Frequently Asked Questions

You can purchase commissary online from iCare or call 1-877-615-3296 for incarcerated persons housed at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility.  iCare is a service provided by TouchPay. TouchPay is a private company. This is not a service provided by Nevada County.

Incarcerated persons are permitted to receive an unlimited amount of mail per day. The mailing address is:

Incarcerated Person Name 

Wayne Brown Correctional Facility: 2100  or Truckee Substation Jail: 2101

PO Box 96777

Las Vegas, NV 89193

See sending mail to an incarcerated person for a list of prohibited items. 

In-person visits: 

All visitors must be 18 years of age or older and must provide a current government-issued ID at the time of check-in, or be accompanied by a parent or guardian (if under the age of 18). Find more information about the current visitation program. 

Video visits: 

The incarcerated person must arrange video visits. You will be required to make an account on gettingout.com. 

To add money to an incarcerated person's trust account you can:

Use your Visa/MasterCard, debit card or electronic check. This service is available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. Electronic funding of an incarcerated persons trust account is provided by TouchPay, not by Nevada County. There is a charge for this service. For more detailed information on this option, please see how to add money to an incarcerated person's trust account. 

Visit the kiosk located in the lobby of Wayne Brown Correctional Facility, during normal business hours (Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 6:30pm)

You can change your mailing address by submitting to our office a completed "Request for Change of Mailing Address" form with your APN, the correct mailing address and your signature. It is important to include your signature because we cannot make the changes without at least one owner's signature. Mail the Change of Address Request to us. Or complete an E-File Change of Address Request Form.

Yes, the Assessor Parcel Maps are now available online, along with basic parcel data and current assessed values. You will be able to search by street address or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN). Access the online parcel data and maps search.

If you are unsure of how to fill out the form, please give us a call so that we can explain it and walk you through the form. It is much better to call us rather than not filling it out because you may be penalized for not filing. Contact us at 530-265-1259 for further questions.

Yes, all equipment you use for your business is subject to assessment, regardless of its age or value. For further questions, contact the Assessor's office at 530-265-1259.

This is a question for the Planning Department, the Assessor's Office does not deal with zoning.

A transfer of ownership between parents and children as well as grandparents and grandchildren may be excluded from reappraisal for assessment purposes depending on and a few factors.  The first determining factor is the event date.  

Transfers of ownership occurring prior to February 16, 2021, are under the rules of Proposition 58.   Generally, under Proposition 58, transfers involving the primary residence of the transferor are excluded from reappraisal.  Transfers of property other than primary residences are excluded however, there is a $1 million dollar lifetime limit per each transferee.  

Transfers February 16, 2021, and later fall under Proposition 19.  Proposition 19 only allows an exclusion for primary residences if the residence was the primary residence of the transferor and will be the primary residence of the transferee.  Additionally, if the transferee utilizes the property as their primary residence at the time of transfer, then later moves out and the property is no longer considered primary the property is then reappraised.  Under Proposition 19 there is no exclusion from reappraisal for properties that are not the primary residence.

Transfers between Grandparents and Grandchildren may also qualify for an exclusion if both parents of the children are deceased.

For both Prop 58 and Prop 19 exclusions, an application must be submitted to the Assessor’s Office.   There are deadlines for submitting the applications.  Links to the applications are below.  You may submit them in-person, by mail, or by emailing them to assessor@nevadacountyca.gov.

Below is a link to the State Board of Equalization website comparing Prop 58 and Prop 19.     

Proposition 19 – Board of Equalization (ca.gov)

Most private easements are not reflected on Assessor parcel maps because they are not recognized separately for property tax purposes. The Assessor’s Office may be able to assist you with finding relevant recorder document numbers related to public or private easements. Additional Information can be then found by contacting:

Recorders Office (530)-265-1221: For a recorded deed or a recorded subdivision map

Title Company: May help you obtain a title report.

The County Surveyor (530)-265-1222: May be able to assist you in understanding easement verbiage. An appointment may be necessary.

The Assessor’s Office may consider combining or splitting a parcel for assessment purposes only. Splitting or combining parcels does not imply legal lot status, nor does it constitute legal lot approval by any planning/building authority. The Assessor’s Parcel Boundary Change Request Application provides additional information and requirements – one can be obtained at the Assessor’s Office. Legal Lot splitting, combining or lot-line adjustments are done with the Community Development Agency/Planning Department.

Assignment of a property address is a function of the Planning Department (530)-265-1222.

You may contact The County Surveyor (530) 265-1222.

Complete the New Construction Cost Statement to the best of your knowledge. If a question on the form does not apply to your project, please put "N/A". Include any documentation you believe will assist our office in valuing the new construction, including photos. Complete the certification on the bottom of the form, including your signature and contact information, and return via mail, fax, email, in person, or submit online here: New Construction Cost Statement | Nevada County, CA (nevadacountyca.gov).

The Public Administrator may be notified of a death by mortuaries, the Coroner, residential care facilities, hospitals, landlords, or private citizens when someone dies and there are assets to be protected or if the family of the decedent cannot be immediately located. For more information please call 530-265-1471.

The Public Administrator has the same duties and functions as a private administrator, some of which are to:

- Conduct a thorough investigation to discover all assets.

- Ensure all estate benefits are applied for and received.

- Ensure that the estate is administered according to the decedent’s wishes.

- Locate persons entitled to inherit from the estate and ensure that these individuals receive their inheritance.

- Make arrangements for the disposition of the decedent’s remains.

- Pay decedent’s bills and taxes. Protect the decedent’s property from waste, loss, fraud or theft.

In performing these functions, the Public Administrator is required to maintain a fully documented audit trail to make certain that each and every asset is accounted for and distributed. For more information please call 530-265-1471.

Yes. According to California law, the Public Administrator is required to make funeral arrangements if there is no relative to do so. The Public Administrator Deputy will also assist the family in making necessary funeral arrangements in cases where the Public Administrator acts as administrator. The Public Administrator will make arrangements in accordance with any pre-need plans of the decedent, the ability of the estate to pay, and the Probate Court policy as to the reasonable amount to be paid for these services out of estate assets. For more information please call 530-265-1471.

It is the legal method of insuring that the creditors of an estate are paid and that the remaining property in the estate is distributed to the entitled persons. This process is carried out by the executor/administrator of the estate under the supervision of the Probate Division of the Superior Court.

If the value of an estate is in excess of $150,000, a Court proceeding is commenced by filing a petition to admit a will to probate and/or appoint an administrator. After a hearing, the Court will issue its Order to admit the decedent’s will to probate and/or appoint a personal representative. For more information please call 530-265-1471.

A less formal procedure called Summary Administration applies to estates having a value of $150,000 or less. It is designed to permit administration with very little, and in some cases no, Court involvement. Only the Public Administrator is authorized by law to handle a Summary Administration. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

The rights of heirs and beneficiaries are fixed by law. It is usually not necessary to hire an attorney because legal work is handled by the attorney for the Public Administrator. However, if your right to inherit is not clear, is challenged or if substantial claims are made against the estate, you would be advised to retain legal counsel to represent your interests. The fees for such legal representation are your obligation and are not payable by the estate. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

Yes. The Public Administrator has an official bond and, by law, charges each estate a yearly bond fee for this coverage. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

If an estate is insolvent or has insufficient cash assets to pay creditors, taxes, and fees, property will have to be sold to pay these obligations. If an estate is solvent and has sufficient cash, heirs are given the opportunity to select estate assets that they want to receive in place of cash. If real property is vacant, it usually is sold as soon as possible. However, if an heir wishes to receive real property as part of his or her distribution, the heir should make such wishes known and reach an agreement with the Public Administrator as soon as possible. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

The Public Administrator sells real estate property through licensed real estate agents at private auction, which is open to the public, after publishing legal notices and advertising the property. The sale is subject to confirmation by the Probate Court. The Public Administrator also sells personal property through various auction houses or estate liquidators. Sales of property are posted at the Nevada County Court Building and are advertised in the media. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

No. California state law prohibits the Public Administrator and his/her staff from purchasing estate property. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

Anyone who was owed money by the decedent at the time of death must file a Creditor’s Claim with the Court against the estate in order to receive payment from the estate. The Public Administrator, as personal representative, notifies all known creditors that they must file a claim within the statutory period. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

Yes, the Public Administrator maintains all funds in interest bearing accounts in compliance with California law. Interest earnings accrue to the estate and are part of the final distribution. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

Yes, a copy of the final account is mailed to all beneficiaries when it is submitted to the Court for approval. The accounting includes a record of all receipts, disbursements, fees, and the proposed distribution. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

The complexity of the estate and the determination of the individuals that are entitled to inherit the estate dictate the length of time an estate administration will take. Beneficiaries are cautioned not to plan their financial affairs upon the expectation of receiving a distribution of a certain amount at a specific time. In certain instances, a partial preliminary distribution of estate assets can be made with Court approval. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

California law provides a statutory fee for the personal representative / administrator of an estate. The Public Administrator is allowed the same compensation as private administrators. The allowable fees are based on the value of the estate accounted for as follows:

- 4% of the first $100,000

- 3% of the next $100,000

- 2% of the next $800,000

- 1% of the next $9,000,000

- 0.5% on the next $15,000,000

- Amounts over $25,000,000 to be determined by the court

The law also provides for statutory attorney’s fees based on the same fee schedule as that of the administrator. The Court may also allow extraordinary fees to the administrator and his/her attorneys for services such as preparation of tax returns, sale of estate property, and litigation to collect assets or defend actions brought against the estate. The Probate Court must review and approve all requests for fees at the time any administrator presents a final accounting to the Court.

