a domestic water well drilled under permit. A domestic water well must produce a minimum of 1 GPM per residential unit. A 4-hour well yield dated within the last 3 years may be required to provide evidence of water quantity. Ditch water, spring water and hand dug wells are not considered a potable water supply. Parcels would be required to obtain a potable water supply prior to Environmental Health approval of the building permit for the ADU/JADU.

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Junior ADU

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1. What is a Junior Accessory Home?: A Junior Accessory Home is a living unit of 500 square feet or less contained completely in a single-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling.

2. What is the difference between an Accessory Home and a Junior Accessory Home?: An Accessory Home can be attached or detached from the primary dwelling. A Junior Accessory Home needs to be built within the framework of the primary dwelling or Accessory Home.

3. Where are Junior Accessory Homes allowed?: A Junior Accessory Home is permitted in single and multiple family residential zones.

4. Is a permit required for a new Junior Accessory Home?: Yes, in all cases a building permit is required. Property owners interested in constructing a Junior Accessory Home on their property are encouraged to speak with our Accessory Home team prior to preparing construction documents, to discuss your concept and verify what permits will be needed.

5. Can a Junior Accessory Home be sold separately from the primary residence?: No, Junior Accessory Homes cannot be sold separately.

6. What is the maximum size a Junior Accessory Home can be?: The maximum square footage of a Junior Accessory Home is 500 square feet.

7. Is parking required for a Junior Accessory Home?: No.

8. Do JADUs require a deed restriction?: Yes, an owner-occupancy deed restriction is required for JADUs unless owned by a government agency or nonprofit.

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Planning

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1. Is parking required for an Accessory Home?: An Accessory Home must provide one parking space. The parking space may be covered or uncovered and can be provided on an existing driveway. If the required parking for primary residence is displaced by Accessory Home and one additional parking space is provided for the Accessory Home, then the replacement parking spaces for the primary residence may be covered, uncovered, tandem, or spaces created by mechanical automobile parking lifts.

2. Can parking for an Accessory Home be waived?

Parking for an Accessory Home may be waived in any of the following instances:

The Accessory Home is located within one-half mile of public transit, including transit stations and bus stations.
The Accessory Home is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
The Accessory Home is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.
When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupants of the ADU.
When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the ADU.

3. What if my HOA does not allow an Accessory Home?: Homeowner associations (HOAs and CC&Rs) must allow the construction of Accessory Homes according to recent state legislation (AB 670).

4. Can I build an accessory home in North Lake Tahoe?: Additional regulations apply for homeowners wishing to build an accessory home in the Tahoe Basin as determined by Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA). Determine if your residence is restricted within the TRPA coverage area by going to parcels.laketahoeinfo.org.

5. What is the minimum lot size required for an accessory home?: There is no minimum lot size required for an accessory home in most of Placer County.

6. Can an ADU have a covered porch?: Yes, a cover porch is allowed. It does not subtract from the maximum square footage of the ADU. The covered porch also gets the same reduced setbacks as the ADU, 4 feet side and rear.

7. What is the maximum square footage of a covered porch?: The size of the covered patio cannot be more than 25% of the maximum living space.

8. Do ADUs/JADUs need to have a kitchen?: Yes, ADUs/JADUs need to have a kitchen facility, by definition: any appliances for the preparation or preservation of food, including, but not limited to, gas or electric ranges, ovens or stovetops, refrigerators or freezers of more than five cubic feet capacity, and cabinets designed to accommodate such appliances. Microwaves alone would not constitute "cooking facilities." That is more aligned with a guest house or wet bar.

9. What about a combined ADU/JADU?: When attaching a JADU to an ADU the total square footage of both dwellings combined, cannot exceed 1,200 sf.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Building Services

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1. Are building services available with the COVID-19 closures?

Community Development Resource Agency’s public counter is open by appointment only starting on Monday, June 8 for the Auburn and Tahoe City offices. Appointments will be available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. You can schedule an appointment through our eServices online appointments feature. If you are having problems with the online appointment feature, please call (530) 745-3001 for the Auburn office and (530) 581-6200 for the Tahoe Office and we can assist you.

Please note that our eServices digital suite continues to be available to keep your projects moving where you can submit applications for residential and commercial development projects. You can also look up zoning requirements, apply for permits and more from the comfort of your home or business. Anywhere, anytime, online.

2. Are building inspections available with the COVID-19 closures?: At this time building inspections may be scheduled using the normal processes - https://www.placer.ca.gov/2220/Inspections.

3. What should I do if my permit has expired?

Don't let your permit expire. We have a simplistic approach to extend permits; submit a Permit-Plan Check Extension Application Form (PDF).

Once a permit has expired, a new permit will be required to be issued to resolve the expired permit. The following will be required:

The owner completes and submits a new Building Permit Application Form (PDF) (must be printed on letter size paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches)
Obtain all department/division re-approval; there may be additional fees from other departments/divisions:
- Air Pollution
- Environmental Health
- Planning
- Public Works
- Etc.
New plans and related documents may be required (this will be reviewed at the time of submitting the new permit application)
Fees (view current Fee Schedule):
- 1-hour minimum fee for any applicable Plan Check. New codes will apply to unfinished work, if applicable
- Administrative fee
- Inspection fee multiplied by the number of inspections to complete the project
- Records fee

4. What should I do if my permit is going to expire and I cannot complete the project before it will expire?: If no other extension has been granted, complete a Building Permit Application Form (PDF). Sign, date, and submit it to the Building Division before the expiration date for approval.

5. What should I do if my first extension is going to expire and I cannot complete the project?: Request a second extension. Second extensions require justifiable cause. Complete the Permit-Plan Check Extension Application (PDF) and sign, date and submit it to the Building Division with payment of the current Administrative Fee before the permit expiration date for approval.

6. What should I do if my second extension is going to expire?

A new permit must be applied for before your second extension has expired. The following will be required:

The owner completes and submits a new Building Permit Application Form (PDF) (must be printed on letter size paper, 8.5 inches by 11 inches)
Obtain all department/division re-approval; there may be additional fees from other departments/divisions:
- Air Pollution
- Environmental Health
- Planning
- Public Works
- Etc.
New plans and related documents may be required (this will be reviewed at the time of submitting the new permit application)
Fees (view current Fee Schedule):
- 1-hour minimum fee for any applicable Plan Check. New codes will apply to unfinished work, if applicable
- Administrative fee
- Inspection fee multiplied by the number of inspections to complete the project
- Records fee

7. Do I need to apply for a Minor Use Permit to continue the use of the temporary dwelling when extending my building permit?: Yes. A Minor Use Permit (MUP) is required to continue the use of the temporary dwelling if the project has not been completed within the first two years of the building permit. The MUP is issued through the Planning Division and may take 6 to 8 weeks for approval; please verify the time line with the Planning Division. The MUP approval must be completed before the building permit can be extended. The Building Permit-Plan Check Extension Application (PDF) must be filed before the building permit expires.

8. Do I need a permit for a storage shed or small building?: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, do not require a Building Permit (per California Building Code 105.2 "Work Exempt from Permit"). However, if the structure has electrical or plumbing a permit would be required for these items. Please contact Planning Division for required setbacks from property lines for such structures.

9. What are the minimum residential stairway requirements?

Requirements for residential stairways are as follows:

Minimum Width: The minimum width of stairways is 36 inches.
Rise and Run: The rise of steps and stairs shall not be less than 4 inches nor more than 7 3/4 inches. The greatest riser height within a flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch. The run shall not be less than 11 inches. Stair treads shall be of uniform size and shape, except the largest tread run within any flight of stairs shall not exceed the smallest by more than 3/8 inch.
Headroom: Every stairway shall have a headroom clearance of not less than 6 feet 8 inches.

10. Is a permit required to replace a deck?: If the deck is attached to the structure and is part of the egress components, a permit is required. If the deck is free-standing and away from the structure, a permit would not be required unless the deck is elevated 30 inches or higher above grade.

11. Does the County require engineering when replacing composition roof covering with tile?: Yes, an engineer’s letter would be required to verify the existing structural framing of the roof. This is to assure that the existing roof framing is adequate for support of the new tile roof.

12. Are there pressure testing requirements for Polyethylene, Iron, or Copper water distribution systems?

Polyethylene gas pipe pressure test requirements shall be no less than 1.5 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 pounds per square inch (PSI) irrespective of design pressure for 15-minute time period.
Iron (ferrous gas piping) Pipe shall be protected from corrosion by approved coatings, or wrapping materials, or by any other approved manner. Pressure test requirements shall be no less than 1.5 times the proposed maximum working pressure, but not less than 3 PSI irrespective of design pressure for 15-minute time period.
Copper water pipe pressure test is 50 PSI or operating pressure.

13. What are the driveway construction requirements?: View the Driveway Standards Handout (PDF).

14. How do I determine setback requirements?: The Planning Division determines allowable setbacks from property lines to structures. If a setback variance is needed, the Fire Department and Building Division may have conditions for the proposed structure.

15. How do you locate leach lines for septic systems?: Please contact the Environmental Health Department for requirements.

16. What can be installed in an easement?: Please contact the Planning Division for requirements.

17. What are the minimum depth requirement for sewer, gas, water, and electrical lines/conduits?

Electrical line depth: 18 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
Gas line depth iron pipe: 12 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
Gas line depth poly pipe: 18 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
Sewer line depth: 12 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.
Water line depth: 12 inches of cover measured from the top of pipe.

18. Can water, sewer, gas, or electrical be placed in the same trench?: If in a utility trench, consult with utility district for requirements. All other trenches can be grouped with water, sewer, gas, and electrical lines.

19. How do you abandon a septic system?: Most septic abandonment’s are replaced with new ones which Environmental Health handles through there Department process. If a septic is to be abandoned, a permit is required from the Building Division. The septic tank is required to be pumped, and a pumper’s receipt will be collected from the field inspector. The septic tank is to be filled with an approved method such as gravel, sand, slurry, etc.

20. How do I check my plan review status?: Refer to the Placer County Online Permits Portal. Enter information into the system to determine status of permit. If any questions, please call 530-745-3010, and staff will be able to assist you.

21. How do I know what time my inspection will be?: For information regarding inspection times, visit our Inspections page.

22. What qualifies as an agricultural building?: Please review the Agricultural Buildings Application (PDF) to determine qualifying uses for agriculture structures.

23. Who can provide the requirements for a secondary residence/guest house/in-law quarters?: The Planning Division has special requirements for these types of structures.

24. How do I schedule an inspection?: You can schedule an inspection using our Online Portal or by calling our inspection line at 530-745-3020. The automated system will assist the applicant in this process.

25. Where do I find the requirements for swimming pool fencing/enclosures?: The Building Division has an Informational Handout (PDF) available for swimming pools.

26. What are the plan checking turn-around (time to complete review) standards?

Turn-around time is defined as "the time elapsed from date of application, or re-submittal, to the date plan check comments are generated or permit issued." The Placer County plan check turn-around goal is to complete the first plan check review process within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of application. Subsequent reviews, due to such things as corrections required, are to be completed within 2 to 3 weeks from re-submittal date.

Please be aware that turn-around times are impacted by the quantity of applications or re-submittals. The date of application, or re-submittal, defines the placement of project for review among other submittals.

27. When can I talk to a Plan Checker or Building Inspector?: Please make an appointment with the building inspector or plan check staff by calling (530) 745-3000.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Code Compliance

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1. Who do I speak with regarding building code requirements, specifications, or installs?: Building Services has Inspectors available to answer your detailed questions by calling 530-745-3150. In the event they are assisting another caller, please leave a detailed message so an Inspector can get back with you as soon as possible. To schedule a Building Inspection, please call 530-745-3020.

2. How do I report dumping (appliances, furniture, mattresses) on the side of the road or on private property?: The Environmental Health Division is available to assist you with abatement of solid waste by calling 530-745-2300. If you witness the dumping, please report it to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 530-889-7800. Try to provide a vehicle description and license number.

3. Can Code Compliance Services help me with abandoned vehicles on private property?

Code Compliance Services offers an Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program, and we can remove, at no charge to the property owner, up to five passenger vehicles (one ton or less) from a parcel. Beyond five, cases are reviewed individually and may incur additional charges. Please call our office regarding vehicles other than standard passenger cars/trucks, etc, as the County may still be able to remove for an additional charge. Complete the Abatement Form (PDF) and submit it to Code Compliance Services.

For vehicles abandoned on public streets, please contact California Highway Patrol at 916-663-3344.

4. How far should a propane tank be from a dwelling?: Please refer to the "Liquid Propane Gas Tank Installation Below 5,000-foot Elevation" handout for areas below 5,000 feet in unincorporated Placer County

5. Is business activity permitted in an area not zoned for such activity?

While many types of home-based businesses are allowed in residential zone districts, the ability to protect the integrity of the neighborhood is very important to Placer County. Please call us at 530-745-3050 or visit the following links for more information:

Home Occupations (Zoning Ordinance Section 17.56.080)
Storage-Accessory, Indoor/Outdoor (Zoning Ordinance Section17.56.250)
Vehicle Repair in a Residential Zone (Zoning Ordinance Section17.56.320)

6. How do I file a complaint in Placer County?

Code Compliance Services is complaint driven and responds only to written complaints (Complaint Form (PDF)). Placer County encourages voluntary compliance realizing that some issues are not the same and timelines may vary. It is our intent to work with property owners within negotiated timelines to a mutually satisfactory resolution. If you have questions about a possible code violation, please email Code Compliance or call 530-745-3050.

Placer County also offers a dispute resolution service available to County residents. It may prove useful, especially in resolving disputes between neighbors. For more information please contact the Placer Dispute Resolution Service at 916-771-0108.

7. A complaint has been filed against my property. What happens now?

All complaints must be verified before any action is taken on our part, therefore a Code Compliance Officer will visit your property to confirm the validity of the complaint. If the complaint is valid, the Officer will explain the violation(s) to you that currently exist on your property, and the actions necessary to correct them.

You will also be a given a time frame to correct the violations. The goal of Code Compliance is to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible. If however, you choose not to work with the County to correct the outstanding issues, you can be cited and ordered to appear in Placer County Superior Court.

8. What is the Code Compliance process?

The typical steps of the Code Compliance process include:

A Complaint Form regarding an alleged violation is filed with Code Compliance.
A Courtesy Notice is sent to the Property Owner identifying the section(s) of County Code that is/are being violated.
A site inspection of the property will occur to determine if a violation exists.
If a violation exists, a “Notice of Violation” letter is sent to the Property Owner.
The Notice of Violation letter will provide a timeframe for correction of the violation. The timeframe depends upon the nature of the violation, but generally will allow up to 30 days for compliance. *
If compliance is not achieved, an Administrative Citation is issued, and an administrative citation hearing is scheduled. The hearing officer will consider the staff presentation, then hear from the Property Owner, and then any other respondents attending the hearing. The hearing officer will take the matter under advisement and issue their finding within 10 days.
If compliance is not achieved through the citation process, the County may initiate Abatement Proceedings, and/or issue a Notice and Order to Abate.

* If the Violation identified poses an immediate life, health or safety risk, for example, leaking septic, fire/electrical danger, or risk of structural collapse, among others, the timeframes and citations for noncompliance may be accelerated seeking more immediate action.

Please remember - the goal of the Placer County Code Compliance Division is to achieve voluntary compliance on the part of the property owner/tenant, and we will work with you while you form a reasonable and responsible plan for achieving compliance.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Biomass Utilization Program

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1. What is woody biomass, and where does it come from?

Woody biomass is composed of trees, including wood from the tree's bole (trunk), limbs, tops, roots, and even the foliage. Woody biomass can include shrubs and other woody plants. The principal sources of woody biomass for energy production have historically been:

Trees killed or damaged by fire, insects, disease, drought or that have no other use
Trees grown specifically for energy production
Trees removed to reduce hazardous fuel accumulations or improve forest health

Woody biomass also includes wood wastes from urban areas (e.g. construction wood, tree trimmings) and products derived from trees such as lumber, paper and byproducts of wood manufacturing (e.g. sawdust and bark).

2. What is renewable biomass energy? Why is it renewable?

Renewable Resources

A renewable resource is one that naturally replenishes itself after it has been used or which is never depleted by use. Examples of renewable resources that are used to produce electricity include:

Biomass
Geothermal
Sunlight
Water
Wind

Renewable energy technologies harness the energy in renewable energy resources. In the cases of solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, use does not deplete the resource. Biomass resources can be replenished as trees can be propagated naturally or with the help of foresters.

Ways Resources Can Be Utilized for Electricity

There are three ways in which biomass resources can be utilized for electricity:

Conversion of materials such as urban wood wastes and mill wastes.
Dedicated energy crops (trees, shrubs and other plants grown specifically for energy production.
As a byproduct of forest management activities. For example, biomass can be produced from thinning forest stands to reduce hazardous fuel loads or improve forest health. Generally, the biomass consists of small trees that are not usable for lumber or other purposes. Energy production from such sources is sustainable as long as there continues to be forest management activities producing and replenishing the biomass.

3. What is a biomass power generation facility? How is power currently generated from wood?: A biomass power plant utilizes woody biomass for the production of electricity and/or heat. The wood is combusted in boiler systems and fitted with air emissions controls which create steam used to spin a turbine that produces electricity. Or, in cogeneration, the wood is used to generate both electricity and heat. Once steam is used to spin the turbine, it is extracted to provide heat for other processes (e.g, drying, heating). Finally, wood can be used in combination with other fuels such as coal, oil or natural gas to fire boilers and create electricity (also known as co-firing).

4. How big is a biomass power plant? How big is the proposed eastern Placer County biomass facility?

The intended end use of the energy and the availability of fuel/feed stock determine the capacity of a biomass power plant to generate electricity. In the U.S., most biomass power plants are associated with forest industries such as sawmills. These produce electricity and heat or steam using biomass wastes (e.g. sawdust and bark) from the sawmill operations. Electricity and heat or steam generated can be utilized for the sawmill. Excess electricity can be sold to the electrical grid.

Generally, biomass power plants are larger than 15 megawatts (MW) (one megawatt is enough to service about 1,000 households for a year), but can range from less than 1 MW to over 50 MW. It takes about 8,000 bone dry tons (2 big trucks a day) of woody biomass to produce one MW of electricity on an annual basis. The eastern Placer County biomass facility is proposed to generate between 1 and 3 MW of renewable electricity.

5. What waste products does the plant produce?: Biomass power plants produce ash (about 3% to 5% of the fuel input by weight). Depending on the source of biomass and the combustion process, power plant ash can be used as a soil amendment or in masonry and cement products. Water used to create steam for electricity production can be recycled.

6. What air pollution issues does biomass power present?: Biomass power plants are designed with air pollution controls for minimizing discharges of regulated air pollutants. Biomass power plants are subject to regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and local air quality management districts. Biomass power plants can eliminate 95 to 99% of pollutants that would otherwise be produced by open burning of that same biomass.

7. How would biomass power impact wildfire catastrophes? Will biomass power endanger our forests?: Throughout the western U.S., a large potential source of biomass for power production is fire hazard reduction projects. Removing biomass from the forest during the course of fuel reduction treatments will reduce the threat of wildfire and decrease the area burned in catastrophic fires. Properly executed fire hazard reduction projects can also improve forest health and make the forest less susceptible to drought, insect attacks and disease. Utilizing biomass for energy production will make fuel treatments more economically feasible by creating a market for such biomass material that currently has little or no value. Biomass power plants therefore pose little or no risk to forests from over-cutting and actually can contribute to improvements in forest health and reduced fire hazard.

8. How is it renewable energy if it emits greenhouse gases?

A biomass power plant does produce carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas. However, if the fuel supply is obtained as a byproduct of reducing fire hazard in natural forests, the plant emissions may be offset by the reduced emissions that would have occurred if the forest burned. Wildfires are significant sources of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, it has been estimated that the 2007 Angora fire in the Lake Tahoe Basin released 141,000 metric tons of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere within a period of a few days. This is equivalent to the emissions from over 28,000 cars in one year.

By utilizing fuels derived from forest management, that reduces the probability of wildfire, and, considering the natural growth patterns of biomass, a biomass power plant can be considered “carbon neutral.” Biomass is a unique fuel in that it is derived from a resource that is naturally replenishing by taking in carbon from the atmosphere. Also, using biomass for electricity production may offset the use of fossil fuels, further reducing greenhouse gas production.

9. Will there be an increased cost of lumber products or food produce? Will any food crops be impacted (like corn due to ethanol production)?: As previously discussed, sources of wood for biomass power generation do not have “higher and better” uses such as conversion to lumber. They mainly consist of materials that would not be used otherwise, such as residues (e.g. small stems, brush) from fire hazard reduction. Consequently, there would be no impact on lumber prices. Unlike activities such as biofuels production (e.g. ethanol) that currently consume biomass usable for food (such as corn), production of electricity from woody biomass would not have an impact on food supply or prices.

10. Is biomass power more expensive than other power generation?: When compared to the direct monetary costs of power production from fossil fuels and hydroelectric power, biomass power is currently more expensive. Biomass power requires fuel that has considerable collection, processing and handling costs. However, rising coal and natural gas costs, which in turn drive up the price of electricity, are allowing biomass energy production to become much more competitive. In addition, when the currently non-monetized societal benefits of biomass use, such as reduced catastrophic wildfire, improved air quality, forest health, reduction of greenhouse gases, and renewed rural community development are factored in, biomass-based electricity provides significant benefits over fossil fuel-based electricity.

