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City Clerk

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1. How do I run for City Council or apply to a City Commission?

The next City Council election is scheduled for November 2024, for Districts 1 and 5. The nominating period for Candidates will open mid-July 2024.

Please email the City Clerk's office for more information on the election process and candidate nomination or call them at 949-493-1171.

If you are interested in serving on City Council appointed Commission or Committee, please visit the individual Commission pages to read commission descriptions, view current vacant positions and complete an application.

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Community Services

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1. If I only attend or can only attend a portion of a class can the class be prorated, or receive a refund?

No, we do not allow for prorating, or refund unless the class is cancelled by the City. Please see "Refund Policy Cancellation" for additional information

Refund Policy Cancellation

• If class is cancelled by the City, an automatic refund will be mailed to you within 3 to 4 weeks
• Register early or at least 1 week prior to the class starting date. Classes will be subject to cancellation if minimum enrollment is not met and may be changed or cancelled without public notice
• Notification must be received by the City seven days prior to the first class meeting for refund. No refund requests will be accepted after current class session begins. An administrative fee of $10 will be charged for all refunds
• Unusual circumstances (relocation, medical reason with doctor's note) within the first 2 weeks of class. An administrative fee of $10 will be charged for all refunds, in addition to the fees for any classes attended
• Classes will not be prorated due to late enrollment or missed classes before or during current class session

2. Is a facility available at a certain date and time?

For facility availability information please contact Community Services staff at 949-493-5911.

3. What outdoor venues are available for weddings?

The City of San Juan Capistrano has two lovely venues featuring both indoor and outdoor facilities for weddings and other events, they are La Sala and Reata Park and Event Center. Please contact Community Services staff at 949-493-5911 for additional information.

4. What types of classes are available?

The City of San Juan Capistrano provides a variety of classes for children, adults and seniors. You can download the current class flyer (PDF) for a listing of available classes. Please call 949-493-5911 to register.

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Development Services

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1. Is City approval required for my planned improvement?

The City will need to approve of all mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural improvements to a property, as well as any new structures on a property over 36 inches in height. Additionally, any exterior modifications on a commercial site or Home Owners Association common property will need to be reviewed by the City’s Planning Division for consistency with the original development plans. For additional questions, please email the Building Department. 

2. What is the zoning of my property?

You may find your property zoning through the City’s GIS Mapping system by inserting your address into the search bar. Additionally, you may reference the City’s colored Zoning Map (PDF).

3. How do I submit my planning application and/or apply for a permit?

The Planning and Building Counters at San Juan Capistrano City Hall are open by appointment to accept all applications from 7:30 am to 5 pm, Monday through Thursday. Please schedule an appointment online.   

4. How do I submit plans to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA)?

To determine if a proposed project requires OCFA review, applicants will need to complete an OCFA Residential Screen Check form or OCFA Commerical/Multifamily/Tract Screen Check form. 

New Outdoor Non-Cooking, Gas and Wood Burning Fireplaces, Fire Pits, Fire Rings, and Similar Devices, Exterior to Residential Occupancies or Un-Enclosed Accessory Structures that are located on the perimeter of a community containing, or adjacent to slopes or hills, or adjacent to an open space or wildland area containing non-irrigated vegetation, or in a State Responsibility Area or Local Responsibility Area “Fire Hazard Severity Zone”, as defined by the State, or (D) near an area that could be affected by a wildfire in the open space may also require OCFA review. 

Any projects that are determined to require OCFA review will need to be submitted directly to OCFA Headquarters located at 1 Fire Authority Rd., Irvine, CA 92602.

For OCFA submittal information, please visit www.OCFA.org. For questions regarding OCFA lplan review, please call OCFA at (714)573-6100 or email fireprevclerk@ocfa.org.

5. How long does plan review take? How do I check the status of my permit?

Please see table below for plan review target dates. Applicants will be notified via email when all departments have completed their plan check review. 

All approvals/corrections must be picked up in person.

• Target Dates are an estimate. Time review may vary depending on complexity of project. 
• The City does not offer expedited review. 
• Target Dates do not include administrative processing time including department re-stamps, fee calculations and permit processing. 

Planning & Building Review

SUBMITTAL #	TARGET DATE
1st Review	12 Working Days
Resubmittals / Revisions	7 Working Days

 

Public Works & Engineering

SUBMITTAL #	TARGET DATE
All Reviews	20 Working Days

 

To check Plan Check/Permit Status, please click on the button below to access the E-Trakit Citizen Portal:

E-TRAKIT CITIZEN PORTAL

Once in the E-Trakit Portal, follow the steps below:

1. Enter the permit number. Alternatively, you may use the drop down box to select and enter the site address.
2. Click on the permit to view permit information.
3. Click on the 'REVIEWS' tab to view the current status of each department's review.

