Frequently Asked Questions
Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.
Main
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Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.Main
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Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.Main
City Information
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City Information
Provide excellent City services that help our community members thrive. We strive to ensure public safety, encourage economic opportunities, collaborate on expanding educational innovations, advance healthcare access, modernize our infrastructure, offer outstanding amenities, and cultivate a welcoming community for our families.
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The city has established a public information hotline (209-895-8070) and a dedicated email address so that customers can get all of their questions answered with regards to any water quality or water conservation concerns.City Information
Fire
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Fire
A fire incident report is generated by the Fire Department each time a piece of fire apparatus is dispatched to assist with a fire, medical aid, vehicle accident, a hazardous materials incident, rescue or other dangerous situation. Details included on these reports include, but are not limited to: response times, unit(s) responding, nature of the call, and/or actions taken to mitigate the situation. Please download and fill out the form below and submit to the Fire Department.
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Fire
To schedule a station tour with the Fire Department, please call 209-895-8130 or email at fire@ci.patterson.ca.us at least three to four weeks in advance of the date you wish to have your tour. Please keep the following in mind:
- Tours will be scheduled after 10:00 am
- Please note the fire stations are on 24-hour call and personnel remain available for response during all tours. In the event a crew is called away during your visit, we will be happy to reschedule your tour for another day.
When calling, please be prepared to give the following information:
- Name of the organization or group
- Name and phone number of the person requesting the tour and or organizer
- Age range and number of the children if any
- Day and time that would be best for you
Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to providing you a behind-the-scenes look into the Patterson Fire Department.
Public Works
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80%. Only 3% of the Earth's water is fresh water and only 1% of the Earth's water is suitable for drinking water.Public Works
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Yes. The behavior of individuals contribute to more storm water pollution than businesses, industry, and large public enterprise. Water that flows from households during rainstorms will flush pesticides, fertilizers, pert waste, litter, automobile fluid, oil and other pollutants into storm drains. Allowing these pollutants into the storm drains system is harmful to our environment and our quality of life!Public Works
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No. One gallon of oil can contaminate up to 1 MILLION gallons of water.Public Works
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Sanitary sewer system collects wastewater from indoor plumbing such as sinks, toilets, washing machines, and floor drains and it is transported through underground pipes to a sewer treatment plant where pollutants are removed from the wastewater before it is discharged into the river. Storm Drainage Systems collect and transport the water and is transported through underground pipes that discharge directly into local waterways such as creeks and rivers.Public Works
Building
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Building
Inspections are conducted M-F, AM (8-12) and PM (1-5). To request an inspection, please call the inspection line at (209) 895-8028 before 3:00pm. Inspections made before 3pm, M-F, will be scheduled for the following business day. After 3pm, inspection requests will be scheduled on the second business day following the day the inspection was called in. You will need to provide your contact information, permit number, specify AM or PM, address and type of inspection needed.
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Building
Over the counter permits are issued in the Building Department located on the first floor of City Hall Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm. List of Over the Counter Permits: 1.) Electrical service replacement (residential) 2.) Hot water heater (residential/commercial) 3.) Water softener installation or replacement 4.) Window replacement (same size only - no structural changes to the building) 5.) Plumbing fixture replacement (residential) 6.) Building sewer line repair (residential) 7.) Building water line repair (residential) 8.) HVAC replacement or repair 9.) Gas line replacement or repair 10.) Gas tag 11.) Temporary electrical service 12.) Re-roof 13.) Sheetrock installation repair or replace in an existing building 14.) Stucco Installation 15.) Siding repair or replacement - no change in shear 16.) Water line(s) repair replacement (interior) 17.) Building drain line repair or replace (existing building)
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Building
For residential projects, 3 sets of plans, 2 sets of supporting documents and a digital copy of the plans and documents are required. For commercial projects, 3 sets of plans, 2 sets of supporting documents and a digital copy of the plans and documents are required.
