QUESTION:  How can I apply for a Business License?

ANSWER:  See Business License information

QUESTION:  How much is a Business License? 

ANSWER:  See Business License Information

QUESTION:  When does a Business License expire?

ANSWER:  Business Licenses are issued based upon the calendar year and expire on December 31st.

QUESTION:  How can I apply for a Dog License?

ANSWER:  See Dog License information

QUESTION:  Can you refer me to other Government Agencies?

ANSWER:  See Other Government Agencies for information

ARPA Cash Grants

QUESTION:  How can I apply for the Supervisorial District 2 ARPA Cash Grant?

ANSWER:   

• Click on this link
• A City of Newark small business advisor is available to assist you with the grant application at your request.  Reach Anne Stedler at 510.468.7368.

Volunteering

Businesses have a lot to offer.  Anyone with interest in volunteering in the local community or in the schools, should call the City's Economic Development Manager Anne Stedler at (510) 468-7368 and discuss the options available that suit your business needs.

Meet Other Businesses

The Newark Chamber of Commerce is launching new initiatives and it is a great time to become part of this organization.  The officers of the Chamber Board of Directors are Chair Debbie Montes, Secretary Fallon Tran, and Treasurer Long Nguyen.  Reach Mr. Nguyen at 408.921.9810.

Zoning - Business

To determine if a business is allowed at a certain location, please review the City's Zoning Map to determine the zoning for the property.  The development standards for residential districts are under Section 17.07.030 of the Zoning Code.

Business Growth

QUESTION:  My business is on a growth curve and is slowed down because I cannot hire staff.  What are my options?  Who can help me?

ANSWER: 

• Reach the Ohlone College Career Center at its Newark Campus:  510.742.2327.  The Ohlone College Career Center Employer Orientation explains recruitment events and tailored services Ohlone offers for the employer's benefit.
• Call Economic Development Manager Anne Stedler at 510.468-7368 or email anne.stedler@newark.org to review your company's needs.
• There are special programs for hiring interns, people re-entering the workforce or changing careers, with good track records.
• Ohlone College faculty in life sciences or computer-aided manufacturing offer strong academic programs and are interested in contact with employers.

QUESTION:   Where do I get information on City meetings?

ANSWER: You may click on:  Meetings, Agendas, & Minutes | Newark, CA for information on:

• City Council Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes
• Planning Commission Meetings, Agendas, and Minutes
• Senior Advisory Committee
• City Council Boad of Education Committee Agendas and Minutes
• Disaster Council Agendas and Minutes
• Community Development Advisory Committee Agenda and Minutes
• Measure GG Oversight Committee

QUESTION:  How do I get something on the City Council Agenda?

ANSWER: The City of Newark establishes the agenda.  The public is invited to speak on any item not listed on the agenda during Public Comments.  public Comments are usually limited to 5 minutes per speaker.

Complaints

• Abandoned Shopping Carts

  • The City of Newark and California State Law requires businesses to collect their shopping carts that are moved off of their site. Carts left on private property, across sidewalks and even in the streets pose potential public safety concerns.

    Carts are required to have a sign attached to the cart identifying the business name, the procedure for authorized removal, notification that it is illegal to remove without authorization and a valid telephone number or address of the contact for retrieval (California Business and Professional Code, Sections 22435.1 and 22435.2).

    Carts should be retrieved from the neighborhood by the owner daily and some businesses are required to collect hourly.

    State law allows the City to collect carts that are a hazard. As time allows, staff remove carts as they travel from work sites, but this is not enough to collect all stray carts.  

    The City's maintenance department may only pick up empty carts left on public property.  You may contact the maintenance division at (510) 578-4806.  

    How can you help?

    If you see a shopping cart left off site of the store, use the following numbers to call the store for retrieval:

    • 99 Ranch Market: 792-1899
    • Lion Market: 742-8179
    • Big Lots: 713-0735
    • Newark Grocery Outlet: 791-5124
    • CVS: 796-4050
    • Raley's: 797-1148
    • Dollar Tree: 794-2846
    • Safeway: 713-3180
    • Food Maxx: 438-5968

• Abandoned/Inoperable Vehicles
  
  • You can visit Title 10 - Vehicles & Traffic of the City's Municipal  Code for information. 
  • Click Here to file a complaint of an abandoned vehicle

• Animal Control
  • Visit the City's Animal Control page

• Garbage

  • Garbage service in the City is mandatory.  All residential and commercial properties must have collection service. 