6. How can I discuss my correction letter with a Plans Examiner?

Applicants may contact their plans examiner directly by telephone or email. Plans examiner contact information can be found on the correction letter.  Please include the plan check number and address in your communication. For plan routing, all plans shall be routed through the City of San Juan Capistrano to ensure review by all necessary departments. 

7. How do I file a Code Enforcement Complaint?

See information on how to file a Code Enforcement Complaint.

8. How do I schedule a Building Inspection or view inspection timeframes & results?

Building inspection requests a may be scheduled online or by voice message on the Building Inspection Request Line. 

Inspection results including inspection corrections can also be viewed online through the City E-Trakit Citizen Portal. Learn how to make an inspection requests or view inspection results.

Anyone associated with the building permit can schedule an inspection: the general contractor, the homeowner, the trade contractor, or their official agents.

It is solely the responsibility of the permit holder to keep a permit active by actively performing work toward the completion of the project as permitted by scheduling an inspection.

9. When/What inspections are required?

Inspections are performed at critical junctures over the course of construction, as authorized by the building permit. Regularly called inspections include foundation, rough frame combination, exterior lath and drywall, and final inspection. Intermediary inspections traditionally include underground plumbing and electrical, exterior sheer and roof nail inspection that allow weather covering prior to frame combo, insulation, and electric meter release prior to final. Partial inspections may be requested in order to facilitate the coordination of the trades.

All projects require a final inspection.

10. Why do I need an inspection?

City building inspectors conduct inspections to ensure compliance with approved plans, and local and state building code regulations; they conduct inspections that relate to life-safety, structural integrity, accessibility, energy-efficiency, electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems. The inspection process helps ensure public safety, health and welfare, and secures the value of property improvements.

11. How do I cancel a permit and/or request a refund?

In order to process a request for permit cancelation, please fill out a Cancellation Request Form and email the completed form to the Building Department. 

• The building official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the permit fee paid less the issuance fees, plan check fees and any CA State Fees when no work has been done under a permit issued in accordance with this code.
• The building official may authorize refunding of not more than 80 percent of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit for which a plan review has been paid is withdrawn or canceled before any plan reviewing is done.
• The building official shall not authorize refunding of any fee paid except on written application filed by the original permittee no later than 180 days after the date of payment.

Please contact the Capistrano Unified School District for the refund of school fees if applicable.

12. How do I request a new address or change of address?

Please see instructions on the Address Assignment Request (PDF) form to request the assignment of a new address or to change an existing address. Once an address has been assigned, city staff will notify the US Post Office, Orange County Assessor, utility companies, emergency services and city departments. 

• Address Assignments are required for all new development projects (commercial, residential tracts, ADUs, etc.)
• Combining suites or subdividing suites will required address approval and reassignment through the City. 

13. How do I register as a deputy / special inspector?

To register as a deputy or special inspector, please send all items listed below in an email to the Building Department:

1. Complete a Special inspector Registration (PDF) 
2. Copy of all Certifications 
3. Copy of Driver's License 
4. City of San Juan Capistrano Business License

To apply for a new business license, please click the following link to complete your city business license application:

• http://sanjuancapistrano.org/Departments/Finance/Permits-Licenses-Forms/Business-License
• Email completed applications to BUSINESSLICENSES@SANJUANCAPISTRANO.ORG

TO CHECK THE STATUS OF YOUR BUSINESS LICENSE, PLEASE CALL (949)487-4300 OR EMAIL BUSINESSLICENSES@SANJUANCAPISTRANO.ORG. 

14. How do I view or request a copy of building permits or building plans?

Permit information including inspection records dating back to 2007 can viewed on the City E-Trakit Citizen Portal. Permit information and plans prior to 2007 may be viewed in person at City Hall through the City Record System. An appointment is required to view public records in person. 

• Documents or plans that bear the stamp/signature of a licensed, registered, or certified professional must formally be requested through the City Clerk's office.

15. When does a building application or issued permit expire? How do I request an extension?

Time Limitation of Application:

• An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing, unless a permit has been issued. 
• The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one extension of time, for a period not more than 180 days.

Issued Permit Expiration:

Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 12 months after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work commenced. 