11. Can biomass be used to make liquid or gas fuels? What about transportation fuels?

Scientific and technical processes are being developed in order to convert the cellulosic material of woody biomass into usable fuels. Significant research and development is currently underway to make such conversion processes technically and economically viable. However, conversion technologies are not yet considered economical and are not used on an industrial scale (e.g. corn to ethanol). Synthetic gas fuels (syngas - similar to natural gas) and liquid fuels (ethanol and synthetic diesel) have been created in pilot-scale facilities in Europe and in limited quantities in the United States.

The primary challenge of developing liquid or gas fuels from woody biomass is breaking down the complex cellulosic structure of wood into simple hydrocarbons and sugars that can be converted into liquid fuels. Because of the promise that biofuels may have for reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil, significant private and public sector resources are being devoted to support research, development and commercial deployment of biomass to fuels conversion technologies.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Electric Vehicle Readiness Guide

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1. What is an EV?: An electric vehicle or ‘EV’ is a vehicle that runs on electricity. This is compared to a traditional internal combustion engine or ‘ICE’ vehicle that runs on gasoline or diesel.

2. What are the different types of EVs?

There are several kinds of EVs, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Each type of EV is listed below in the table and as well as an image that provides a comparison between them.

HEV	A vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. Through regenerative braking, the vehicle can be ‘charged’ by the power the gasoline-fueled combustion engine creates.
PHEV	Also, a vehicle that combines an internal combustion engine with a battery-powered electric motor. However, HEVs and PHEVs differ in that PHEVs can be plugged-in and charged by the electrical grid, but if you run out of energy, the internal combustion engine can serve as a backup power source.
BEV	An all-electric vehicle that, instead of using gasoline, can be plugged into the electrical grid, charging a large battery that powers one or more electric motors. Driving a BEV does not produce any tailpipe emissions; they are considered zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).
FCEV	A vehicle powered by electricity, but unlike a PHEV or BEV, it does not receive electricity from plugging into the electrical grid. A FCEV contains fuel cells that are stacked together to create a chemical reaction between hydrogen gas from the vehicle’s tank and oxygen in the air outside to produce electricity. FCEVs can be refueled at hydrogen fueling stations. They also do not produce any tailpipe emissions, only water vapor and hot air, and are considered ZEV.

Comparison of EV Types

3. What are the different types of EV charging options and their charging speeds?

There are three main types of charging equipment or EV supply equipment (EVSE) that exist, and PEVs (plug-in electric vehicles) can be charged in a variety of places. However, not all EVSE are suitable for every location or activity. This is because, depending on several factors, including your EV model and what kind of EVSE you are using, the rate at which your battery charges can vary substantially. Therefore, with a wide range of possible charging times, different EVSEs are classified by how quickly they can charge a battery. The different classifications, which are in order from slowest to fastest charging rate, include Level 1, Level 2, and Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), detailed below.

Level 1: Supplies electricity through the standard 120 Volt (V) alternating current (AC) outlet that you would find in your home. Level 1 charger can provide between 2 to 5 miles of driving range per hour of charging. Roughly 8 hours of charging with a Level 1 EVSE can supply 40 miles of electric range for a mid-size PEV.
Level 2: Supplies electricity through a 240V AC outlet in residential spaces or 208V AC in commercial spaces. Level 2 charger can provide roughly 10 to 20 miles of driving range per hour of charging.
DCFC: Unlike Level 1 and 2 chargers, DCFCs use a direct current. It can provide anywhere from 60 to 80 miles of driving range for every 20 minutes of charging.

For more information on the differences between the different types of EV chargers and their required connectors, check out the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center.

4. Are EVs cost competitive with ICE vehicles?

Upfront costs are dropping for all electric vehicles, with many new EVs already being cost-competitive with new ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles. Consumers can also take advantage of purchasing incentives to help further reduce the price of an EV. There is also a growing used EV market where EVs are available with more affordable price tags. In addition, because EVs require far lower fuel and maintenance costs, you can save significantly by driving electric over the lifetime of your EVs compared to the higher lifetime costs of buying, operating, and maintaining an ICE vehicle.

For more information about currently available EV models and their prices, used EVs, purchasing incentives, and the benefits of driving an EV, check out VELOZ's Electric For All website.

5. Do EVs have sufficient range and performance to handle daily travel needs?: There are currently EVs that have a range of over 200 miles per charge, which will only increase in the future. The majority of EV models on the market today have great performance, accelerating must faster than traditional ICEs by going from 0-60mph in less than 8 seconds, some in less than 3.

6. Where can I find EV charging stations?

In the U.S., over 45,000 EV charging stations are available for public use.

While many resources exist to locate EV charging stations, two regularly updated maps created by the Alternative Fuels Data Center and PlugShare provide locations of all public charging stations in the U.S. They are both also available as applications on mobile devices. In addition, several automakers currently have information on charging station locations built into their onboard information systems, and many apps, including popular navigation ones, also provide this feature.

7. Are EVs safe?

All light-duty cars and trucks sold in the United States must meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, including EVs. To meet these standards, vehicles must undergo an extensive, long-established testing process, regardless of whether the vehicle operates on gasoline or electricity. Separately, EV battery packs must meet their own testing standards. Moreover, EVs are designed with additional safety features that shut down the electrical system when they detect a collision or short circuit.

For more information about EV safety, visit DOE’s Alternative Fuel Data Center.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Area Plan Components

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1. Did the Regional Plan Update anticipate the use of the Resort Recreation designation at this location?

The Regional Plan Update included two locations for the Resort Recreation designation at Edgewood and the Heavenly Ski Resort. A potential third allowance of the Resort Recreation designation was included in the December 2012 Lake Tahoe Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP, or 208 Plan).

Section 10.2 of the 208 Plan states the following: "Prior to January 1, 2017, and absent a WQMP amendment, the “Resort Recreation” land use designation shall in addition to including the Heavenly and Edgewood parcels, allow for no more than one additional area of a comparable size to be added to that designation. If the subdivision amendment procedures of the WQMP do not sunset after January 1, 2017, pursuant to Section G below, at that time the States will caucus in a manner similar to Section G to further address the 'Resort Recreation' designation. The Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan proposes to locate the third Resort Recreation designation within the 112.8 acres covered by the Area Plan, subject to Placer County and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency approval."

2. Is the applicant proposing to transfer development rights from outside the Basin to satisfy the requirement for retiring tourist accommodation units (TAUs) within the Basin?

No. The proposed Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan and associated Area Plan would not rely on a “transfer of development rights” from outside the Basin. Rather, the Area Plan would provide for development within the Basin, pursuant to Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Code of Regulations Chapter 13 (Area Plans) and Chapter 51 (Transfer of Development). Transfer of development for the 112.8 acres in the Basin would comply with Chapter 51 and would occur entirely within the Basin. In other words, units proposed for the 112.8 acres within the Basin would have to be transferred from other locations within the Basin.

For the Specific Plan as a whole, there is no formal transfer of units within Placer County. The discussion of retirement or “transfer” of development potential in Placer County is practical. That is, the East Parcel would be rezoned to non-developable designations, and the West Parcel would be rezoned to allow development. Because the East Parcel is zoned to allow up to 1,360 units, and the proposed rezone of the West Parcel would allow only 760 units, there would be a net reduction (600 units) in residential development potential within the Martis Valley Community Plan in Placer County.

3. What is clustered development, and how would it be used for the Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan?: Clustered development refers to locating residential and associated amenities in close proximity to ensure they share resources and minimize impacts (for example, the use of common roadways and infrastructure).

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Biological Resources/Forestry

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1. Is there an active timber harvest permit on the East or West Parcel?: The East Parcel has an active timber harvest permit. There is no timber harvest permit on the West Parcel.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Open Space/Trails/Recreation

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1. How much open space would be preserved, and how would that preservation be ensured?: The Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan (MVWPSP) would preserve the 6,376-acre East Parcel as permanent open space. The property would be conveyed to conservation groups for fee simple ownership or placed in a conservation easement. The entire East Parcel would be designated Forest and remain undeveloped. In addition, 352 acres of the West Parcel would be preserved as open space, designated as Forest, and undeveloped, and 65 acres in the northwest corner of the West Parcel would remain designated Forest and undeveloped except for utility infrastructure. A map of the MVWPSP proposed open space areas is provided on Page 7 in the September 23rd Presentation (PDF).

2. Would trails in the East Parcel and West Parcel be public or private?: Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan policies require that where access to public trails exists today, such access will be provided in the future. Whether or not private trails on the East Parcel become public will ultimately depend upon land ownership. Trails are likely to become public if the land is owned by a land trust or conservation group and are likely to remain private if the land is owned by Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI).

3. Would Fibreboard Freeway remain open to public use?: Fibreboard Freeway is a paved roadway that extends approximately 9 miles through forested lands from Tahoe City to Brockway Summit at State Route 267. The roadway crosses public and private lands and is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Fibreboard Freeway at Brockway Summit is a key recreational access point and will remain open to the public. The Specific Plan proposes to designate Fibreboard Freeway, which lies immediately south of the proposed development area, as a seasonal emergency vehicle access route. This designation would not result in any change in ownership, nor would it preclude existing and future public use.

4. What recreational facilities would be provided?: Under the Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan, there would be public and private hiking, biking, cross-country ski, and snow shoe trails on both the East Parcel and the West Parcel, as well as community swimming pool(s), tennis courts, fitness facilities for resident and visitor use on the West Parcel. No golf course or other major destination recreation facility would be developed under the Specific Plan.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Process

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1. What are Specific Plans and Area Plans?

Specific Plan

A Specific Plan is a tool for the systematic implementation of a General Plan. A Specific Plan essentially establishes a link between implementing policies of a General Plan and individual development proposals in a defined area. A Specific Plan must comply with Sections 65450 - 65457 of the Government Code. These provisions require that a Specific Plan be consistent with the adopted General Plan of the jurisdiction within which it is located.

The Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan is located in Placer County and must therefore be consistent with the Placer County General Plan, the Martis Valley Community Plan (MVCP), and Section 17.58.200 of the Placer County Zoning Ordinance. Amendments to the General Plan and MVCP may be required to approve the Specific Plan. For example, the land use designations for the East and West Parcels in the Placer County General Plan and MVCP would be amended if the Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan (MVWPSP) is approved.

Area Plan

An Area Plan is an instrument of the planning and permitting system within the Tahoe Basin, initially devised through adoption of the 2012 Regional Plan. An Area Plan is a Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) planning document prepared pursuant to the TRPA Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13, and is a mechanism to address multiple regulatory requirements (TRPA, local, state, and federal) for a specific geographic area.

Plan Area

The proposed MVWPSP covers a 7,568 acre plan area, including the 6,376-acre East Parcel and the 1,192-acre West Parcel. Of the total acreage, 269.8 acres are located within the Tahoe Basin and within the jurisdiction of the TRPA, and a 112.8-acres subset of that (all of which is on the West Parcel) is proposed to be rezoned to Resort Recreation. The Area Plan is included as Appendix C to the MVWPSP.

2. What is the process to prepare and approve the Specific Plan and associated Area Plan?

Placer County is responsible for approval of the entire Specific Plan, and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) approval is required for the Area Plan, which addresses the portion of the Specific Plan area proposed for development within the Tahoe Basin. The Specific Plan (including the Area Plan) was prepared by the applicant, East West Partners, and submitted to Placer County for review for consistency with County policies and regulations. The Specific Plan was also circulated for public review and comment. Once approved as to content by Placer County, the Area Plan is submitted to TRPA for consideration. The Area Plan is a component of the Specific Plan, and is included as Appendix C of that document.

The Specific Plan will be the subject of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) prepared by Placer County pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code [PRC] Section 21000 et seq.) and the State CEQA Guidelines, and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) prepared by TRPA pursuant to its Compact, Code of Ordinances, and Rules of Procedure. Ultimately, the Placer County Board of Supervisors will decide whether to certify the EIR and approve the Specific Plan and Area Plan. If approved, the TRPA Governing Board will consider certification of the EIS and approval of the Area Plan. If approved by both agencies, the Specific Plan becomes the County’s plan for the project site.

Please also see this Flow Chart (PDF) of the process.

3. What are the opportunities for public input?

An initial study and notice of preparation (NOP) of an Environmental Impact Report/Statement (EIR / EIS) for the Martis Valley West Parcel Project (MVWPSP) were issued by Placer County and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) on March 28, 2014. The NOP was sent to the California and Nevada State Clearinghouses, federal, state, and local agencies, and members of the public. An NOP informs the reviewer of the lead agency’s intent to prepare an EIR or TRPA EIS. Four public scoping meetings were held to provide the public with the opportunity to learn more about the Specific Plan and Area Plan and to receive comments from the public and other interested parties and agencies regarding the issues that should be addressed in the EIR / EIS.

Scoping Meeting Dates

The scoping meetings were held in April, 2014 as follows:

April 24 - TRPA Governing Board
April 16 - Cedar House Sport Hotel
April 16 - North Tahoe Event Center
April 9 - TRPA Advisory Planning Commission

At each of these meetings, Placer County and TRPA staff made presentations to describe the proposed MVWPSP for evaluation in the EIR / EIS and identify key environmental issues identified by the TRPA Initial Environmental Checklist and CEQA Initial Study and Checklist.

Notification & Public Comment

Interested parties were notified of the availability of the Preliminary Draft Specific Plan and Area Plan on the Placer County website, and that public comments on the preliminary draft plans would be accepted through August 1, 2014. A public workshop on the Preliminary Draft Specific Plan and Area Plan was held on July 17, 2014 in Kings Beach, California.

Additional opportunities for public input will be available throughout the environmental review process.

Process Flow Chart

Please also see this Flow Chart (PDF) of the process.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Public Services & Utilities

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1. Where would the water needed to serve the Specific Plan development come from?: There are two options for water being studied. Water may be supplied by the Northstar Community Services District (NCSD) using existing or new facilities within the Martis Valley to serve the entire development area, or the applicant may drill on-site wells to serve the Specific Plan development area. No wells would be located within the Tahoe Basin, and no surface water would be obtained from the Basin.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Scenic Quality & Views

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1. How tall would buildings be?

In the Preliminary Draft Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan, the maximum building height varies and is dependent on unit type:

Outside the Tahoe Basin:
- Condominiums - 115 feet
- Commercial Buildings - 60 feet
- Single Family - 55 feet
- Townhomes - 60 feet
- Outside of the Basin, building height would be measured pursuant to Section 17.54.020 of the County Zoning Ordinance.
Within the Tahoe Basin:
- All buildings - 42 feet
- Within the proposed Area Plan, the maximum building height would be measured in accordance with Chapter 37 of the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency Code of Ordinances.

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Specific Plan Location & Acreage

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1. How large is the Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan area, and what portion is proposed for development?

The Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan (MVWPSP) site includes two parcels-the West Parcel and the East Parcel-which total approximately 7,568 acres. Both parcels are undeveloped and forested lands, located on either side of State Route 267 between the Town of Truckee and the north shore of Lake Tahoe within the Martis Valley Community Plan (MVCP) in Placer County.

West Parcel

The approximately 1,192-acre West Parcel is located southeast of the Northstar California Resort, and uphill and east of Sawmill Reservoir. The proposed MVWPSP would allow for development on approximately 775 acres of the West Parcel.

East Parcel

The approximately 6,376-acre East Parcel includes 670 acres designated for residential and commercial development by the Martis Valley Community Plan. The Specific Plan would transfer development potential from the East Parcel to the West Parcel (760 of the 1,360 allowable units), retire development rights for 600 units, and convey the entire 6,376- acre East Parcel to conservation groups for permanent open space preservation via either fee simple or a conservation easement. Maps are available on Pages 2, 5 and 6 in the September 23rd Presentation (PDF).

2. How much of the Specific Plan area is in the Tahoe Basin, and where are the boundaries?: A total of 269.8 acres of the Martis Valley West Parcel Specific Plan (MVWPSP) area are within the Tahoe Basin: 130 acres of the East Parcel and 139.8 acres of the West Parcel. Of the West Parcel acreage within the Basin, 112.8 acres are proposed to be rezoned as Resort Recreation and are the subject of the proposed Area Plan. The remaining 27 acres of the West Parcel and 130 acres of the East Parcel within the Basin would retain existing zoning. A map of the MVWPSP area that identifies lands within the Tahoe Basin is provided on Page 5 in the September 23rd Presentation (PDF).

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Wineries & Farm Breweries

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1. I want to have a small winery without a Tasting Room or events. What is required?: If a building is constructed on the site, a building permit (PDF) is required. A list of typical requirements is available for review.

2. I want to have a winery and a Tasting Room. What is required?: The following list of requirements is intended to give winery owners a basic idea of the requirements for various uses. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, and other County and State/Federal requirements not listed may also apply

3. I want to have a winery with limited tasting and no events. What is required?: The following list of requirements is intended to give winery owners a basic idea of the requirements for limited tasting that occurs when no building permit is needed

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Coroner

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1. Is the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit involved in all Placer county deaths? Why are they involved in my loved one’s case?: No, the Coroner’s Unit is not involved in all Placer deaths; only deaths that are deemed reportable to the Coroner’s Unit by CA Government Code 27491. A variety of reasons can require Coroner involvement in some capacity: deaths as a result of homicide, suicide, accidental, or undetermined means; deaths where someone has not been seen by a physician within 20 days of death; sudden deaths where attending physicians cannot determine cause of death; etc.

2. Will I be notified when my loved one is releasable to a funeral home?: The Placer County Sheriff's Office, Coroner’s Unit will not reach out to you when the examination of your loved one has been completed. Our office suggests reaching out to a funeral home/mortuary of your choice within 72 hours of the death to begin arranging final disposition, then contacting our front desk to provide the name of the funeral home. At this point your loved one’s examination should be completed and we can provide any information or preliminary results we have available.

3. Can I request an autopsy if the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit has determined they will not be doing an autopsy?: If the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit has determined we will not be taking jurisdiction of an individual for an autopsy, we are unable to complete an examination at the request of a next-of-kin. Our office does contract with PathServe Autopsy Service, a consulting firm that performs private autopsies and we would direct you to contact them at (415) 664-9686 or visit their website: http://autopsy.biz/

4. Will I be notified when my loved one’s Coroner report and causes/manner of death is finalized?: The Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit does not typically reach out to the next-of-kin when a report, cause, and/or manner of death is finalized unless specifically requested. If you would like to receive a copy of the report, which includes the cause and manner of death, please reach out to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Records Unit at (530) 889-7812 to request the report when it is finalized. The Records Unit will notify you when it is available and being mailed to you.

5. What funeral home should I choose?: Our office cannot recommend a mortuary/funeral home to you but a list of local choices is available upon request.

6. What if I can’t afford funeral arrangements?

Placer County offers Indigent Cremation for those who cannot afford final disposition of their loved ones. Please contact Placer County Health and Human Services to apply for this program and determine if you are eligible.

Roseville Office: (916) 784-6030
Auburn Office: (530) 889-7625
Alt. Auburn Office Number: (530) 889-7657

7. Can the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit embalm, cremate, or bury my loved one?: No, the Coroner’s Unit cannot embalm, cremate, or bury your loved one. Even if you are not planning on having a funeral, you will still need to contact a funeral home to arrange a final disposition.

8. Where can I get a death certificate?

Please speak to your mortuary/funeral home regarding status updates of death certificates. You can obtain certified copies of a death certificate through your mortuary or through the Placer County Health and Human Services Department.

For death certificates for the current and previous year, contact the Placer County Vital Statistics Office
Office Phone Number: (530) 889-7158
Address: 11484 B Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603
Website: https://www.placer.ca.gov/2973/Vital-Statistics

For death certificates issued prior to last year, contact the Placer County Clerk-Recorder's Office
Office Phone Number: (530) 886-5600
Address: 2954 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603
Website: https://www.placer.ca.gov/1722/Vital-Records

9. Can a friend or another family member handle cremation/burial arrangements if the legal next-of-kin is unable or unwilling?: Yes, as long as the legal next-of-kin authorizes it, another individual can arrange final disposition. This can be done typically by signing a single form. Please reach out to a funeral home of your choice to arrange this transfer of next-of-kinship.

10. My loved one died in Yuba, Sierra, Sutter, or Nevada county. Why have they been brought to Placer County? Where can I get information about their case and/or the Coroner report?: Yuba, Sierra, Sutter, and Nevada county have a contract with Placer county for forensic examinations. This means that your loved one will have been brought to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit, for an autopsy or external examination, then returned back to the county of death. Please contact the Coroner’s office of the place of death for information about your loved one’s case and to request a copy of their Coroner’s report. Placer County Coroner staff cannot provide any information about deaths in these counties without violating HIPAA laws

11. Am I allowed to tour the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit or witness an autopsy?: To respect the privacy of the deceased in our care, we do not allow the public to tour our facility or witness autopsies.

12. Am I allowed to view the body at the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Coroner’s Unit?: Viewing your loved one is not permitted at the Coroner’s Unit. Please contact your funeral director to arrange a viewing.

13. How long does it take to get a Placer county Coroner report? How do I request one?

Coroner reports are finalized within 30-60 days after the date of death. These reports may include a narrative from the Deputy/Deputies originally on-scene at the time the death was reported, a property receipt form with an itemized list of any property taken into the Sheriff’s Office, a toxicology report, and the forensic pathologist’s report. Copies can be requested through the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Records Unit.

Placer County Sheriff’s Office, Records Unit
Office Phone Number: (530) 889-7812
Address: 2929 Richardson Drive, Auburn, CA 95603
Website: https://www.placer.ca.gov/2658/Records-Unit

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County Budget

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1. Who decides how county money is spent?: The County Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the development and administration of the budget, which is reviewed and approved by the Board of Supervisors.

2. How is the budget developed?

The County Executive Officer works with departments to develop the budget in two phases each year to deliver recommendations for proposed and final budgets.