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Building
Most plans are NOT reviewed at City Hall. They are sent to an outside agency for plan check. 1.) Please allow up to 15-20 business days for your plans to be processed and sent to the outside agency for plan review. 2.) Please allow an additional 15-20 business days for the Plan Checker to receive, review and comment on your plans. 3.) If revisions are required to your plans or there are comments, you will be notified by email. It is YOUR responsibility to ensure your plans are updated and that all revisions and comments are addressed in a timely manner. Updated sets of revised plans must be resubmitted through the City's Building Department. 4.) If NO revisions or changes are required to your plans and they are approved, you will be notified by the City's Building Department when your permit is ready for pick up. 5.) Please be prepared to pay all permit fees.
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Building
Fees are based on the valuation and square footage of each project.
Recycling
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Recycling turns materials that would otherwise become waste into valuable resources. Collecting used bottles, cans, and newspapers and taking them to the curb or to a collection facility is just the first in a series of steps that generates a host of financial, environmental, and social returns. Some of these benefits affect us and our environment on a local and global level.Recycling
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Your Recycles are picked up on the same day as your garbage and green waste. To find your recycle and trash days, please click or call (209)895-8068Recycling
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Aerosol Cans (empty) Aluminum: cans, beverage and food containers, foil (clean), and pie pans Books: hardbound, paperback and text books Bottles: narrow-neck bottles used for food liquids, soap, soda or water - (lightly clean if heavily soiled) Cardboard and paperboard boxes corrugated boxes, egg containers, food boxes (including cereal boxes), frozen food packaging, mailing boxes, and oversized boxes Cartons (waxed): used for a liquid such as juices, milk or soups Glass containers such as bottles and jars (please rinse) Juice Boxes (clean) Mail: envelopes with plastic windows Metal: beverage and food containers Paper (all colors and types): catalogs, folders, junk mail, magazines, mixed paper, newsprint (all types), non-metallic wrapping paper, office papers, printer paper, school papers and shredded paper Plastic: bottles and jars with symbols #1 through #7 (narrow neck and screw top – lightly clean if heavily soiled) -e.g., detergent/bleach bottles, juice bottles, milk jugs, soda bottles, water bottles. Containers with symbols #1 through #7 (wide-mouthed – lightly clean if heavily soiled) -e.g., cottage cheese, margarine, mayonnaise, sour cream and yogurt (caps and labels o.k.). Drinking cups and prescription bottles, including lids and caps. Steel: beverage containers and food (scrap metal is not accepted for curbside Recycle Pick-up, but may be recycled at our Tin: cans and foilRecycling
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Plastic bags of any color, size, or shape will no longer be accepted. The Recycling Processing Facility uses an automated system to sort and bale the recyclables. Plastic bags jam the automated machinery. Most jurisdictions that have gone to a single stream recycling system which allows all mixed recyclables to be recycled together, no longer accept plastic bags. Residents can take their plastic bags to some grocery stores. You are encouraged to ask for paper bags during shopping or opt for the cloth/mesh reusable bags. The first step in recycling is to reduce, so changing the type of bag used during shopping is a huge help to the environment.Recycling
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Yes – Citizens are advised to place all recyclable materials in Blue Totes marked RECYCLE ONLY.Recycling
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Set out recycling items by 6 a.m. for collection. Every section of the City has a different collection day/schedule. You can find your Recycle and Trash days by clicking here. If your collection day falls on a holiday, please hold your recycling items until the make-up collection day. You do NOT need a City issued recycle bin to recycle.Recycling
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You can get another Blue Recycling Bin by calling (209) 895-8040Recycling
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If you are interested in scheduling a tour at the Waste To Energy Facility (WTE) or the Fink Road Landfill, please see contact information below. Covanta Stanislaus Inc. (WTE) 4040 Fink Road P.O.Box 278 Crows Landing, CA 95313 (Must be at least 18 years of age to tour this facility) Contact: Matt Barnes (209) 534-3287 Stanislaus County Landfill Division 4000 Fink Road P.O.Box 86 Crows Landing, CA 95313 (Must be at least 18 years of age to tour this facility) Contact: George Angusich (209) 837-4800 .Recycling
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Rigid Plastics Include: Milk and soda crates, buckets, laundry baskets, lawn furniture, totes, plastic drums, coolers, flower pots, water bottles, pallets, pet carriers, shelving, closet organizers, empty garbage/recycling binsRecycling
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Some unacceptable recycling materials are: Carry out or deli food containers Cat litter Chemicals Cookware and plates (plastic) Containers of toxic substances -e.g., bottles, cans motor oil, pesticides, etc. Contaminated paper products -e.g., napkins, paper towels, waxed paper, paper plates & tissue Contaminated plastic products -e.g., plates, utensils, cookware, to-go cartons Dry cleaning bags Food Waste Furniture of any kind Glass (window and mirror) Paint and paint cans Plastic bags including grocery and newspaper covers Utensils (plastic) Waxed paper StyrofoamRecycling