    The City of Newark contracts with www.RepublicServicesAC.com. for garbage and recycling services. Please contact Republic Services of Alameda County at (510) 657-3500.

  • For garbage service complaints, please contact Republic Services directly at (510) 657-3500.  For issues that Republic Services is unable to address, please contact the City of Newark's Environmental Services Manager James Scanlin at james.scanlin@newark.org.

• Graffiti
  •  Graffiti not only depreciates the value of property which has been the target of such vandalism, but also depreciates the value of adjacent properties.

    When graffiti is allowed to remain, it tends to attract additional incidents of graffiti and conveys a negative image of the city to both residents and visitors. 

    Code 8.26.030 of the City's Municipal Code states that Graffiti is prohibited.  It is unlawful for any person to apply graffiti on public or privately owned buildings, or vehicles, located on public or privately owned property within the city. It is unlawful for the owner of any such property to maintain, or allow to be maintained, graffiti on such property.
  • Report graffiti by completing this form or by Emailing:  anti.graffiti@newark.org

• Illegal Building

  • All new construction and alterations to existing structures require a building permit.

  • Any land use not specifically listed as permitted, is prohibited. Failure of any responsible parties (property owner, business owner, tenant, etc.) to comply with the Newark Municipal Code may result in administrative citations, criminal prosecution, civil lawsuit, public nuisance abatement, receivership, the clouding of title, or other legal action.

• Illegal Dumping
  • Report Illegal Dumping 

• Illegal Fireworks
  • Only safe and sane fireworks are allowed in designated areas in the days preceding Independence Day.  Please call Newark's Police Dispatch at 510-578-4237 to report illegal fireworks by providing the address or general location.   
  • Ordinance No. 535 Fireworks (002)
  • For more information, refer to Newark Municipal Code 12.16.115 

• Noise / Quiet Zone
  •  Noise:  Read Newark Municipal Code 17.24.100 on noise limits and restrictions.
•  

QUESTION:  How is train noise being addressed?                                                                    ANSWER:

• Quiet Zone:  For An increasing concern for Newark residents is the noise generated by trains at the City’s railroad crossings, particularly the disruption resulting from nighttime freight train traffic.  The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has specific rules regarding the required sounding of train horns at all at-grade street crossings.  However, there are provisions that allow for local jurisdictions to establish “quiet zones” with alternative safety improvements where train horns would no longer be required to be routinely sounded.    
• The City of Newark is currently pursuing the potential installation of quiet zones for most of the active public at-grade crossings in the City.  The City Council recently received a Quiet Zone Feasibility Study and accompanying Presentation that identified the potential for quiet zones through the two primary railroad corridors in Newark, including:
  • The Coast Subdivision line from Jarvis Avenue to Central Avenue.  Quiet zone improvements are recommended at the Jarvis Avenue, Haley Street, Mayhews Landing Road, Thornton Avenue and Carter Avenue crossings.
  • The Niles Subdivision line from Cedar Boulevard to Sycamore Street.  Quiet zone improvements are recommended at the Cedar Boulevard, Cherry Street and Sycamore Street crossings.
  • In addition to these locations, the City is planning the construction of a full grade separation structure at the Central Avenue railroad crossing, tentatively scheduled to be completed in 2025. 
  • California Assemblymember Alex Lee recently announced that $2 Million in State funding has been secured through AB179 for the implementation of quiet zones in the City of Newark!  The City is also currently pursuing additional funding opportunities for quiet zones at the Federal level.  The next step is to complete the design process for these quiet zones.  Please check this page in the near future for additional updates.

• Overgrown/Dead Vegetation

  • Dry and overgrown weeds are a nuisance and safety hazard. In addition to creating visual blight, dry weeds create a hazardous condition increasing the risk of fire and create a habitat for rodents.

  • Overgrown, seed-bearing weeds spread weed seed through the air causing the proliferation of weeds throughout the neighborhood.

