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The following is a list of questions frequently asked by citizens. You may search for specific words or phrases, or shorten the list by selecting a specific category.
Affirmative Action
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Yes, we have County workforce statistics, statistics by department, and by individual job classifications.
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Yes, the County has an Equal Employment Opportunity and an Affirmative Action Program.
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Yes, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Outreach is available for contracts under $50,000 for purchasing and professional services, and for under $25,000 for construction contracts. For more information, visit our
SBE Program
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You may either contact your department's Affirmative Action Coordinator, the County's Affirmative Action Officer or the Merit Board.
Affirmative Action Contacts
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Each County department is responsible for implementing the contracting for their department and the Affirmative Action Office implements and monitors the contract programs in the County.
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Yes! The Outreach Program is for contracts greater than $50,000 for purchasing and professional/personal servcies and also for construction contracts exceeding $100,000. For details, visit
Outreach Contracting Programs.
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Contra Costa offers an e-Outreach Purchasing Program administered by the General Services Department, Purchasing Division. The program is for contracts exceeding $10,000. To learn more, visit
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Yes. Contra Costa's DBE Program covers Highways (FHWA) and for airports (FAA). For more information visit:
DBE Programs
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Under Americans with Disabilities (ADA), employees may request reasonable accomodation's by contacting their Supervisor and department ADA Coordinator. Or, employees may call Risk Management and talk to a ADA Coordinator at (925)335-1436 or 335-1406.
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Contra Costa obeserves all accessibility and ADA laws. To learn more about specific services, programs and activities, call the Affirmative Action office at (925) 335-1045 or visit the
ADA Programs
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Animal Services
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- General Information: (925) 335-8300 or (510) 374-3966
Call with questions or concerns about injured or stray animals, lost and found pets, animal cruelty concerns, policy and procedure questions, or questions about animal laws.
- Licensing: (925) 335-8310
- Spay/Neuter Clinic: (925) 335-8320
- Volunteers: (925) 335-8330 Call this number for assistance with lost or stray animals or information on becoming an Animal Services Volunteer.
- Humane Education: (925) 335-8340 for information on classroom presentations
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Call (925) 335-8300 or (510) 374-3966 with questions or concerns regarding barking dogs, stray animals, or wildlife.
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If you are unable to care for your pets due to foreclosure difficulties, you have the option to surrender them to Animal Services. Call us at 925-335-8300 for more information. You might also visit the Resources page of the
East Bay SPCA website.
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It depends on whether your dog is spayed or neutered. Click here for more
information.
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We have two locations: Martinez Shelter
4800 Imhoff Place
Martinez, CA 94553-4393
(925) 335-8300 Pinole Shelter
910 San Pablo Avenue
Pinole, CA 94564-2632
(510) 374-3966
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Martinez and Pinole Shelters
Tuesday through Saturday
10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesdays
10:00 am to 7:00 pm. We are closed Sunday, Monday and major holidays. Spay/Neuter Clinic
(by appointment only)
Monday - Friday
9 am to 12 noon
1 pm to 4 pm
Saturday
9 am to 12 noon
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If you are 65 years of age or older, you are eligible for one free dog license per household. Proof of age is required. Call Licensing at 925-335-8310 for more information.
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Information on dangerous animals and potentially dangerous animals is located under the Animal Ordinance section of the County Code,
Division 416-12.
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Yes, your dog must be on a leash and under your control unless s/he is on your property, the property of a consenting adult, or on property such as a dog park where the off-leash conditions are designated by appropriate signage or regulation(s). Contra Costa County enforces a "leash law," which forbids dogs from being at large or "loose" (with certain exemptions). See County Code Animal Ordinance,
Division 416-4.402
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You are welcome to call us for information at (925) 335-8300. The Contra Costa County Code will also provide the information on animal laws in this county. Here is a link to the animal section of the
Code.
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Call our general information line at 925-335-8300 to report suspected abuse or neglect of an animal.
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Call Animal Services at (925) 335-8300 for advice about wildlife that you think might be injured. Also, Lindsay Wildlife Museum is a local organization which operates an on-site wildlife hospital in Walnut Creek, CA. Call (925) 935-1978 for more information or visit their
website.