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If you have old clothing, please consider “reuse” by selling these yourself or donating usable clothing (without tears, holes, burns, etc.) to charity groups (Goodwill Industries , Salvation Army (External Link), Deseret Industries, etc.). Damaged items, including fabric scraps, cannot be resold by these organizations. It takes valuable time and effort away from their good work to separate these from the usable items. If you have such damaged fabrics simply place them in with you regular trash and they will be incinerated at the waste-to-energy facility.Recycling
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Recycling
Corrosive liquids like ammonia or detergent are taken to a treatment facility where the chemicals are neutralized. Pesticides and poisons are incinerated. Oil-based paints and thinners are blended into fuel mixtures and later used as fuel. Motor oil is also reused as fuel. And batteries are returned to their pre-used condition at smelters.
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YES. City offers electronic recycling twice a year in partnership with Tri-Valley Recycling. For the location and hours of operation and a list of acceptable materials, please click. Only Tri-Valley Recycling can accept electronic materials.Recycling
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We accept Fire Extinguishers on our Household Hazardous Waste collection daysRecycling
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We strongly urge residents to recycle CFL bulbs at our Household Hazardous Waste events.Recycling
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Use completely, or give away to someone who can use it. Otherwise, air dry unwanted paint in the can and mix with kitty litter. Dispose of dried paint in the garbage. Alternative - Use whitewash for fences, barns, and outbuildings. Use new, low volatility paints.Recycling
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Use up, or give to someone who can use it. Otherwise, store for a household hazardous waste drop-off event. Another alternative is using latex or water-based paint instead of oil based paint.Recycling
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The time in which we live and our everyday social habits require the use of many types of batteries. If you are interested in recycling your old batteries, please consider take-back programs at retail store outlets like (Home Depot, Lowes, Circuit City, Best Buy, Radio Shack, and Cell Phone Retail Stores). Preferably, at point-of-purchase, please inquire about the stores’ possible recycling options. Batteries can also be set aside and taken to a Household Hazardous Waste drop off event.Recycling
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There are free drop off places for used motor oil to City residents Monday – Saturday at O'Rilley's and Auto Zone Auto Parts.Recycling
Public Works - FOG Program
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FOG stands for Fats, Oils and Grease. These are by-products of food service establishments (FSEs), automobile repair facilities and car washes.Public Works - FOG Program
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FOG coats the inside of the sanitary sewer mains and reduces the capacity of the mains. Eventually it will cause the flow of wastewater to back up and trigger an overflow.Public Works - FOG Program
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A “sanitary sewer overflow” is defined as a discharge to ground or surface water from the sanitary sewer system at any point upstream of the treatment facility. Temporary storage and conveyance facilities (such as wet wells, regulated impoundments, tanks, high lines, etc.) may be part of a sanitary sewer system and discharges to these facilities are not considered sanitary sewer overflows, provided that the waste is fully contained within these temporary storage/conveyance facilities. Sanitary sewer overflow is also defined in State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ, Statewide General Waste Discharge Requirements for Sanitary Sewer Systems, found at http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resdec/wqorders/2006/wqo/wqo2006_0003.pdf.Public Works - FOG Program
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Causes of sanitary sewer overflows include grease blockages, root blockages, debris blockages, sewer line flood damage, manhole structure failures, vandalism, pump station mechanical failures, power outages, storm or groundwater inflow/infiltration, lack of capacity, and/or contractor caused blockages.Public Works - FOG Program
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Contain high levels of suspended solids, pathogenic organisms, toxic pollutants, nutrients, oxygen demanding organic compounds, oil and grease, and other pollutants.Public Works - FOG Program
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Sanitary sewer overflows can cause temporary violation of applicable water quality objectives, pose a threat to public health, adversely affect aquatic life, and impair the public recreational use and aesthetic enjoyment of surface waters in the area.Public Works - FOG Program
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Residents and businesses have an important role in reducing FOG and helping prevent SSOs.Public Works - FOG Program
Public Works - Collections
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A sanitary sewer collection system is a network of pipelines that collects wastewater (sewage) from homes, business and industry and directs that sewage to the treatment facility.Public Works - Collections
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A sanitary sewer (or wastewater) clean-out is a plumbing fixture that allows access to the resident's lateral or the City’s sewer main line.Public Works - Collections