Proposed Budget - In June, the Board of Supervisors adopts a Proposed Budget to have a spending plan in place before the fiscal year begins on July 1.
Final Budget - As required by State law, the Board holds a public hearing in September to consider updated revenue and expenditure estimates and adopts the Final Budget by October 2. The Final Budget is published by the County Executive Office and available online as a PDF file that can be downloaded.

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Dispute Resolution

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1. What is the typical outcome of mediation?: Mediation has a very high sucess rate - a recent national study shows that around 70% of mediated disputes reach a settlement. Even when a dispute is not settled in mediation, key issues are identified and some may be resolved.

2. When should I mediate?: The best time to mediate is before an issue escalates to litigation. Mediation is obviously more cost effective before a lawsuit, but it can be used before, during or after court proceedings. Mediation can also be used as a preventative measure for conflicts that won’t lead to litigation, but have significant emotional cost.

3. How much time will mediation take?: Mediation sessions are typically 2-3 hours. Complex issues and multiple parties may require more than one session.

4. How much will mediation cost?: Professional mediation services are offered on a sliding scale rate per party and per session. Payment from both parties is required to schedule a mediation. A typical mediation will require one 2-3 hour session. Complex issues and multiple parties may require more than one session. For cases that are particularly complex and difficult to schedule, PDR may charge a case development fee. Please contact PDR for specific case fees.

5. What is the difference between mediation and arbitration?: In both mediation and arbitration, the parties bring their dispute to a third party. In arbitration, the parties communicate only with the arbitrator, and the arbitrator decides what should happen. In mediation, the parties speak with the mediator and each other. The mediator does not decide what should happen, but assists the participants to reach an agreement that is acceptable to both parties.

6. What if the other side is reluctant to agree to mediate?: It is difficult to know whether a party will agree to something until they are asked. Given that the alternatives are lengthy, stressful and expensive, people tend to be very agreeable to the idea of mediation. In some cases, hearing the request from a neutral third party makes it easier to accept the idea of mediation.

In cases where the other party doesn't agree to mediate, PDR can offer you conflict coaching services to help you navigate the situation. Note that this is not a substitute for legal advice or advocacy.

7. What if the other party is reluctant to reach a settlement?: It is much easier to maintain unreasonable positions in arguments and letters than it is in person with an impartial 3rd party present. Once a party enters into mediated dialogue, polarization and extreme positions tend to fall away and progress toward a reasonable settlement follows.

8. How can mediation work if the other side is mean spirited, unreasonable, and we just can’t talk to each other?: Successful mediation does not depend on parties being reasonable, friendly, or even on talking terms. If both parties agree to mediate, they have a great chance to achieve a settlement. With years of experience negotiating complex issues, PDR's mediators have successfully resolved seemingly impossible conflicts between the most impossible parties.

9. What if we just can't be in the same room?: The parties do not have to be in the same room to achieve a resolution. In PDR's volunteer work for the Superior Court, they have resolved matters where the parties were under court order to not have contact with the other. As trained mediators, PDR can use a process called caucusing (or “shuttle diplomacy”) where they keep the parties in separate rooms and meet privately with each party. Caucusing may be used for some or all of a mediation session.

10. Will mediation work if I don't want to compromise?: Mediation is not a process of universal compromise or convincing one side to give in to the other. Mediation promotes understanding and generates agreement opportunities that neither party could create independently. PDR understands that parties will often have differing perspectives and seemingly unresolvable positions.

11. Is an agreement reached in mediation enforceable?: A written mediated agreement signed by all parties is enforceable in the same manner as any other written contract. In fact, mediated settlements are less likely to return to conflict because the agreement is made by both parties instead of being imposed on them.

12. Who are mediation services available to?: Placer Dispute Resolution offers mediation, training and conflict coaching services to those who live in, or own property or a business in Placer County.

13. Where does Placer Dispute Resolution mediate?: PDR has a dedicated mediation space at the Placer County Public Defender's offices located at: 3785 Placer Corporate Drive, Rocklin, CA 95765

They also have an office in Tahoe City located at: 925 Northlake Blvd Suite B203, Tahoe City, CA 95730

Occasionally, PDR may use other meeting spaces in Placer County. Where appropriate, we can also meet at a place of your choosing.

An in-person mediation is preferable, but in situations where it is not practical, virtual mediation services utilizing Zoom videoconferencing are offered.

14. How do I make a mediation happen?: If you are interested in using mediation to work out a solution that has eluded you, all you need to do is call Placer Dispute Resolution at (916) 234-0045. You can also email them at: [email protected]

You will be asked about the dispute, go over various options for inviting the other person to participate, and guided through the next steps.

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District Attorney - Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center (MDIC)

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1. What is MDIC?

Some say that a Multi-Disciplinary Interview Center (MDIC) is a place. Some say that an MDIC is a process. In Placer County, we believe that our Multi-disciplinary Interview Center is both a place and a process that provides for a coordinated investigation of child abuse cases by professionals from multiple disciplines and multiple agencies, with special emphasis on the child interview.

MDIC is designed to benefit children and families and the systems designated to protect children and prosecute offenders. When allegations of child abuse are made the potential for a child to experience trauma and confusion from the responding systems is extremely high. Multiple interviews, by multiple and/or untrained interviewers create problems for a child who alleges abuse. MDIC addresses these potential problems by reducing the number of interviews to which a child is subjected, reducing the number of unfamiliar interviewers to whom a child must relate, and providing a highly trained interviewer. The quality of the interview and the investigation is consistently enhanced.

2. Why use the MDIC process?: The MDIC process broadens the decision making base for the systems that deal with child abuse cases (law enforcement, child protective services, medical services and the courts). It increases the accuracy of the fact-finding process and consistently provides better information for use in court. The MDIC process provides all team members with a level of professional support which allows them to work effectively with these very difficult and complex cases. It also increases the competency level of team members by exposing them to cross-disciplinary learning.

3. Where is MDIC?

The Placer Multi-disciplinary Interview Center is located in an office building in Roseville which has been specially designed for interviewing children. This office is not used for any other purpose. The Center is a child-friendly facility with furniture, decorations, toys and books designed to make children as comfortable as possible. The interview room is equipped with a video camera and a one-way observation window.

Children are interviewed by a Child Forensic Interview Specialist, who is a member of the multi-disciplinary team. The interview is observed by those team members directly involved in the investigation of the case. All interviews are videotaped. These videotapes are confidential documents used only for the purpose of allowing involved professionals to view the child's interview, thereby minimizing the need for further, repetitive interviews. The videotapes are preserved as evidence and their confidentiality protected by court orders and California law.

4. What happens after the MDIC process?

Of utmost importance to all MDIC team members is what happens to a child and their family while an abuse case winds it's way through the ever-confusing system. Every interview at MDIC is attended by an Advocate from the Placer County Victim Witness Program. Their role is to assist the victim and family during the process, then make referrals to available programs and resources available throughout the community.

Each family's needs are unique and important. Our goal is to make sure these needs are met by following every case to it's completion. During this process, victims and family's will be introduced to the many resources offered by Placer County Agencies, all dedicated to making our community a safer and healthier place to live. If you or someone you know needs our services, you can contact:

Auburn Police Department
Phone: 530-823-4237
Lincoln Police Department
Phone: 916-645-4040
Peace For Families (Advocacy Agency)
Phone: 530-885-0443
Placer County District Attorney
Phone: 916-543-8000
Placer County Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator
Phone: 916-543-2533
Placer County Sheriff
Phone: 530-889-7800
Placer County Sheriff
Phone: Tahoe Division 530-581-6300
Placer County Victim/Witness
Phone: 916-543-8000
Rocklin Police Department
Phone: 916-625-5400
Roseville Police Department
Phone: 916-774-5000

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District Attorney - Witness Notification

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1. What should I do when I receive a subpoena?

Immediately contact the District Attorney's Witness Notification Unit at 916-543-8016 and provide them with a telephone number where you can be reached for updates on court scheduling and location. Court cases may be cancelled, delayed, or continued, and it is important for Witness Notification to be able to contact you to avoid unnecessary appearances. If you fail to provide Witness Notification with updated contact numbers, you may be required to attend multiple court appearances and be ordered back to court.

Note: You must call in each time you receive a new subpoena to confirm receipt of the updated information.

2. What will happen if I don't appear?: Failure to appear in response to a subpoena may result in the Court issuing a warrant for your arrest, and may be punishable by fines and/or jail. The Courts do not look kindly at having to reschedule cases and inconveniencing all of the involved parties and other witness because of the failure of a witness to appear as ordered.

3. I already gave a statement. Why do I have to appear in Court?: Rules of evidence and fair trial procedures require that an accused person must have an opportunity, through his or her attorney, to ask questions of witnesses.

4. What if I don't want to get involved or "take sides" in the matter?: Either the prosecution or the defense may subpoena you because your testimony is important to one or both parties. When you appear and testify truthfully you are not "taking sides" with either the prosecution or the defense, regardless of which party issues the subpoena.

5. How can my testimony make a difference?: People sometimes believe that they have very little to offer in a case and wonder why they have been subpoenaed. Court cases are governed by rather strict rules of evidence and procedure. Physical evidence and the testimony of witnesses are all pieces of a puzzle. All of the pieces, no matter how small, are important to complete the picture. Your testimony is important and may ultimately affect the outcome of the case.

6. I have never testified in Court and I'm very nervous. What do I do?

It is very natural for you to be nervous. The fact is, everybody in the courtroom is nervous to one degree or another. Provided are some tips that will help you to control your nervousness and make your testimony clearer to the Court and jury.

Always tell the truth.
If you don't know the answer, say so. Do not guess or speculate.
Speak clearly and loud enough so everyone can hear your answer.
Listen closely to the attorney's question and pause a moment to consider your answer before speaking.
If you don't understand the question, tell the attorney.
Verbally answer questions with yes or no rather than nodding or shaking your head. Non-verbal responses cannot be transcribed by the court reporter.
Answer only the question asked. Don't give additional information until asked.
Be respectful to the attorneys and the judge. Don't argue; just truthfully answer the question to the best of your ability.
If you hear the word "objection" from an attorney, stop your answer and wait until the judge directs you to continue or discontinue your answer.
Court testimony is a solemn and serious duty. Please dress appropriately.

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Environmental Health - Drilling a Water Well

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1. What does a water well look like?: Private water wells have a certain structure once complete. A water well cross-section (PDF) shows distinct features.

2. How does a well get contaminated?: The well's defenses against contamination are its surface sanitary seal, annular seal, and well casing. If the annular seal is too shallow, the casing ruptured, or the surface seal broken by holes or missing gaskets, contaminants can enter the well. If a well is located too close to a source of contaminants, these may enter through one of these routes or percolate down through the ground, and enter the well at depth.

3. What if the water source for my home is ditch water?: Lake, river and ditch water - is it legal and safe to drink? Important information on untreated surface water. Ditch Water Pamphlet pdf

4. What to do about flooded water wells?

During heavy rains or floods, if flood waters or debris are observed around your well casing, the well water becomes cloudy or muddy, or the water tastes "off," your well may have become contaminated. You should check you well's surface sealing characteristics and flush and disinfect the well immediately. Contaminated wells may contain waterborne disease bacteria.

Your well may need to be disinfected. See our disinfection procedure (PDF), or contact our office.

5. My property has a hand dug well. Is this water OK to drink?: Historically, many properties in Placer County utilized hand dug wells. A hand dug well is not considered a source for potable water supply and can be a threat to your health as well as to the ground water.

6. What is a four hour well yield test and when is it needed?

The four hour well yield test is used to determine the production or yield of the well in gallons per minute. When required by Environmental Health Services, this test must be performed by a licensed well driller or licensed pump contractor. A current four hour well yield report can be required for a number of reasons.

Depending upon the circumstance, it might be needed prior to building permit issuance or prior to issuance of an Environmental Health Services Final which is needed for a Certificate of Occupancy or as a requirement for a land division. Longer and more detailed testing may be required when there is concern of low well yields.

7. Why do I have to submit a current bacteriological analysis of my well water to Environmental Health Services? I drink it every day and I am not sick.: When a building permit involves plumbing, it is necessary to demonstrate that the water supply meets potable requirements. A water well might become contaminated with bacteria and be unsafe for use. One individual might be less sensitive than others who might use the water.

8. Can I apply for my own well permit?: Only a well driller with a C-57 license can apply for and obtain a well permit.

9. Where can I obtain a bacteriological analysis of my well water?

The bacteriological analysis must be performed by a California State Certified Laboratory. Any California State Certified laboratory which performs this test is acceptable. Environmental Health Services can provide a list of other local laboratories that provide this service. It should be noted that this list is not a recommendation.

All bacteriological analysis results must be accompanied by a chlorine residual test result. The water sample must be collected in a sterilized sample container provided by the laboratory.

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Environmental Health - Food at Community Events

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1. What is a community event?: “Community Event” is defined as an event that is civic, political, public or educational in nature (Cal Code113755). It includes: state and county fairs, city festivals, circuses and other public gathering events.

2. What is an Event Organizer/Coordinator and when are they required?: An Event Organizer is a person or organization that is responsible for the coordination, sponsorship or arrangement of a community event. An Event Organizer is required when two or more food/beverage booths will be at an event.

3. What are the responsibilities of the Event Organizer?

Organizers of food events have an inherent responsibility to the public to provide a safe and healthy event. To allow only approved food vendors to setup at the event and to submit a list of vendors to the Environmental Health Department, two-weeks prior to the event. Provide a site plan indicating adequate space for each vendor to meet proper setbacks.

Provide basic sanitation (porta-potty and hand wash stations) for event attendees, Sanitation for vendors is to be within 200 feet of a TFF. Providing, garbage and refuse containers, ice service, potable water, safe electrical hook-ups may also be necessary depending on the event. Monitoring the food vendor’s practices is the most important item. Contact the Environmental Health Department if there are any issues.

4. Do food vendors need a permit to sell or give away food?: Yes, a permit is required even if the food is given away. The requirements apply to all persons participating in food events, regardless of non-profit status, and include sampling.

5. Where may a food vendor setup to sell or give away food/drink?: A food vendor may only operate at a community event.

6. Is a food vendor considered a food facility?

Yes. See section 114381.2 of the California Retail Food Code. A permit application shall be submitted to the enforcement agency by each temporary food facility operator that includes all of the following:

A booth plan that indicates the proposed layout of equipment, food preparation tables, food storage, ware washing, and hand washing facilities.
Details of the materials and methods used to construct the temporary food facility including required netting/screens/walls.
All food products that will be handled and dispensed.
The proposed procedures and methods of food preparation and handling.
Procedures, methods, and schedules for cleaning utensils, equipment, and structures, and for the disposal of refuse.
How food will be transported to and from a permanent food facility or other approved food facility to the temporary food facility. Including steps taken to prevent contamination of foods.
How potentially hazardous foods will be maintained at or below 41° Fahrenheit or at or above 135° Fahrenheit.

7. Why is a health permit required?: The Legislature finds and declares that the public health interest requires that there be statewide health and sanitation standards for food facilities to assure the people of this state, that the food provided to consumers is safe, unadulterated and honestly presented through adoption of science-based standards. Regulations are found in the California Retail Food Code (Cal Code).

8. My food is prepackaged. Do I still need a permit?: Yes, a permit is still required. However, certain requirements may not apply if the food is not potentially hazardous (such as candy, canned soda, bottled water).

9. I am only selling or giving away drinks. Do I still need a permit?: Yes. Beverages are considered food and a permit is required. The requirements for bottled or canned beverages are the same as for prepackaged food. There are special considerations for non-profit and winery operations.

10. Can I prepare food at my home for sale/distribution from a temporary food facility?: No. Food intended for public consumption may not be prepared in a home. All food must be obtained from approved sources. Exception: 114339. Non-potentially hazardous beverages and baked goods may be offered for sale, sold, or given away by a nonprofit charitable organization or by an established club or organization that operates under the authorization of a school or educational facility for fundraising purposes at community events. Note: A valid Cottage Food Operation is considered a food facility and may sell food as a vendor.

11. Do I need a permit if I’m a non-profit organization?: Yes, a permit is required for all food vendors offering food for sale to the public. The potential risk associated with handling food is the same, regardless of where the proceeds go.

12. Do I need a permit to have a private party?: No. Private parties intended only for members of an organization and/or their invited guests do not require a permit. If the event is advertised to the public; however, then a permit is required.

13. Do church potlucks or private club dinners need a permit?: No. A church, private club, or other nonprofit association that gives or sells food to its members and guests, and not to the general public, at an event that occurs not more than three days in any 90-day period.

14. How long is the permit valid?: The permit issued to a temporary food facility vendor may be valid for up to one year, or the vendor may choose to get a permit for only a single event. The permit issued to the event organizer is valid only for the duration of that specific community event. A new application must be submitted, and a new permit obtained for each community event.

15. I already have a permit for my restaurant in Placer County. Does that permit me to participate in temporary events?: No. The permit for your restaurant is site-specific and does not transfer to any other location. However, when you apply for a Temporary Food Facility permit you may also apply for a fee reduction.

16. Are other fee reductions available?: Yes. Honorably Discharged Veterans with a DD-214, nonprofit organizations with 501(c) 3 documentation, and Caterers, and Mobile Food Facilities (Food Truck) with a valid permit in good standing, may also apply for a fee reduction.

17. When do I need to submit my application?: At least 2 weeks prior to the event to allow adequate time to review the application, vendor list, and make any necessary adjustments and modifications.

18. Is there a printable version of this FAQ?: Yes, it is available to download (PDF).

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Environmental Health - Groundwater Wells & Soil Borings

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1. What is the cost for monitoring well installation/destruction permits?: The monitoring well installation/destruction fee (PDF) is required for each well.

2. When is an exploratory soil boring permit needed?: If the soil boring will be advanced within 10 feet of groundwater or greater than 10 feet below ground surface.

3. What is the cost for exploratory soil borings?: The soil boring fee is required for the first two soil borings per parcel.

4. Do shallow soil vapor sampling wells (e.g. typically 5 feet deep) require a well permit?: Yes, however, the fee is only required for the first two shallow soil vapor sampling wells per parcel (similar to the soil boring fee).

5. What well destruction procedures are acceptable methods for Placer County requirements?: Over drilling and pressure grouting are acceptable well destruction methods in accordance with Department of Water Resources (DWR) well standards (Bulletin 74-81 and 74-90). If pressure grouting is performed, over drilling of the top 5 feet is required in most circumstances. Sparge wells constructed using a micro-porous point are not suitable for pressure grouting and are required to be over drilled.

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Environmental Health - Mobile Food Facilities (MFF)

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1. What exactly is a Mobile Food Facility?

A mobile food facility is defined as any vehicle used in conjunction with a commissary or other permanent food facility upon which food is sold or distributed at retail. This includes:

Coffee carts
Full service catering trucks
Hot dog carts
Ice cream trucks
Taco trucks

2. Can I operate my MFF wherever I want?: All MFFs (including carts) shall obtain approval from the local Planning and Zoning departments to operate on either private and public property, and also the property owner for private property.

3. Do I have to put anything besides the name of my business on the side of my MFF?: All MFFs shall have the business name or name of the operator (3 inches high lettering) and the city, state, and zip code (1 inch high lettering) permanently affixed on two sides of the vehicle.

4. What is the California Housing and Community Development, and why do I need their approval?

California Housing and Community Development is a State agency that inspects and certifies vehicles as “special purpose commercial modular.” California Health and Safety Code section 18012.5 defines a special purpose commercial modular as: “…a vehicle with or without motive power, designed and equipped for human occupancy for industrial, professional or commercial purposes…”

This includes any fully enclosed MFF in which the operator occupies the vehicle to cook or prepare food for service. No Environmental Health Permit to operate will be issued to any fully enclosed MFF that does not contain an Insignia from having passed inspection.

5. What does the Housing and Community Development insignia look like?: The following is a sample Housing and Community Development special purpose commercial modular insignia.

6. I bought my Food Truck used and I can’t find an insignia on it. How can I find out if it has passed inspection in the past?: Contact Manufactured Housing at 916-445-3338. For a small fee they will research their records to see if the mobile vehicle has ever been issued the insignia. If it has they will provide you with a duplicate insignia.

7. My vehicle has never been issued the Housing and Community Development insignia, who do I contact to schedule an inspection?

Contact the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Northern California Field Office at 916-255-2501. They will have you submit the following items to schedule your inspection:

A copy of current vehicle registration
Form 415
A required fee

Once your vehicle contains the HCD insignia, you are ready to complete the permitting process with Placer County Environmental Health.

8. What is a commissary and why do I need one?: A commissary is an approved, permitted commercial kitchen which an MFF shall use for storage of food and supplies, cleaning and sanitizing of utensils, sanitary disposal of garbage and liquid waste, filling of the potable water tank, cleaning and maintenance of the MFF, and any food prep that can’t be performed inside the vehicle. An MFF operator is not permitted to do any of these activities at home.

9. What is considered limited food preparation?

See the following, an excerpt from the definition of limited food preparation, per California Retail Food Code section 113818:

Limited food preparation means food preparation that is restricted to one or more of the following:
1. Doing the following to non-prepackaged food:
  1. Baking
  2. Blending
  3. Frying
  4. Popping
  5. Roasting
  6. Shaving of ice
  7. Steaming or boiling of hot dogs
  8. Heating
2. Dispensing and portioning of non-potentially hazardous food
3. Slicing and chopping of food on a heated cooking surface during the cooking process
4. Cooking and seasoning to order
5. Preparing beverages that are for immediate service, in response to an individual consumer order, to do not contain frozen milk products
Limited food preparation does not include any of the following:
1. Slicing and chopping unless it is on the heated cooking surface
2. Thawing
3. Cooling of cooked, potentially hazardous food
4. Grinding raw ingredients or potentially hazardous food
5. Reheating of potentially hazardous foods for hot holding, except for steamed or boiled hot dogs and tamales in the original, inedible wrapper
6. Hot holding of non-prepackaged, potentially hazardous food, except for roasting corn on the cob, steamed or boiled hot dogs, and tamales in the original inedible wrapper
7. Washing of foods
8. Cooking of potentially hazardous foods for later use

10. I want to open a hot dog cart and serve brats and other specialty sausages. Can I do this?

To prepare and serve sausages from a cart (or other unenclosed vehicle) without the requirement of a 3-compartment sink, the sausages are required to meet the definition of a hot dog per CalCode section 113807: “Hot dog means a whole, cured, cooked sausage that is skinless or stuffed in a casing…”

Preparation of any sausage that does not meet the definition of a hot dog is considered full prep and will require a fully enclosed mobile facility.