  • Residents should regularly mow lawns and implement effective weed control by appropriate use of weed pre-emergent in other yard areas, to reduce the weed growth on both their property and other homes in the neighborhood. 

• Street Light Out
  • To report a street light issue, please send an email to public.works@newark.org, call (510) 578-4589 or leave a message on the Street Light Hotline at (510) 578-4263. In addition to your name and phone number, please provide the pole number (a 3-digit or 4-digit number found on the lower portion of the pole) or the street address nearest the pole. Please also describe the nature of the problem that you have observed such as complete outage, dim or flickering light, light on during daylight hours, etc. Repairs are reported to our contractor weekly, usually on Mondays. If you experience a street light problem for more than two weeks, please contact us again. Sometimes the troubleshooting process of repairing a street light will take one or two call backs. However, most lights are repaired within twelve days.

• Tree Down

  • A tree down can be reported directly to the Maintenance Division at 578-4806, Mon – Thurs and open Fridays from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

    After hours – please call the non-emergency dispatch number at 578-4237

    The City can only respond to City owned trees. Most City-owned trees are located between the sidewalk and the street or in the street median.

    Please have the following information ready to report:

    • The location of the down tree by street address or street and nearest cross street.
    • Has the tree fallen on a vehicle or caused any damage to property?
    • Is the down tree blocking the traveled way for vehicles?
    • Is it blocking a sidewalk?
    • The approximate size of the tree; the diameter of the trunk and the height.
    • Was the tree hit by a vehicle or does it appear to have fallen due to natural causes?

• Violations
  • Report a Violation

QUESTION:  How can I protect my business from disasters, either man-made or natural, such as future earthquakes?

ANSWER:  Information is available for many kinds of disasters:

• Earthquakes: Visit Here
• City Information
  •  The Economic Development Office and the City's Emergency Preparedness experts began reaching businesses with specific training information.  Reach us by email at anne.stedler@newark.org if you are interested in receiving this training

QUESTION:  What jobs are available and how do I apply?

ANSWER:  Visit the City's employment page for a listing of job opportunities and how to apply..

ANSWER:  For verbal employment verification, please call the City's Human Resources Office at (510) 578-4267.  For a written verification of employment, please email your rest to HR@newark.org.

QUESTION:  Where can I find the Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) including salary/benefit information?

ANSWER: Visit the City's website under MOU

Garbage service in the City is mandatory.  All residential and commercial properties must have collection service.

The City of Newark contracts with Republic Services for garbage and recycling service.  Please contact Republic Services at (510) 657-3500.

For garbage service complaints, please contact Republic Services directly at (510) 657-3500.  For issues that Republic Services is unable to address, please contact the City of Newark's Environmental Services Manager James Scanlin at james.scanlin@newark.org.

QUESTION:  Who do I contact regarding false alarm billing?

ANSWER:  Please contact our City Alarm Program at 877-305-5197 or Click Here

ANSWER:  Please contact the Finance Department at finance@newark.org

QUESTION: What form of payment do you accept?

ANSWER:  We accept Visa, MasterCard, Business Checks, Personal Checks, and Cash.

QUESTION:  How much is a business license?

ANSWER:  For payment information Click Here,

QUESTION:  What's the rate for Transient Occupancy Tax?

ANSWER:  The Transient Occupancy Tax is 10%

QUESTION:  Who do I contact regarding false alarm billing?

ANSWER:  Please contact our City Alarm Program at 877-305-5197 or visit City Alarm Permit

QUESTION:  Does the Police Department offer extra patrol requests for my residence or business?

ANSWER:  Yes, please contact police dispatchh to request extra patrol checks at 510-578-4237.

QUESTION:  Does the City have a noise ordinance?

ANSWER:  Yes, Newark Municipal Code - Noise Ordinance NMC 17.24.100.A.2.  The sound level limit is 70 decibels between 7am - 9pm and 60 decibels between 9pm - 7am in residential areas.  Sound level is 70 decibels in commercial and industrial properties.

QUESTION:  Does the Police Department issue restraining orders?

ANSWER:  An emergency restraining order can be facilitated by the police department.  Police call police dispatch at 510-578-4237 for an officer to contact you.  Here is a Helpful Link with information about restraining orders.

QUESTION:  Who do I contact for a red-light violation?