Public Administrator fees are deposited in the Nevada County General Fund and used to pay for the costs of administering estate.  The Public Administrator can be reached at 530-265-1471  for additional questions.

No, in most cases, the Public Administrator either provides needed services directly through in-house staff and facilities or utilizes an estate account to advance the needed funds. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

They can give invaluable assistance by promptly and fully completing all forms and answering all questions sent to them by the Public Administrator. For more information please call 530-265-1471 .

The County through the Sheriff’s Office has negotiated a low-cost arrangement with local mortuaries for cremation expenses. If the applicant qualifies as low income through the process described below, then the price for the cremation should not exceed $600 and should be paid to the mortuary directly. However, the local mortuary that provides this service changes by quarter, so please call 530-265-1471 so we can help guide you to the appropriate funeral home.

A resident of Nevada County who does not have sufficient resources or have any relatives that can provide resources to pay for standard cremation/funeral expenses is a likely candidate.  There is still a cost, although significantly reduced for a qualified applicant.  This Program is facilitated by the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office Public Administrator in conjunction with specific local mortuaries/funeral homes.  For more information, please call 530-265-1471.

To qualify for the program, you must complete an application, which can be found here and then contact our office for information on which mortuary you should submit the application to.  You will then take your completed application, picture identification for all adult household and Next of Kin members, social security cards, bank statements for the past 2 months and verification of income for the past two months for all household members and Next of Kin to the appropriate mortuary as directed by the Public Administrator. For more information, please call 530-265-1471.

To become a Deputy Commissioner of Marriage, visit our

Claims may be presented by submitting a claim form to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. Once a claim has been presented it is administered by Risk Management Services. Visit the

Ms. Elliott is the County Counsel and her name appears on all the documents filed by any attorney in the office. The person most familiar with your case is usually the attorney who actually signed the document. That person’s name appears beneath Ms. Elliott’s name at the top of the document and again beneath the signature itself. If you believe you must speak to an attorney in our office concerning your matter, it is that person to whom you should speak. However, if you are represented by an attorney, all contact should be through your counsel.

The Office of the County Counsel represents the Public Guardian in conservatorship and probate matters. The Office of the Public Guardian should be contacted directly with questions regarding conservatorship and probate matters.

The Nevada County Treasurer-Tax Collector is responsible for billing and collecting all County property taxes. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

“Secured” refers to a property tax that is assessed against real property (e.g. land or improvements). Nevada County’s real property tax is an “ad valorem tax,” a tax according to value. Proposition 13 established the tax rate as 1% of current assessed value, plus voter approved bonded indebtedness.

Real property is assessed when there is a change in ownership or completion of new construction. Proposition 13 also provides that the assessed value of property can increase no more than 2% annually, based upon the California Consumer Price Index. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

All owners of real property must pay property taxes unless exempted by state law. Lessees must pay property taxes if they are leasing real estate from an owner whose property is exempt. Owners of business, industrial, agricultural and residential property must all pay property tax. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

The first installment of secured property tax is due on November 1st and becomes delinquent after December 10th. The second installment is due February 1st and becomes delinquent after April 10th. If the delinquent date falls on a weekend or holiday, you have until the close of the next business day to pay your tax bill.

The annual secured property tax bill are mailed beginning in October of each year.

Please note that is your responsibility to obtain your tax bill. Failure to receive a bill will not prevent penalties from being imposed on a late payment. If you have not received your tax bill by November 1st, please contact the Treasurer - Tax Collector's office. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

A supplemental tax bill is a separate bill that reflects the increase or decrease in the assessed value of real property. Supplemental tax bills are generated and mailed throughout the year, and payment due dates vary. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

A negative supplemental tax bill is a separate bill that reflects assessment that is lower than the prior assessed value, a senior citizen’s transfer of Proposition 13 values, or other downward assessment and includes a refund check. A negative supplemental bill does not change your responsibility to pay all other property tax bills. However, the refund generated by a negative supplemental bill may be applied to any open bills for the same parcel. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

Yes. Supplemental tax bills are separate from and in addition to the annual secured property tax bill. They must be paid on time in order to avoid penalties. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

No. Supplemental tax bills are only mailed to the property owner of record. You should contact your lender to determine whether it will pay the supplemental tax bill. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

Types of personal property which may trigger the issuance of an unsecured tax bill include:

- Aircraft

- Boats

- Business fixtures

- Business personal property

Other types of property may include:

- Delinquent State Assessed Property (Unitary Tax)

- Manufactured housing (mobile homes) possessory interest (leased government property)

- Pro-rated escape and supplemental tax on real property that has changed ownership

For more information please call 530-265-1285.

All personal business property and luxury property in the State of California is subject to an annual tax. Boats, except for those used in commerce or fishing, are considered luxury items. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

The owner of personal property as of January 1st is responsible for the unsecured tax bill. Disposal, removal, or sale of the property after the January 1st lien date will not affect the tax bill. Taxes will not be prorated due to the sale or disposal of taxable personal property after the lien date. Any proration of the tax is strictly a private matter between the seller and buyer. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

If your bill is not paid by the delinquent date, penalties and additional fees may apply. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

Yes. To avoid penalties, liens, and other enforcement of collection actions, the tax should be paid prior to it becoming delinquent. Should the tax be reduced later a refund will be issued. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

Property tax assessments on real estate where the real estate was sold prior to the enrollment of the tax bill are not a lien on that real estate. These tax bills are prorated to cover the ownership period of the prior owner(s) and enrolled on the unsecured tax roll as the personal liability of the former property owner(s). In addition, unpaid taxes on mobile homes, possessory interests, and State Assessed Property (unitary tax) tax bills are transferred after June 30 to the Unsecured Tax Roll as the personal liability of the assessee(s). For more information please call 530-265-1285.

No. Legal title to a tax-defaulted property subject to the Tax Collector’s power to sell can be acquired only through the Treasurer-Tax Collector by being the successful bidder at the tax sale, and by paying the full purchase amount, including the Documentary Transfer Tax. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

Vacant (unimproved) land has no address and therefore its approximate geographic location may be determined through the use of County Assessor plat maps. Exact boundary lines of a property may be determined by a survey of the property. The County does not have possession or control of the property and cannot grant access. “Improved” properties may bear a street address. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

You may consult the Zoning Department of any city within which a property lines regarding use of the parcel. For property in unincorporated areas of the County, you may refer to the Zoning Section of the Nevada County Department of Planning.

The County Recorder’s Office should be consulted for any recorded easements on a property. In addition, there may be other agencies to consult with based on the current, future, potential, or intended use of the property. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

The successful bidder may take possession of a property after making payment in full and after the Tax Deed to Purchaser has been recorded. Tax Deeds are generally recorded within four weeks of the sale or upon completion (payment in full). For more information please call 530-265-1285.

State law requires that the minimum bid on a tax-defaulted parcel offered at a public auction for the first time be no less than the total amount necessary to pay the back taxes on the parcel (redeem the parcel), plus costs of sale. The minimum bid on a parcel previously offered at sale can be set at the Tax Collector’s discretion. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

The deadline is 5 p.m. on the last business day prior to the scheduled Property Tax Sale Auction. For more information please call 530-265-1285.

As of fiscal year 2019 - 2020, only 22% of County revenue is discretionary, with the other 78% earmarked for specific, mandated programs. For more information, contact us at 530-265-7040.

Call 530- 470-2736 and ask to speak to the Access therapist. The therapist will talk to you immediately or will return you phone call soon. The therapist will ask you to briefly describe the problem. The therapist may make an appointment for you to come into the office and talk.

We have two offices to serve children, one in Truckee and the other in Grass Valley. We can also serve children in their schools, at the Family Resource Centers and in the community. Frequently the first appointment is at our offices. See our

We work with children and teens who are using drugs and alcohol. It is important that the youth’s family is also involved in the treatment. We frequently work with the drug treatment agency in town, Common Goals. 

You will talk with a therapist privately about your concerns. The therapist will ask you some questions about you and child’s personal history and about your family. The therapist and you will fill out some paperwork. If you brought the child to your first appointment, the therapist will meet with you and the child and then the child alone. Usually further appointments are scheduled. Contact us at 530-265-1437.

Yes, we have two therapists who speak Spanish.  We enjoy working with Spanish speaking families and have a Promotora program that could also help them. Contact us at 530-265-1437.