11. Am I allowed to use my custom built BBQ in conjunction with my MFF?: A MFF may only utilize an open-air BBQ or outdoor wood-burning oven at a permitted Community Event. Please speak with the event coordinator or contact Placer County Environmental Health to determine if it is a permitted Community Event.

12. Am I allowed to set up a pop-up tent or a table to make fresh squeezed lemonade?: A MFF may only set up pop-up tents and tables outside the vehicle at a permitted Community Event. Please speak with the event coordinator or contact Placer County Environmental Health to determine if it is a permitted Community Event.

13. I’ve been asked to come to the local brewery/winery on Friday evenings. Is this considered a Community Event?: Community events must be temporary in nature to meet Placer County Environmental Health’s requirements for permitting. A local brewery/winery that serves beverages to the public on a daily or weekly basis, year-round, cannot be permitted as a Community Event. As a permitted MFF, you may operate at the brewery/winery, however, you may not set up pop-up tents or utilize an open-air BBQ or outdoor wood burning oven, as those are only allowed at Community events.

14. Do I have to fill out the Restroom Verification Form?: The restroom verification form (Section F of the application packet) shall be filled out if your MFF conducts business in a specified location for more than one hour. The owner of the restroom must sign the form stating they are granting permission for your facility to use the restroom, and that they will maintain the cleanliness and the supplies inside the restroom.

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Environmental Health - Septic Systems

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1. Will additives improve the efficiency of my septic tank?

Four common types of additives commonly asked about are:

Substances added to increase microbial action, e.g. yeast
Food products to increase microbial growth and action, e.g. hamburger
Products intended to dissolve solids in the septic tank, e.g. lye
Products intended to remove scum from the tank walls

There is no significant evidence of the effectiveness of these additives. Use of items 3 and 4 may actually damage your system (changing the pH and killing microorganisms, or clogging downstream pipes). The introduction of any additive to the septic tank is discouraged.

2. Should I use special chemicals (e.g. detergents) or paper products that are considered better for the system?: Ordinary household chemicals should not harm the biological balance of the system when used in moderation, though excessive amounts can be harmful. The disposal of paper products in the system should be limited to those that are absolutely necessary and which fall apart easily when wet (e.g toilet paper).

3. What kinds of things should never be put into the system?

Any type of poisonous substance such as:

Grease
Motor oil
Paint thinner
Paint
Pesticides
Solvents
Strong acids or strong bases

Also refrain from adding cigarette butts, and paper products that do not readily degrade such as disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, facial tissues, or paper towels.

4. Will the use of a garbage disposal unit adversely affect the septic system?: Always attempt to minimize the amount of solids introduced into the septic tank. Use your garbage disposal as little as possible.

5. What does the accumulation of lush green vegetation over my leach field indicate?

Lush vegetative growth over the leach field may indicate imminent failure. Damaged leach line pipes or decreased soil porosity can cause effluent to surface. Visual inspection of the area may reveal an accumulation of sewage.

Dye testing of the system can be helpful in determining if any liquid observed originated from the septic tank. Contact a service provider if you're concerned about the health of your septic system.

6. In order to reduce the load on my septic system, can I divert wastewater from my washing machine or other grey water fixtures?: Placer County requires that all wastewater must be discharged into an approved sewage disposal system. Even grey water contains high numbers of bacteria, some of which may cause disease.

7. What can I do about periodic odors from my roof vents?: Hydrogen sulfide (rotten egg odor) is normal by-product of the sewage digestion process which occurs in the septic tank. Noxious odors from the septic tank my become obvious through roof vents on the house, depending on the house location and prevailing wind currents. To help alleviate the nuisance, extend the height of the roof vents.

8. How often should my septic tank be pumped?: Every 3 to 5 years, depending on how many people live in the house. Septic pumpers may be found in the Yellow Pages.

9. How do I inspect my septic system myself? Or how do I know if my septic tank needs to be pumped?

The easiest way to determine the condition of your septic tank is to hire a professional experienced with septic systems. However, should you decide to inspect it yourself, follow these steps:

Remove the manhole cover at the inlet end of the tank.
Inspect the scum layer at the top of the liquid in the tank.
- Be careful not to fall into the tank!
- Do Not light a match near the open tank!
- Do Not breath in significant amounts of noxious gases from the tank!
- Tanks typically have a six foot liquid depth.
Use a shovel to push the scum layer away from the side of the tank to estimate its thickness.
If the scum layer is more than 1 foot thick, have your tank pumped immediately.
Replace the manhole cover and thoroughly wash and sanitize your hands and shovel.

If your leach field has inspection pipes at the end of each leach line, they can be visually inspected for pooling liquid. Accumulation of water in the leach lines is an early indication of problems. Sewage contains disease causing microorganisms! It is important to always exercise caution and good personal hygiene after any contact.

10. I have an alternating drain field system. How often should I alternate my leach lines?: Every 6 to 12 months. This gives the unused leach lines time to "rest," thereby increasing the life of the system. Be sure to rotate the valve back again after the 6 to 12 month resting period.

11. Why does my plumbing seem to become sluggish during winter months or when there is increase household water use?: Both wet weather and increased water usage can increase the amount of water introduced into the leach field soil and cause your septic system to become overloaded. System failure may become evident during periods of over saturation. Clogged or slow moving plumbing is frequently the result of a failing system. Blockages in the distribution system may be removable, but if the failure is due to clogged soil that will no longer accept effluent, then a new leach field is necessary.

12. Why does the septic tank need to be cleaned and pumped?: Regular cleaning of the tank is part of a complete preventative maintenance program necessary to the life of the system. Solids must be removed from the tank before they become deposited in and clog the leach lines. After the leach lines become clogged, cleaning the tank is of little benefit.

13. How can I locate my septic tank?: A simple method is to probe in the soil with a metal rod. Or you can follow the pipelines leading from the house. Once found, dig to uncover the manholes on the top of the tank.

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Garbage & Recycling

Show All Answers

1. Who collects my garbage?

Placer County contracts with two haulers to provide service in the unincorporated areas of the county (please check the Franchise Area Map (PDF) to determine which area you live in):

Recology Auburn Placer for all areas outside city limits west of Colfax
(Franchise Areas 1 and 4)
Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal for areas east of Colfax and in the Tahoe area
(Franchise Areas 2 and 3)

2. Why don't I have a recycle bin?

Recycling can be confusing, so we do it for you!

In Placer County, One Big Bin makes it easy for businesses and residents by using a mixed-waste recycling program.

Sorting Process

The waste collected in your garbage can goes to one of our two regional Materials Recovery Facilities where we:

Process green and wood waste for composting or biomass
Provide for receipt and recycling/proper disposal of Hazardous Wastes
Receive and process source-separated recyclables
Recover recyclables from the mixed waste stream

Learn more about One Big Bin in western Placer County and One Big Bin in the Tahoe area (PDF).

3. Can I get a green waste can?: In order to minimize the number of collection routes and trucks on the road, only certain areas of Placer County have the curbside green waste collection available. Contact your hauler for availability and options (see "Who collects my garbage?").

4. Is One Big Bin good for the environment?

Yes! No extra bags for sorting and no extra trucks on the road for separate collection routes!

By allowing recyclables to be included with garbage, in One Big Bin, Placer County:

Ensures 100% participation
Exceeds state-mandated waste diversion goals
Minimizes greenhouse gas emissions by having one truck route to collect mixed trash and recyclables
Provides uniformity in waste diversion and recycling programs

It's recycling and disposal made easy!

5. What happens to the garbage that isn't recycled?

After the garbage has been sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility, materials that cannot be recycled are taken to a landfill.

In the western portion of the County garbage is disposed of at the Western Regional Sanitary Landfill in Roseville, the only active landfill in Placer County.
In the eastern portion of the County garbage is taken to Lockwood Landfill in the state of Nevada.

6. How much does garbage service cost?: Garbage service rates vary based on where you live. Please check the Franchise Area Map (PDF) to determine which area you live in, then see your Garbage Collection Rates. Residents of cities should contact their local Public Works department.

7. How do I get rid of old medications, sharps and syringes?

These items are considered Household Hazardous Wastes (HHW) and can be taken to the HHW facility at the Western Placer Waste Management Authority in Roseville (every day, free of charge), or to the Eastern Regional Materials Recover Facility in the Tahoe area during one of their free Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days (PDF) (fees apply for businesses, and disposal limits apply to both residents and businesses).

Sharps and syringes can also be taken to Recology Auburn Placer in Auburn.

Download and print this handy tool (PDF) to help remind you of our free drop-off locations for old medications, home-generated sharps and syringes.

8. What is Household Hazardous Waste?

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) (PDF) is waste that is illegal to place in your trash can, such as:

Medication
Paints
Poisons
Sharps and syringes
Solvents and oils
Batteries

9. Where can I dispose of Household Hazardous Waste?

In western Placer County, Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) can be taken to the Western Placer Waste Management Authority in Roseville (every day, free of charge). Visit PlacerRecycles.com for more information on HHW disposal for western Placer County. Depending on where you live, your garbage collection service provider may even provide free curbside pick-up (PDF) service for HHW.

Visit Tahoe's One Big Bin website for more information on HHW disposal options in the Tahoe region.

Transfer Stations Accepting HHW

Some HHW is also accepted at Transfer Stations located throughout western Placer County.

Auburn Transfer Station:

Batteries: household and vehicle
Compressed gas cylinders less than 5 gallons (camp sized)
Electronic waste (computers, televisions, cell phones, stereos)
Fluorescent tubes
Latex paint
Sharps (syringes and lancets)
Used motor oil
Used oil filters

Foresthill Transfer Station & Meadow Vista Transfer Station

Batteries: household and vehicle
Electronic waste (computers, televisions, cell phones, stereos)
Fluorescent tubes
Used oil filters

10. How do I properly transport Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)?

Do not mix materials; sort products by type
Keep products in their original, tightly sealed containers, if possible
Label materials not in their original containers
Pack containers upright in cardboard or plastic containers
Place leaking containers in tightly-sealed, labeled plastic containers
Secure in the trunk of your car or bed of your truck

11. Where can I dispose of old batteries?

There are many choices for household battery collection sites in the western part of the county. Your garbage collection service provider may even provide free curbside pick-up service (PDF) for batteries.

Residents in the Tahoe area may also put household batteries in a sealable plastic bag and place the bag on top of their can on collection day.

12. What is mandatory commercial recycling (AB 341) and what services are available?: Mandatory commercial recycling is a California state law (AB 341) by which Placer County must provide recycling services to some businesses, and multi-family housing of five or more units. Placer County provides these services through private contractors in order to provide the recycling services required by state law. Learn more about AB 341.

13. What is mandatory commercial organics recycling (AB 1826) and what services are available?: Mandatory commercial organics recycling is a California state law (AB 1826) by which Placer County must provide organics recycling services to some businesses, in phases. Placer County offers food waste collection service, or businesses can opt to comply by recycling organic waste on-site, self-hauling green and/or wood waste, or donating to food banks. Learn more about AB 1826.

14. What are the organic waste bin requirements (AB 827) for customers?: Commercial organic waste bins for customer use are required by California state law (AB 827). Businesses that have food consumed on-site are required to place organics bins or containers next to all trash receptacles on the premises (excluding the restroom). The bins or containers must be clearly marked with labeling indicating which materials are appropriate for each container. A full-service restaurant would be exempt from the law if certain criteria are met. Learn more about AB 827.

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Garbage & Recycling - Edible Food Recovery Program

Show All Answers

1. Why is my business receiving this information?

Your business has been identified as meeting the criteria of one of the defined categories of commercial edible food generators in SB 1383:

Tier I commercial edible food generators are businesses such as grocery stores, supermarkets, wholesale vendors, and food service providers. The deadline for Tier I businesses to begin donating food is January 1, 2022.

Tier II commercial edible food generators are businesses such as restaurants, hotels, schools, and large events and venues. The deadline for Tier II businesses to begin donating food is January 1, 2024.

2. What does my business have to do to meet the requirements of SB 1383?

As a commercial edible food generator, you must enter into a contract or other written agreement with a food recovery service or food recovery organization to donate the maximum amount of edible food that would otherwise be discarded. No food may be intentionally spoiled to avoid donation.

Records must be maintained on-site at your business, including:

A list of each food recovery organization or service that collects or receives donations from your business, containing:
1. The name, address and contact information for the organization or service,
2. The types of food donated,
3. Whether the donations are self-hauled or collected by the organization or service,
4. The frequency of donations (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.),
5. Quantities of donated food, measured in pounds per month.

Copies of the contracts or written agreements with each food recovery organization or service.

3. Can I donate food to more than one food recovery organization?: Yes, there is no limit to the number of food recovery organizations or services that you may utilize. You are required to have either a contract or other written agreement with each partnered organization or service.

4. I'm worried about donating food. What if somebody gets sick from eating a donated food item?: There are various legal protections in place for businesses donating foods for charitable purposes. Please visit our website at https://www.placer.ca.gov/3412/Feed-It-Forward and review the legal protections for food facilities (page 6) in our safe surplus food donation toolkit.

5. Are there benefits to my local community and to my business for taking part in this program?

Donating food to charitable organizations helps fight hunger in underserved communities in our County and beyond. Additionally, there are tax benefits available to your business by donating food.

Please visit our website at https://www.placer.ca.gov/3412/Feed-It-Forward and review our safe surplus food donation toolkit for donating food to charitable feeding organizations. The toolkit contains the following helpful information:

Page 2 – Tax deductions your business may qualify for by donating food.
Page 4 – How to start a food donation program at your business.
Pages 7-8 – Grocery Store Food Loss Prevention Tips.
Pages 9-10 – Restaurant Food Loss Prevention Tips.

6. Who can i contact about starting up a food donation program at my business?: Placer County maintains a list of food recovery organizations and services (food banks, food pantries, etc.) and contact information on its website at https://www.placer.ca.gov/7726/Edible-Food-Recovery-Program. View current list of charitable food organizations.

7. What if I'm not able to donate food due to circumstances that are out of my control?: SB 1383 grants a commercial edible food generator the ability to demonstrate the existence of extraordinary circumstances beyond its control which make food donations impracticable. Such circumstances may include Acts of God such as earthquakes, wildfires, flooding and other emergencies or natural disasters, or failure by the local solid waste collection jurisdiction to provide adequate avenues for food to be donated. The burden of proof falls on you, the business owner, to demonstrate the existence of such circumstances.

8. What are Tier I and Tier II businesses?

Tier I commercial edible food generators are:

Supermarkets
Grocery stores with a total facility size equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet
Food service providers
Food distributors
Wholesale food vendors

Tier II commercial edible food generators are:

Restaurants with 250 or more seats, or a total facility size equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet
Hotels with an on-site food facility and 200 or more rooms
Health facilities with an on-site food facility and 100 or more beds
Large venues
Large events
State agencies with a cafeteria with 250 or more seats or a total cafeteria facility equal to or greater than 5,000 square feet
Local education agencies with an on-site food facility

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Garbage & Recycling - Mandatory Commercial Organics Recycling

Show All Answers

1. Who is required to comply with the AB 1826 law?: Assembly Bill 1826 requires businesses, including public entities and multifamily complexes of five units or more, to recycle their organic waste. The law will be phased in over time.

2. What is considered "organic waste" per AB 1826?

Food waste (kitchen prep scrap, spoiled, damaged, uneaten, etc.)
Multifamily complexes are not required to recycle food waste.
Green waste (landscaping and pruning waste)
Non-hazardous wood waste

3. How can business comply with the AB 1826 law?

Placer County already recycles green waste and wood waste delivered to their Materials Recovery Facilities. If businesses have a garbage collection account with one of Placer County's contracted waste haulers (Recology Auburn Placer in the west, and Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal in the East) they are already complying with the law for these items, as green waste and wood waste are among the recyclable materials that are recovered from the waste stream with the One Big Bin recycling program.

The requirement to recycle organics can be met by taking one, or any combination of the following, actions provided it’s in compliance with local ordinances and requirements:

Contact your hauler to subscribe to their food waste collection service.
- Recology Auburn Placer
- Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal
Recycle organic waste on-site
- Contact Placer County's Planning Services Division for land use permit requirements.
Self-haul green and/or wood waste to Eastern or Western Materials Recovery Facilities and require landscape contractors to do the same as part of your agreement (food waste self-haul currently not available).
- Western MRF
- Eastern MRF
Donate surplus to food banks with programs like Feed it Forward through Environmental Health.

4. When do businesses need to comply with the AB 1826 law?

Compliance deadlines are dependent on the amount of waste generated per week:

April 1, 2016: 8 or more cubic yards of organic waste
January 1, 2017: 4 or more cubic yards of organic waste
January 1, 2019: 4 or more cubic yards of solid waste
December 31, 2020: 2 or more cubic yards of solid waste

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Garbage & Recycling - Mandatory Commercial Recycling Regulation

Show All Answers

1. Who is affected by AB 341?

Assembly Bill (AB) 341 requires all businesses, public and private, generating four or more cubic yards of waste weekly to recycle.

These businesses include, but are not limited to:

Corporations
Government Entities
Hotels
Multi-family housing with five or more units
Restaurants
Retail Establishments
Schools

2. How can businesses comply with the AB 341 law?: The good news is that businesses subscribing to garbage collection services in Placer County are already in compliance with the law. That’s because with the OneBigBin program, garbage is taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where most recyclables are separated from the garbage for you! Learn more at OneBigBin.

3. Are additional recycling opportunities available?

Businesses can separate recyclables and take them to one of the following:

Western Placer County

Eastern Placer County

Or subscribe, free of charge, to separate recycling services:

Bottles and cans (eastern Placer County restaurants only)
Cardboard
Office Paper

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Garbage & Recycling - SB 1383

Show All Answers

1. What is SB 1383?: SB 1383, in effect since January 1, 2022, is a State regulation put in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing the amount of organic waste that goes to landfills. Statewide targets have been set to reduce organic waste disposal by 75%, and to rescue 20% of edible food that is currently thrown away by businesses by 2025. The regulations and more information can be found on CalRecycle’s website.

2. What are organic wastes, and why is it important to keep them out of the landfill?: Organic wastes are materials such as food waste, yard clippings, paper, and cardboard. Organic wastes produce methane when they decompose in a landfill. Learn more about organic decomposition in landfills on the EPA’s website.

3. Why is California implementing this law?: According to CalRecycle, together, Californians send roughly 39 million tons of waste to landfills every year, a significant portion of that waste is organic material, such as yard trimmings, wood, cardboard, and food waste. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill it generates methane, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide. To reduce these harmful emissions, California created the SB 1383 regulations to meet a statewide goal to reduce organic waste going to landfills by 75%.

4. What goes in my green waste bin?

If you have a green waste bin, continue to place yard and non-treated wood waste into your green waste bin. In unincorporated Placer County, your food waste should be included in your trash bin; only yard and non-treated wood waste should go in your green waste bin.

In areas without green waste bins, such as rural areas, green waste dumpster rental or drop off options are available through your hauler. The Placer County Chipper Program is another resource to reduce your greenwaste through onsite vegetation chipping.

5. Can I still take my trash and organic waste to the dump?

Yes, residents and businesses can still self-haul their trash and organic waste to both the western and eastern MRFs, and transfer stations.

Even though we sort your waste at the MRFs, you can also separate your recyclables and take them to a MRF, transfer station, community recycling bin or buy-back centers.

6. How is my organic waste recycled?

At the Eastern Regional and Western Placer Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), we already treat organic waste and recyclable materials as the valuable resources they are. Carboard and other recyclables are separated from waste, baled, and marketed to recyclers for a new life. Green waste and food collected from businesses are made into compost, a beneficial soil amendment, or taken to biomass plants where they are turned into energy. Recycling these organic wastes into new products reduces landfill generation of methane, a greenhouse gas that is much more potent than carbon dioxide.

Take a virtual tour of a MRF and see how compost is made, or watch this video to see for yourself how Placer recycles for you!

7. How can I reduce my food waste?

According to the National Resources Defense Council, a four-person family can spend up to $1,500 per year on food that is ultimately thrown away. The good news is that there are many ways we can reduce food waste! This can be as simple as planning a menu for more purposeful shopping, or by using proper food storage techniques to ensure the food we buy lasts until we are ready to use it. Find helpful food waste prevention tips here.

Taking leftovers for lunch is an easy way to reduce food waste, but what do you do when your plans change unexpectedly, leaving unprepared food in the fridge and your meal planning out the window? Find ideas and recipes to use the food you already have.

8. How do I recycle my organics?

In Placer County, we remain committed to making recycling and disposal easy for our residents and businesses. In addition to curbside collection, where your waste is sorted for recycling, you may drop-off your yard and wood waste at a transfer station or MRF. Consider other options such as composting at home or in community gardens, using food scraps as animal feed, and grass-cycling your lawn clippings.

Composting your yard trimmings, food scraps and even scrap paper will result in a rich and nutritious material that can be added to your soil. Compost provides nutrients to plants, reducing the need to purchase expensive chemical fertilizers, and helps soil retain moisture - saving water!

