Frequently Asked Questions Updated: Apr 5, 2022
These "FAQs" are based on the questions most often asked of Santa Fe Springs' service staff. You can use this guide to find answers to your questions two ways:
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Type in the key word in your question in the "search" window below (use a word like dogs or parking or water). The guide will list all the answers to the questions that include your key word.
- Select from the FAQ categories below. The guide will display all the information for questions in that category.
To use the City's Online Service Request system, find the Frequently Asked Question that is most relevant to your request. If there is a link to an Online Service Request form, click on the link. If not, use the link at the bottom of each category to send us a General Request.
Animals
11576 Telegraph Road, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Hours of operations are Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM.
If you have any questions pertaining to dog licensing you may contact the Police Services Center at (562) 409-1850.
Click on the link for more information: Animal Control
For Any Animal Related Services Or Concerns Contact SEAACA.
9777 Seaaca Street
Downey, CA 90241
(562) 803-3301
SEAACA Website
Bill, Tax & Fee Payments
The City offers discounts to senior residents, please contact City Water Services at (562) 409-7520. If you are a resident and require financial assistance, the City maybe able to assist you. Please contact the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261 or visit them at 9255 Pioneer Blvd.
Santa Fe Springs
CA 90670
Fax: 562-695-8620
If you suspect your water is contaminated, please call our Municipal Services Yard at (562) 868-0511 during normal operating hours.
For after hours service, please contact our Police Services Center at (562) 409-1850.
Please contact Police Services Center for more information in regards to your parking ticket. You can contact them at (562) 409-1850.
I haven’t received my (water, electric, gas) bill this month.
If you have not received your water bill for this month, please contact the City's Water Services at (562) 409-7520.
If you have not received your gas bill for this month, please contact the Southern California Gas Company call center at 1-800-427-2200.
If you have not received your electricity bill for this month, please contact Southern California Edison customer service at 1-800-655-4555.
If you have questions about your electric bill, please contact Southern California Edison at (800) 655-4555.
If you have questions about your gas bill, please contact Southern California Gas Company at the following numbers:
Call 800-427-2200 (Residential Customers)
Call 800-427-2000 (Commercial & Industrial Customers)
Call 800-772-5050 for Interactive Voice Response Self Service Option (in English & Spanish)
Call 800-342-4545 for information in Spanish (Residential Customers)
Call 800-427-6029 for information in Spanish (Commercial & Industrial Customers)
If your question related to Bill, Tax & Fee payments isn't listed above, please call (562) 868-0511 or you may send us your question (or request) using GoSFS (available for download):
If you haven't used our GoSFS app before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
You can visit IRS web site at:
Internal Revenue Service - United States Department of the Treasury
Building
Building permit is needed for:
Any structural changes or attached structures, detached structure over 120 sq. ft., re-roofing, block walls over 24" in height, new windows, new patio cover or carport, all swimming pools, drywall, and interior modifications
Electrical permit is needed for:
All service upgrades, new or replaced receptacles, outlets, switches and lights, air conditioning/heating, bathroom fans or electrical sub-panels
Plumbing permit is needed for:
Air conditioning, new or replaced water heaters, water softeners, bathtub or shower, fixtures, new water or gas lines (re-pipe) and drainage systems.
Mechanical permit is needed for:
Air conditioning/heating systems and bath fans
Building Permit Forms
All requests for plan check or inspections must be done in person or by phone 562-868-0511 Ext. 7560.
Building Department Office
Hours of Operation
7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Note: The Building Department is closed from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact the Building Department, (562) 868-0511, Ext. 7560.
Business Licenses (BOTC)
You are required to have a license if you operate a business within your residence. The form is available by fax, email, downloaded from the website or it can be picked up at City Hall.
Please contact our Business License Clerk for more information at (562) 409-7527.
To find out if a business is licensed in Santa Fe Springs, please call the Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527 or you may use GoSFS to send us your question (or request):
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
To get a copy of your business license, we require a request in writing. There is a $5.00 fee for the duplicate license. The copy can be mailed (no P.O. boxes) or it can be picked up form City Hall. You may also use GoSFS to send us your request.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
New forms need to be completed by the new owner. You can download the application or pick up the forms from City Hall/Finance Department. If you have any questions, please contact our business license clerk at (562) 868-0511.
In-City Businesses are on a Fiscal Year (July 1 – June 30) Basis.
Contractors: Year-to-Date (12 months from month issued)
All vehicle-related businesses: Expire every December 31st.
Miscellaneous-Out-Of-City Businesses: Year-to-Date (12 months from month issued)
The business license fee depends on various criterias such as the type of business you operate, the number of employees, etc... Please contact our Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527.
Please download our business application form at:
For a change of location within the City of Santa Fe Springs, a new application needs to be completed. Follow the steps for a new In-City Business.