We take Medi-Cal and some types of other insurance.  Contact us for more information at 530-265-1437.

If you believe that your child needs medication to get better, call and make an appointment with our access therapist. The therapist will have you come into the office and meet with them a couple of times and then connect you with our Child Psychiatrist. Contact the Behavioral Health department at 530-470-2736 for more information.

For Adult Services call  (530) 265-1437 and ask to speak to the Access therapist.  Access  therapists are available by phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to  5 p.m. PST, except on holidays.  If a person is not available, you  may leave a message and they will return the call usually by the end of  the day, or the following business day. 

For Children's Services call (530)  470-2736 and ask to speak with the Access therapist.  The therapist  will talk to you immediately or will return your phone call soon.  The  therapist will ask you to briefly describe the problem.  The therapist  may make an appointment for you to come into the office and talk.  

We have offices in Grass Valley and an office in Truckee. Visit our Adult Behavioral Health Services Locations and Hours page for more details.  Children’s Behavioral Health Locations and Hours.  

Yes, we have therapists who are Spanish speaking. Contact us at 530-265-1437.

We take Medi-Cal, Medi-Care and some types of other insurance.  If you do not have insurance we have a sliding scale. See our page on Payment of Services.

See our  Alcohol and Drug Services page for more information.

We work with children and teens who are using drugs and alcohol, it is important that the youth's family is also involved in the treatment.  We frequently contract with other agencies in town, Community Recovery Resources and Common Goals.  Parents and family members can also call Community Recovery Resources directly. To contact us, call our main line at 530-265-1437 and we can offer further information.

You will talk with a therapist privately about your concerns.  The therapist will ask you some questions about you and your child's personal history and about your family.  The therapist and you will complete some paperwork.  If you brought the child to your first appointment, the therapist will meet with you and the child and then the child alone.  Additional appointments are scheduled if needed.

We treat children from infancy to age 19 at the Children's System of Care.  We treat very young children by helping parents with parenting skills.  Children ages 3 to 7 are often treated with play therapy.  We treat children until the age of 19.  At the age of 19, you will be referred to Adult Behavioral Health.

For Adults contact the information the main number at 530-265-1437, or call toll free at 888-801-1437.  The Access therapist will review the process with you.

If you believe that your child needs medication to get better.  Call the Children's Access therapist at 530-470-2736.  The therapist will have you come into the office and meet a few times and then connect you with our Child Psychiatrist.  

The Transit System has Scheduled Routes to Nevada County Behavioral Health sites in Grass Valley. Contact the Transit Service department at 530-477-0103 or 888-660-7433.

By law, your mental health services and records will be handled with confidentiality. If you have concerns regarding confidentiality, contact us at 530-265-1437.

Visit our job listings service; regular ("permanent") and temporary jobs are posted on the listing.  You may apply by completing an online job application.  Your application will be saved for future use (only you can access it by using your email address and your personal password.)

Yes.  In the job categories section of NeoGov, check off the job categories you are interested in, and then click "subscribe."  Enter your contact information.  When a job listing is posted that is included in one of your selected job categories, you will receive an email notification.

Check your application account. You can access your account by logging in at www.governmentjobs.com and clicking on your name.  Then click on Applications and Status. You'll see notes about the progress and status of your applications.  You'll also receive email notifications so check your email account regularly. 

You are welcome to call our office for further information (530-265-7010, option 2.)

You may find a list of our job titles and their commensurate rates of pay in several locations on the County's website.  The Salary and Staffing Information page has complete lists of job titles and monthly minimum and maximum salaries.  

Another way to learn how much jobs pay is by once again returning to the job listings page and visiting the Job Descriptions section.  An alphabetical list of all of our job descriptions and their pay rates is found in that section.

Once an applicant is hired as a probationary employee for a position with the County working at least 50%, the following benefits are available on the first day of the month following  the hire date of employment (assuming all necessary forms are completed).

• CalPERS' suite of health insurance programs, including Blue Shield HMO plans, Blue Cross PPO plans,  Kaiser (for very limited residence addresses only), and specialty plans for peace officers
• Dental Insurance through Ameritas Dental PPO Plan for the employee and family
• Vision Insurance through Ameritas VSP for employee and family
• Voluntary contributions to pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts
• Basic and voluntary life insurance through Colonial Life Insurance Company for the employee and family
• CalPERS defined benefit retirement plan for the employee
• Employee Assistance Plan through Optum for employee and family
• Choice deferred compensation plan (457 plan) through Nationwide
• If an applicant is hired as a temporary, or hourly, employee, the applicant may be eligible to receive certain benefits

The County has adopted a Personnel Code which addresses typical working issues such as the following and more:

• Days and Hours of Work
• Overtime Policies and Procedures
• Performance Review Procedures
• Recruitment Processes
• Time Off Policies

The Personnel Code (PDF) is available.

Yes.  The County has entered into seven negotiated agreements with labor groups:

• Sheriff's Management Association
• Deputy Sheriff's Association
• Probation Peace Officers Association
• Management Employees Association
• Deputy District Attorney/Deputy Public Defenders Association
• Professional Unit
• General Unit

We also have unrepresented groups of employees:

• Elected Department Heads
• Appointed and Confidential Department Heads
• Confidential Employees

Copies of the memoranda of understanding and summary documents are also available.

Yes.  Internships are posted on our job listings page.  Most (but not all) internships are designed for individuals currently attending college or individuals who have recently been graduated from college.  For more information on our internship program please visit our  Intern Program at Nevada County page.

If you would like to volunteer for the County, please contact the Human Resources Department at  530-265-7010, option 2, or, contact the County department in which you would like to volunteer. 

The County does have a process for volunteers to go through in order to volunteer.  The process includes meeting with the department, completing forms, and going through a background check (fingerprints, drug test.) 

Anyone may refer a child to California Children Services (CSS) - Community Health/school nurses, other  agencies, or the family itself to determine if the child has an  approved CCS medically eligible condition. Most children are referred by  the family physician, specialist or hospital. The physician or hospital  can supply important medical information necessary in making the CCS  medical eligibility determination and may also participate in the  child's CCS treatment program. Contact us at 530-265-1450 for any further questions.

You should apply for the California Children Services (CSS) program at your local CCS office in the  county where you reside. This office should be contacted for assistance  as requests for CCS coverage must be made on or before the day services  are rendered, except for emergencies. Your county CCS office can tell  you if your child may be eligible for the CCS program. CCS eligibility  must be determined before services can be covered by CCS.

The County CCS office or the appropriate State Regional Office will  consider your child's medical condition as well as the family's  residential and financial status to determine CCS eligibility. This is  accomplished by completing the necessary application forms and providing  the required documentation. Based on this information and completed  paperwork the CCS program will approve or deny your application. If your  application is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. For further questions, call us at 530-265-1450.

Your child can be eligible for the California Children Services (CSS) program even though you have  private health insurance coverage. If your child is a CCS  applicant/client and has individual or group private health insurance  coverage, you must report it to the county CCS office and to the child's  health care provider. Private health insurance entitlement is used to  help reduce CCS program costs. 

Children who are Medi-Cal eligible and have approved California Children Services (CSS) medical  condition are usually eligible for CCS case management and other  services not covered by Medi-Cal. This assures that all California  children with complex, disabling conditions will receive appropriate  specialized care. 

Some families may be required to pay an annual assessment fee and / or  annual enrollment fee. These fees are used to help cover the cost of  treatment, processing applications, telephoning hospitals, physicians  and other caregivers, mailing authorizations to these caregivers, and  coordinating care with other agencies. All of these services are  provided by the California Children Services program to ensure that clients receive the best care  possible from physicians and specialists who provide medical care to  children. The annual assessment fee is $20 and the annual enrollment fee  is calculated based on family and income size. contact us at 530-265-1450 for further questions.

You can use our My Neighborhood Mapping Application. Use the Parcel Search tool which opens on startup to search for a parcel.  In the results list, click on the blue report link.  This opens the Parcel Report. On this report, you will find a 'view Assessor Parcel Map' link.  Alternatively, you can navigate directly to the parcel report and search for a parcel by APN, or by clicking on the map.

You can use our My Neighborhood Mapping Application. Click on the basemaps tools widget in the upper right toolbar, and choose the appropriate basemap.

If you need owner names, we have public kiosks in the Assessor office lobby at 950 Maidu Avenue, from which you can search by name, site address, or Assessor's parcel number.

The GIS Division has been instructed not to distribute owner name to any entity, public or private.  Email the Assessor's Office for more information regarding ownership information.  Owner mailing address is available both in the data download and when exporting addresses from the My Neighborhood Mapping Application.

Operative January 1, 2025, Assembly Bill 1785 (Stats. 2024, ch. 551) amends Government Code section 7928.205 and extends the state or local agency prohibition from publicly posting on the internet the home address and telephone number of any elected or appointed official to include both the name and assessor parcel number associated with the home address. This bill also defines "publicly post" to mean intentionally communicate or otherwise make available on the internet in an unrestricted and publicly available manner. 