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Animal Services is unable to respond to wild turkey situations, unless the turkey is injured or creating a public safety hazard. The California Department of Fish and Game may be able to help you. For more information, check the Fish and Game website for advice and suggestions on living with
wild turkeys.
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Fees vary depending on the animal being adopted. Please see our Animal Adoptions page for more
information.
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You must be 18 years or older with a valid ID. Also, if you are a renter, the landlord's name and address are required.
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Adoptions and services may be paid by cash, check (with valid ID), VISA or MasterCard.
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In an effort to reduce pet overpopulation, it is our policy that all of our animals are altered (spayed or neutered) as a condition of adoption. We microchip all animals to help ensure the safe return of a lost pet.
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At this time, we do not offer low-income veterinary services. We suggest you search the internet, yellow pages, or call your local
veterinarian.
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Animal Services does not pick up dead birds or squirrels. If you want to report a dead bird or squirrel for possible West Nile Virus contamination, call 1-877-968-2473 or visit the State website at
WestNile.ca.gov.
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If you find a dead or injured skunk, or believe a skunk has had contact with people or pets, DON'T HANDLE IT or try to trap it. Call Animal Services at 925-335-8300 for assistance. For helpful information on living safely with skunks or to request a skunk inspection, call the Contra Costa Mosquito and Vector Control District at 925-685-9301, ext. 190, or visit their
website.
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Annual Public Auction Tax Sale
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A list of properties to be offered for sale is available from the Office of the Treasurer Tax Collector at the beginning of January. Remember--because property owners have the right to redeem
their property prior to the sale, the final list of parcels to be offered for sale will not be available until the day of the sale.Auction list sales are final. Updated information on properties that remain in the sale is available at the Tax Collector's office.
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No. This is an oral public auction requiring your presence, or that of your representative, to verbally bid upon the properties.
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No. Legal title to tax-defaulted property subject to power of sale can be obtained through the Treasurer and Tax Collector only by being the successful bidder at the tax sale.
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Vacant ("unimproved") land (which accounts for most property offered at our tax sales) usually has no address and therefore its approximate geographic location can be determined through the use of County Assessor platt maps. Exact boundary lines of a property can be determined only by a survey of the property initiated at the purchaser's expense. "Improved" properties frequently (but not always) will bear a "situs" (street) address, making it quite simple to assess the location. A "situs" (street) address does not mean there are improvements on the property or that the improvements are on the sale.
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No. An address does not mean there is or was a structure on the property. It does not guarantee that the address shown in the tax sale list is correct or that the structure is part of the sale.
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The successful bidder may take possession of a property after the Tax Deed to Purchaser has been recorded.
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State law dictates that the minimum bid for property offered at a public auction tax sale be an amount not less than the total amount necessary to redeem the tax default, plus cost. Except pursuant to Section 3698.5(c) of the California Revenue and Taxation Code, when property interests have been offered at a previous sale and no acceptable bids were received, the Tax Collector may offer that property or property interest at a minimum bid that is less than the amount of the tax default, plus cost.
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Yes. State law dictates that the event of a tax sale must be published three times in successive seven day intervals before the tax sale date in a newspaper, or newspapers of general circulation within Contra Costa County. All parcels in the next tax sale will be advertised in various local newspapers, the first publication date being not less than 21 days prior to the date of the sale.
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The right of redemption on a tax-defaulted parcel subject to the Tax Collector's power to sell ceases at the close of business on the last business day prior to the date of sale. There is no extended right of redemption in the State of California as does exist in some others states.
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There is a one year period of time, after the date the tax deed is executed that a proceeding based on alleged invalidity or irregularity can be commenced, pursuant to Section 3725 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code.
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If no acceptable bids are received for a property, it may be offered again at a future Tax Sale. Legal title to tax-defaulted property subject to power of sale can be obtained through the Treasurer - Tax Collector only by being the successful bidder at the tax sale. Additionally, pursuant to Section 3698.5(c) of said code, the Tax Collector may re-offer the property at any time for a minimum bid that is set at the discretion of the Tax Collector and approved by the County Board of Supervisors.