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The clean-out is located on the resident's property outside of the house foundation on the sanitary sewer service line. There is also usually a cleanout located at property line, on the border between the City’s Right-of-Way and the private property.Public Works - Collections
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The clean-out will be a 4" or 6" pipe with a threaded cap that may be freestanding, or set in concrete.Public Works - Collections
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A private lateral is that part of the collection system that connects the resident's house to the City's wastewater main line. It is located on the resident's property and it is the responsibility of the resident to service and to maintain the private lateral.Public Works - Collections
Public Works - WQCF
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A WQCF (also called a wastewater treatment plan) removes impurities contained in wastewater. This treated water can then be safely discharged to the environment. This same process occurs in nature. Treatment plants enhance this natural process and speed it up to treat larger volumes of wastewater in a shorter period of time. Treatment includes chemical, physical and biological processes to reclaim the water.Public Works - WQCF
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Yes! Modern wastewater treatment plants are critical to a safer, cleaner environment by reducing the organic load and controlling bacteria and waterborne diseases.Public Works - WQCF
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Our plant is located at the end of Walnut Avenue near the San Joaquin River. If you are interested in taking a tour of the plant, please see the quick links to request a tour.Public Works - WQCF
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The treated water is discharged to one of fifteen evaporation and percolation ponds for disposal. These ponds have a combined total area of more than 100 acres.Public Works - WQCF
General
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Patterson is a City in Stanislaus County, California, located off Interstate 5. It is 27 miles southeast of Tracy and is part of the Modesto Metropolitan Statistical Area. Patterson is known as the "Apricot Capital of the World" the town holds an annual Apricot Fiesta to celebrate with many drinks, food, desserts and games. The population was 20,413 at the 2010 census, up from 11,606 at the 2000 census.General
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On Interstate 5 (I-5): If you’re heading North bound from Los Angeles or Bakersfield, you will take the Sperry Ave exit in Patterson, CA off of the 5 and turn right to head into down town. If you’re heading South bound on I-5 from San Francisco or Sacramento, you will exit also on Sperry Ave. off of the 5 and turn left to head into down town. On Highway 99 (H-99): If you’re heading North bound from Los Angeles or Bakersfield on H-99, you will take the West Main St (County Hwy j-17) Exit in Turlock, then head west (or turn left) for about 15 miles to Patterson, CA. If you’re heading South bound on H-99 from San Francisco or Sacramento, you will exit also West Main (County Hwy j-17) Exit in Turlock, then head West (or turn right) for about 15 miles to Patterson, CA.General
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General
Patterson has Council-Manager form of government. In the Council-Manager form of government, the Council is the governing body of the City, elected by the public, and the Manager is hired by the Council to carry out the policies it establishes. In Patterson the Council five members including the Mayor (or Council President) who is elected by the people as defined in the City Charter. The Council provides legislative direction while the City Manager is responsible for day-to-day administrative operations of the City based on the Council’s recommendations. The Mayor and Council, as a collegial body, are responsible for setting policy, approving the budget, and determining the tax rate. The City Manager serves as the Council’s Chief Adviser. VOTERS COUNCIL MANAGER DEPARTMENT HEADS
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According to the Department of Finance for the State of California, Patterson's population in 2014 was 20,922. The 2010 United States Census reported that Patterson had a population of 20,413. The population density was 3,428.5 people per square mile (1,323.7/km²). The racial makeup of Patterson was 10,117 (49.6%) White, 1,291 (6.3%) African American, 221 (1.1%) Native American, 1,069 (5.2%) Asian, 280 (1.4%) Pacific Islander, 6,235 (30.5%) from other races, and 1,200 (5.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11,971 persons (58.6%). The population was spread out with 6,890 people (33.8%) under the age of 18, 2,140 people (10.5%) aged 18 to 24, 5,822 people (28.5%) aged 25 to 44, 4,280 people (21.0%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,281 people (6.3%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.1 years. For every 100 females there were 101.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.0 males.General
Urban Forestry
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Street trees are planted in two locations along city streets. Some are planted in the “landscape strip,” the open space that runs between the curb and the sidewalk. Where a landscape strip doesn’t exist, street trees are planted behind the sidewalk and are located in the front yard of the property owner. If you are unsure if a tree is a street tree, contact Public Works at (209) 895-8060 or by email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us. A crew member will be happy to verify your city tree.Urban Forestry