ANSWER:  Please contact our photo enforcement technician Terri Hernandez at 510-578-4713 or Visit Here 

QUESTION:  Does the Police Department or animal control pick-up stray cats?

ANSWER:  Police only picks up injured or dead animals.  The following are local cat rescue organizations:

• Nine Lives Foundation Adoption Center (650) 368-1365
• Ohlone Humane Society (510) 792-4587

QUESTION:  Does the Police Department provide child car seat safety inspections?

ANSWER:  Child car seat safety inspections are provided by the California Highway Patrol (CHP).  Please contact the CHP Hayward Office at (510) 489-1500 or Visit Here.

QUESTION:  What is required for an addition to my home?

ANSWER:  The development standards for your home will depend on the zoning for your property.  Please review the City's Zoning Map to determine the zoning for your property.  The development standards for residential districts are under Section 17.07 through 17.09 in the Zoning Code.

QUESTION:  Where can I place an accessory structure on my property?

ANSWER:  Generally, an accessory structure cannot be located within any required front or street side setback area and must be setback at least three feet from interior side and rear property lines.  Please visit Section 17.17.020 of the Zoning Code.

QUESTION:  Can I construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on my property?

ANSWER:  An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is permitted in any zoning district that allows residential use including single-family, two-unit dwelling or multi-family dwellings.  Section 17.26.040 of the Zoning Code Zoning Code outlines the regulations for ADUs in Newark.  

QUESTION:  What is the zoning for my property?

ANSWER:  Please review the City's Zoning Map to determine the zoning for your property.

QUESTION:  Does my project require Single Family Design Review?

ANSWER:  The following projects are subject to Single Family Residential Design Review process as adopted by the Planning Commission on April 24, 2007, or as amended.  by the Planning Commission on April 24, 2007, or as amended:

1. New single-family residences

2. Second-story additions and exterior modifications to existing single-family residences.

3. Additions and exterior modifications at the front (including street side yards for corner lots) of existing single-family residences.

Muni Code

QUESTION:  What is the property owner's and tenant's responsibility:

• Overgrown/dead vegetation
  • Proactively monitor the property and cut, trim, edge, water, replenish, replace, and maintain all vegetation.
• Inoperable vehicles
  •  Proactively monitor the property and remove unregistered, inoperable, wrecked, and dismantled vehicles.
• Junk/Trash/Debris/Unused Items/Outdoor Storage
  • Proactively monitor the property and remove junk, trash, debris, and all other outdoor storage.  If it is important to keep, store the item in a lawful structure.
• Unpermitted Construction
  • Proactively monitor the property to identify unpermitted construction.  Provide all required information to secure permits.  Finish all work, pass all required inspections, and finalize the permits.
• Prohibited Uses
  • Proactively monitor the property and cause the unpermitted use to cease immediately
• Deteriorated Structures/Landscape/Surfaces/Facilities?
  • Proactively monitor the property and maintain all items.  Take actions to prevent deterioration.
• Unlawful Camping
  • Proactively monitor the property and cause the activity to cease immediately by calling the Newark Police Department at (510) 578-4237.
• Automobile Repair in a Residential Zone
  • Proactively monitor the property and cause the activity to cease immediately.
• Parked on Unpaved Surfaces?
  • Proactively monitor the property and the vehicles to park on approved and paved surfaces.
• Substandard Housing Conditions
  • Proactively monitor the property to ensure the structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical conditions are appropriate.  Tenants are encouraged to communicate the problems with the property owner or management prior to reporting substandard conditions.

QUESTION:  How do I request public records?

ANSWER:  Email your detailed request to:  CITY.CLERK@NEWARK.ORG

 QUESTION:  Can I get a copy of a birth certificate:

ANSWER:  Please contact the Alameda County Clerk Recorder's Office

QUESTION: Does the City issue marriage licenses?

ANSWER:  No, please contact the Alameda County Clerk Recorder's Office

QUESTION:  How do I get a copy of a police report?

ANSWER:  Click Here

QUESTION:  How do I obtain a collision report?

ANSWER:  Click Here

QUESTION:  Do I need to reserve tables or BBQ's at the park?

ANSWER:  No.  The use of tables and BBQ's are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

QUESTION:  I live in Fremont, do I count as a Newark resident?