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Chapter 7, Section 3712 of the California Revenue and Taxation Code states: “The deed conveys title to the purchaser free of all encumbrances of any kind existing before the sale, except: (a) Any lien for installments of taxes and special assessments, which installments will become payable upon the secured roll after the time of sale. (b) The lien for taxes or assessments or other rights of any taxing agency which does not consent to the sale under this chapter. (c) Liens for special assessments levied upon the property conveyed which were, at the time of the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount necessary to redeem the tax-defaulted property, and, where a taxing agency which collects its own taxes has consented to the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount required to redeem from sale to the taxing agency. (d) Easements constituting servitude upon or burdens to the property; water rights, the record title to which is held separately from the title to the property; and restrictions of record. (e) Unaccepted, recorded, irrevocable offers of dedication of the property to the public or a public entity for a public purpose, and recorded options of any taxing agency to purchase the property or any interest therein for a public purpose. (f) Unpaid assessments under the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 [commencing with Section 8500] of the Streets and Highways Code) which are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) Part 8. (g) Any federal Internal Revenue Service liens which, pursuant to provisions of federal law, are not discharged by the sale, even though the tax collector has provided proper notice to the Internal Revenue Service before that date.” (h) Unpaid special taxes under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Chapter 2.5 [commencing with Section 53311] of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) that are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) of Part 8.” Note: A title search initiated at the prospective purchaser(s)’ expense should reveal any liens or encumbrances on a property in the tax sale.
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The sale of these properties should not, in any way, be equated to real estate sales by licensed salespeople, brokers or realtors. The Treasurer-Tax Collector cannot guarantee the condition of the property nor assume any responsibility for conformance to codes, permits or zoning ordinances. The burden is on the purchaser to thoroughly research, before the sale, any matters relevant to his or her decision to purchase, rather than on the county, whose sole interest is the recovery of back taxes. It is also recommended that bidders consult with the zoning and planning departments of any city within which a particular parcel lies. ALL PROPERTIES ARE SOLD "AS IS" AND ALL SALES ARE FINAL.
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Property purchased for less than $50,000 must be PAID FOR IN FULL at the tax sale. The minimum bid must be tendered at time of sale in CASH, CASHIER’S CHECK OR BANK MONEY ORDERS payable to the Contra Costa County Tax Collector. Cash and personal checks will be accepted for amounts over the minimum bid. If the purchase price is $50,000 or greater, a partial payment will be accepted. The purchaser must deposit $50,000 in cash, cashier’s check, or money order, the remainder may be paid with a personal check or put on a deferred payment plan due within 90 days. The transaction MUST be completed with 90 days. Failure to complete the transaction in full and on time will result in forfeiture of all deposits. Purchasers of property at the tax sale must also pay a Documentary Transfer Tax on the amount of the bid. The tax is based on the rate of $.55 for each $500 or fractional part of each $500 when the bid exceeds $100. Purchasers of property within the city of Richmond must also pay a City Transfer Tax in addition to the Documentary Transfer Tax. The rate for this city tax is $7 per $1,000 of the purchase price.
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Consult the zoning and planning departments of any city within which a property lies or the County’s Building Inspection Department for property in unincorporated areas regarding use of the parcel. The County Recorder’s records should be consulted for any recorded easements on a property.
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The Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector does NOT offer tax lien certificates.
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Copies of the parcel maps can be purchased from the county Assessor. The Tax Collector has a limited number of set of maps for public viewing at the office.
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Assessor's Office
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Not always. Real property is valued at its current market value on the date it changes ownership. In a majority of cases, the sales price equals market value, but not always.
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The Property Tax Postponement Program allows qualified seniors to postpone payment of property taxes until the individual moves, sells the property or dies. For information, contact the State Controller's Office at (800) 952-5661. The Property Tax Assistance Program for Seniors and Blind/Disabled Persons provides cash reimbursement for qualified individuals. For information, contact the Franchise Tax Board at (800) 852-5711.