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The Urban Forestry Division trims, plants and removes dying, damaged or diseased street trees. Property owners are not permitted to trim street trees. Please contact the Public Works Department at (209) 895-8060, or by email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us for service requests.Urban Forestry
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During normal business hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., call (209) 895-8060 to have a work order submitted. If you have an emergency tree related problem after normal business hours call (209) 895-8000 and select option “9” for the on-call service. Work orders may also be placed online at any time through this link.Urban Forestry
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Please contact the Public Works Department at (209) 895-8060, by email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us or through our online reporting system at link . Staff will be happy to provide information on your street tree or make a site visit to evaluate the tree.Urban Forestry
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Approximately 17,000 street and park trees are trimmed on a 5 – 7 year cycle. Trees ranking as critical or high priority are scheduled for service first. Trees may be trimmed more frequently depending on the species and growth rate of the tree. Contact the Public Works Department for more information. Exceptions are made for safety hazards.Urban Forestry
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Call the Public Works Department to request a tree. Staff will evaluate your property to see if there is appropriate planting space. Considerations for planting include spacing, proximity to sewer, gas and water service lines, as well as proximity to sidewalks, driveways, streetlights, etc. City tree planting is typically scheduled in the fall and spring.Urban Forestry
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The city has a master tree list that has been approved by the City Council. Only trees approved for that street will be planted if replacement is necessary. This master street tree list has tree species selected for each street in Patterson.Urban Forestry
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The property owner is responsible for watering young city trees. The first two years are critical and the tree will need to be watered weekly from spring through fall.Urban Forestry
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The property owner is responsible for damage caused by tree roots and for mitigating root issues on private property. The city may repair damage caused by roots to public improvements such as sidewalk, curb and gutter.Urban Forestry
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Normally, a city tree is removed only if it is dead, dying, structurally unsound, or creating a problem that cannot be resolved without causing great harm to the tree. City tree removal requests are processed on a case-by-case basis which includes a site inspection. The decision is made by the City Arborist.Urban Forestry
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In most cases, no. Typically, only trees that are dead, dying or structurally unsound will be removed. Contact Public Works at (209) 895-8060 or by email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us if you would like your tree evaluated.Urban Forestry
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Generally, no. All trees provide a benefit to the community but there can be a cost associated with the benefit. The cost may be leaf litter, fruit or pod droppings or root issues. In most cases, these are not sufficient reasons to remove a street tree. The city provides a leaf pickup program during the fall.Urban Forestry
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The Urban Forestry Division crews treat specific trees by request. When there is a request for pest control, division staff will evaluate each situation to determine if treatment is required. If action is recommended, treatment will be scheduled and the resident will be advised.Urban Forestry
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The city will perform safety trimming if crews are in the area performing regular maintenance on city approved trees.Urban Forestry
Street and Maintenance Repair
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Residential streets are swept weekly. The downtown core and streets in front of schools are swept daily.Street and Maintenance Repair
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Contact the Public Works Department at 209-895-8060 or email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us to request a work order for service.Street and Maintenance Repair
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Contact the Public Works Department at 209-895-8060 or email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us to request a work order for service. For after hours service, please call 209-895-8000 and select option “9” for the on-call service.Street and Maintenance Repair
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The city does not typically install speed bumps as they cause an obstruction to all vehicles especially emergency vehicles.Street and Maintenance Repair
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Yes, in most cases. Contact the Public Works Department at 209-895-8060 or email at publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us . The city will send out a crew member to evaluate the area.Street and Maintenance Repair
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Contact Public Works at 209-895-8060 or email publicworks@ci.patterson.ca.us to report streetlight outages. Please be sure to include location and or address of light, pole number and if light is completely out or flickers. The City contracts with an outside electrical company to do repairs. Repairs are typically done within one week.Street and Maintenance Repair
2019 - Footer FAQs
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2019 - Footer FAQs
Where is Patterson?