Using the My Neighborhood Mapping Application, search for a parcel, then click the Report link in the search results. This will provide information about elected officials, valuation, districts, building permits and much more.

See the Open Data Portal.

See our map collection.

You can determine if a Recorded Map or Subdivision map exists for your  parcel by using the corresponding search option on the My Neighborhood  Mapping Application search tool. The results will also tell you the map  number and a link to the Recorder's page where you can order the map. You can also search for a known document at the following recorder site or contact the Recorders office for assistance at 530-265-1221.

Please use one of our service providers. You can read about them on our Mapping Service Providers page.

The accuracy of parcel boundaries varies considerably, with errors ranging from just a few feet to 150 feet in some areas.  Parcel boundaries  were adapted from Assessor Department CAD drawings, and then rubber sheeted to form a seamless layer for the whole county.  There is no  substitute for using a licensed surveyor to locate your property  corners.  Should you be lucky enough to locate a monumented property  corner, you could use the metes-and-bounds on the Assessor's Parcel Map (see question Number 1) to approximate the boundaries and remaining  corners. 

Please don't attempt to use the My Neighborhood Latitude/Longitude tool and a GPS device to locate a property corner, as  both of these tools will introduce significant error.

Please note the APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number) and export the map as a .jpeg or take a screenshot.  Send this with a description of the error to our email and we can forward it to the Planning Department for update.

You can use the Parcel Notification tool on the My Neighborhood mapping  application to search for a parcel, buffer it, or select a series of  parcels.  Next, in the attribute table that opens at the bottom of the  application, choose Options, and then choose Export to CSV.  Please see the help in the application or view the video on this interactive map page for detailed instructions. 

If you think a warrant may have been issued for your arrest, you can check and see if you are correct. If you missed a court date and believe a warrant was issued for your  arrest and you are represented by a lawyer, you should immediately  contact them. They should be able to confirm if a warrant was issued.  

If a warrant has been issued, you can surrender yourself to the  jail or call the front desk of our office and we will explain whether you have another option.  Sometimes you can surrender and have your case heard on the same day.  

If you don’t know your next court date, don’t put off calling to find out.  Missing a court date without a really good reason might result in the judge taking you into custody when you do show up or a warrant being issued for your arrest.  The easiest way to find out your next court date is to contact your Deputy Public Defender.  If he or she is not available, you can call the Public Defender’s office and most likely our staff will be able to tell you your next court date. Whenever you call a Public Defender Office, it is always very helpful to have your case number available.

 If you have not yet appeared in court, are not represented by the public defender's office or another attorney, and have questions about your case, you may call the court clerk directly at 530-265-1311.

If you already posted bail, were released on a promise to appear, or were sent a courtesy notice to appear for arraignment, typically that will remain the same. If you voluntarily appeared on a courtesy notice, release on a signed promise to appear or release on pre-trial release is generally granted. However, if you have warrants, are on probation, or have other charges pending, that status may change.

Similarly, if you bailed on a charge of driving while intoxicated, but then it was determined that you have one or more prior convictions within 10 years, this could lead to more serious charges and possible remand. The same is often true if you have been previously convicted of a serious or violent felony (a "strike"), and are being charged with a new felony.

The first court date in a criminal matter is called an arraignment. The judge will briefly advise you of your constitutional rights.  You will be advised of the charges that have been filed against you. These may be different from what you were arrested for.

The prosecutor may file additional or fewer charges than the officer saw fit to charge. You will be asked if you would like to have an attorney and that if you can't afford one, an attorney will be appointed to represent you. Your custody status will be addressed: bail may be set or you may be released on your own recognizance or on pre-trial release.

The judge may put conditions of release on you depending on the nature of the charges as well as your history.  On the issue of bail, sometimes the prosecutor will refer to some of the allegations. It is not appropriate or in your best interest to comment on the facts or allegations. Any comments you make can be used against you at trial.  If you are requesting that the Public Defender's Office be appointed to represent you, you will be required to fill out a financial affidavit to determine if you qualify for their services. 

Being charged in a criminal matter can be extremely traumatic. It is perfectly understandable that you might want to speak with a Deputy Public Defender before your first scheduled court date. However, we are generally unable to speak to you before your first court date.  That is because we will know nothing about your case, your charges and will not have your police reports.  If we do speak to you before your first appearance, the attorney you speak to will do their best to discuss what your rights are but without your charging document and the police reports, we cannot speak to you about your specific situation.  It is quite natural to feel overwhelmed if you have been charged in a criminal case. If this ever happens to you, do not hesitate to call the Public Defender's Office for assistance. Please understand though before we have been appointed on a case, the most we can do is explain your rights to you.  

Can I get a lawyer? Before an individual who is in custody may be questioned regarding a crime, the law requires the police to inform that person that they have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. If the person does not give up the right to an attorney, the police must arrange for the presence of an attorney before questioning can take place.

Likewise, if the police wish to place a person who has been arrested into a lineup, that person has the right to the presence of an attorney at the lineup. The Public Defender has attorneys on call to serve those functions. A Deputy Public Defender who goes to the police station or jail serves as the person's attorney in the same way as if the attorney had been retained to represent the person. The attorney represents you, the client, not the police.

The primary responsibility of the Public Defender's Office is to ensure the representation of any person - whether in custody or not - who has been accused of a crime, but is currently unable to afford to hire private defense counsel. If you have been arrested and remain in custody, you will be brought to a local court usually within 48 hours of your arrest. If you are not in custody, you will be given a time and place to appear for your first court date. The first court date is called the arraignment. When you first appear in court for your arraignment, you may appear with private counsel.

If you are not able to hire a private attorney the judge will ask you if you intend to hire an attorney, or if you are requesting the Public Defender be appointed to represent you. The court will have you fill out a financial affidavit. You must do so completely and accurately. The court makes the primary determination of your eligibility for our services. If there is question as to whether or not you qualify, the court may require you to go to Collections and fill out additional paperwork.

Absolutely! All Deputy Public Defenders are full-fledged attorneys who are members of the State Bar and have been licensed to practice law in the State of California. In order to become a Deputy Public Defender, any individual who has already passed the State Bar examination must also go through a rigorous interview and oral examination to ascertain whether he or she has the intellectual ability, the legal knowledge, and the commitment to practice criminal defense law. They only practice criminal defense.

Throughout their entire careers as Deputy Public Defenders, all attorneys are further required to continue their legal education by attending regular classes and seminars regarding any advances in the practice of criminal defense law.

First, if you can afford to hire an attorney, you do not qualify for the services of the Public Defender and should hire your own lawyer.  The Public Defender's Office only represents people who cannot afford to hire an attorney.  If you really can't afford to hire an attorney, but want to borrow the money from family or friends because you believe you have a better chance with a private attorney, consider the following. Public defenders have long suffered from a public perception as second rate lawyers who couldn't get a "real" job and had to "settle" for working for starvation wages as a deputy public defender.  We also suffer from the belief by some that we don't really work hard for our clients.

These are wholly untrue stereotypes. The attorneys who choose to work as deputy public defenders are some of the brightest, best educated, and most dedicated lawyers there are. The Nevada County Public Defender's Office is made up of people who want to practice nothing but criminal law. They don't do divorces or "chase ambulances" or write wills.  They come from the finest law schools in the country.  While almost all of them could earn more money if that was the most important thing to them, they still get paid pretty well.  The salary range is commensurate with the District Attorney's office.

The majority of our lawyers never wanted to practice any other kind of law, and have dedicated their careers to criminal defense work, and being deputy public defenders, because they believe in what they do and like doing it. Because our lawyers don't have to worry about anything but representing their clients, they generally do it very well. They are in court nearly every day. They know all the "ins and outs" of the courts in which they practice. They also try more jury trials in a year than most lawyers try in a lifetime.  They know what a case is worth in a settlement. More than 95% of all criminal cases settle before trial, nationwide. Public defenders like trying cases, they don't have to be concerned with the financial implications that going to trial may involve for a retained attorney and his or her client. So, if your deputy public defender recommends a plea bargain, it is because he or she honestly believes it is in your best interest to settle the case, not because financial concerns require it.

You can call them at 530-265-1400 and ask to speak to them. If you do not know who your Deputy Public Defender is, the secretarial staff can figure that out with your name. It also is helpful if you have your case number. If you are directed to voicemail, please speak slowly and clearly and identify yourself by first and last name. Without both your first and last name, we might not know who you are. Make sure you leave a good phone number and if that number changes, please update us.

Unfortunately, no. Caseloads,  the seriousness of your case and your history as well as the skill and  experience of the attorney are just some of the considerations made when  determining who is assigned to which case.

It is understandable that defendants feel the system is not responsive to their needs or that they are not being treated fairly. Being charged with a criminal offense is often frightening and it is difficult to understand the legal process, jargon and consequences. The role of the defense attorney is to vigorously represent the interests of his or her client. This includes ensuring that the client is well-informed and understands what is happening to him or her.