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Many taxpayers in the construction industry are unaware that under Section 75.12 of the Revenue and Taxation Code they can be legally exempted from payment of supplemental tax bills resulting from the completion of new construction, simply by requesting a "Builder's Exclusion." Effective January 1, 2006, developers of single-family subdivisions of five lots or more are granted an automatic builder’s exclusion upon recording the subdivision map. To be granted the Builder’s Exclusion on fewer than five single-family lots or on other types of property, you must submit a letter requesting the exclusion prior to or within 30 days of the start of new construction on land development and/or improvements. The parcels for which you are requesting an exclusion must be intended for resale, and for no other purpose than that incidental to resale, such as a model home. In short, this means that builders should submit a request for an exclusion as soon as they buy raw land intended for development. Recommendations: Apply for the exclusion as soon as the land is purchased. Apply for the whole tract. If builder's exclusion is granted on the parent parcel and the parcel splits there is no need to reapply. Builders should be aware that after the exclusion is granted they are still responsible for payment of supplemental tax bills based upon the purchase of land for development, and for payment of annual secured tax bills based on the value of land and new construction complete or incomplete on January 1 of each year. Builders owning parcels protected by a builder's Exclusion are also cautioned that should they begin using these parcels for a purpose other than resale, such as rentals, they are required to notify the Assessor's Office of this fact within 45 days after such non-resale use begins. Requests for Builder's Exclusions should be addressed to: Gus S. Kramer, Assessor ASR Division 2530 Arnold Drive, Suite 400 Martinez, CA 94553 For further information call (925)313-7400.
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Proposition 60 was passed by the voters in 1986 allowing those 55 and over to transfer the assessed value of their principal residence to a replacement residence in the same county if the value of the new residence is equal to or less than that of the original residence when sold. A claim form must be timely filed with the Assessor's Office to qualify. Contra Costa County does not accept transfers from other counties. For additional information regarding this exclusion, see R and T code 69.5 or contact our office at (925) 313-7400
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The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, commonly referred to as the Williamson Act, is a tax relief measure for owners of land. The act permits a landowner to sign a contract with the County or City guaranteeing that the land will be preserved for a period of at least 10 years. In return for this guarantee, the Assessor annually values land and growing improvements in the Act using a restricted income approach rather than the market value. The owner will get the benefit of being taxed on the lower of the total base year value, current market value, or restricted (AG Preserve) value. Generally, this means the taxes for the farmer are reduced, sometimes greatly. You must apply to the County Planning Department by October 15 to receive Williamson Act benefits for the following tax year if you wish to place your farm property into the AG Preserve. The Assessor's Office may require you to report data pertaining to your agriculture parcels via an annual AG Preserve Questionnaire.
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Under State law (Proposition 13), real property is reappraised only when a change-in-ownership occurs, or upon completion of new construction. Except for these two instances, property assessments cannot be increased by more than 2% annually, based on the California Consumer Price Index. The property tax rate is 1% plus any voter approved bonds, fees, or special charges. When a sale or transfer occurs, the Assessor's Office receives a copy of the deed and determines if a reappraisal is required under State law. If it is required, an appraisal is made to determine the new market value of the property. The owner is then notified of the new assessment and has the right to appeal the value. The transfer of property between husband and wife does not require a reappraisal for property tax purposes. This includes transfers resulting from divorce or death. In addition, a refinancing will not cause a reappraisal.
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Copies of all building permits are sent to the Assessor's Office by the cities and County. If the construction is new (such as a room addition), a reappraisal is required. If the construction is for replacement, repair, or maintenance, a reappraisal may not be required. In appraising new construction, the market value of the addition is determined and added to the value of the existing property. The existing property, however, is not reappraised. As with a change-in-ownership, the owner is notified of the new assessment and can appeal the value.
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No. Only the value of your new addition will be added to your current assessed value.
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No. New construction is assessed at the market value added to the property as of the date of completion, or on January 1, if incomplete.
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State law requires the Assessor to reappraise property immediately upon change-in-ownership or completion of new construction. The Assessor's Office must issue a supplemental assessment which reflects the difference between the prior assessed value and the new assessment. This value is then prorated based on the number of months remaining in the fiscal year ending June 30. This supplemental is in addition to the regular tax bill.