ANSWER:  You must live in Newark to receive Newark resident rates for classes and programs.  We do not off a Fremont or Tri-Cities area rate.

QUESTION:  Is the waterpark currently open?

ANSWER:  Google does not accurately reflect our hours.  Please check out our website for waterpark and other facility hours or information by Clicking Here

QUESTION:  My child is unable to make it to their class due to a vacation.  Do you offer make-up classes?

ANSWER:  The Recreation Department does not offer make-up classes at this time.  Make-up classes are only available when the Department cancels the program or class.  A refund will be issued.

QUESTION:  What is the basketball court schedule today?

ANSWER:  To find out what today's court schedule is, please contact the front desk at 510-578-4620 or check our social media page on Facebook or Instagram for the weekly court schedule.

QUESTION:  Can I have a bounce house in the park?

ANSWER:  Interactive inflatables, or more commonly referred to as "Jump?Bounce Houses", are only allowed within the Newark Community Park.  Placement of interactive inflatables and generators are limited to the posted area between the path east of the tennis courts and Newark Blvd.  Companies providing interactive inflatables must have a current City of Newark Business License and comply with all insurance requirements.

ANSWER:  Please visit our Recreation Class Offerings

QUESTION:  How can I volunteer?

ANSWER:  Please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

QUESTION:  What is the Recreation Department's refund policy?

ANSWER: 

• If you wish to cancel your registration, credits or refunds are possible only if you notify us at least five (5) business days before the activity begins.  A charge of $15 or 50% of the registration fee (whichever is less) applies to refunds. 
• Swim lessons are exempt and have their own refund policy: 
  •  Customers have 24-hoiurs from the time of registration in which to request a refund (all refunds have a $15.00 processing fee), or transfer (based on class availability) for swim lessons.  After the 24-hour period, we will not honor any requests for class transfers, cancellations, refunds, or credits.

QUESTION:  Can I have a party for my dog at NewBark Dog Park?

ANSWER:  No, however, our adjacent community center park has picnic tables where you can invite your furry friends to celebrate.  No food/drink is allowed in the dog park.

QUESTION:  Do I have to have a permit to put up a canopy/tent at the park?

ANSWER:  Canopies that exceed 400 square feet and tents that exceed 200 square feet require a permit from the Alameda County Fire Department.  Please contact them at (510) 578-4218.

QUESTION: Do you have any upcoming community events?

ANSWER:  Please visit our website for upcoming Special Events

QUESTION:  I'm a senior citizen who needs access to local resources.

ANSWER:  Please call 2-1-1 to reach a local referral service.

QUESTION:  Where is the Senior Center located and what are the hours?

ANSWER:  The Newark Senior Center is located at 7401 Enterprise Drive, Newark, CA  94560. Center hours Monday - Friday, 9am  - 3pm.  Please click the link to view activities.

QUESTION:  Does your Senior Center offer the AARP Smart Driver Safety Course? 

ANSWER:  Yes, the Newark Senior Center offers the 4-hour Renewal Course.  Register Online or call (510) 578-4840.

QUESTION:  Does your Senior Center offer Tax Preparation?

ANSWER:  No, please contact Fremont Volunteer Income Tax Assistance at www.fremontvita.org

QUESTION:  What utilities are eligible for the UUT exemption?

ANSWER:  Electricity, natural gas, telephone, cell phone, and cable TV.

QUESTION:  How can I apply for the Utility Users Tax Exemption (UUT)?

ANSWER:  If eligible, you may apply for the Senior Citizen UUT Exemption or the Low-Income UUT Exemption.  To qualify for the Senior Citizen Exemption, you must be 70 years of age or older.  For the Low-Income Exemption, you will need to be enrolled in PG&E's CARE Program.

Learn more:  Utility Users Tax 

QUESTION:  Who is ACFD?

ANSWER:  ACFD stands for the Alameda County Fire Department.  ACFD was formed on July 1, 1993 as a dependent special district with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors as its groverning body.  This consolidation brought together into a single jurisdiction the Castro Valley Fire Department, Eden Fire Department, and County Fire Patrol (each a dependent special district under the Board of Supervisors).

QUESTION: How is the ACFD structure?