Before such work can be recommenced after a permit expires, a new permit shall first be obtained to do so, and a fee therefore shall be one half the amount required for a new permit for such work, provided no changes have been made or will be made in the original plans and specifications for such work, and provided further that such suspension or abandonment has not exceeded one year. In order to renew action on a permit after expiration, the permittee shall pay a new full permit fee.

• The building official is authorized to grant, in writing, one or more extensions of time, for periods of not more than 180 days per extension. 
• Any permittee holding an unexpired permit may apply for an extension of the time within which work may commence under that permit when the permittee is unable to commence work within the time required.
•  The extension shall be requested in writing prior to the permit expiring and show justifiable cause demonstrating that circumstances beyond the control of the permittee have prevented action from being taken.

To request an extension, please fill out an extension request (PDF) and email the completed form to the Building Department.

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Emergency Notification

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1. What is AlertOC?

AlertOC is a mass notification system used by the City San Juan Capistrano to issue emergency messages directly to residents and businesses. In case of an emergency, City officials can use AlertOC to send important information to the public by telephone, email and text messaging. Notifications can be made to thousands of people within minutes of the system being activated.

AlertOC contains residential and commercial landline phone numbers for most of Orange County's population. The County acquired landline numbers from AT&T and Verizon's 911 telephone database. CPUC code sections 2872 and 2891.1 state that information contained in the 911 database is confidential, proprietary, and won't be disclosed or used except by authorized personnel for the purpose of emergency notifications.

It's important and recommended that community members provide additional phone numbers, email addresses and a text number by registering through the AlertOC web portal by going to AlertOC.com. Each account can have up to three phone numbers, two email addresses and one text number. VOIP Users: Please note that VOIP numbers aren't currently provided through the E911 database.

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Finance

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1. Can I purchase a daily permit for the parking structure?

No. The cost to park in the parking structure is $6 per day. Payment is collected at the kiosk located on the entry level of the parking structure.

2. How do I obtain a City Business License?

You can apply for a business license by coming to City Hall, or a business license application can be mailed to you. Once an application is received and approved, your license is usually mailed within 10 days. Just call 949-487-4300. For general business license information, please call our information line at 949-234-4417.

3. I live in a neighborhood adjacent to a residential neighborhood that is enforced by residential parking permits. Why can’t I obtain a residential parking permit?

Parking permit programs are implemented at the request of residents. A petition (PDF) process and approval by City Council are necessary to implement the program in a new area.

4. I will be participating as a vendor in a special event that is being held within the City. Am I required to obtain a business license?

Yes, but there are special provisions for such circumstances that are set forth in Section 3-1.213 of the City's business license ordinance. Information can be found here.

5. If I discontinue my business prior to the end of the period for which I paid my business license, am I entitled to a refund?

No. The Municipal Code does not provide for a refund of the business license tax paid in the event of discontinuation of the business.

6. If I work in my home, do I need a special permit?

Yes, if your home is in San Juan Capistrano. Along with a business license, you will need to apply for a home occupation permit. This application is included in the business license application packet, which can be mailed to you. The home occupation permit application will be reviewed by the Planning Department staff, and there is no fee.

7. Will I receive notification when it is time to renew my parking permits?

It is your responsibility to renew your permit by the expiration date printed on the permit. You will not receive notification by mail. Notifications are sent out as part of the San Juan Capistrano electronic "e-news". To sign up, on our home page, click sign up for e-news, enter your email address and be sure to check the press release box to receive this notice. Presentation of valid picture I.D., proof of residence, and current vehicle registration will be required annually.

8. Do I need a Sellers Permit?

If you intend to sell or lease tangible personal property you are required to obtain a Seller's Permit from the State Board of Equalization (SBE) for the purpose of collecting and reporting sales tax to the State of California.

9. Do I need a State Contractor License?

In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that is valued at $500 or more for labor and materials must hold a current, valid license from the Contractors State License Board.

10. Do I need to display my business license certificate at my business?

Yes. City law requires that your business license certificate is to be displayed in a conspicuous place at the location of your business. If your business is not located within the City, you must carry a copy of your business license at all times while engaged or operating within the City.

11. Do I need zoning approval for my business activity?

If your business is physically located within the City of San Juan Capistrano you will need to email the Planning Division to confirm that the location is appropriately zoned for your business activity.