If a client is dissatisfied with the work of the assigned Deputy Public Defender the client should contact the Public Defender, Keri Klein at 530-265-1400.

Contact our office for assistance and information on expungement options.

You can register to vote in Nevada County if:

• You are a citizen of the United States
• You reside in Nevada County
• You will be at least 18 years old at the time of the next election
• You are not currently serving a state or federal prison term for the conviction of a felony
• You have not been found by a court to be mentally incompetent
  
  
  
  

See if you are registered to vote online.

See where you are registered to vote on the Secretary of State website.

See how to register to vote on the Secretary of State's website.

To cancel your registration in Nevada County, you can visit our office,fill out and return this form, or send us a letter of cancellation that includes:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Residence Address in Nevada County
• Signature

You can mail your letter to:

Nevada County Elections

950 Maidu Avenue

Suite 210

Nevada City, CA 95959

If you would like to cancel a Deceased voter's registration in Nevada County, you can visit our office with a copy of the death certificate or send us a letter that includes:

• Copy of Death Certificate
• Date of Birth
• Full Name of Deceased
• Residence Address in Nevada County
  
• Your Signature

You can mail your letter to:

Nevada County Elections

950 Maidu Avenue

Suite 250

Nevada City, CA 95959

Email

Fax: 530-265-9829

Check out voting information for military members and citizens living overseas.

View information on how to determine your registration status. If you find out that you aren't registered, you can also access the registration portal.

Checking the status of your vote-by-mail ballot is easy! You can call our office at 530-265-1298 during regular business hours or check to see if your ballot was received online at https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/.

You can also sign up for BallotTrax, a service offered by the California Secretary of State, to receive updates by text, email, or voice notification https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot. 

To check whether your provisional ballot or conditional voter registration was counted, you may call our office during normal business hours at 530-265-1298 or online at https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot.

Any Nevada County voter may visit a vote center to vote in person and for other elections services. Vote centers are open on staggered schedules beginning 10 days before an election and are open through the closing of polls on Election Night. Please call our office at 530-265-1298 or visit https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/elections and click on "Current Elections" to find all the latest information.

You can look up the status of your registration on the California Secretary of State's voter status page, https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/. You may also call our office during normal business hours at 530-265-1298 and we are happy to help.

You can sign up to receive your sample ballot pamphlet online by following this link https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/817/Get-Your-Sample-Ballot-Pamphlet-Online. You may also call our office at 530-265-1298 during normal business hours and we are happy to help.

The Planning Department Fee Schedules (PDF) is available for download.

To request advance notification of a project, please fill out the Request for Project Notification (PDF) form and submit it to:
Planning Department
950 Maidu Avenue
Suite 170
Nevada City, CA 95959

You may also email the form.  For specific project notification please contact the project planner to request special notification of public hearings and other opportunities to participate in the planning process.

The Nevada County Zoning Regulations establish 21 Base Zoning Districts and several Combining Districts. Base districts establish allowable uses and the site development standards for your property. Combining districts provide any additional or unique requirements that may apply to your property. All properties have a base zoning. Only some properties have combining districts.

Every parcel has a specific zoning designation, such as Commercial, Residential or General Agricultural. Do not assume your zoning is the same as your neighbor's zoning. Zoning designations are shown on official Zoning District Maps, usually combined with a numerical symbol that shows the minimum parcel size and/or the maximum allowable density. For example, if your property is zoned "AG-10-ME," your base zoning is General Agricultural, the minimum parcel size for subdividing is 10 acres, and there is a "Mineral Extraction" combining district attached.

While it is not typical, zoning can change without notice so it is in your best interest to check your zoning before you plan to sell, or develop you property. You will need to know the address or Assessor's Parcel Number of the property for which you are seeking information.

You may obtain your zoning in any of these ways:

• Email the Planning Department
• View the County GIS Department maintained My Neighborhood Interactive Map

All zoning must be consistent with the County's adopted General Plan. In many instances, changes to the zoning map will also require a change to the General Plan map. In order to amend the General Plan, you must be able to demonstrate that the change is in the public interest ("What public benefit will result from the change?"), and that the change is consistent with General Plan Goals and Policies. You should also evaluate whether there have been significant changes to infrastructure in the project area, e.g., "What new services are available to your property that were not available when the current General Plan took effect?" For specific questions and discussion about amending either the zoning or General Plan, you should make an appointment with a County Planner by calling 530-265-1222.

The Community Development Agency does not maintain official maps or recorded deeds of individual properties. If a site plan was prepared for a previous permit, that plan may be available. Many County offices use the Office of the County Assessor's Parcel Maps for reference in determining the proximity and shape of all parcels within the County, including the cities.

Assessor's maps provide a great deal of useful information, including the boundaries of cities and special districts, delineated by Tax Area Codes; they may reflect recorded easements, and they may specify a recorded map number. Assessor's parcel numbers are assigned for tax purposes and do not necessarily reflect legally created parcels. One legally created parcel may contain one or more Assessor's Map numbers, especially if the property is divided by a road, a creek or a special district. Do not assume that this map reflects a legal parcel, multiple parcels or legal boundaries. You may obtain a map from the online My Neighborhood Interactive Map.

The Office of the Nevada County Recorder, reached at 530-265-1221, maintains all officially recorded Parcel Maps and Final Maps (subdivisions) and Records of Survey. If your property has never been surveyed, there may not be an official map available.

The ability to subdivide property depends on a number of things. The first criteria is always the minimum parcel size or density established by the General Plan and zoning map. If you are zoned for 5-acre parcels, that means you must have acreage equal to 5 acres per dwelling unit. If the "density" can be satisfied, the answer is then "maybe." The proposed land division must be able to satisfy requirements for sewage disposal and water supply, and adequate access. The subdivision must also be designed to avoid environmentally sensitive resources as defined by County Zoning Regulations.

The County Tentative Map Guidelines (PDF) provide detailed information on the procedures that are required before land can be subdivided.  To discuss specific issues or concerns about your property you should make an appointment with a County Planner 530-265-1222.

Nevada County has adopted Resource Standards which outline what types of natural resources are considered to be environmentally sensitive and protection standards for those resources.  This website offers a few tools to determine the presence of these resources on your property and others are provided by state or federal agencies.  The My Neighborhood Interactive Map is a good place to start when trying to do a cursory review of a property in Nevada County.  Available layers include flood hazard zones, important farmlands, and fire severity zones.  Additionally, you are able to overlay a mosaic of USGS maps that show watercourses (ponds, rivers, creeks etc.) and elevation contours (to assist in determining areas of steep slopes) and aerial photos to assist in determining the presence of landmark oak groves and trees.  While a field visit is always warranted, the tools available on this mapping interface should assist you with making a preliminary assessment. 

If this is important to you, you are also encouraged to visit, call 530-265-1222, or email the Planning Department to get any additional information on the property which can be obtained through the Community Development Agency’s Record Request process.  If there was a previous land use permit or land division involving a given property, the Planning Department may have a site specific biological or cultural inventory on file for the property.  While specific findings of cultural resource inventories are typically confidential to the general public, we can discuss those resources in general terms with the land owner.  Should you wish to investigate further into whether or not your property hosts any known cultural or historical resources you are encouraged to do a records search with the discuss those resources in general terms.  Should you wish to investigate further into whether or not your property hosts any known cultural or historical resources you are encouraged to do a records search with the Northern Central Information Center at California State University Sacramento who, for a small fee, can do a records search of your property.  

You may also procure the services of archeologist/cultural resource professional to prepare a cultural report or a biologist to prepare a biological inventory for your property.  Another good resource for determining the presence of sensitive plant and wildlife species in the vicinity of your property is the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Natural Diversity Database.  Finally, if you are concerned over the potential for hazardous materials to occur on your property, the State Water Resources Board maintains a Geotracker database for regulated facilities in California and the State Department of Toxic Substances Control maintains an Envirostor database of clean-up sites and hazardous waste facilities.  Should you determine that your property does have hazardous material on it, you are encouraged to seek out the services of the local geotechnical firm to perform a preliminary endangerment assessment.

A setback is the distance between a structure and a property line, a natural feature, a road right-of-way, and other improvements. In all residential and rural zoning districts, setbacks are required from all property lines and roadways.

Setbacks vary with zoning but can also be affected by further restrictions recorded on subdivision maps. Front yard road setbacks for residential uses are 20 feet from the edge of the road right-of-way (not the edge of pavement), or 45 feet from the centerline of the road right-of-way, whichever is greater. All residential and rural properties must maintain a 30 foot setback from the side and rear property lines; however, if your parcel is less than three acres in size and your property is served by public water, the setback from the side property line can be reduced to 10 feet, and the rear setback reduced to 20', subject to certain fire protection measures.

The front property line is the side containing the road right-of-way or easement. The rear property line is the line opposite the front line. For determining setbacks on corner properties, the front line is the shorter line abutting the road (not the driveway access). Section 12.04.105 of Zoning Regulations can assist in determining which is the front property line for unusual property configurations.