For home composting basics, see tips from the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County.

9. How and why should I compost?

Find composting basics from the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County here.

In addition to the benefit of reducing potent greenhouse gases at the landfill, there are many benefits to composting at home. Composting yard trimmings, food scraps and even scrap paper will result in a rich and nutritious material that can be added to soil. Adding compost to soil provides nutrients to plants, reducing the need to purchase expensive chemical fertilizers, and helps soil retain moisture - saving water.

10. Can residents or businesses be fined for not following the requirements?

Recycling is made easy for residents and businesses in Placer County because of the two materials recovery facilities that sort and recycle material for you. Residents are already participating in organic waste recycling by having trash collection or dropping off their garbage at the MRFs or transfer stations in Placer County. Residents can continue to use these services, or they can recycle by other methods (see FAQ above – How do I recycle my organic waste?) and will not receive any fines.

Placer County will continue to educate businesses on additional requirements that have to be met by the State regulations. Since January 1, 2022, the County and waste haulers have been required to conduct inspections and reviews for compliance; we will continue to work with businesses to inform them of the requirements. Starting in 2024, the State regulation will require the County to issue fines for repeated violations that have not been resolved after that business has been notified.

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Government

Show All Answers

1. What do I do about abandoned vehicles?: View a description of the county's abandoned vehicle removal process.

2. What is the Adult Literacy Program?: The Placer Adult Literacy Service (PALS) is operated by the Placer County Library.

3. How can I find more information about agricultural matter?: For more information, visit the Agricultural Commissioner's page.

4. Where do I find information about air pollution matter?: Visit the Air Pollution Control District's page for more information.

5. How do I arrange animal removal?: To arrange the removal of a dead animal or nuisance wild animal, contact the Animal Services office.

6. Can you provide information about the Assigned Counsel Program?: Placer County has an Assigned Counsel Program to provide public defense resources for indigent defendants in cases where the county's contract Public Defender and first level conflict firms are unable to provide such services.

7. How do I get a birth/death certificate?: Visit the Vital Statistics page for a birth certificate issued this year or last year and visit the Vital Records page for a certificate issued before last year.

8. Do I need a building plan third-party review?: The Building Department provides a third-party plan review option, for applicants who wish to expedite the building plan check process.

9. How do I rent County buildings?: The six Veterans Memorial Halls and other community halls maintained and supervised by Placer County are available for rent. View further information on Memorial Hall or community hall rental.

10. Where can I find information about residential burning?: View further information on residential burning in Placer County.

11. What is the bus schedule?: Visit the Public Works Placer County Transit schedule page, call 530-885-2877 or 530-550-1212 in Tahoe, or your city bus company.

12. How can I get a business fictitious name statement?: Contact the:
Recorder (County Clerk)
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-886-5600

13. How do I view a calendar of events?: The calendar of events in Placer County is maintained by the Placer County Visitors' Center.

14. Who is in the U.S. House of Representatives?

The following members are in the U.S. House of Representatives:

15. Who are the U.S. Senate members for California?: Senator Diane Feinstein and Senator Kamala D. Harris are members of the U.S. Senate.

16. Who are the California Assembly Members?

Placer County is represented by:

17. How can I find information about the California State Senator?: Placer County is represented by Ted Gaines, 1st Senate District and Jim Nielsen, 4th Senate District.

18. How do I find information about Child Protective Services?: Children's Protective Services are part of the County's Child and Adult Crisis and Emergency Services (ACCESS) Division.

19. What are the cities and towns in Placer County?: View a page with information on incorporated cities and towns, and other communities in Placer County.

20. How do I report code compliance issues?: Code compliance matters are handled by the Building Division.

21. When was the County's 150th Anniversary?: Placer County was established in April 1851 and celebrated its 150th anniversary from April 2001 to April 2002.

22. Where can I find county acronyms?: View a list of acronyms commonly used by county officials and staff.

23. What is the County Archives and Research Center?: The Museums Department maintains the Placer County Archives and Research Center.

24. Where can I view the County budget?: View county budget information.

25. How do I view the County Code?: The Placer County code is now available online.

26. How do I apply for County employment?: Apply for a job online.

27. What are the County holidays?: These are the official county holidays.

28. Where can I read County news releases?: Recent county news releases are available on the website.

29. How do I submit County vendor registration?: Register your company to provide goods or services to the County. For assistance with this process, contact the Procurement Services Division at 530-886-2122.

30. What is dispute resolution?: Placer County has a dispute resolution service, Placer Dispute Resolution Service. The service is free to county residents and can help resolve disputes in many areas, including neighborhood disagreements, tenant/landlord disputes, and business problems.

31. How do I access divorce decrees?: You can access this information from the Superior Court of California, which is a separate state entity.

32. How can I prepare/plan for emergencies?: View information on basic emergency preparation and family emergency planning you can do to protect yourself and your family.

33. Is there a film office in Placer County?: The Placer County Lake Tahoe Film Office can help with information on locations and resources for film and TV producers.

34. Where are the fire agencies?: Find fire agencies located in Placer County.

35. How can I find information about the Flood Control District?: View further information on the Placer County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

36. Where are the garbage disposal sites?: Find the garbage disposal sites in Placer County.

37. Where is Gold Country Fairgrounds?

View a map showing the location of the Gold Country Fairgrounds at:
1273 High Street
Auburn, CA 95603

The fairgrounds are not operated by Placer County.

38. How do I access grand jury reports?: You can access this information from the Superior Court of California, which is a separate state entity.

39. I want to find information about health issues, where do I look?: Visit the Health and Human Services page for health information.

40. Who do I contact about housing issues?: Contact the Housing Authority, in Human Services, at 530-889-7676. Further information on the county's Housing Choice Voucher Program, formerly known as Section 8, is available.

41. Where can I find information for seniors?

Seniors First, a non-profit agency in Auburn, provides information for Placer County senior residents on a variety of matters. Their phone numbers are 530-889-9500 or 800-878-9222. Their office is located at:
11566 D Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603

Seniors First is not part of county government.

42. Is in-home help for seniors available?: Placer County has a free program for seniors living at home in the county where a trained volunteer counselor, another senior, will visit a senior at home once a week to talk, counsel and provide companionship. It's called Senior Peer Counseling.

43. What is in-home supportive services?: In-home care to qualified needy, aged, blind or disabled individuals who prefer to stay in their own homes.

44. How do I find information on jury duty?: Information on jury duty is available from the Placer County Superior Courts, a separate state agency.

45. What is done about mosquito problems?: The county has a Mosquito and Vector Control District in Roseville.

46. How do I get my name changed?: Information on Name Change is available from the Placer County Superior Courts, a separate agency.

47. What is the noise ordinance?: View the Placer County Code for information on noise ordinances.

48. Where do I dispose of old tires?: Recycle old tires at:
Western Placer Waste Management Authority's Material Recovery Facility
3033 Fiddyment Road
Roseville, CA 95747

49. How do I get a passport?: To obtain a passport visit the:
Recorder (County Clerk)
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603

50. Where are the Placer County Fairgrounds?

The Placer County Fairgrounds are located at:
800 All American Boulevard
Roseville, CA 95678

The fairgrounds are not operated by Placer County.

51. What is the Placer County government mission?: To provide responsive, efficient and effective public services that promote the health, safety, well-being and prosperity of our citizens while protecting our environmental resources and preserving the rich heritage of our region.

52. What is the Placer County Government vision?: To be a county government known for providing exceptional local and regional leadership, that works in partnership with the community to develop creative solutions to the diverse issues facing our region, and bestows to current and future generations even better communities in which to live, raise families, work, vacation, and conduct business.

53. Where is the Placer County Public Information Office located?: The Public Information Office is located at:
175 Fulweiler Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
Fax: 530-889-4009

54. What are the Placer County Superior Courts?: Superior Court of California, County of Placer is a separate state entity.

55. How do I learn about probation?: Visit the Probation Department page for more information.

56. How do I register to vote?: For voter registration information, contact the:
Registrar of Voters (County Clerk)
DeWitt Center
2956 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603

57. How do I report a crime online?: You can report a crime on the Sheriff's Office page.

58. How do I report child/adult abuse?

Report possible child, adult or elder abuse:

59. What do I need to do to file a restraining order?: Restraining orders are obtained through the court. A restraining order can be on file with the Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff’s Office can respond when one is violated, but a petitioner needs to first go to the court, which is a separate state entity.

60. Where can I find more information on revenue sharing?: View more information on the Board of Supervisors' revenue sharing funds.

61. How do i sell goods or services to the County?: Register your company to provide goods or services to the County. For assistance with this process, contact the Procurement Services Division at 530-886-2122.

62. Where can I find information about Sudden Oak Death disease?: Find information on Sudden Oak Death disease, from the Farm and Home Department.

63. How do i get a temporary restraining order?: Contact the Placer County Superior Courts, a separate state agency, regarding temporary restraining orders.

64. How do I find more information on traffic tickets?: Traffic tickets are handled by the Placer County Superior Courts, a separate state agency.

65. Web en español?: Un servicio de traducción del Web page está disponible de esta paginación.

66. Are web pages available in Spanish?: A web page translation service is available.

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Government - Boards & Commissions

Show All Answers

1. How do I access the Planning Commission agenda?: View the Planning Commission's latest agenda or summary action.

2. Is there a calendar for the Board of Supervisors?: A calendar showing Board meetings and other events is available.

3. Is there meeting audio available for the Board of Supervisors?: The audio for Board of Supervisors' meetings held in the Board Chambers is available live during board meetings by calling 530-886-5225.

4. What are the County committees and commissions?: Access a directory listing active county committees and commissions.

5. What is the Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee?: In response to a recent state law, the Board of Supervisors has established Indian Gaming Local Community Benefit Committee to review proposals and suggest grants for local governmental agencies in the county affected by tribal gaming.

6. Where can I access the Board of Supervisors agenda?: Go to the Board's page for the latest agenda or call the Clerk of the Board at 530-889-4020.

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Government - Permits & Licenses

Show All Answers

1. How do I get a building permit?: Visit the Building Permits page.

2. How do I get a business license?: Visit the Treasurer-Tax Collector business license page, or call 530-889-4120, or your city offices. A county business license application form (PDF) is available.

3. How do I get a dog license?: The Animal Services Division issues annual dog licenses.

4. How do I get a marriage license?: Obtain a marriage license from the Recorder (County Clerk):
2954 Richardson Drive
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-886-5600

5. Where do I find information on permits?: View information on permits commonly issued by Placer County.

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Government - Taxes

Show All Answers

1. How do I file a property tax assessment appeal?: Information on filing an assessment appeal for your property tax is available from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

2. Who do I contact with tax questions?

If you have tax questions please contact:

Assessor (regarding valuation)
Phone: 530-889-4300
Treasurer-Tax Collector (regarding a bill)
Phone: 530-889-4120

3. How do I file an assessment appeal?: Further information on filing an assessment appeal for your property tax is available from the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors.

4. Where can I find the Transient Occupancy Tax Form?: The Transient Occupancy Tax Form and instructions are available on the Revenue Services page.

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Health & Human Services - Adult Protective Services (APS)

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1. Who will APS evaluate?: Adults aged 60 years and older or adults aged 18 to 59 years who have a combination of a disability and the inability to protect their own interest or who have an inability to carry out normal activities to protect their rights, including but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age.

2. If the APS social worker confirms that a person is not safe in their home, can they remove him or her and place the person in a safer environment?: APS can only remove a person from an unsafe home on a voluntary basis. If the person is mentally competent, APS has no jurisdiction. If the client is thought to be mentally incompetent, APS will take legal steps to determine if a conservatorship or surrogate decision-maker is necessary.

3. Does an APS worker locate housing for the homeless or individuals being evicted from their homes?: Yes. The APS Home Safe Program was established by Assembly Bill 1811 to support the safety and housing stability of individuals involved in Adult Protective Services by providing housing-related assistance using evidence-based practices for homeless assistance and prevention. The Home Safe Program offers a range of strategies to prevent homelessness and support ongoing housing stability for APS clients. Strategies include housing-related intensive case management, short-term housing related financial assistance, deep cleaning to maintain safe housing, eviction prevention, landlord mediation and more. The Home Safe program will operate through June 2024.

4. If I report my suspicions about an abuse, but do not have proof, what will happen to me? Can I remain anonymous?: It is not necessary to have proof of one’s suspicions to make a report of a suspected abuse as long as the report is made in “good faith”. There are penalties for making a false or malicious report of abuse.

5. If a client is too frail to handled their finances or resist undue influence and APS cannot get voluntary cooperation, does APS refer such cases for a conservatorship?: No, there are many factors to determine if a Conservatorship should be pursued. Other methods are tried first which may alleviate the problem. If warranted, a referral may be made to the Placer County Public Guardian by the APS social worker.

6. Does APS find caregivers to go into the home of a frail client?: Yes, In Home Supportive Services (a state run program administered by the county for low income individuals) is one of the resources. Referrals to care giving agencies and nursing registries can be provided to the client.

7. What is an immediate response report?: If there is a report of an immediate life threat, imminent danger, or a crisis in an existing case, APS will attempt to immediately make in-person contact with the elder or dependent adult for purposes of intake or intervention.

8. How quickly can we expect a social worker to respond to a report that does not require immediate response?: APS will respond no more than 10 calendar days from the initial report.

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Health & Human Services - CalFresh

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1. Who can receive CalFresh benefits?: Please see the Am I Eligible section on the CalFresh page.

2. How do I apply for CalFresh?: Please see the Where Can I Apply section on the CalFresh page.

3. What can CalFresh benefits be used to purchase?: CalFresh is provided to individuals and families to afford nutritious food. For more information on what can and cannot be purchased with CalFresh benefits please the USDA page on eligible food items.

4. How much CalFresh will I get?

The amount of benefits you can receive is dependent on your family size, countable income, and monthly expenses such as housing, utilities, and so forth. Review the following allotment chart to see where you fall. These amounts are effective January 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021

Household Members	Max Benefit Amount
1	$234
2	$430
3	$616
4	$782
5	$929
6	$1,114
7	$1,232
8	$1,408
Each Additional Person	add $176

5. If I am receiving SSI/SSP, can I also receive CalFresh benefits?: Yes, if you are receiving SSI/SSP, you may still be eligible to CalFresh benefits.

6. I attend school. Am I still eligible for CalFresh benefits?

As a student attending school half time or more, in order to be eligible to CalFresh you must also work at least 20 hours a week, be approved for a state or federally funded work study program or have parental responsibility of a child under age six.

Eligibility to the CalFresh program has temporarily been expanded to include students attending school half-time or more that:

Are eligible to participate in state or federally financed work study during the regular school year, or
Are determined by California Student Aid Commission CSAC to have a zero dollar expected family contribution (EFC) for the current school year.

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Health & Human Services - California Children's Services (CCS)

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1. How can I find out if my child has a CCS medically eligible condition?: Anyone may refer a child to CCS to determine if the child has an approved CCS medically eligible condition. Most children are referred by the family physician, specialist or hospital. The physician or hospital can supply important medical information necessary in making the CCS medical eligibility determination and may also participate in the child’s CCS treatment program.

2. Where do I apply for the CCS program?: You should apply for the CCS program at your local CCS office in the county where you reside. This office should be contacted for assistance as requests for CCS coverage must be made on or before the day services are rendered, except for emergencies. This office can tell you if your child may be eligible for the CCS program. CCS eligibility must be determined before services can be covered by CCS.

3. How will I know if my child is eligible for CCS program benefits?: The county CCS office or the appropriate State Regional Office will consider your child’s medical condition as well as the family’s residential and financial status to determine CCS eligibility. This is accomplished by completing the necessary application forms and providing the required documentation. Based on this information and completed paperwork the CCS program will approve or deny your application. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decisions.

4. What if my child is Medi-Cal eligible?: Children who are Medi-Cal eligible and have approved CCS medical conditions are usually eligible for CCS case management and other services not covered by Medi-Cal. This is also true for children who are enrolled in Medi-Cal managed care plans. This arrangement assures that all children with complex, disabling medical conditions will receive appropriate specialized care.

5. What if I have private health insurance coverage for my child?: Your child can be eligible for the CCS program even though you have private health insurance coverage. If your child is a CCS applicant/client and has individual or group private health insurance coverage, you must report it to the office and the child’s health care provider. Private health insurance entitlement is used to help reduce CCS program costs.

6. Will there be any cost to the family of a CCS client?

Some families may be required to pay an annual assessment and/or annual enrollment fee. These fees are used to help cover the following:

Coordinating care with other agencies
Cost of treatment
Mailing authorizations to these caregivers
Physicians and other caregivers
Process applications
Telephoning hospitals

All of these services are provided by the CCS program to ensure that clients receive the best care possible from physicians and specialists who provide medical care to children. The annual assessment fee is $20 and the annual enrollment fee is calculated based on family income and household size.

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Health & Human Services - CalWorks

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1. How do I apply for CalWorks?

The application for CalWorks includes completion of eligibility questions that will include forms and an interview with a specialist. Aid cannot begin until all conditions of eligibility have been verified. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

Cooperating with the Local Child Support Office for establishing paternity and securing child support from the absent parent.
Applying for potentially available income such as Unemployment Benefits.
Verifying citizenship, or showing proof of legal immigration status.
Applying for a Social Security number.
Verifying income and property.

2. Do I have to have children to be eligible for CalWorks?: Yes. You must have a child under the age of 18 or a child age 18 who is expected to graduate high school prior to their 19th birthday residing with you. In addition you may be eligible if you are in your second trimester of your pregnancy.

3. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible?: No, CalWorks recipients must be either a U.S. citizen or have legal resident status. Undocumented residents are not eligible to CalWorks.

4. What is the maximum aid I can receive?

The Maximum Aid Payment (MAP) level is established by the California State Legislature based on family size. MAP levels vary based on whether or not the adults in the household are able to work. The MAP level for households with adult caretakers who are able to work is lower than the MAP level for households with adult caretakers who are not able to work. This is called the Non Exempt MAP Level.

When the adults in the household are not able to work because of a temporary or permanent incapacity, the family receives a higher MAP. Child only cases, i.e., cases where no adults are receiving aid, also receive the higher MAP level. This is called the Exempt MAP Level. The following chart reflects the current October 1, 2021 Non Exempt MAP and Exempt MAP levels:

AU Size	Non-Exempt AU	Exempt AU
1	548	607
2	696	778
3	878	984
4	1,060	1,181
5	1,243	1,386
6	1,425	1,590
7	1,607	1,792
8	1,789	1,999
9	1,971	2,200
10	2,152	2,407

5. When do I report changes?

CalWorks families must report changes in their income, household composition and property to their specialist every six months on their Semi-Annual Report (SAR7) or annually for their Annual Report (RRR). Some other things must be reported within 10 days of occurrence:

A member of the household becomes a fleeing felon
Violates a condition of parole/probation or the combined earned and unearned income of the household exceeds the Income Reporting Threshold (IRT) for their household size

6. How will working affect my cash aid?

When a cash aid recipient is employed or receives disability based income, CalWorks regulations allow the following deductions from the gross income:

50% of the remaining earnings after the above disregard is also deducted
For disability based income up to $225 can be disregarded

Any income remaining after the deductions are subtracted from the gross earned income is then subtracted from the Maximum Aid Payment amount to determine the amount of the CalWorks grant.

7. What if I'm homeless?

Families who are eligible for CalWorks and who are homeless can apply for a special need payment to meet their costs for temporary and permanent housing. The maximum Homeless assistance payment is based on the size of the CalWorks family. Homeless Assistance is available once every 12 months unless the family is homeless due to domestic violence, natural disaster, inhabitability, or a physical or mental disability and the family qualifies for an exemption.

CalWorks families may be eligible to apply for Homeless Assistance benefits to assist with the payment of rent arrearages. Payment of arrearages is considered to be the family’s once every 12 month Homeless Assistance payment.

8. How long can I be on CalWorks?: From January 1, 1998 through June 30, 2011, the time limit was sixty months. On July 1, 2011, the CalWorks time limit changed to 48 months for adults. Some months can be exempt from the time clock calculation.

9. If I am approved for benefits, how do I access them?: Your benefits will be placed on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card in the beginning of the month. You may request that the cash aid be automatically deposited into your personal bank account. Applications with instructions for this program are available at each office.

10. What happens if my electronic benefit transfer card is not working?: Electronic benefit transfer cards do not work for various reasons, such as the card may not be active, or there are no remaining benefits. If your card is not working, please call the Human Services Call Center at 888-385-5160 or call California Department of Social Services at 877-328-9677 or TTY at 800-735-2929.

11. What if I have lost my electronic benefit transfer card?: Call 877-328-9677 to report your card lost or stolen immediately. At this time you may also request a new card be mailed to you. If you need a new card right away contact Placer County at 888-385-5160.

12. If I am a pregnant or parenting teen, can I receive CalWorks?

Pregnant or parenting teens who have not graduated from high school are required to participate in the Cal-Learn program. Components of the Cal-Learn program include:

Teens must attend school and submit their report card to their Cal-Learn case manager
Teens are paid a bonus for satisfactory school progress or high school graduations
Teens who do not attend school or fail to maintain adequate school progress receive a financial sanction

13. If I receive supplemental security income/state supplemental payments, am I eligible for benefits?: No. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP), you are already receive a cash form of public assistance and are not eligible for CalWorks. You may apply for other household members who do not receive SSI/SSP.

14. What if I have a cash emergency?

If you have a cash emergency, you may apply for an Immediate Need payment when you apply for CalWorks. Tell your case manager you have the emergency. Immediate Need payments may be available to families in emergency situations while the CalWorks application is being processed. The maximum immediate need payment is $200.