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Newly purchased mobile homes, and those on permanent foundations, are subject to property taxes. As with real property, the assessed value of mobile homes cannot be increased by more than 2% annually unless there is a change in-ownership or new construction. Older mobile homes bought before June 30, 1980 generally are not subject to property taxes. They are licensed under the jurisdiction of the State Department of Housing and Community Development. As a result of recent State legislation, the purchase of a mobile home park by the residents will not cause a reassessment. Property taxes will remain at their current level and be prorated among the spaces.
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Under State law, if the current market value of your property (using recent comparable sales) falls below the assessed or taxable value as shown on your tax bill, the Assessor's Office is required to lower the assessment. This type of property tax relief generally applies to recently purchased property. Appeals may be filed between July 2 and November 30 for the annual roll. For supplemental events, or escaped assessments, the appeal must be filed within 60 day of the mailing date of the notice. Appeal forms can be obtained and must be filed with the Clerk of the Board. For more information, call (925) 335-1901.
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Proposition 8 provides that your taxable value does not exceed the current market value of the property. Once a value is temporarily reduced under Proposition 8, it is reviewed annually and adjusted, according to the market value. Once the market value exceeds the adjusted base value, it will be restored.
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The lien date is the day that the taxes become a debt on the property and/or owners, even though the valuation and tax bills have not yet been computed and mailed. The tax lien date is January 1. (R&T Code 2192)
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Proposition 13, passed by the voters in June 1978, established 1975 as the original base year value and requires that the base value of a property be established as of the date of change of ownership, or as of the date of completion of new construction. If you and your neighbor purchased your properties in different years or have different construction dates, your base values reflect different market values.
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The issue of non-payment of taxes needs to be addressed with the Tax Collector's office. Their phone number is (925) 646-4122 or visit
Tax Collector
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The taxes are calculated by the Auditor-Controller. Property tax rates vary by area. In Contra Costa County the tax rates average approximately 1.1% of the property's taxable value. For instance, if the taxable value is $10,000, the property taxes could be about $110. Contact the Auditor-Controller at(925) 646-2236 or
Auditor-Controller
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Building Permit Processing - Conservation & Development
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Building Permits are required before you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building or structure. A building permit is not required for the following: • One-story detached accessory buildings used as a tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 square meters).
• Fences not over six feet (1829 mm) high.
• Retaining walls which are not over three feet in height measured from the top of the footing to top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or ground slope exceeding 1:2 or impounding class I, II, or III-a liquids (Contra Costa County Code, Title 7, Article 74-3.106.2).
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work.
• Platforms, walks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below. See Section 106.2 of the California Building Code for further exemptions. Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits will be required for the above exempted items. Exemption from the permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of any County code or ordinance. Please call us if you have any questions (925) 646-4108.
Building Permit Applications
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There are several types of permits that can be issued by fax or mail:
• Re-roof permits
• Vinyl siding permits
• Electrical upgrades
• Water heater replacements
• HVAC replacements (heating and/or air conditioning unit replacement)Please call us for more information at (925) 646-4108.
Permit by Fax/Mail Applications
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Permits may be issued only to property owners, licensed contractors, long-term lessees or their certified agents.
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That depends on the scope of the work. Permits that can be issued by fax or mail are generally issued on the same day. Some projects require approval either by the County Planning Division or City Planning Department and other agencies before the Building Inspection Division can proceed with the plan review. Then depending on the scope of the project, it may take anywhere from one day to several weeks depending on the amount of structural and non-structural review required. Minor projects that are usually issued either that day or the next day are: • Minor in-kind repairs due to damage caused by fire, termites, or deterioration
• Minor interior alterations with no structural work
• Plumbing, mechanical, or electrical repairs, change-outs, or alterations
• Mobile homes Major Projects that may take up to several weeks to review are: • Changes in building use or occupancy
• Major additions (greater than 50 percent of the existing structure)
• Major structural work (seismic upgrades, major repairs, etc.)
• Major tenant improvements
• New residences in subdivisions with established master plans
• Compliance with Title 24 energy documentation requirements
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A permit may be obtained for a replaced water heater after it has been installed in emergency situations. Normally, a water heater will only require a final inspection. Please call us for more information (925) 646-4108.
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