12. How do I apply for a one time filming permit?

1. Complete all pages of the Film Permit Application.
2.  Proof of insurance shall be submitted to the City in advance of permit issuance. The applicant shall maintain in full force and effect during the term of the permit, a policy of insurance for no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000), in comprehensive general liability, from an insurance company licensed to do business in California. The City shall be named a certificate holder and provide the City an additional insured endorsement to the applicant's liability insurance policy on a separate endorsement form, which names the City, its officers, employees, and agents as additionally insured.
3. Property Owners Consent
4. After all required documents are received by staff; your certificate permit will be issued.

13. How do I apply for an annual filming permit?

1. Complete Film Permit Application (Check the box "other" and indicate "Annual Permit")
2. Proof of insurance shall be submitted to the City in advance of permit issuance. The applicant shall maintain in full force and effect during the term of the permit, a policy of insurance for no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000), in comprehensive general liability, from an insurance company licensed to do business in California. The City shall be named a certificate holder and provide the City an additional insured endorsement to the applicant's liability insurance policy on a separate endorsement form, which names the City, its officers, employees, and agents as additionally insured.
3. Complete a Business License application
4. After all required documents are received by staff, you must obtain your photo I.D. badge in person at the City Hall

14. How do I cancel my business license?

If you are no longer conducting business in the City of San Juan Capistrano it is your responsibility to cancel your business license in order to avoid penalties, which can reach up to 100% of the fee due. This cancellation must be submitted in writing and include the City Business License Number, a request to cancel, your signature and the date.

15. How do I change my location address, ownership information, or business name for an existing business?

Please download and complete a business license application. Check the "Change of Address, Ownership, or Name" box and provide new and previous information where requested.

For more information, contact the Business License Office by calling 949-487-4300 or visiting the Business License Counter. Completed forms may be mailed or submitted in person, along with applicable fees.

16. How do I obtain an annual commuter parking permit for the downtown parking structure?

The City issues commuter parking permits for the parking spaces on the lower level of the downtown parking structure next to the Franciscan Plaza off of Verdugo Street. Please complete the below forms, must show proof of registration, and driver license. Submit your forms to Customer Service located at the City Hall during regular business hours.

• Parking Permit Application (PDF) (Please bring or mail two signed copies)
• Liability Contract (PDF) (Please bring or mail two copies)

17. Is a commuter parking permit required?

No. An annual commuter parking permit is not required to park in spaces 1 through 73. However, if you do not have a commuter parking permit, then the cost to park in these spaces is $2 per day.

18. Is overnight parking available at the train station?

Parking Structure at:

• 26732 Verdugo Street
  San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
• Parking Spaces 1 through 34 (Basement Level) - Overnight Parking Only (Metered)
• Seven days a week; and 3-day parking limit
• $12 per day
• Pay first by space number at pay station

19. What are the permit rights for employee parking?

The employee parking permit allows an employee to park in certain marked, time-restricted public parking spaces. Please refer to the employee parking map (PDF).

20. What if I do not display my employee parking permit?

Vehicles parking in the marked employee parking areas without a permit will be issued a parking citation from Police Services.

21. What information is needed in order to complete the business license application?

On the Application

• It is important to be specific in your business description
• Include the starting date at this location
• Indicate whether this is a new business, change in ownership, business name change or business address change
• State whether your business is owned solely by you, whether it is a partnership, or a corporation
• The names and home addresses of the owners or officers of the corporation are required

Include With Application

The following information must also be included prior to the acceptance of the application:

• State Board of Equalization Sales Tax Account Number (Resale Number)
• Social Security Number (If no Federal or State ID number provided)
• Federal Employer I.D. Number
• State Employer I.D. Number
• State Contractor's License Number (if applicable)

22. What is the $4 State Fee added to my business license tax?

On October 11, 2017, Governor Brown signed into law Assembly Bill 1379 (which revised Senate Bill 1186). This legislation requires the City to collect a state fee of $4 on any applicant for a local business license or renewal. The purpose of the fee is to provide a funding source for increased disability access and compliance with construction-related accessibility requirements and to develop educational resources for businesses in order to facilitate compliance with the federal and state disability laws.

Under federal and state law, compliance with disability access laws is a serious and significant responsibility that applies to all California building owners and tenants with buildings open to the public. You may obtain information about your legal obligations and how to comply with disability access laws at the following agencies:

• The Division of the State Architect
• The Department of Rehabilitation
• The California Commission on Disability Access

23. What should I do if I am already doing business in town without a license?

Contact Business License staff immediately to register your business and obtain a business license.