If you are apparently eligible to the CalWorks program you may be eligible for an Immediate Need Payment, within 24 hours, based on an emergency situation that may include, but is not limited to the following:

Clothing needs
Lack of food
Lack of housing
Pending eviction
Transportation
Utility shutoff notice
Other immediate health and safety issues

15. What is welfare to work?: The Welfare-To-Work Program, also known as Employment Services, helps family members acquire the skills needed to get a job. The County will determine if an individual must participate in Welfare-To-Work activities as a requirement for CalWorks. Family members may also voluntarily participate.

16. How do I find out information about my benefits?: Call 888-385-5160 to access your benefit information automatically or to speak to a Program Specialist.

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Health & Human Services - Certified Farmer's Markets (CFM)

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1. Does a Certified Farmers' Market need a health permit?: Yes. CFMs are defined in The California Code as a food facility and therefore are required to have a valid health permit, including those CFMs where only certified agricultural products are sold.

2. Do I need a separate Event Coordinator permit to have temporary food facilities adjacent to my CFM?: Yes. Cal Code requires temporary food facilities to be organized and controlled by an event coordinator and also requires a separate health permit for the event coordinator.

3. What products can be sold at a CFM?

Only agricultural products (certified and non-certifiable) may be sold within a CFM. Please visit the California Conference of Directors Environmental Health Guidelines website or the Placer County Agricultural Commissioner for the definitions of certified vs. non-certified. Examples of certified include:

Flowers
Fresh fruits
Honey
Nursery stock
Nuts
Shell eggs
Vegetables

Examples of non-certified include processed products from certified agricultural products such as fruit and vegetable juices, shelled nuts, jams and jellies, and wine. Other examples include catfish, trout, and oysters from controlled aquaculture operations, livestock and livestock products, and poultry and poultry products.

4. What steps must I take to put on a CFM?

Please follow these two steps to put on a CFM:

Contact the Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer of Weights and Measures. Comply with all of their requirements and regulations.
Contact this office and speak to your District Specialist. The Environmental Health Department is the local health agency that will perform routine inspection on your market. Fill out and submit back our CFM Application (PDF) along with appropriate fees (PDF). Each market location will be charged a one time fee for the entire season. The CFM application will ask for market dates, times, all participating farmers (both certified and non-certified), and market coordinator name and contact information.

If a temporary food facility event is to operate adjacent to the CFM, the event must apply for it’s own, separate permit to operate. Fees for temporary events are based on the number of food vendors participating in the event.

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Health & Human Services - Child & Youth

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1. Get help for the victim of a violent crime?: Contact Victim/Witness of Crimes in Placer County by calling 916-543-8000 for information and referrals.

2. Can I report suspected child abuse and remain anonymous?: Yes, one may remain anonymous. Please call 866-293-1940. For reporting suspected adult abuse, please call 530-886-2900.

3. I am concerned about the welfare and health of a child, who do I call?: Please contact Placer County Family and Children’s Services toll free by calling 866-293-1940 or 916-872-6549.

4. Can my family and I qualify for County services if we have private insurance?: One must first exhaust all benefits from private insurance before contacting the county for additional services. Priority for county services are given to those who have Medi-Cal coverage and who meet Severely Emotionally Disturbed criteria, and those with no other form of insurance. County services are designed as “safety net” services for those who do not have access to other resources.

5. My teenager is having behavioral problems in school and at home, who do I call?: Please call Family and Children’s Services toll free at 866-293-1940 or 916-872-6549 to determine if a youth qualifies for county services, or to receive referrals to community resources. One may also contact the school to request assistance for the problems that occur in school if they are interfering with a teenager’s ability to learn.

6. I recently gave birth, but now am feeling depressed, lonely and confused, who do I call?: Contact the Postpartum Support International Depression Helpline at 800-944-4773. You can also call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-784-2433 or 800-273-8255. As well as many other resources which can be found on the internet or at a local hospital.

7. How can I become a foster care or adoptive parent?: Placer County operates a collaborative with Sierra Forever Families, to recruit, train, and support foster and adoptive families, as well as match children needing a temporary or permanent home with available families. For more information, please call Donna Aleccia at 530-887-9982.

8. Are the trainings posted to your website open to the public?: Some are open to community partners depending on the topic. Please use the contact information to question a specific training either via the telephone or via email.

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Health & Human Services - COVID-19

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1. What is COVID-19?: Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a virus strain spreading from person-to-person. It is currently in the United States and many other countries, after originating in China. Health experts are concerned because this virus has the potential to cause severe illness and pneumonia in some people — especially people over age 60 or those who have weakened immune systems.

2. How does COVID-19 spread?

COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. These droplets and particles can be breathed in by other people or land on their eyes, noses, or mouth. In some circumstances, they may contaminate surfaces they touch. People who are closer than 6 feet from the infected person are most likely to get infected.

COVID-19 is spread in three main ways:

Breathing in air when close to an infected person who is exhaling small droplets and particles that contain the virus.
Having these small droplets and particles that contain virus land on the eyes, nose, or mouth, especially through splashes and sprays like a cough or sneeze.
Touching eyes, nose, or mouth with hands that have the virus on them.

Health experts are still learning more about the spread and severity of illness COVID-19 causes.

3. How severe is COVID-19?: Most coronavirus illnesses are mild with fever and cough. The vast majority of people with novel coronavirus infection do not require hospital care. A much smaller percentage of people get severely ill with lung and breathing problems like pneumonia. Elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions are at highest risk.

4. What are the symptoms?

People who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.

People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or body aches
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat
Congestion or runny nose
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea

5. When do I seek medical evaluation and advice?

Everyone should stay home if they are sick. Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should access testing, even if symptoms are mild. Testing capacity in Placer County has grown to support testing for mildly symptomatic individuals. However, at this time, there is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care

Individuals who develop difficulty breathing, feel extremely tired, or were feeling better but then feel a lot worse should call their health care provider. If they will be going to the provider’s office or urgent care center, they should call ahead so that the health care provider can be prepared to care for them.

If someone in your household has tested positive for COVID-19, the entire household should quarantine.

6. How can I protect myself from COVID-19?

It’s important that everyone take steps to reduce the spread of novel coronavirus, especially to protect those who are more vulnerable. Steps you can take to prevent spread of flu and the common cold will also help prevent spread of coronavirus.

Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home.
Vulnerable (high risk) individuals are encouraged to stay at home.
Wear a face covering when in public, if maintaining six feet of physical distance from others is not possible. Read some Face Covering FAQs here.
When in public, maximize physical distance from others (at least six feet).
Maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands, using hand sanitizer, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Gathering with others who are not part of your household is not allowed.

If you are traveling overseas, check for the latest COVID-19 Travel Alerts and follow the CDC’s Travelers’ Health guidance.

Currently, there are no vaccines available to prevent COVID-19 infections.

7. How is COVID-19 treated?: There are no medications specifically approved for COVID-19. Most people with mild COVID-19 illness will recover on their own by drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and taking pain and fever medications. However, some cases develop pneumonia and require medical care or hospitalization.

8. I may have been exposed to coronavirus. What do I do?

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, follow this guidance.

If you are unvaccinated; OR vaccinated and booster-eligible but have not yet received your booster dose:

Stay home (PDF) for at least 5 days, after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
Test on day 5.
Quarantine can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present and a diagnostic specimen collected on day 5 or later tests negative.
If unable to test or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present, quarantine can end after day 10.
Per CDPH masking guidance, it is strongly recommended that persons wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings (see Section below on masking for additional information).
Strongly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.
If testing positive, follow isolation recommendations above.
If symptoms develop, test and stay home.

If you are boosted; OR vaccinated, but not yet booster-eligible or persons previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the last 90 days:

Test on day 5.
Per CDPH masking guidance, it is strongly recommended that persons wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days, especially in indoor settings (see Section below on masking for additional information)
If testing positive, follow isolation recommendations above.
If symptoms develop, test and stay home.

Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should access testing through medical providers or other community test sites, even if symptoms are mild. Testing capacity in Placer County has grown to support testing for mildly symptomatic individuals. However, at this time, there is no treatment specifically approved for people who have COVID-19. Most people have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care

9. Should I wear a face mask in public?

Effective March 1, 2022 , the requirement that unvaccinated individuals mask in indoor public settings moved to a strong recommendation that all persons, regardless of vaccine status, continue indoor masking. Universal masking shall remain required in specified high-risk settings.

After March 11, 2022, the universal masking requirement for K-12 and Childcare settings will move to a strong recommendation that individuals in these settings continue to mask in indoor settings.

Learn more about the guidance and limited exceptions here. Face coverings can help prevent transmission of COVID-19 by catching respiratory droplets that can be expelled not just in coughs or sneezes but also through activities like talking or singing. The use of special masks called N95 respirators is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Read some Face Covering FAQs here.

10. Who should get tested?

Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should access testing through medical providers or upcoming OptumServe test sites, even if symptoms are mild. Testing capacity in Placer County has grown to support diagnostic testing for mildly symptomatic individuals. OptumServe sites can now test all individuals, regardless of symptoms.

Antibody (serologic) tests should not be used as the only way to diagnose someone as being currently sick with COVID-19. These types of tests are slowly becoming available through healthcare providers, but only some are FDA-approved. Check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer serologic (antibody) tests. A positive test result shows you have antibodies that likely resulted from an infection with SARS-CoV-2, or possibly a related coronavirus. It’s unclear if those antibodies can provide protection (immunity) against getting infected again. This means that we do not know at this time if the antibodies detected make you immune to the virus. Click here for more information.

11. What has changed about testing availability?

Testing capacity in Placer County has grown to support diagnostic testing for mildly symptomatic individuals. Individuals with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should access testing through medical providers or upcoming OptumServe test sites, even if symptoms are mild. OptumServe sites can now test all individuals, regardless of symptoms.

12. Where can I get tested?

Testing is typically conducted by taking a swab at a health care provider’s office. Call ahead before visiting your healthcare provider.

OptumServe sites can now test all individuals, regardless of symptoms.

Testing Sites in Placer County:

OptumServe Truckee Site – Across from Tahoe Forest Hospital (at 10990 Donner Pass Rd.); OptumServe Roseville Site - Maidu Activity Center in Roseville (1960 Johnson Ranch Dr.)
Numerous health care providers, including but not limited to: Chapa-De Indian Health (Auburn); Kaiser Permanente (Roseville); Rocklin Family Practice and Sports Medicine (Rocklin); Stallant Health (Weimar); Sutter Health (Roseville, Auburn); Turnure Medical Group (Rocklin); Western Sierra Medical Clinic (Auburn, Kings Beach)
CLICK HERE for a database of Placer County testing sites.

Testing Sites in adjacent counties:

Verily drive-through testing site (Sacramento County); OptumServe Grass Valley site (Nevada County); additional OptumServe sites in Yolo, Yuba, and El Dorado counties are within approximately 30 miles of many residents.

There are also at-home kits available (example).

13. Can individuals visit Placer County Public Health and test for coronavirus?: No. If you believe you have the symptoms of coronavirus, call your health care provider to determine whether testing may be appropriate. All testing should be coordinated through your healthcare provider. Your health care professional will work with commercial labs or Placer County Public Health to complete testing if you meet criteria.

14. I do not have health insurance and do not have a doctor. If I think I have contracted COVID-19, what do I do?: Anyone who meets the testing criteria can be tested at one of the county’s OptumServe testing sites. Uninsured and undocumented individuals may use the testing site, and their tests will be paid for by the state. OptumServe will generate a unique identification number for individuals who do not have a driver license. Call 1-888-634-1123 or visit lhi.care/covidtesting for more information.

15. What is a quarantine and why is it used?: Quarantine is put into place to prevent the possible spread of an infectious disease from someone who may have been exposed to the disease but is not yet sick. When people are quarantined, they are kept separate from others until they are out of the period when they could get sick.

16. Is quarantine different from isolation?

Yes. Quarantine is for people who are not currently showing symptoms but are at increased risk for having been exposed to an infectious disease. Quarantine is for people who could become sick and spread the infection to others.

Isolation is used for people who are currently ill and able to spread the disease and who need to stay away from others in order to avoid infecting them.

17. How does self-quarantine work?

If you are a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19, follow this guidance ~~(Spanish).~~

If you are unvaccinated; OR vaccinated and booster-eligible but have not yet received your booster dose:

Stay home (PDF) for at least 5 days, after your last contact with a person who has COVID-19.
Test on day 5.
Quarantine can end after day 5 if symptoms are not present and a diagnostic specimen collected on day 5 or later tests negative.
If unable to test or choosing not to test, and symptoms are not present, quarantine can end after day 10.
Per CDPH masking guidance, it is strongly recommended that persons wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings (see Section below on masking for additional information).
Strongly encouraged to get vaccinated or boosted.
If testing positive, follow isolation recommendations above.
If symptoms develop, test and stay home.

If you are boosted; OR vaccinated, but not yet booster-eligible or persons previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 within the last 90 days:

Test on day 5.
Per CDPH masking guidance, it is strongly recommended that persons wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days, especially in indoor settings (see Section below on masking for additional information)
If testing positive, follow isolation recommendations above.
If symptoms develop, test and stay home.

18. What is the current situation in California and Placer County?: The Placer County Public Health Division aligns with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidance and will not differ. Current state guidance documents and FAQs can be found here. Find Placer County case numbers here.

19. What can I do to prepare for COVID-19?

WHAT VULNERABLE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD DO:

The risk of severe disease from COVID-19 escalates as age increases, with persons over the age of 65 at higher risk of complications and severe disease. Regardless of age, people with chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, heart disease, or lung diseases such as COPD, as well as those with weakened immune systems are also at high risk of severe illness.
People at higher risk should stay home and away from other people. Ask someone at lower risk to bring groceries, medical supplies and other necessities to avoid going out in public. Follow CDPH’s guidance for those at elevated risk.

WHAT ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD DO

Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home.
Wear a face covering when in public, if maintaining six feet of physical distance from others is not possible. Read some Face Covering FAQs here.
When in public, maximize physical distance from others (at least six feet).
Maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands, using hand sanitizer, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes.

20. What is Public Health recommending to help contain the spread of COVID-19?

Personal precautions go a long way to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Remember: the safest gathering is a virtual gathering. The next safest gathering is a small, outdoor, distanced gathering with everybody wearing masks; washing/sanitizing their hands; and not sharing food, utensils, or other items.
Anyone who is feeling ill should stay home.
Vulnerable (high risk) individuals are encouraged to stay at home. This includes those over age 65 or with serious medical conditions.
Wear a face covering in public. Read some Face Covering FAQs here .
When in public, maximize physical distance from others (at least six feet).
Maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands, using hand sanitizer, disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, and covering coughs and sneezes.
Find Guidance for Confirmed Cases (English) and Guidance for Contacts (English) .

21. Can you tell me more about what areas to avoid?

Regional data on cases is available here. Placer County is not releasing specific details about COVID-19 cases to protect the confidentiality of individuals.

Since we know there is community spread, it is important to exercise hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette wherever you are.

22. What should I do if someone known to be exposed with coronavirus visits our facility?: Casual exposure to those with COVID-19, such as walking by a person, is considered low risk for exposure by the CDC. It’s nevertheless a good policy to clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces at least once a day and encourage all employees to stay home when sick, cover coughs and sneezes and wash hands frequently.

23. Where can I get an antibody test?: Serology (antibody) tests are available with many local providers now. Public Health recommends you check with your provider (rather than a pop-up site) as they are most likely to have the FDA-approved tests. FDA approval is one indicator of test reliability.

24. How can I contribute to help those impacted by COVID-19?

Learn how you can help Placer County residents by donating to the COVID-19 Response Fund, an effort of the Placer Community Foundation to support local nonprofits serving those impacted by COVID-19.

Learn how you can help eastern Placer County residents impacted by COVID-19 by donating to the Tahoe Truckee Emergency Response Fund, which provides flexible resources to nonprofit organizations working within the Tahoe/Truckee community.

25. How can I access food, mental health, unemployment or other resources?: The Placer County Office of Education has developed a list of key resources that can serve residents’ needs during the COVID-19 outbreak, in partnership and consultation with several county departments including Public Health.

26. What are antigen tests? Is it required to retest negative results with a PCR test?

Antigen diagnostic tests quickly detect fragments of proteins found on or within the virus by testing samples collected from the nasal cavity using swabs.

Negative results should generally be treated as presumptive, do not rule out SARS-CoV-2 infection and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions. If necessary, confirmation with a molecular assay for patient management may be performed. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient’s recent exposures, history and the presence of clinical signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19, and should not be used as the sole basis for treatment or patient management decisions, including infection control decisions.

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Health & Human Services - COVID-19 Schools FAQs

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1. If a student is symptomatic and is sent home, but the parent(s) chooses not to test, does the cohort need to quarantine?

In order to protect others from possible COVID, we have to assume that the student is positive and have them isolate for 10 days from symptom onset AND 24 hours without fever AND improving symptoms. Schools may consider sending cohort members and/or other close contacts home to quarantine for 14 days from their last contact with the symptomatic student.

In cases where individuals are symptomatic; AND known contacts of a confirmed case; AND have been at school while infectious, quarantine of a cohort/close contacts (following Scenario 3) is recommended even in the absence of a confirmatory test, as this meets the CDC definition of a probable case and could pose a risk of undetected wider spread if not addressed.

2. If a student presents with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in Scenario 1 but is known to have underlying medical issues (asthma, allergies, etc.), what is the process?: As stated in CDPH guidance: "If a student is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, staff should communicate with the parent/caregiver and refer to the student’s health history form and/or emergency card." The student should be excluded from school unless it can be clearly established that the symptoms are explained by a non-infectious condition. A note from the student’s medical provider is the best mechanism to clearly establish that such a situation exists. However, information provided by the student’s parent/caregiver and included in the student’s health history form and/or emergency card may also establish that such a situation exists in certain situations (e.g. seasonal allergy that have been clearly documented at baseline, but not formally diagnosed by a medical professional). Alternatively, the student can be tested for COVID-19 and return to school with a negative test 72 hours after symptoms resolve.

3. What distancing is required?

The California Department of Public Health guidelines for schools require schools to “[m]aximize space between seating and desks. Distance teacher and other staff desks at least six feet away from student desks. Consider ways to establish separation of students through other means if practicable, such as, six feet between desks, where practicable, partitions between desks, markings on classroom floors to promote distancing or arranging desks in a way that minimizes face-to-face contact.”

Placer County Public Health has not imposed additional requirements for schools beyond the CDPH requirements. From the perspective of virus transmission, increasing distance between students reduces the risk of transmitting the virus through respiratory droplets. The larger the distance, the lower the risk.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has indicated, “In many school settings, 6 feet between students is not feasible without drastically limiting the number of students. Some countries have been able to successfully reopen schools after first controlling community-wide spread of SARS-CoV-2 while using 3 feet of distance between students without increases in community spread. Physical distance between desks should follow current public health guidance. In the absence of specific guidance, desks should be placed at least 3 feet apart, and ideally 6 feet apart. If desks are spaced less than 6 feet apart, face coverings should be strongly encouraged and adhere to public health guidance. In many jurisdictions, face coverings are mandatory for children in public settings, including schools. Schools should weigh the benefits of strict adherence to a 6-feet spacing rule between students with the potential downside if remote learning is the only alternative.”

4. What outdoor or indoor band activities may be permitted?: According to the CDPH Schools Guidance FAQs: "Outdoor singing and band practice are permitted, provided that precautions such as physical distancing and mask wearing are implemented to the maximum extent possible. Playing of wind instruments (any instrument played by the mouth, such as a trumpet or clarinet) is strongly discouraged. School officials, staff, parents, and students should be aware of the increased likelihood for transmission from exhaled droplets during singing and band practice, and physical distancing beyond 6 feet is strongly recommended for any of these activities."

5. Is there any quarantining required for travel?

As the COVID-19 situation around the world changes, CDC is monitoring COVID-19 risk in each country and making travel recommendations. Currently there is not a federal requirement for U.S. nationals to quarantine following international travel. If a school wishes to make it their policy, they could choose a consistent approach (e.g., travel to Level 3 Warning areas as listed on the CDC Travel page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html). However, note that there is also community spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. and locally.

For state travel advisories or restrictions, visit the covid19.ca.gov website.

6. If a school is not using stable cohorts, how is quarantine determined?: A cohort is defined as a stable group with fixed membership that stays together for all courses and activities (e.g., lunch, recess, etc.) and avoids contact with other persons or cohorts. Generally, due to the more prolonged nature of exposure, it is recommended that an entire cohort would be quarantined if there is a positive case among the cohort (as CDPH states in its guidance for quarantine, "likely entire cohort").

If a school has chosen not to cohort, a close contact requiring quarantine is defined as a person who is <6 feet from a case for >15 minutes. This would likely include all students and staff within six feet of the case during each class; lunch; or other activity. As noted by CDPH guidance, "In some school situations, it may be difficult to determine whether individuals have met this criterion and an entire cohort, classroom, or other group may need to be considered exposed, particularly if people have spent time together indoors."

7. If a symptomatic student tests negative, what factors would still merit consideration as a presumptive positive?: If a symptomatic student is in the same cohort as a confirmed case or is linked by the case investigation, they should be classified as a "probable" case and follow the same symptom-based clearance as confirmed cases before being released from isolation / returning to school. If the investigation determines it is not the case, it can be treated as a negative and follow return protocol for other illnesses.

8. For a child in 3rd grade-High School, can they wear a face shield in place of a face mask?: According to the COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Schools and School-Based Programs, for children between 2 years old and 2nd grade, a face shield is an acceptable alternative for children who cannot wear a face covering properly. For those in third grade and above, face coverings are required unless exempt. Potentially, those exempt due to a medical condition could wear a shield per general state guidance.