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2019 - Footer FAQs
How do you get to Patterson?
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2019 - Footer FAQs
What kind of goverment does Patterson have?
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2019 - Footer FAQs
What are the city’s demographics?
City Clerk's Office
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City Clerk's Office
City Council agendas are posted at City Hall (1 Plaza), Patterson Public Library (46 N Salado Ave), and at the Hammon Senior Center (1033 W Las Palmas). They are also available online. You can subscribe to receive City Council Meeting notifications by subscribing to the City Council Meetings & Agendas Calendar at our Subscribe page.
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City Clerk's Office
The City Council meets at 7:00 pm the first and third Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at City Hall (1 Plaza).
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City Clerk's Office
To apply for a board, commission, or committee, complete an application and return to the City Clerks office located on the second floor at City Hall (1 Plaza), email the application to cityclerk@ci.patterson.ca.us, or mail your application to P.O. Box 667, Patterson, CA. 95363.
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City Clerk's Office
You can register to vote online at the Secretary of State's website. Voter registration forms are also available from the Stanislaus County Election Department, City Clerk Offices, Post Offices, and the Department of Motor Vehicles. Questions regarding voter registration or voting by mail ballots should be directed to the Stanislaus County Election Department in Modesto at (209) 525-5200.
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City Clerk's Office
Marriage licenses and birth certificates are obtained through the Stanislaus County Clerk's Office. Contact the County Recorder's Office at (209) 525-5250 or visit the County's website for more information. They are located at 1021 I Street, Suite 101, in Modesto.
Utility Billing
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Utility Billing
The top offenders for a spike in water use are:
- Running toilets
- Water sprinklers set too long and/or have a leak
- Pool autofill is malfunctioning
- The water softener is set to flush and/or malfunctioning
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Utility Billing
If you are a TID Cares (low-income) customer (this information will reflect on your TID electric bill) and over the age of 60, you are eligible for a discount on the water and garbage portion of your utility bill (you must be the account holder). Please contact the Finance Department at 209 895-8040.
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Utility Billing
The City of Patterson is 86% completed with the meter changeout project where we are converting to cellular meters; you can download the EyeOnWater app to monitor your water use in real-time. For more information regarding the app contact our Public Works Department at 209 895-8060.
Business License
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Business License
Business License Fees: On page 4 of the business license application (PDF) is the license tax fee guide to determine the cost of your business license. Example: If your field of business is professional services and you forecast you will make $50,000 the first year, your license tax fee is $114 per schedule + $25 first-time application fee + $4 CASP Fee. Therefore, the total amount of your business license will be $143.
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Business License
Getting your business license certificate depends on the type of business license you apply for.
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Business License
If your business is home-based or your paperwork for your business is facilitated at your home. This process is done with our Planning Department and generally takes approximately 2.5 weeks.
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Business License
Our Planning Department reviews the business license application for zoning. Inspections from our Building, Fire, and Public Works departments are required prior to opening. Once all Departments sign off on inspections the Business License will be issued. This timeline could be up to 2 business days after final approvals.