ADU’s can provide great benefits to many different people and living situations and the Nevada County Planning Department would like to get the information out on the benefits of ADU’s and the process to construct this type of housing option. 

What is an ADU? Accessory Dwelling Units, also called second units or "granny units", can be an extremely beneficial and affordable option to provide additional housing units on a residential property. An ADU is an accessory dwelling unit with complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and can include the following:

• Detached: The unit is a separated structure from the primary residence.

• Attached: The unit is attached and/or contained within the primary residence.

• Converted Existing Space: Space (e.g., master bedroom, attached garage, storage area) on the property of the primary residence that is converted into an independent living unit.

• Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU): A specific type of conversion of existing space that is contained entirely within an existing single-family residence.

Are ADU’s affordable? ADU’s tend to be significantly less expensive to build and offer benefits that address common development barriers such as land acquisition and construction costs and environmental studies. Because ADU’s are built on lots with existing or proposed housing, they do not require the purchase of new land, additional parking or other costly infrastructure required to build a new single-family home. Junior ADU’s and attached ADU’s are contained inside existing single-family homes and require relatively modest renovations and are much more affordable to complete. ADU’s are often built with cost-effective one or two-story wood frames, which are also cheaper than other new homes and can be attached to garages, storage buildings and other accessory structures on a site. Additionally, prefabricated ADU’s can be directly purchased and save much of the time and money that comes with new construction.

What are the benefits of an ADU? ADU’s can provide as much living space as apartments and condominiums and work well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors. ADU’s also give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care, thus helping extended families stay together while maintaining privacy. The space can be used for a variety of reasons, including adult children who can pay off debt and save up for living on their own. Homeowners can construct an ADU on their lot or convert an under utilized part of their home into a Junior ADU or attached ADU. This flexibility benefits both renters and homeowners who can receive extra monthly rent income.

How do I get started? The process to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit can seem daunting and the information on how to get started can be hard to find. The Building Department and Planning Department have created two new informational pamphlets that provide information regarding Accessory Dwelling Units. One of the informational handouts is the "Fast Facts" informational sheet to provide a quick starter guide for exploring the basics of ADU rules, regulations, costs and fees. The second handout is called "Frequently Asked Questions" and is intended to provide more detailed information and answers for people who decide to pursue constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. 

Areas that are zoned to allow single-family residential homes, also allow an Accessory Dwelling Unit, without subdividing your property. An accessory dwelling unit is ministerial permitted, regardless of minimum parcel size and zoning densities on all parcels within RA, R1, R2, AE, AG, FR, and TPZ zoning districts, subject to zoning compliance and building permit issuance. Additional standards, including maximum allowable sizes, can be found in Sec. 12.03.191 of the Zoning Regulations.

• Where a property does have available density (meaning the property is at least twice the minimum allowable lot size), an accessory dwelling unit may be permitted in RA, R1, R2, AE, AG, FR, and TPZ zoning districts without limiting the size of the unit, subject to an Administrative Development Permit. Additional standards apply which can be found in Sec. 12.03.192. For questions about allowed density, please contact the Planning Department at 530-265-1222 option 2 or planning@co.nevada.ca.us.
• Employee Housing that does not satisfy zoning density is allowed as a permitted use subject to building permit issuance and zoning compliance for 4 or less attached or detached units where the employee is engaged in on-site employment (or on a site under the same ownership) relative to a resource-based use (i.e. mineral extraction, timber harvesting and agricultural operations). Employee housing for 5 or more employees require a State-issued permit.  Section 12.03.100 of Zoning Regulations provides specific detail regarding the limitations on this type of housing.
• On commercial and industrially zoned properties, a maximum four dwelling units per acre are allowed, in conjunction with development of the intended commercial or industrial use. Establishing dwelling units in a commercial or industrial zoning district requires a Use Permit.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Frequently asked Questions  (PDF)

Accessory Dwelling Unit Fast Facts (PDF)

The Planning Department and Building Department staff are available to further consult with perspective applicants and answer project specific questions regarding this attractive housing option.

Only pre-qualified biological consultants that have been approved by the County are authorized to prepare these inventories.

Land use complaints can be filed at the CDA Customer Service Center at the Nevada County Administrative Center. All formal complaints must be filed on the official form, and must be signed. The name of the complainant is confidential. If you have questions concerning the filing of a complaint, contact the Code Compliance Division of the Community Development Agency at 530-265-1222 Option 4, or visit the Code Compliance Division webpage.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps for most of Nevada County were updated by FEMA on February 3, 2010.  These maps indicate the approximate location of the floodplains for the major drainage courses within the County. Floodplains may be mapped for entire properties or portions of properties. The maps are available for viewing at the Planning Department Front Counter. 

Constructing or placing fill within a floodplain requires a use permit. Additionally, zoning regulations establish a 100 foot non-disturbance buffer from the boundaries of a floodplain. If you propose construction in or near a floodplain you are advised to obtain a copy of the County Floodplain Ordinance and/or the Zoning Regulations for reducing buffer areas. Copies are available at the Planning Department Front Counter.

Section 12.03.040 of the Zoning Regulations establishes an animal density standard for the keeping of animals where no commercial activity is involved, as long as they are cared for in a manner that does not create a public nuisance or health problem. 

In Rural zoning districts (e.g. the AG, AE, and FR), there is no limit on the number of animals, including cats and dogs. 

In Residential districts, there are maximums for parcels that are less than 0.5 acre in size, i.e., three dogs or cats (over six months of age). For specific detail and additional restrictions, you should always check the Zoning Regulations.

Generally, the following timelines are established for permits requiring Planning Department review; however, applications that are incomplete or that trigger the need for additional information may result in delays.

• Review of Building or Grading Permits: 5 working days unless environmental review is required for the grading permit.
  
• Administrative Development Permits (Home Businesses, new signs, Large Family Day Care Homes, 2-4 Multiple-family dwelling units): 30-36 days.
  
• Lot Line Adjustments or Pre-Application Reviews: 45 days
  
• Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission projects: 84 days for projects requiring environmental review; 60-64 days for those that are exempt.

A lot is a unit of land, which has an identifiable area and boundary description.

Lots are created by division of an existing lot into two or more lots, in a process commonly called a subdivision. A division may occur upon recording a map approved by the County or by transfer of a portion of a lot for sale, financing, lease or gift.

For example, if the owner of an existing lot sold half of it and retained the other half, the sale would create two new lots, but not necessarily legal lots if not done pursuant to an approved map.

A lot is a legal lot when created in compliance with the State Subdivision Map Act and the Nevada County Subdivision Ordinance. In general, a legal lot is either a lot whose creation was reviewed and approved by Nevada County under the regulations in effect at the time of its creation or a lot which was created through separate conveyance before such a division was regulated, into four or fewer new lots before March 4, 1972. Lots that are shown on a recorded final map, parcel map, or official map are generally considered legal lots.

In general, an illegal lot is one that was created without having been formally reviewed and approved by the appropriate County agencies when required.

State law requires that the County take steps to notify the public when it learns of illegal lots. Following proper notice and hearing respecting an illegal lot, the County must record a Notice of Violation with the Office of the Nevada County Recorder. The County may enforce various other provisions of law respecting the creation, use, development and conveyance of illegal lots.

The use, development and conveyance of illegal lots are subject to numerous restrictions. For example:

• Building permits may be denied until the violation is corrected. Other permits, i.e. use permits, can also be denied
•  The sale of an illegal lot may, in some circumstances, be voided at the option of the purchaser even if the seller is unaware of the lot's illegality
•  If the seller had actual or constructive knowledge of the lot's illegality, the buyer may, in some  circumstances, sue the seller for damages

State law requires that the County regulate and control the subdivision of land so that lot size, streets, water supply, drainage, sewage disposal, fire access and other factors associated with good subdivision planning can be provided and public health and safety assured. These factors are not usually provided when land is illegally divided.

The Assessor identifies parcels and assigns them a number for appraisal and tax purposes only.

An Assessor's Parcel is not necessarily a legal lot. A single legal lot may be assigned several Assessor Parcel numbers. The Office of the County Assessor is not required to follow legal lot boundaries and is not directly involved in the process of approving subdivisions.

Illegal lots are generally created because County approval was not sought in advance. Thus, the County usually finds out about illegal lots at a later date when the owner wants to do something on or to the lot that requires the existence of a legal lot; for example, to obtain a building permit. One illegal lot in any given area can, upon investigation, lead to a "chain reaction" involving discovery of other lots that were illegally created in that area.

There are several remedies in addition to recording a Notice of Violation that are available to the County when it becomes aware of an illegal lot. They include a suit for declaratory relief or to enjoin the violation and the County can request that a criminal compliant be filed. However, the most practical and useful tool is to withhold permits and approvals and to process a Notice of Violation, which will usually compel correction of the violation.