9. Can a school ask the health department for the lab results of family members of students and staff to verify that a student or staff is to quarantine?: No, Public Health does not share results of any person that is not a student or staff member in a particular school. However, we can provide verification that one of their students or staff have been identified as a close contact to a positive case and will need to quarantine, and share the dates of that quarantine.

10. Does a school need to verify a positive case with the health department first before proceeding with contact tracing?: Many times a school is notified of a positive case before the health department has received the lab result, so we cannot always immediately verify whether it’s a case or not. We recommend that that the school proceed with the contact tracing even without verification of the health department that a case is lab confirmed. They can also ask the case to send their result to the school for verification. Schools should report positive cases to Public Health.

11. What is the required documentation (and from what source) a student will need to be exempt from wearing a mask on campus?: Individuals claiming exemption should note which exemption they are claiming under the CDPH guidance (page 2). Schools can determine their own documentation requirements.

12. Is the 15 min. exposure cumulative within a 24 hour period (5 min. here, plus 5 min. there) vs. consecutive 15 minutes?: The CDC has now updated its guidance for close contact and it is cumulative over 24 hours: "Someone who was within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period* starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic patients, 2 days prior to test specimen collection) until the time the patient is isolated.
* Individual exposures added together over a 24-hour period (e.g., three 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes). Data are limited, making it difficult to precisely define “close contact;” however, 15 cumulative minutes of exposure at a distance of 6 feet or less can be used as an operational definition for contact investigation. Factors to consider when defining close contact include proximity (closer distance likely increases exposure risk), the duration of exposure (longer exposure time likely increases exposure risk), whether the infected individual has symptoms (the period around onset of symptoms is associated with the highest levels of viral shedding), if the infected person was likely to generate respiratory aerosols (e.g., was coughing, singing, shouting), and other environmental factors (crowding, adequacy of ventilation, whether exposure was indoors or outdoors). Because the general public has not received training on proper selection and use of respiratory PPE, such as an N95, the determination of close contact should generally be made irrespective of whether the contact was wearing respiratory PPE. At this time, differential determination of close contact for those using fabric face coverings is not recommended."

13. Are 'Z Shields' (or other specific shield types) permitted? What about with a doctor's note?: The only shields explicitly permitted by state guidance are those with a drape (and only for those who are exempt from face covering use): "Persons exempted from wearing a face covering due to a medical condition who are employed in a job involving regular contact with others should wear a non-restrictive alternative, such as a face shield with a drape on the bottom edge, as long as their condition permits it."

If a physician has indicated that the individual’s condition does not permit that type of shield, they are therefore not required to wear it.

The CDC has detailed recommendations for situations where face shields are the only option. They point to available data suggesting face shields that are ’hooded’ or ’wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face’ provide better source control.

There is not sufficient scientific evidence for Public Health to provide formal recommendations on other types of shields outside of existing CDPH and CDC guidance.

14. If someone is a close contact of someone who has COVID (e.g. in the same class), would the siblings of the close contact still be allowed to attend school?: The sibling should quarantine if the close contact tests positive OR develops symptoms. Otherwise, contacts of contacts are not required to quarantine.

15. Should asymptomatic school staff re-test and not work if they receive an inconclusive result?: Sometimes an inconclusive result means the sample was insufficient to test and get an accurate result. These staff should be retested, but if they are asymptomatic and have not been exposed, they can continue to work in the meantime.

16. What allowances are there for school-related events?

Events not explicitly permitted in the schools guidance would need to adhere to the gatherings guidance for the general public.

17. What is the guidance regarding student/staff capacity for the use of the gym on rainy days?: The schools guidance says (p. 14): "Indoor physical conditioning and training is allowed only in counties where gyms and fitness centers are allowed to operate indoors."

18. If a student or staff member already tested positive and recovered from COVID-19 and they are identified as a close contact to another confirmed positive case, do they need to quarantine again?

Per the CDC, if a person has a new exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and meets all of the following criteria:

Has recovered from laboratory-confirmed (PCR or antigen) SARS-CoV-2 infection and has already met criteria to end isolation
Is within the first 3 months following the onset of symptoms of their initial confirmed infection, or within the first 3 months of their first positive viral test if they were asymptomatic during initial infection
Has remained asymptomatic since the new exposure

then that person does not require quarantine or repeat testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the context of this new exposure.

If they do not meet this criteria, then they must quarantine again.

19. If a school voluntarily 'pauses' in-person instruction after reopening for in-person instruction does this affect their ability to return to in-person instruction?: It is Public Health’s understanding that schools that have fully reopened for in-person instruction may temporarily ’pause’ to implement distance learning and resume in-person instruction at any time, regardless of the county’s tier status.

20. Can a cohort share sports equipment?: The youth sport guidance states: "Avoid equipment sharing, and if unavoidable, clean and disinfect shared equipment between use by different people to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread."

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Health & Human Services - Electronic Time Sheet Training

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1. How do I sign up for the new online timesheet service?

You can do the following to sign up:

Go directly to the electronic timesheets website to register for the service.
Read more about the Electronic Timesheet Service at the CDSS website.
Contact the Help Desk toll free at 866-376-7066, option 4, during normal business hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays, for additional assistance.
Recipients can contact the county office at 530-889-7115, to sign up to approve timesheets by telephone using the Telephone Timesheet System (TTS).

2. What do I need to have before I sign up?

You need the following before you sign up:

You must be a current active eligible In-Home Supportive Services provider or recipient
You must have access to your Provider number or case number, plus social security number at the time of registration.
You must possess a valid email address
You must have internet access
You must have access to a smartphone, tablet, laptop or personal computer

3. How do I sign up for the ESP Electronic Timesheet Trainings?: Placer County IHSS Payroll will be conducting small group training sessions for current IHSS Providers. If you are interested in an in-person Information Session the County will be conducting them in December 2019 and January 2020. Request notification of upcoming ESP Training and Information Sessions

4. How does this new online service benefit me?

This service will benefit you in the following ways:

Providers can submit timesheets, sick leave claim forms, and travel claim forms directly online.
Provider will have option to submit time by phone beginning.
Recipients can approve timesheets online or by telephone.
No more waiting for the postal service to deliver your timesheet.
Providers can sign-up for direct deposit immediately online through the Electronic Service Portal (ESP).
ESP checks your timesheet before it is submitted to help you avoid errors and potential violations.
You can check timesheet and payment status.
You can download copies of your pay stubs.
You can view timesheet history up to the last three months.
You can request supplemental timesheets without having to contact the county.
Providers can electronically submit Live-In Self-Certification SOC 2298 form or removal form SOC 2299
Recipient can E-hire active IHSS providers
Coming soon - Providers will be able to update their mailing and/or residential address (NOV 2021)

5. What is Electronic Visit Verification (EVV)?

EVV is an additional check-in, check-out step that will be implemented after January 2020. The changes that occur with EVV, will be a lot less confusing and easier to understand for those who sign-up for ESP now, before the EVV changes are added.

Placer County is scheduled to implement EVV in January 2020 -- watch this video to learn more: EVV, ESP and IHSS TTS System Changes

6. How do I download my pay stubs?

Providers will now be able to download duplicate copies of their pay stubs directly through IHSS ESP on the Recent Payments and Payment Search screens. A 'Download Pay Stub' button will display in the payment details once the warrant number has been received from the State Controller's Office.

Clicking the download button will instantly download a copy of the pay stub for the user to print and save. The ESP will not send a duplicate pay stub through email. This does not change how providers receive their original pay stubs. Providers will continue to be mailed paper copies of their pay stubs after a timesheet, travel claim, or sick leave claim has been successfully processed.

7. Do I have to sign up for direct deposit?: Yes, on 7/1/2022 it will be mandatory, read here.

8. How do I view my Direct Deposit or Pay Stub on the ESP?

Providers that do not receive RA (remittance advice) statements or pay stubs in the mail can view, download and/or print their RA statement/pay stub in the Electronic Services Portal by using the following steps:

Log into your ESP account
Click on the Financial tab at the top of the ESP landing page.
Select Recent Payments from the sub menu. The most recent payment will display if it was made in the last 14 days. if no recent payment was made in the last 14 days, you can enter the payment date you are seeking.
Select View Payment Detail in the blue section
Select either email or download or print in the blue section.

For ESP questions please contact the IHSS service desk at 866-376-7066 during normal business hours of 8 am - 5 pm Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays

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Health & Human Services - Flu Information

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1. Can the flu vaccine give you the flu?: The flu vaccine cannot cause flu illness. The viruses in the vaccine are either killed (flu shot) or weakened (nasal spray vaccine), which means they cannot cause infection.

2. Are the "stomach flu" and influenza the same thing?

No, they are not. The "stomach flu" is a disease known as viral gastroenteritis and is not caused by influenza viruses. The flu, cause by influenza viruses, is a respiratory (lung) disease, not a stomach or intestinal disease. The main symptoms of the flu are:

Dry cough
Extreme tiredness
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Muscle aches
Sore throat

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults.

3. Is December or later too late to get the flu vaccine?: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine becomes available and that vaccination continue into December, January and beyond. Influenza activity usually peaks in February most years, but disease can occur as late as May.

4. I got the flu vaccine last year, do I need to get it again?: Flu viruses change constantly which requires a new flu vaccine to be produced each year. The viruses in the vaccine change each year based on worldwide monitoring of influenza viruses. The flu vaccine protects against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.

5. Is hand washing the best way to prevent the spread of the flu?: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. However, preventative actions like covering your cough and washing your hands often are important everyday steps that can help stop the spread of germs.

6. How is the flu virus spread?: Flu virus is mainly spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes.

7. People get the flu all the time. It's not that serious, right?: Flu is a serious contagious disease. Each year in the United States, on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and 36,000 people die from flu.

8. I hate shots, is there another way I can get the vaccine?: Flu vaccine is also available as a nasal spray (brand name FluMist). The nasal spray flu vaccine is an option for "healthy" people, aged 2 to 49, who are not pregnant. "Healthy" indicates persons who do not have an underlying medical condition that predisposes them to influenza complications.

9. Can I spread the flu if I don't have any symptoms?: Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 days after becoming sick. That means that you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick.

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Health & Human Services - General Relief

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1. How do I apply for general relief?

The application for general relief includes completion of eligibility questions that will include forms and an interview with a specialist. Aid cannot begin until all conditions of eligibility have been verified. These conditions include, but are not limited to:

Applying for potentially available income such as Unemployment Benefits
Applying for a Social Security number
Verifying citizenship, or showing proof of legal immigration status
Verifying income and property

2. If I am eligible, how much will my benefits be?

Your eligibility specialist will calculate the amount of benefits that you can receive. The maximum benefits are as follows:

1 Person: $260
2 People: $419

3. Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to be eligible?: No, General Relief recipients must be either a US citizen or have legal resident status and not be sponsored. Undocumented residents are not eligible to General Relief.

4. Am I eligible if I am able to work?

A person who can work:

Must attend a GREAT orientation with our Employment Services department.
Must apply for Unemployment Insurance Benefits (UIB) if potentially eligible

Recipients are limited to a time limit of 3 months of benefits in a twelve month period, whether or not the months are consecutive. This includes time on aid in other California counties as an employable person.

5. What if I am disabled or unable to work?

A person who states that they are disabled must:

Apply for SSI/SSP and/or other disability benefits as determined appropriate by the department.
Cooperate in obtaining verification of his/her disability.
Individuals who are determined to be disabled/unemployable may be excluded from the 3 month a year time limit.

6. I am homeless. Am I still eligible to receive General Relief benefits?: Yes, however your total maximum grant will be reduced due to no rental or utility expenses. The maximum amount a single, homeless person can receive per month on General Relief is $92.

7. What does temporary cash benefits mean?: Employable recipients are limited to a time limit of three months of benefits in a twelve month period, whether or not the months are consecutive. This includes time on aid in other California counties as an employable person.

8. Can I get immediate service if needed?: General Relief benefits can be granted the same day as the application is received if all needed forms and documents are provided.

9. How will I get my General Relief payments?: General Relief benefits are issued on a plastic card called an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. Money can be accessed by making purchases from stores that have point of sale machines, or at ATMs displaying the “QUEST” logo.

10. When do I report changes?: After aid is granted, you must report any changes to your income, household composition, and property to an Eligibility Specialist by calling our call center at 888-385-5160.

11. If I receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment am I eligible to benefits?: No. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income/State Supplemental Payment (SSI/SSP), you already receive a cash form of public assistance and are not eligible for General Relief.

12. What happens if my electronic benefit transfer card is not working?: Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards do not work for various reasons, such as the card may not be active, or there are no remaining benefits. If your card is not working, please call the Human Services Call Center at 888-385-5160 or call California Department of Social Services at 877-328-9677 or TTY at 800-735-2929.

13. What if I have lost my electronic benefit transfer card?: Call 877-328-9677 to report your card lost or stolen immediately. At this time you may also request a new card be mailed to you. If you need a new card right away contact Placer County at 888-385-5160.

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Health & Human Services - Housing

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1. How are the vouchers awarded?: Vouchers will be awarded to Placer County residents who are on the Coordinated Entry Housing Waitlist. If you are interested in receiving a voucher, you must go through Coordinated Entry and get on that waitlist.

2. How will I know if I get a voucher?: If you become eligible for a voucher, you will be contacted directly by a Placer county housing provider. Be sure to call 211 if your contact info changes, so that up to date info is available to the housing provider.

3. How is it decided who gets a voucher?

Vouchers are awarded to clients after considering several factors. They are not awarded on a first come first serve basis, but rather based on each client’s individual circumstances and vulnerability. If you are selected to be applied for a voucher, a housing provider will contact you and work with you to apply for an EHV. All EHVs will be issued by the Public Housing Authority.”

If you or anyone in your household is a person with disabilities, and you require a specific accommodation in order to fully utilize our programs and services, please contact Dara Hazen at (530) 889-7676 or [email protected]

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Health & Human Services - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Eligibility

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1. Who is eligible for IHSS?

Eligibility criteria for all IHSS applicants and recipients includes:

You must physically reside in the United States.
You must also be a California resident.
You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.
You must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home").
You must submit a completed Health Care Certification form.

2. How do I apply for IHSS?: You can apply for IHSS services by calling the Placer County Adult Intake number at 916-787-8860 or toll free at 888-886-5401. Adult Intake will ask for some basic information in order to send you an IHSS application packet and establish your protected start date. You have the right to file an application and receive a written determination within 30 to 45 days.

3. Why do I need Medi-Cal?

Your IHSS funding comes through the California Medi-Cal program. If you do not have Medi-Cal call the Medi-Cal application phone line at 530-880-7610, 916-784-6000 or 1-888-385-5160. Then request a Medi-Cal application. You may also access the application online. Mail or take your application with the required verifications (proof) to one of three Placer County locations:

The Auburn Office
11519 B Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-889-7610
The North Lake Tahoe Office
5225 N Lake Boulevard
Carnelian Bay, CA 96140
Phone: 530-546-1900
The Roseville Office
1000 Sunset Boulevard
Rocklin, CA 95765
Phone: 916-784-6000.

If you don’t have all your verifications, or are not sure of what you need to submit, please send what you have gathered. You may send the rest later. The earlier we receive your application, the earlier your case will be processed and your Medi-Cal benefits can begin.

If you get SSI/SSP payments, the Social Security administration office automatically establishes Medi-Cal for you. No separate application for Medi-Cal is needed. You should receive your Medi-Cal card (BIC) through the mail. Note that once you’ve been approved for IHSS benefits, it is imperative that you maintain your Medi-Cal eligibility going forward, or you will also forfeit your IHSS services.

4. What is Health Care Certification?: As of August 1, 2011, Health Care Certification, by a Licensed Health Care Provider, must be established. Your health care provider will need to certify that you are unable to independently perform one or more activities of daily living and to verify that one or more IHSS services is required in order to prevent out of home care. The certification document will be mailed to you in the IHSS application packet.

5. What happens next?

A County Social Worker will interview you at your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the Social Worker will assess the types of services you need and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This assessment will include information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, and/or physician or other licensed health care professional.

A completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873) must be received by the county prior to authorization of services. You will be notified if IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. If approved, you will be notified of the services and the number of hours per month which have been authorized for you.

If you are approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (your individual provider) to perform the authorized services. You are considered your provider's employer and, therefore, it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire this individual.

6. How do I find an IHSS provider?: You may select a family member, a friend, or advertise in the community-at-large for a provider. IHSS will pay spouses and parents of minor children to provide care under certain circumstances. Every IHSS case is evaluated separately, so the circumstances under which these services are granted vary greatly. You may select a provider from the Provider Registry maintained by the Placer County Public Authority at 530-889-7115.

7. I'm ready to hire my provider. What should happen next?

While you are going through the IHSS application process, the provider can start his or her IHSS provider enrollment process. Start the process online now. If anyone has questions or needs help, please call IHSS Call Center at 530-889-7115. After registering on the Placer County Registration, Enrollment, Video and Appointment (REVA) website, the provider will:

Watch the orientation videos
Schedule an in-person appointment
Sign required Provider Enrollment forms
Receive directions on how to obtain Department of Justice fingerprinting and background check

Once your provider has completed the enrollment process and passed the background check, he/she will be able to access time sheets issued from the State.

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Health & Human Services - Medi-Cal

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1. How do I apply for Medi-Cal?: There are four ways that you can apply for Medi-Cal in Placer County. You can apply online, by phone, in person at one of the Placer County Human Services offices, or by mail. To apply for Medi-Cal by phone call 1-888-385-5160. If you want to apply by mail, please call 1-888-385-5160 and request an application be sent to your home.

2. How long does the Medi-Cal application process take?

Forty-five days are allowed to process a Medi-Cal application not involving a disability. If you are applying for Medi-Cal based on a disability, your application process may take up to 60 days or longer depending on how quickly you complete the disability information and how quickly your doctors and hospitals submit your medical records.

To avoid delays in the processing of your case, submit all information requested of you as soon as possible. Ask your program specialist for help if you are having trouble obtaining information.

3. Do I have to pay for Medi-Cal?

It depends if the following apply:

If your income is less than Medi-Cal limits for your family size, you will receive Medi-Cal services at no cost to you.
If your income is more than Medi-Cal limits for your family size, you will have to pay a certain amount only in the month you have medical expenses. The amount that you pay is called your share of cost (SOC). When you pay or promise to pay that amount, we say that you have met your SOC. Once you have met your SOC, Medi-Cal will pay the rest of your covered medical bills for that month. For example, if your SOC is $50, you must first pay or obligate (obtain your providers agreement to make payments on the SOC) $50. Your provider will enter the amount you paid or obligated into the Department’s database. Your case will certify when the amounts you paid or obligated equal the amount of your share of cost. Once your share of cost is certified; providers checking your eligibility will advised that you are eligible and covered services may now be billed to the Medi-Cal program. Please note, expenses incurred by ineligible members of your family may be used to meet the share of cost of eligible members.
Add-If your income is more than Medi-Cal limits for you family size, you will be referred to Covered CA to select a health insurance plan.

If one spouse lives in a nursing home, Medi-Cal allows the spouse remaining in the home to keep all of the income he/she receives in his/her name regardless of the amount. You can find more information on the Medi-Cal Information Notice 007 (English) and 007 (Spanish).

4. What benefits does Medi-Cal provide?

Medi-Cal provides medical, vision and dental services for people with full-scope benefits. A person can be eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal benefits if she/he is a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident alien and meets other eligibility criteria. Restricted benefits provide emergency services to individuals without satisfactory immigration status. Restricted benefits allow a person to use her/his Medi-Cal for emergency services only.

For a pregnant woman with restricted benefits, Medi-Cal will cover pregnancy-related services only. Based on a person's family size and income, a person may have to pay a share of cost (SOC) to the provider each month if Medi-Cal is used. A person with zero SOC pays no portion of the medical expenses whether or not Medi-Cal is used.

5. I have Medicare. Can I apply for Medi-Cal also?: Yes. Individuals who are Medicare beneficiaries may apply for Medi-Cal. If Medi-Cal eligibility is established, the State may begin paying the Part B premium and the Part A and B coinsurance and deductibles. The State will also pay the Part A premium for Medicare beneficiaries who are not qualified for free Part A benefits. Medi-Cal may also provide medical services that are not covered by Medicare.

6. Can I get help from Medi-Cal with Medicare costs?

Yes. Medicare is different from Medi-Cal. Medicare is a federal health insurance program run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It is available to most people 65 years of age or older and certain disabled or blind persons, regardless of income. Medicare Part "A" covers hospitalization. Medicare Part "B" covers doctor bills. If you receive Medicare, you may qualify for the following special Medi-Cal programs:

The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program pays for the Medicare Part A and B premiums, co-insurance and deductibles. To be eligible you must have income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The Specified Low-Income Beneficiary and Qualifying Individual 1 program pay for all or some of the Medicare Part "B" premium. To be eligible you must have income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The Qualifying Individual 1 program reimburses you for a portion of your Medicare Part "B" premium that you have paid. To be eligible you must have income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
The Qualified Disabled Working Individual program pays the Medicare Part "A" premium. To be eligible you must have income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, be disabled, be employed and eligible under any other Medi-Cal program.

Even if you don't qualify for the above assistance programs, your Medicare A and B premiums can be used as allowable deductions in the Medi-Cal share of costs calculation.

7. What services does Medi-Cal cover?

For information about the services Medi-Cal covers:

Call your provider (your doctor, dentist, clinic, hospital, etc.).
For questions about dental services or Medi-Cal dental programs (Denti-Cal) call 1-800-322-6384 or visit Smile California
Refer to the California Department of Health Care Services Website

8. Is there a special program for children and pregnant women?: Yes. Pregnant women and children may have more income and property than other people and still qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal services. The income guidelines are different for children under age 1, children 1 to 6, and children 6 to 19. Your family property, such as savings accounts or cars, is not used to determine eligibility if monthly income falls within certain limits.