If you have questions, please call the Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527 or you can use our GoSFS to send request for information:
If you haven't used our GoSFS app before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
If your business is physically located in Santa Fe Springs:
The business license is based on the number of employees ; an employee is defined as: "All individuals engaged in the operation or conduct of any business in the city, whether as owner, any member of the owner’s family, partner, agent, officer, manager, solicitor and any other persons employed or working in such business." MC Chapter 35: Taxation 35.070 ('64 Code, § 13-1) (Ordinance 50 & Ordinance 397)
• 0 – 5 Employees is $100.00
• Plus $4.00 for every employee over 5
• Plus $2.00 for every employee over 300
• There is an initial $50.00 processing fee for all new applicants. Renewal processing fee is $35.00
• Fire Department inspection fee based on the square footage of the location you are occupying
There is a transfer fee of $30.00*. The Fire Department inspection fee is also charged due to the new location and/or the ownership change. If two of the following occur (name change/owner change/address change), it is considered a new Business. See calculation above for businesses physically located in Santa Fe Springs.
*A new application packet needs to be completed and hand-delivered to City Hall.
If your business has changed its business name:
There is a $5.00 transfer fee. If the change includes a change of ownership, it is considered a new business. See calculation above for businesses physically located in Santa Fe Springs.
If your business is outside the City:Contractors:
General Contractor (A or B License with the Contractor’s State License Board) the total fee is $180.00.
$150.00 for a General Contractor and $30.00 processing fee
Sub-Contractor (C or D License with the Contractor’s State License Board) the total fee is $130.00.
$100.00 for a Sub-Contractor and $30.00 processing fee
Janitorial Service/Mobile Car Wash/Catering Trucks/Taxi Company/Recyclable Dealers/Consultant/etc:
There are several businesses categorized in the "Miscellaneous-Out-of-City" fee schedule:
• Mobile Car Wash
• Janitorial Service
• Consultant
• Pest Control/Termite Exterminator
• Environmental Analyst
The cost for businesses categorized under "Miscellaneous-Out-of-City" is $100.00 and $50.00 processing fee.
You can download our business application form here. For more information, please contact our Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527.
You have two options:
1. Mail in written notification that you have left the City; indicate your leave date and your new address.
2. Use GoSFS to notify the City that you have left the City.
If you haven't used our GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
If your question related to Business Licenses isn't listed above, please call the Business License Clerk at (562) 409-7527 or you may send us your question (or request) using GoSFS.
If you haven't used our GoSFS app before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
Cars & Parking
Citation Processing Center
P.O. Box 10479
Newport Beach, CA 92658-0479
Do not send cash. Be sure to write your citation number on your check or money order. Failure to respond to this notice within twenty-one (21) days will result in a penalty increase and/or a DMV registration hold. The registered owner is responsible for paying the parking fine. If you would like to verify that your payment has been received you may visit the Citation Processing Center's website.
Violators wishing to contest a citation must follow the following procedure. File an appeal with the Citation Processing Center. Please include any evidence or photographs that may be helpful to the Review Officer. Any items sent to the department will not be returned. All parking citation review requests must be post marked within 21 days of the violation. The Police Department will not review any citations after 21 days of issuance. A written response will be sent to you within 10 days. If you have questions regarding the appeal process please review the Citation Processing Center's FAQ.
If the citation involves any violations relating to disabled person parking, please be sure to include the following information with your review. A copy of the disabled persons placard, a copy of the handicap placard registration, a copy of the registered owner’s identification card, and a narrative from the disabled person as to the circumstances related to the violation. The Department will not review any citation in person, or over the telephone.The Department of Police Services is responsible for the enforcement of laws related to parking within the City of Santa Fe Springs. Parking citations list the violation and the fine amount. Parking citations are not moving violations and will not reflect on a drivers DMV record. Citations are issued to the registered owner of the parked vehicles.
Be sure to read the instructions printed on the front and back of the citation. Certain violations require proof of correction. The Police Services Center front desk is able to verify proof of correction for "fix-it-tickets."
The first is that the original citation payment was made after the maximum 21-day period and therefore increased due to additional penalties. The partial payment of the increased amount would have been received, but the citation would still be referred to DMV for collection because of the balance due. In this case, the total amount is still due to the DMV. It is advisable to pay the total fine amount to DMV so that the vehicle registration won’t be delayed, causing additional fees. The original payment can then be refunded if proof of that payment can be provided. The second possibility for this to occur is that an error was made when posting the original payment and it was not credited to the correct citation. If you have proof of payment for a citation that the DMV is showing due on the vehicles registration, contact the Citation Processing Center at (800) 989-2058.
The vehicle can be released only to the registered owner who has a valid California driver's license only. The vehicle must have current registration.
Regular impound: $16630-Day impound: $166
DUI Impound: $319
All vehicle release fees will be accepted in cash only.
Vehicles can be parked on a public street for no longer than 72 consecutive hours as long as it is parked legally and has valid registration. If you feel a vehicle has been parked for an extended period of time, you can contact the Police Services Center to have the vehicle checked on. An officer will issue a warning to the vehicle and if the vehicle does not move in 72 hours the vehicle will be cited and/or impounded for violation of the California Vehicle Code Section 22651(K).