Rest assured that Nevada County tries to help citizens. There are many innocent purchasers of illegally created lots. The County's primary objective is to assure an orderly development of these lots.

Title companies insure ownership and other encumbrances recorded on a lot. They do not make a binding determination as to whether a lot was legally created. Only the County can make this determination. A title company may ask the County for verification that a title transfer created a legal lot, but this does not always happen.

In some cases it may be possible to void the sale and recover costs and damages; this is a complicated legal matter about which you may want to seek advice from an attorney experienced in land division law. People who engage in illegal subdivision activity may also be subject to prosecution.

You can apply to the Planning Department for a Conditional Certificate of Compliance (CCofC). Issuance and recordation of a CCofC can legalize a lot for purposes of sale, lease or financing. The CCofC identifies the conditions and improvements required before any development is permitted on the property. These conditions may include all the improvements (e.g., roads, water) that would have been required on the date the innocent purchaser acquired interest in the property; and in most cases, the lot must meet current standards, including lot size. ALL conditions must be met before any development can occur on the property. 

A CCofC generally imposes the same requirements for development that would have been imposed if the property had been properly subdivided and the cost and timing are similar. The CCofC identifies the conditions and improvements required before any development can occur on the property.

No. If you do not have current plans to build or sell, you may wish to wait until a later date to "legalize" your lot.  Any delay may cause additional conditions to be imposed and may affect marketability. Most owners, however, want to resolve the matter at the earliest possible time.

Buyers can ask the sellers to provide a recent Certificate of Compliance or Conditional Certificate of Compliance prior to purchase if the lot is not shown on a County approved and recorded map.

Contact Nevada County Planning Department staff for information on legal lot status by calling 530-265-1222, or writing the Planning Department of the Community Development Agency at:
950 Maidu Avenue
Suite 170
Nevada City, CA 95959

By  providing us with an email address when you sign up to go green, you will receive an email notifying you that your voter pamphlet is available online approximately 29 days prior to an election. Access the view my sample ballot section on the home page and insert your information to access your voter information pamphlet.

If you decide that you prefer to receive a paper version of your sample ballot and official voter information pamphlet after you have signed up to go green, you can revert to the paper version at anytime, just let us know.

You may not need to file a formal appeal if you talk with staff from  your County Assessor’s office first 530-265-1232 or file an informal  appeal with the Assessor’s office. They can explain your property’s  assessed value, answer any questions you may have about the assessment,  and review any additional, pertinent information you may provide. If the  Assessor’s staff discovers an error, they may be able to reduce your  property’s assessed value to correct that error, and you may not need to  file an appeal.

If, however, you and the County Assessor cannot  reach an agreement, you can usually appeal your assessment to the  Assessment Appeals Board in the County where your property is located.  You must file an “Application for Changed Assessment” and your  application must be filed on a timely basis. Decline in value appeals  must be filed during the regular assessment filing period July 2 through  November 30, based on the market value of your property as of January 1  of the year in which you are filing.

Your property may have  been reassessed because of a change in ownership or completion of new  construction (Supplemental). You must file an “Application for Changed  Assessment” within 60 days of the mailing of the supplemental notice.

Applications are in the Clerk of the Board’s office or you may apply online. The term of office for members is three years and one year for alternate members.

Apply Here to Serve on the Assessment Appeals Board 

The  applicant must meet one of the following requirements: 

• Has a minimum  of five years professional experience in this state as a certified  public accountant or public accountant, a licensed real estate broker,  an attorney, a property appraiser accredited by a nationally recognized  professional organizations, or a property appraiser certified by the  Office of Real Estate Appraisers
• A person who the nominating  member of the Board of Supervisors has reason to believe is possessed of  competent knowledge of property appraisal and taxation

You can call, email, or stop by the Elections Office. Our hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. You can call us at 530-265-1298 or email us at elections.mail@nevadacountyca.gov. 

Our office is located at 950 Maidu Avenue, Suite 210, Nevada City, CA 95959.

Some of our services may require a fee. Please review the election fee schedule (PDF) for further details https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13708/Elections-Fee-Schedule-PDF?bidId=.

The Clerk of the Board has a summary of elected officials representing Nevada County at this link https://nevadacountyca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13711/Your-Government-Representatives-PDF.

Armando Salud-Ambriz currently serves as the Nevada County Clerk-Recorder/Registrar of Voters. You can learn more about him here:  https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/815/Meet-the-Nevada-County-Registrar-of-Vote. 

Yes! We have videos posted to help you understand how the voting system works https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/739/Voting-System-Information-Videos. 

Please refer to the following link for some helpful information about state and local recalls https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/861/Recall-Petition-Guidelines.

The Top-Two Open Primary Act allows voters to vote on all voter-nominated contests, regardless of political party affiliation. It does not apply to presidential primaries. For more information, please read our short explainer https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/870/Top-Two-Open-Primary-Explanation. 

Anyone interested in getting voter rolls must complete an application and pay a fee. Countywide voter rolls are $50.00 and district-specific voter rolls are $37.00. For more information, please refer to our webpage about how to purchase voter rolls https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/872/Voter-Rolls-Information-Requests. 

To learn more about who can request a recount, where you can file your request, and other important details, please visit our recount guidelines page https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/864/Recount-Guidelines. 

You can go green by signing up to receive your sample ballot online rather than by paper. See how you can sign up.

There are several resources that you may access to learn more about how vote-by-mail works in California. As with all election procedures, we follow state laws and guidelines governing the vote-by-mail process.

General laws about vote-by-mail in California start with Elections Code Chapter 1, Division 3, section 3000 et. seq. As a Voter’s Choice Act county, which requires participants to send all active registered voters a ballot, we also conduct mail balloting processes under Elections Code section 4005. The California Secretary of State further offers some educational materials about vote-by-mail: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voter-registration/vote-mail

Ain’t got no time for that? We get it! For a quick reference, you can also click here to see an overview about how mail ballot processing works in Nevada County. And of course, our staff is always happy to answer any questions that you have about vote-by-mail.

Access a vote by mail application and see how to return your ballot.

View information about what provisional voting is and how to get a provisional ballot.

Candidate filing begins 113 days before every regularly scheduled election and ends 88 days before the election. If the incumbent for an office has not filed by the end of the filing deadline, then the deadline for that contest will be extended by 5 days.

We publish a Candidate Handbook approximately 4 months before an upcoming election. We offer a printed and online version of the Candidate Handbook. We also offer past Candidate Handbooks for reference: https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3302/Candidate-Handbook. 

Any questions prospective candidates have prior to the publication of the Candidate Handbook can be directed to our staff during normal business hours by emailing elections.mail@nevadacountyca.gov or calling 530-265-1298. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm.

No. You may file for only one office at the same election.

In most cases, the filing fee is 1 percent of the annual salary of the office the candidate seeks. You must pay the filing fee upon declaring candidacy; if you are a judicial candidate, then you pay when filing the declaration of intent. Candidates may offset the filing fee with signatures in lieu. There are no filing fees if the annual salary for the office sought is $2,500 or less. 

Yes. You have the option to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ). The SOQ appears in the County Voter Information Guide for most offices. Nevada County Elections will charge you a fee to cover the printing costs, based on the number of registered voters in the district in which you are running. The fees are published in the Candidate Handbook prepared for each election. 

You may also need district or countywide voter lists to conduct campaign activities. Countywide voter rolls are $50 and district-specific voter rolls are $37. Please refer to our Voter Rolls Information Requests page for more detailed information. 

“In lieu” in this case means to substitute at least some of the filing fee with signatures. If you are required to pay a filing fee, then you may offset the cost with a Petition In-Lieu of Filing Fee. 

You may start gathering signatures in lieu 173 days prior to the election. You may apply the signatures you gather toward your nomination, but you have to let our office know that is your intent before you start that process so that we can give you the proper forms. 

The number of required signatures for nomination, as well as the number of signatures in lieu required to offset filing fees, are provided in the Candidate Handbook published prior to each election. 

It depends. The number of signatures required varies depending on the office sought. We will provide information about the number of signatures needed for nomination in the Candidate Handbook that we publish ahead of every election. 

You must gather signatures from voters of the district you are running in; if the office is countywide, then you may gather signatures from any registered voter of the county. If the office you are running for is party-specific, you must collect signatures from members of your party. Each signature is checked against the voter’s registration information.

You must gather the minimum number of valid signatures required for nomination. Our office will accept no more than the maximum number of signatures allowed. If a voter signs nomination petitions for more candidates than there are offices to be filled, the signatures are counted only on those nomination papers which, taken in the order filed, do not exceed the number of offices to be filled. You will be notified immediately if there are any irregularities or if you are disqualified. 

Signatures on the Petition In-Lieu of Filing Fee may applied toward your nomination, but you must let us know ahead of time that that is your intent.

Candidate filing opens 113 days before an election and closes at 88 days before an election, unless extended. 