9. What is the Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program?

The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) Program is a health promotion and prevention program serving California’s infants, children, and teens. The CHDP Program provides periodic preventive health assessments to:

Children under age 21 with Medi-Cal.
Non-Medi-Cal eligible children from birth to age 19 with family incomes at or below 266% of the Federal Income Guidelines and no source of health care coverage for preventive health care services.
Children enrolled in Head Start and state preschool programs.

Children identified with suspected problems after a health assessment are referred for necessary diagnosis and treatment. Many problems can be prevented, corrected, or reduced in severity by prompt diagnosis and treatment. Early, Periodic, Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT) services are a benefit provided through the CHDP Program.

For more information about services, contact:
Placer County Child Health and Disability Prevention Program
11484 B Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-886-3620
Fax: 1-530-889-7140

10. What is the Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP)?

The Medi-Cal Access Program (MCAP) provides health care to uninsured pregnant women whose income is too high to qualify for no-cost Medi-Cal. Benefits include:

Full health care services during the pregnancy and for 60 days following the child’s birth
Full health care services for the baby from birth to age two
Hospital delivery
Prenatal visits

For more information and an application, call 1-800-433-2611 or visit the MCAP website

11. What is the Women, Infants and Children Supplemental Nutritional Program (WIC)?

The WIC program is for low to medium income families who have:

Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or just had a baby
Children under 5 years of age
Foster children receiving Medi-Cal

The WIC program provides:

Checks to buy healthy foods
Nutritional counseling, and nutrition education classes
Breast feeding support and education

For more information in Placer County, please contact the Placer County WIC Program and the various county offices or by calling 530-889-7211 or 916-784-6447

12. What is the Family Planning Services Program?

With Family Planning Services you will:

Receive information and education on your options for birth control
Discuss with your provider the birth control method that is best for you
Receive Family Planning Services at low or no cost

With Family Planning Services you can:

Receive continued follow-up care
Prevent unplanned pregnancies
Plan when to have your next child

Family Planning Services can give you:

Birth control supplies for men and women
Pregnancy tests
Breast and cervical cancer screening
Tests and treatment for sexually transmitted infections (STI)
Education, testing, and counseling for HIV, the virus known to cause AIDS

If you are low-income or are receiving Medi-Cal, Family Planning Services are available at no cost. You can get Family Planning Services from:

Your regular Medi-Cal health care plan, doctor, or community clinic or, any other doctors or clinics that accept Medi-Cal.
Health care providers who participate in Family Planning, Access, Care and Treatment (PACT).

To contact the California Office Family Planning Services, call 1-800-942-1054.

13. Are there county-operated health care programs?: Yes. Individuals who are not eligible for Medi-Cal may qualify for a health care program offered by Placer County. Check out information on Placer County’s Medical Care Services Program.

14. What is the California Children Services (CCS)?

California Children’s Services (CCS) is a statewide program that arranges, directs, and pays for medical care, equipment, and rehabilitation, when these services are authorized by the program. Services can be authorized for children and young adults less than 21 years of age who have eligible medical conditions and whose families are unable to pay for all or part of their care.

CCS defines eligibility and selects the most qualified professionals to treat the child’s CCS-eligible condition. However, it is important for you to know that CCS is not a health insurance program. It will not meet all of the child’s health needs, only those related to the CCS-eligible condition. To find out more information about CCS contact:
Placer County CCS
11484 B Avenue
Auburn, CA 95603
Phone: 530-886-3630
Fax: 530-886-3613
Email CCS

15. What is In-Home Supportive Services?

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program helps pay for services which enable individuals to remain safely in their own homes instead of entering a nursing home or board and care facility. To be eligible, you must be over 65 years of age, disabled, or blind, and eligible for Medi-Cal. Disabled children are also eligible for IHSS. The types of services IHSS can help pay for include:

Accompaniment to medical appointments
Grocery shopping
Housecleaning
Laundry
Meal preparation
Personal care services (such as bowel and bladder care, bathing, grooming and paramedical services)
Protective supervision for the mentally impaired

To apply for IHSS in Placer County, call the IHSS office at 530-889-7115.

Medi-Cal Billing Problems:
- For Problems or Questions Regarding Medical Bills, Call Electronic Data Systems: 916-636-1980
Medi-Cal State Hearing:
- To file a request for a Medi-Cal State Hearing, call the Public Inquiry and Response Unit at 1-800-952-5253, for Hearing Impaired: TDD 1-800-952-8349
Third Party Liability:
- Health Insurance Billing and Coding, Premium Payment, Medicare Buy-in: 1-800-952-5294
- Casualty, Personal Injury, Probate, Estate, Liens, Workers’ Compensation, Overpayment Recovery: 1-800-952-5294
Medi-Cal Beneficiary Fraud and Abuse: 1-800-822-6222
Provider Fraud and Elder Abuse complaint line: 1-800-722-0432
SSA or SSI/SSP Information: 1-800-772-1213 (For hearing impaired: TTY 1-800-325-0778)

16. More Program Information and Telephone Numbers

Medi-Cal Billing Problems:
- For Problems or Questions Regarding Medical Bills, Call Electronic Data Systems: 916-636-1980
Medi-Cal State Hearing:
- To file a request for a Medi-Cal State Hearing, call the Public Inquiry and Response Unit at 1-800-952-5253, for Hearing Impaired: TDD 1-800-952-8349
Third Party Liability:
- Health Insurance Billing and Coding, Premium Payment, Medicare Buy-in: 1-800-952-5294
- Casualty, Personal Injury, Probate, Estate, Liens, Workers’ Compensation, Overpayment Recovery: 1-800-952-5294
Medi-Cal Beneficiary Fraud and Abuse: 1-800-822-6222
Provider Fraud and Elder Abuse complaint line: 1-800-722-0432
SSA or SSI/SSP Information: 1-800-772-1213 (For hearing impaired: TTY 1-800-325-0778)
The Ombudsman can assist with ensuring that beneficiaries receive all medically necessary, covered services for which plans are contractually responsible. (888) 452-8609
Visit the DHCS website for ‘Medi-Cal for Families’ (TLICP) program for information about children with zero SOC Medi-Cal with a monthly premium

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Health & Human Services - Medical Care Services Program (MCSP)

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1. I am eligible for Medi-Cal, but haven't applied yet. Can I use Medical Care Services Program (MCSP) instead?: No. If it is determined that you may be eligible for Medi-Cal or other benefits, you must apply for Medi-Cal or those other benefits as instructed.

2. I think I am disabled, and I've applied for Medi-Cal and SSI but am waiting to be approved. May I apply for MCSP now in case Medi-Cal or SSI denies my application?: Yes you may.

3. Does MCSP pay medical bills while litigation is pending?: Yes. If you win the litigation, the associated medical bills are paid from the settlement. If you lose the litigation and if the medical providers obtained MCSP prior authorization, then MCSP may pay the medical bills, assuming all billing criteria are met.

4. How long am I eligible for MCSP benefits?: Eligibility will be granted for a period of 60 days unless MCSP has reason to believe that the applicant will become ineligible in less than 60 days.

5. What if my income is more than the maximum MCSP allows?: If the amount of your income and assets falls within the guidelines, you may be eligible for MCSP. Based on your income, you may have to pay a share of cost to one or more medical providers.

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Health & Human Services - Mental Health Services

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1. How do I access adult services?: If you are not currently receiving Adult Services and would like to, call our Adult Crisis and Intake Line at 1-888-886-5401 or 916-787-8860.

2. How do I qualify for Adult Services?

Placer County provides outpatient mental health services to Placer County Medi-Cal beneficiaries and Placer County residents with no insurance (other insurance situations may be considered on a case-by-case basis). To be eligible to receive our services, you must have a qualifying mental health diagnosis that is significantly impairing your functioning in at least one of the following life domains:

Education
Employment
Housing
Social Support
Finances
Access to Health Care

3. What if I have concern about my medication?

If you are currently receiving Placer County mental health services and have a concern about your medication, please call 916-784-6473. Please speak clearly and leave the following information:

Detailed Concern
First and Last Name (spelled out)
Phone Number, including area code

A nurse will contact you.

4. What if I need a refill on my medication?

If you are currently receiving Placer County mental health services and need a refill, please call 916-784-6473. Please speak clearly and leave the following information:

First and Last Name (spelled out)
Medication needing to be filled
Phone Number, including area code

A nurse will contact you.

5. Is there a cost for services at Adult System of Care?: Yes, if you are not fully covered by Medi-Cal, there is a sliding scale cost developed by the State of California to determine your share of cost.

6. How can I provide information for my family member receiving services?: Submit the AB1424 Family Information form (PDF) to the location where your loved one is receiving services.

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Health & Human Services - Public Health

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1. What places have been identified as exposure sites?: As of 3/28/2019, the only exposure location is the Auburn Racquet and Fitness Club in Auburn, anytime after 5:30 pm.

2. What is measles?: Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious illness caused by a virus. Measles is spread through the air after a person with measles coughs or sneezes. The virus can linger in the air for up to two hours after someone who is infectious has left.

3. What are the symptoms of measles?: Measles symptoms begin with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, followed by a rash that usually begins at the head and spreads to the rest of the body. A person can spread the virus before they show symptoms. People are contagious with measles for up to four days before and up to four days after the rash appears.
After someone is exposed to measles, illness develops in about one to three weeks.

4. How contagious is measles?: Measles is extremely contagious. The virus travels through the air and can stay up to two hours in the air of a room where a person with measles has been. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch a contaminated surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

5. What should I do if I think I have the measles?: Anyone who has been exposed and believes they have symptoms of measles should call their health care provider before visiting the medical office. This will enable the clinic to develop a plan for providing care without exposing others at the clinic.

6. How serious is measles?: Measles is extremely contagious. The virus travels through the air and can stay up to two hours in the air of a room where a person with measles has been. If other people breathe the contaminated air or touch a contaminated surface, then touch their eyes, noses or mouths, they can become infected. Measles is so contagious that if one person has it, 90 percent of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected.

7. How can I prevent measles?: Immunization is the best prevention for measles. The measles vaccine is very effective. One dose of the measles vaccine is about 93 percent effective at preventing measles. Two doses are about 97 percent effective, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

8. How many doses of the measles vaccine do I need?

Children should receive two doses of the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine, with the first dose given at age 12 to 15 months and a second dose at age 4 to 6 years.

Adults born after 1956 should get at least one dose of MMR vaccine unless they have other evidence of immunity (see below). Health care personnel, college students and international travelers without other evidence of immunity should receive two appropriately spaced doses of MMR vaccine.

Immunization doses may be different for international travelers. Talk to your health care provider for immunization recommendations.

Persons are considered immune (not susceptible) to measles if any of the following apply:

They were born before 1957.
They are certain they have had measles.
They are up to date on measles vaccines (one dose for children 12 months through 3 years old, two doses for anyone 4 years and older).

9. How common is measles?: While measles is rare in the United States, it is still commonly transmitted elsewhere in the world. In 2018, there were 349 confirmed cases of measles in people from 26 states and the District of Columbia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Measles immunization resulted in an 80 percent decrease in measles deaths worldwide between 2000 and 2017 (from 545,000 deaths in 2000 to 110,000 deaths in 2017), according to the World Health Organization (WHO). During that timeframe, measles immunization prevented an estimated 21.1 million deaths, according to WHO.
Before the measles vaccination program began in the U.S. in 1963, about 3 to 4 million people in the U.S. got measles every year. Of those, 400 to 500 people died and 48,000 were hospitalized, according to the CDC.

10. How is measles treated?: There is no specific treatment for measles.

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Health & Human Services - Senior Peer Counseling Program

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1. Who are senior peer counselors?

Senior Peer Counselors have an interest in helping others work through age-related issues. They are Placer County residents who are 55 years old and better. They bring their life experience and have been screened and trained.

Once Senior Peer Counselors complete the initial training, they attend weekly group meetings supervised by the program coordinator. Senior Peer Counselors will listen, support, and gently coach each client to reach his/her own solution.

Please note - Senior Peer Counselors are not licensed Mental Health Practitioners, but trained listeners with lived experience.

2. What topics can senior peer counselors assist with?

Senior Peer Counselors may be able to assist with the following topics:

Access to community resources
Adjustment to retirement, a health diagnosis or living situation
Caregiver stress
Change in a sense of independence
Family conflicts/Boundaries
Grief/loss
Loneliness
Loss of driver's license
Situational depression and/or situational anxiety
And other age-related concerns

3. How can I get connected to the Senior Peer Counseling program?: Participation in the Senior Peer Counseling program is voluntary. If you want to make a referral on behalf of someone else, please note that they need to want to participate in the program. You can connect with the Senior Peer Counseling Coordinator by calling: 530-883-8466. All referrals are confidential and subject to approval by the Senior Peer Counseling Coordinator and availability of a Senior Peer Counselor.

4. What can I expect as a new Senior Peer Counseling client?

Once a week session coordinated between the client and the Senior Peer Counselor
Sessions are typically 50-60 minutes
Focus on established goals for 6-8 sessions
Extended sessions can be provided on a case-by-case basis

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Health & Human Services - Veterans - Agent Orange

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1. What is Agent Orange?

Agent Orange was one of the weed-killing chemicals used by the U.S. military in the Vietnam War. It was sprayed to remove leaves from trees that enemy troops hid behind. Agent Orange and similar chemicals were known as “herbicides.” Agent Orange was applied by airplanes, helicopters, trucks and backpack sprayers.

In the 1970’s some veterans became concerned that exposure to Agent Orange might cause delayed health effects. One of the chemicals in Agent Orange contained small amounts of dioxin (also known as TCDD), which had been found to cause a variety of illnesses in laboratory animals. More recent studies have suggested that dioxin may be related to several types of cancer and other disorders.

2. As a Vietnam Veteran, what kind of benefits can I get?: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability compensation to Vietnam veterans with injuries or diseases that began in, or were aggravated by, their military service. These are called “service-connected” disabilities.

3. How much compensation will I get?: Monthly payment rates are based on the veteran's combined rating for his or her service-connected disabilities. These ratings are based on the severity of the disabilities. Additional amounts are paid to certain veterans with severe disabilities ("special monthly compensation") and certain veterans with dependents.

4. What evidence do I need?

In an Agent Orange-based claim by a Vietnam veteran for service-connected benefits, Veterans Affairs requires:

A medical diagnosis of a disease which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange
Competent evidence of service in Vietnam
Competent medical evidence that the disease began within the deadline (if any)

5. Who can get benefits?

Under the law, veterans who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 (including those who visited Vietnam even briefly), and who have a disease that Veterans Affairs recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange.

These veterans are eligible for service-connected compensation based on their service, if they have one of the diseases on Veterans Affair's list of "Diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents" Veterans Affairs updates this list regularly based on reports from the National Academy of Sciences, an independent research and education institution.

6. What benefits can my family get?

Spina Bifida Birth Defect

In 1996, President Clinton and Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown asked Congress to pass legislation providing health care, monthly disability compensation, and vocational rehabilitation to the children of Vietnam veterans suffering from the serious birth defect spina bifida, which has been linked to the veterans' exposure to Agent Orange. Congress passed the legislation, marking the first time our nation had ever compensated the children of veterans for a birth defect associated with their parent's exposure to toxic chemicals during their military service. Veterans Affairs is now providing benefits to over 800 children, including minors and adults.

Effective December 16, 2003, Congress authorized these benefits to children with Spina Bifida of certain veterans who served at or near the demilitarized zone in Korea between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971, because Agent Orange is known to have been sprayed in that area.

7. What are the survivor benefits?: Survivors of veterans (including spouses, children and dependent parents) who died as the result of a service-connected disease may be eligible for monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits. These survivors may also be eligible for education, home loan and medical care benefits.

8. What is my claim is denied?

If the Veterans Affairs Regional Office says your disability is not service-connected or if the percentage of disability is lower than what you think is fair, you have the right to appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The first step in appealing is to send the Veterans Affairs Regional Office a "Notice of Disagreement" This Notice of Disagreement is a written statement saying that you "disagree" with the denial. Be sure your Notice includes the date of the Veterans Affair's denial letter and be sure to list the benefits you are still seeking.

In response to the Notice of Disagreement, you will get a "Statement of the Case" from the Veterans Affairs Regional Office. This will repeat the reasons stated in the Veterans Affair's denial letter why your claim was denied and will include the relevant Veterans Affairs regulations. Once you get the Statement of the Case, if you still wish to pursue your appeal, you should file a Veterans Affairs Form 9, "Appeal to Board Veterans' Appeals" which is sent to with the Statement of the Case. You have 60 days from the date on the Statement of the Case, or one year from the date the Veterans Affairs first denied your claim, to file the Veterans Affairs Form 9. Whichever date is later is your deadline.

9. Can I appeal beyond the Veteran Affairs Regional Office?

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) is a part of the Veterans Affairs (VA), located in Washington, D.C. Members of the BVA review benefit claims decisions made by VA Regional Offices and issue a new decision. You may have a hearing before the BVA in Washington, DC or at your VA Regional Office.

Anyone appealing to the BVA should read the "Understanding the Appeal Process" pamphlet. It explains the steps involved in filing an appeal and to serve as a reference for the terms and abbreviations used in the appeal process. The Board mails a copy of this pamphlet to anyone who appeals their case.

10. Can I appeal to a court?

If the Board of Veteran's Affairs does not grant all the benefits you are seeking, you have four choices:

Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
Ask the BVA to reconsider its decision
Decide not to pursue your claim
Reopen your case with new and material evidence

11. What if I served in Vietnam and have a disease not on the Veteran Affair's list?

If you served in Vietnam and believe that you have a disease caused by herbicide exposure, but that disease is not on Veteran Affair's list of diseases associated with herbicides like Agent Orange, you may still apply for service-connection. In these cases, Veterans Affairs requires:

Competent evidence of exposure to an herbicide in Vietnam
Competent medical evidence of a current disability
Competent medical evidence of a nexus (causal relationship) between the herbicide exposure and the current disability

12. What if I was exposed to an herbicide outside Vietnam?

Herbicides were used by the U.S. military to defoliate military facilities in the U.S. and in other countries as far back as the 1950s. Even if you did not serve in Vietnam, you can still apply for service-connected benefits if you were exposed to an herbicide while in the military which you believe caused your disease or injury. If you have a disease which is on the list of diseases which Veterans Affairs (VA) recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, the VA requires:

A medical diagnosis of a disease which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange
Competent evidence of exposure to a chemical contained in one of the herbicides used in Vietnam (2,4-D; 2,4,5-T and its contaminant TCDD, cacodylic acid, or picloram), and Competent medical evidence that the disease began within the deadline for that disease (if any)
If you have a disease which is not on the list of diseases which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, VA requires
- Competent medical evidence of a current disability, competent evidence of exposure to an herbicide during military service
- Competent medical evidence of a nexus (causal relationship) between the herbicide exposure and the current disability

Veterans Affairs Medical Care

Even if you decide not to file a claim for VA compensation benefits based on Agent Orange, you can still get a free physical examination at the nearest VA Medical Center. This is called the Agent Orange Registry Exam. This exam consists of four parts: an exposure history, a medical history, laboratory tests and a physical exam of those body systems most commonly affected by toxic chemicals. This exam might detect diseases which can be treated more effectively the earlier they are diagnosed. You may also be entitled to free ongoing medical treatment at a VA medical facility.

Social Security Benefits

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers both disability insurance benefits and supplemental security income benefits. Veterans can receive both Social Security disability insurance benefits and VA disability compensation. (The supplemental security income benefit (SSI) is offset for VA pension or compensation.) Unlike VA compensation benefits that are measured in degrees of disability, SSA benefits require a total disability that will last at least one year. If you cannot work because of your disability, contact the nearest district office of the Social Security Administration.

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Assessor - Manufactured Homes

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Assessor - Mapping

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Assessor - New Construction

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Assessor - Ownership

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Assessor - Possessory Interests

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Assessor - Prop 193: Grandparent-Grandchild Exclusion

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Assessor - Prop 58: Parent-Child Exclusion

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Assessor - Severely and Permanently Disabled Persons

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Assessor - Short Term Vacation Rental (STR) Properties

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Assessor - Solar

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Assessor - Taxpayers' Bill of Rights

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Assessor - Value Review Program

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Assessor - Vessels/Boats

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Assessor - Williamson Act-CLCA

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Auditor-Controller - 1915 Act Bond Direct Charges

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Auditor-Controller - Allocation of Property Tax

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Auditor-Controller - Direct Charges

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Auditor-Controller - Mello-Roos Direct Charges

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Auditor-Controller - Roll Correction & Refunds

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Auditor-Controller - Supplemental Taxes

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Auditor-Controller - Tax Rates

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Bear River Campground

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Central Services

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Child Support Services

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Clerk-Recorder - Fictitious Business Names

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Clerk-Recorder - Marriage Licenses

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Clerk-Recorder - Real Property

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Clerk-Recorder - Vital Records

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Community Development Resource Agency - Accessory Homes

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Building

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Cost

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Engineering

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Env Eng (Public Sewer)

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Environmental Health

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Junior ADU

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Community Development Resource Agency - ADU - Planning

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Community Development Resource Agency - Building Services

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Community Development Resource Agency - Code Compliance

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Biomass Utilization Program

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Electric Vehicle Readiness Guide

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Area Plan Components

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Biological Resources/Forestry

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Community Development Resource Agency - Planning Services - Martis Valley West Parcel Project - Open Space/Trails/Recreation