You can call the Police Services Center at (562) 409-1850.Abandoned or Inoperable Vehicles
Abandoned or inoperable vehicles either on private property or on a public street is handled through the Police Services Center. Please contact the Police Services Center at (562) 409-1850 for more information.
The accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof on private or public property not including highways is hereby found to create a condition tending to reduce the value of private property, to promote blight and deterioration, to invite plundering, to create fire hazards, to constitute an attractive nuisance creating a hazard to the health and safety of minors, to create a harborage for rodents and insects and to be injurious to the health, safety and general welfare.
To report an abandoned vehicle on private or public property, contact the Police Services Center at (562) 409-1850.City Council
You may email the City Clerk, call (562) 868-0511, ext. 7569, or use GoSFS.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
If your question related to the City Council isn't listed above, please call (562) 868-0511 or you may send us your question (or request) using GoSFS
If you haven't used our GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
City Manager
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
General Questions
Tours can be arranged by contacting the City's Public Information Officer.
Phone: 562-868-0511 x7538
If you can't find the answer to your question, please call City Hall at (562) 868-0511 or you may send us your question (or request) using GoSFS
If you haven't used GosSFS before, you will need to create an account to use this system. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
General election information can be obtained at the official website of the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk.
Voter registration applications are available at City Hall, the Library, any US Post Office, or the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office in Norwalk.
12016 Telegraph Rd #100
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670-6090
(562) 944-1616
12400 Imperial Hwy
Norwalk, CA
(562) 466-1323
Santa Fe Springs Office
10355 Slusher Dr.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
(562) 903-5000
Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles
700 West Main Street
Alhambra, CA 91801
Section 8: (626) 262-4510
Public Housing: (626) 262-4511
TDD: (855) 892-6095
Web: www.hacola.org
Southeast District
Whittier Courthouse
7339 South Painter Ave.
Whittier, CA 90602
Southeast District
Norwalk Courthouse
12720 Norwalk Blvd.
Norwalk, CA 90650
Senior Services
Come and enjoy lunch and meet new friends in a pleasant and social atmosphere. A small donation is requested and daily reservations are required. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, please call the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261.
The City provides transportation services through Transportation Services for seniors 60 years and older and for disabled adults.
Medical Transportation
Transportation to medical and dental appointments are available for residents 60 years and older and for persons with disabilities. Reservations are required at least one day in advance by calling (562) 409-7572. Transportation is provided to the cities of Downey, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, and Whittier, according to the following schedule:
Days of Service & Area Covered
Monday: Downey, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs
Tuesday: Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier
Wednesday: Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier
Thursday: Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier
Friday: Downey, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs
PLEASE SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENTS BETWEEN 9:30 AM & 1:30 PM
Senior Center Route Schedule
Transportation is available to residents, ages 60 years or older, to attend programming and lunch program (NC Senior Center only) at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center. Transportation services are provided between 8 am and 9:15 am (Pick up) 11:45 am and 12:15 pm (Drop off). Please call at least one day in advance to request transportation at (562) 409-7572.
For more information, please call (562) 692-0261. Or can send us your request with GoSFS.
You will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
Senior Services offers a variety of activities and programs designed to enhance and enrich the lives of adults age 50 and older. The Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center offers a broad spectrum of services including a nutrition lunch program at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center, enrichment and educational classes, health, fitness and wellness programs, excursions, special events and Outreach Services. Operating hours for both centers 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For a complete listing of programs and information please call the Gus Velasco neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261 or visit our center:
Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center
9255 Pioneer Blvd.
The City has a case management section through the Family & Human Services Division at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center, where case managers are available to help answer your questions and assist with filling out forms Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please call (562) 692-0261 for an appointment or visit the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center at 9255 Pioneer Blvd.
Senior Services Section at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center has a representative from the Social Security office to assist with filling out forms and any Social Security related questions on 1st, 2nd, and last Tuesday of the month from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
For an appointment call (562) 929-1990 ext. 224.
If your question related to Senior Services isn't listed above, please call (562) 692-0261, or you may send us your question (or request) using GoSFS.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
Social Services
For further information call the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261.
For more information, please contact the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261.
The Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center has a listing of job opportunities available to reference. In addition, the Southeast Area Social Services Funding Authority (SASSFA) offers assistance in job searching to adults and youth at the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center.
For more information, contact the Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261 or you can use GoSFS.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
The Family and Human Services Division offer a Legal Services program where volunteer attorneys provide free consultation. Several volunteer attorneys specialize in a variety of different fields.
For more information, contact the Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261 or you can use GoSFS.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.
For further details or assistance, please contact the Gus Velasco Neighborhood Center at (562) 692-0261.
If you haven't used GoSFS before, you will need to create an account. If you have any problems, please send us an e-mail at support@santafesprings.gov.