24. Where can I pay for train station parking?

The pay station is located at the garage entrance and accepts credit cards and cash up to twenty dollar bills (no pennies). It is recommended that you carry more than one form of payment in case of pay station malfunctions. If the pay station malfunctions, please contact City Hall at 949-493-1171.

25. Where do I display the employee parking permit?

The permit must be displayed in the front window of the vehicle, either hung on the rear-view mirror or placed on the driver's side dashboard.

26. Who can purchase an employee parking permit?

The employee parking permits will be issued to the owner or manager of the business only.

27. Who is exempt from obtaining a business license?

Charitable and non-profit organizations are exempt from the business license tax. Please attach to the completed business license application a copy of the letter from the Internal Revenue Service or the California State Franchise Tax Board as evidence of your current tax exempt status.

Businesses that are exempt by the State or Federal statute do not need a business license. More information about the types of businesses that are exempt from the Business License requirement can be found by referencing the San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code Section 3-1.113. A copy of the San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code may be obtained from the City Clerks officer or our website San Juan Capistrano Municipal Code.

28. Who needs a business license?

City law states that no person shall engage in business or represent and carry on a business, trade, profession or occupation in the city without first having obtained a license from the city. A separate license must be obtained for each branch establishment or location and for each separate type of business at the same location.

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Historic Preservation

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1. Can City funds be provided to rehabilitate or maintain designated landmarks?

Neither the Cultural Heritage Commissioner nor the City Council currently expends funds to rehabilitate or maintain privately owned landmarks. However, on occasion, the City has information available concerning grant programs that might be available through other resources.

2. How can you provide further assistance to the City's preservation efforts?

The preservation and protection of your designated landmark is of interest to all within the community. Your landmark provides the community with a sense of identity and promotes community pride. You are strongly encouraged to attend the meetings of the Cultural Heritage Commission and assist them in promoting a greater knowledge, understanding and appreciation for the heritage of our community. There are also City programs, like City Guides, that teach interested individuals in how to be a docent for Architectural and Historic Walking Tours as well as lecture series and special tours of historic buildings and sites. Your participation in a strong preservation program is greatly needed and public input is extremely valuable, welcomed and encouraged.

3. How is a landmark designated?

The normal process whereby a landmark is designated is as follows:

1. An owner may submit a request for designation directly to the City, or the City Council may refer a designation recommendation to the Cultural Heritage Commission.
2. To submit a request, an owner prepares or hires someone to prepare a historical report regarding the significance of a landmark and submits the necessary application to the Planning Department.
3. Staff presents a recommendation regarding the designation to the Cultural Heritage Commission.
4. The Commission reviews the significance of the landmark and makes a recommendation as to whether or not designation is appropriate and warranted.
5. The Commission's recommendation is reviewed and considered by the City Council.
6. If found significant, the City Council adopts a resolution to officially designate the landmark.

4. May a landmark be sold or leased without City approval?

Neither the Cultural Heritage Commission nor the City has to be notified or approve the sale or lease of a designated landmark. However, notice of designation should be registered in the chain of title and the new owner/lessee should be made aware of the designation status. In addition, in order to maintain proper ownership lists and provide valuable information to owners, it is requested that the secretary to the Cultural Heritage Commission be notified upon the change of ownership of a designated landmark.

5. What are the basic categories of designation for cultural resources?

There are three basic categories into which significant cultural resources are designated:

• Historic Building, Object or Site: A historic building, object or site is one which has been found to have significance to the community as a whole and has been officially designated on the Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks by resolution of the City Council as being worthy of public interest and protection.
• Historic District: A historic district is a collection of buildings or sites which, although perhaps not all qualifying individually, as a group they have been found to have significance to the community as a whole and have also been officially designated on the Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks by resolution of the City Council as being worthy of public interest and protection.
• Building or Site of Distinction: A building or site of distinction is one that is unique and of interest to the community as a whole and may be potentially historic.

Due to perhaps age or alteration, some may not qualify for more formal designation and protection. Others may qualify for more formal designation and protection when the owner desires to have the building or site considered for designation.

6. What benefits does landmark designation have?

Once a landmark has been designated it is afforded certain protections and privileges. These include the Site Plan Review Process, Historic Building Fee Waiver, Historic Building Code, and Mills Act Tax Relief. 