ANSWER:  The ACFD is divided into 4 branches: Operations, Special Operations, Fire Prevention, and Administrative Support Services.

QUESTION:  Why does the ACFD take those big fire trucks to medical calls?

ANSWER:  ACFD is an all-risk response agency and needs to be able to respond from one type of emergency call to another in a seamless manner.  Taking a fire truck or fire engine to an emergency enables ACFD firefighters the ability to clear a medical emergency and transition into responding to a structure fire in an uninterrupted and timely manner.

QUESTION:  Why do ACFD firefighters shop at the grocery store?  Are we paying for their food?

ANSWER:  ACFD firefighters work 24 hours a day and are required to buy their own food so that they can prepare their meals for the entire shift at the fire station.

QUESTION:  What services does the ACFD provide besides putting out fires?

ANSWER:

• Hazardous materials
• Urban Search & Rescue
• Water Rescue
• Disaster Preparedness
• Reserve Program
• Expanded Training Opportunities
• Safe Surrender Baby Program
• CPR Training
• Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Training
• Fire Safety School Assemblies
• Fire Station Tours & Engine Visits
• Santa at the Fire House
• Fire Extinguisher Training
• Holiday Toy Drive

QUESTION:  What are the4 ACFD's plans for the future?

ANSWER: ACFD's plans are to continue to partner with communities within Alameda County to assure the highest level of service in a seamless and efficient manner for all citizens in Alameda County.

QUESTION:  How does the ACFD balance being a regional service provider and meet the individual and unique needs of each community?

ANSWER:  ACFD has specific personnel assigned to each jurisdiction to meet the needs of the community while at the same time, providing a regional response network that offers a clear depth of resources and synergy that each community can have on its own.

QUESTION:  What is the process for fire hazards and other community blight to be addressed by ACFD?

ANSWER:  A complaint is forwarded to ACFD by a citizen or other city of county entity.  ACFD will investigate the complaint, prepare and communicate actions, monitor and assure compliance and forward to the appropriate law enforcement agency for further intervention as appropriate.

QUESTION:  How does ACFD Fire Prevention Burau proactively work with the development community?

ANSWER:  As part of the ACFDs Strategic Plan, all aspects of Fire Prevention have been surveyed and monitored.  The Fire Prevention staff is accessible as part of the county and city planning team to proactively work with the development community prior to project approvals in order to minimize unnecessary cossts and reviews.  The ACFD Fire Prevention staff is available to provide information and reference materials or consult with community members.

QUESTION:  Why does ACFD need 3 personnel on each apparatus?

ANSWER:  Each person on the fire apparatus has a specific job. 

• The Company Officer/Captain is responsible for supervisinbg the Engineer and Firefighter(s) working on his/her command.  He/She has the responsibility to assess emergency situations, request and organize adequate resources and mitigate the emergency in the shortest amount of time with the least impact to the community as possible.  
• The Engineer maintains the apparatus in a state of readiness, cleanliness and function ability assuring that the equipment on the emergency scene has adequate supplies (i.e. water, air, lighting) available to emergency responders.
• The Firefighter is responsible to carry out the tactical functions needed to mitigate an emergency as directed by the Captain and supported by the Engineer (i.e. pulling fire hose, throwing the ladder, provide emergency medical services).

QUESTION: What is the fiscal and operational ability and sustainability of the ACFD?

ANSWER:  ACFD is seen as an industry leader in regional fire protection at the statewide level and beyond.  The operational capabilities of ACFD are expansive and provide a vast amount of resource and capabilities to address all types of emergencies.  The strength and sustainability of the ACFD are based on its inherent collaborative approach to fire.

QUESTION:  How can the community stay informed and support and assist with the mission of ACFD?

ANSWER: There are a variety of ways that you can stay connected to what is going on in ACFD.  Sign up to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.  In addition to receiving updates via social media, you may attend periodic ACFD town hall meetings, fire station open houses, and various other community outreach events that are listed on our Department Calendar.  You are also welcomed to visit your local fire station.

QUESTION:  Can I volunteer for ACFD?

ANSWER:  There are many opportunities to volunteer for the ACFD by participating in the Reserve Program.  To find out information regarding the Reserve Program, Visit Here.