• Site Plan Review Process: If an owner should wish to alter, add onto, relocate or demolish a landmark, a permit for such action from the city is required through the Site Plan Review (SPR) process. (See SPR Brochure [PDF])
• Historic Building Fee Waiver: The payment of fees that might otherwise be assessed for preservation work may be able to be waived (e.g., inspection and permit fees) for designated buildings based on certain criteria. 
• Historic Building Code: Designated landmarks are eligible for application of the State Historical Building Code, thus allowing owners to use alternate, less costly means of satisfying building code requirements when undertaking rehabilitation or preservation work. 
• Mills Act Tax Relief: Certain designated landmarks may be eligible to realize tax benefits. Historic properties listed on the City's Inventory of Historic and Cultural Landmarks (IHCL) are eligible to apply to the City to enter into a Mills Act Contract which can reduce real property taxes. According to the County Tax Assessor office personnel, tax assessments can be reduced by 15% to 60%.

7. Why designate landmarks?

The purpose of designation is to identify a structure, site, or object which is significant to the City’s history, is associated with an individual or event significant to the City’s history, or plays a significant role in the cultural continuity of the community. By means of such designation, the community is able to place some means of control and oversight upon the landmark, as well as offer its owner benefits in the hope of ensuring its continued existence for the benefit of present and future generations.

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Human Resources

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1. Can I fax or e-mail an application or resume?

No, the City only accepts applications with your original signature that are mailed or delivered in person. We do not accept resumes or emails in lieu of a City application.

2. How do I contact the Human Resources Department?

You may call us at 949-443-6317, email us, or visit City Hall at:

• 32400 Paseo Adelanto
  San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

3. How do I file my application?

You may submit it in person at City Hall or mail it to:

Human Resources
City of San Juan Capistrano
32400 Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Remember: Only applications bearing original signatures are valid in the recruitment process.

4. How often do you recruit for a certain position?

There is no set timeframe. Recruitments are initiated based upon departmental needs.

5. If I want to apply for more than one job, do I have to fill out more than one application?

Yes, you must submit a separate application for each job.

6. When can I file for employment with the City of San Juan Capistrano?

Applications are accepted for positions that are in the open recruitment process. Opened positions are posted on our website  and listed on the employment page. A job flyer describing the duties and qualifications of the position will also be posted online.

7. Where can I obtain City of San Juan Capistrano Employment Application?

You may obtain an application by viewing the Employment Application (PDF), by calling 949-443-6322 or by visiting the City Hall. You may also see open positions by visiting the "Current Job Openings" Page here.

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Public Works

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1. Where can I go to ask general street sweeping questions?

Please note that any correspondence with the City of San Juan Capistrano, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt.

Please checkout our Streets page, email the Public Works Department, or call us at 949-443-6337.

2. How do I report a maintenance issue?

Please note that any service request correspondence with the City of San Juan Capistrano, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt.

Please email the Public Works Department or call us at 949-443-6337.

3. How do I report graffiti?

Graffiti removal on public property is performed by the Public Works Department Maintenance Division per City Ordinance 577. Graffiti on public property is generally removed within 24 hours of notification.

Please note that any service request correspondence with the City of San Juan Capistrano, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt.

Please email the Public Works Department or call us at 949-443-6337 to report graffiti.

Graffiti removal on private property is the responsibility of the property owner and is enforced by the City's Code Enforcement Division of the Community Development Department. For graffiti removal on private property, please email Code Enforcement Division or call them at 949-443-6341, or complete the Code Enforcement Violation Form.

For graffiti located along the freeway or somewhere in the Caltrans right-of-way, please contact Caltrans directly by calling its graffiti hotline 949-936-3500.

4. How long does it take for graffiti to be covered after it is reported?

Whenever graffiti is viewed from any public right-of-way and the owner of the property consents, the City will cover the graffiti within 2 working days.

5. Where can I pay my water bill?

The City's water and sewer utilities have now transferred to Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for customers located in San Juan Capistrano and South Coast Water District (SCWD) for customers located in Dana Point. Please visit the Utility Billing Customer Service webpage for additional information and instructions for submitting payment to the appropriate agency.

6. Who do I call if I have a water leak or sewer spill?

The City's water and sewer utilities have now transferred to Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) for customers located in San Juan Capistrano and South Coast Water District (SCWD) for customers located in Dana Point. Please visit the Utility Billing Customer Service webpage for regular business hours and emergency after-hours contact information for the appropriate agency. 

7. Who should I contact for parking control on public streets?

Please contact Police Services at 949-770-6011 for vehicle abatement.

8. Who should I report illegal dumping to?

Please note that any service request correspondence with the City of San Juan Capistrano, along with attachments, may be subject to the California Public Records Act, and therefore may be subject to disclosure unless otherwise exempt.

Please email the Public Works Department or call us at 949-443-6337.