You may only use official nomination documents issued by the Nevada County Elections Office. The forms for most candidates are available in our office. Candidates filing for a municipal office should refer to the appropriate City or Town Clerk for candidate filing documents and questions.

While appointments are not mandatory, they are highly recommended. Candidates should expect to spend approximately 30 minutes to complete the filing process.

State law requires that all nomination documents contain the candidate’s name and elective office title to which they are seeking nomination or election and be signed by the election official at the time of issuance.

Sometimes, but don’t count on it. If an incumbent does not file nomination documents by 5:00 pm on the 88^th day before the election, any person other than the incumbent has until 5:00 pm on the 83^rd day before the election to file nomination documents for the elective office. This section is not applicable where there is no incumbent eligible to be elected. 

Nomination documents cannot be issued to or accepted by an unauthorized person. You may authorize another to act on your behalf, as long as you do so in a signed writing. 

It depends. Certain types of felonies are disqualifying under section 20 of the California Elections Code. Please consult your legal advisor for more information. 

No. Once you complete the Declaration of Candidacy, you may not withdraw. 

Review the guidelines for preparing a candidate statement of qualifications.

The ballot name may be designated as follows:

• First, middle, and last name.
• Initials only and last name.
• A nickname may be included but must be in quotation marks, not parentheses.
• A familiar short version of the first name, such as “Bill” for “William”, “Jen” for “Jennifer” or “Jim” for “James.”
• No title or degree can appear on the same line on a ballot as a candidate’s name, either before or after the candidate’s name. 
• A change in legal name is not allowed unless the change was made by marriage or by court decree.

Yes. A ballot designation appears below your name on the ballot and is optional. It is your professional title by which you would like voters to know you. Examples of ballot designations include “Attorney at Law,” “Incumbent,” or “Farmer.”

Ballot designations come with several regulations intended to protect voters. The Ballot Designation Worksheet, which we provide to all candidates, will help you navigate all these rules. Please contact our office for any specific questions. 

If there is only one candidate for a county position, the candidate's name will appear alone on the ballot. For most other offices, the Board of Supervisors will make appointments in lieu of an election.

You are responsible for knowing the campaign finance rules and reporting requirements. Your best resources are NetFile and the Fair Political Practices Commission, and your legal advisor.

No. As a nonpartisan governmental entity, we cannot complete your disclosure forms and we will not provide any legal advice or in-kind services for any political campaign. If you have questions about a disclosure form, please ask the FPPC staff or your legal advisor.

No. In 2016, Nevada County passed Ordinance 2404, which requires candidates and political committees to file most documents electronically. The good news is, the FPPC and NetFile staff are incredibly helpful and will provide help and training suited to your needs.

The Government and Elections Codes provide most of the details that you need to know. In general, the law will require you and your campaign to be transparent. There will be specific rules you need to follow for political mail, radio and television ads, and other forms of outreach. Please consult a legal advisor for specific questions.

View information about what a measure is, what to submit and the text needed to submit a measure to a ballot.

Learn about the word count rules and other guidelines for when you are preparing a ballot argument.

See how you can qualify a county initiative for the ballot by reviewing our guidelines (PDF).

Check out the guidelines (PDF) for getting a county referendum on a ballot.

In Nevada County, behind every election there are hundreds of people who  ensure a smooth and proper operation at the polling places. Their  efforts play a vital part in making democracy work. See how you can become a poll worker and aid in the election process.

For a list of items to bring to your WIC appointment, visit our What to Bring page.

You may be eligible for WIC if you:

• Are pregnant.
• Are breastfeeding a baby under 1 year of age
• Just had a baby (or been pregnant) in the past six months
• Have children under 5 yrs of  age
  Including those cared for by a single father, grandparent, foster parent, step-parent or guardian

Use the quick eligibility tool  to see if you qualify.

WIC offers checks to buy healthy foods such as:

• Baby foods
• Canned tuna or salmon
• Cereal
• Cheese
• Dry beans or peas
• Eggs
• Fruits and vegetables
•  Infant formula
• Juice
• Milk
• Peanut butter
• Tofu and soy milk
• Whole grain breads, tortillas or brown rice
• Yogurt
• SOME ORGANIC OPTIONS AVAILABLE

LAFCos were created by the California Legislature in 1963 with regulatory and planning responsibilities to coordinate the timely development of local governmental agencies and their services while protecting agricultural and open-space resources. Most notably, this includes managing boundary lines by approving or disapproving proposals involving the formation, expansion, or dissolution of cities and special districts.

LAFCos also conduct studies to help inform their regulatory duties. This includes preparing municipal service reviews to evaluate the level and range of governmental services provided in the affected region in anticipation of establishing and updating cities and special districts' spheres of influence.

Markedly, spheres of influence designate the territory LAFCos believe represent the affected agencies' appropriate future jurisdictions and served areas and must be reviewed every five years. All boundary changes, such as annexations, must be consistent with the affected agencies' spheres of influence with limited exceptions. LAFCos are located in all 58 counties in California.

Yes. LAFCos are independent political subdivisions of the State of California tasked with administering a section of planning law known as the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act.

Yes. Each LAFCo is reasonable for fulfilling its regulatory and planning responsibilities outlined under the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Goverment Reorganization Act consistent with its own adopted procedures and policies. Accordingly, a proposal may be appropriate in one county but not appropriate in another county based on local conditions and circumstances.

State law establishes a "pay-to-play" formula in terms of funding  LAFCos. Any local agency whose council or board members are eligible to  be commissioners must contribute funds to their LAFCos budget. In Nevada County, there are 24 Special Districts, two city agencies (City  of Grass Valley and Nevada City), one town (Town of Truckee), and one  county (Nevada County) who are responsible for the LAFCo's operational  costs. Each agency pays a share which is proportional to it's general  tax revenue.

Special districts serve important roles in growth management in California given they are responsible for providing a range of municipal  services - such as, water, sewer, or fire - within particular  areas, such as unincorporated communities. 

Special districts fall into two categories, independent and dependent. Independent special  districts have a board of directors elected by the voters residing  within their boundaries. Dependent special districts have a board of directors appointed by other local agencies or whose board members are the Board of Supervisors (the Nevada County Sanitary District for example).

No. School districts fall under their own section of State law. LAFCos do not oversee school districts in anyway, although proposals for new  school sites requiring the extension of municipal services are reviewed by LAFCos.

Responsibilities of a LAFCo Commissioner 

What is LAFCo? 

The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) is an independent public agency with authority over local government agency changes of organization—that is, annexations, detachments, and consolidations of cities or districts, formation and dissolution of Special Districts, and incorporation and disincorporation of cities. Additionally, LAFCo is responsible for adopting a Sphere of Influence for each agency in the county. The Sphere of Influence is a plan for an agency’s probable future boundaries and should represent a logical growth plan for the agency. 

LAFCo’s Composition 

The Commission is composed of two Special District Members (elected by the Indepen-dent Special Districts); two County Members (appointed by the Board of Supervisors); two City Members (appointed by the City Selection Committee); and a Public Member (appointed by the other LAFCo Commissioners). In addition, each category has an Alternate Member who votes in the absence of one of the members of that category. Alternate Members attend all meetings and participate in discussion. 

The Commissioner’s Role 

LAFCo Commissioners approve or deny proposals for changes in organization based on the procedures and standards of the Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reor-ganization Act of 2000 (Government Code Sections 56000 et seq.). Additionally, LAFCo is subject to the California Environmental Quality Act, as are all public agencies. 

LAFCo Commissioners are required to file an annual Statement of Economic Interest, Form 700, as prescribed by the Fair Political Practices Commission, and to observe the LAFCo Conflict of Interest Code. 

Commissioners, including alternates, are also required to complete two hours of ethics training in compliance with AB 1234 within one year of their election (County, City, and District members) or appointment (Public members) and every two years thereafter. 

LAFCo Meetings 

The Commission usually meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month in Nevada City; meetings are occasionally held elsewhere and at other times. Commissioners are expected to attend all meetings and participate in the deliberation process. LAFCo also has an appointed staff to coordinate meeting logistics and to research and make recommendations on proposals before the Commission.

Pension is a benefit paid to wartime veterans who have limited or no income, and who are age 65 or older, or, if under 65, who are permanently and totally disabled. Veterans who are more seriously disabled may qualify for Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits. These are benefits that are paid in addition to the basic pension rate.

• Persian Gulf War: August 2, 1990 through date to be prescribed by Presidential proclamation of law.
• Vietnam Era: August 5, 1964 through May 7, 1975. The period beginning on February 28, 1961 and ending on May 7, 1975 if the veteran served in the Republic of Vietnam during that period.
• Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 through January 31, 1955 inclusive. 
• World War II: December 7, 1941 through December 31, 1946, inclusive. If the veteran was in service on December 31, 1946, continuous service before July 26, 1947 is considered World War II service.

Generally, you may be eligible if:

 You were discharged from service under conditions other than dishonorable, and

You served at least 90 days of active military service, 1 day of which was during a period of war. If you entered active duty after September 7, 1980, generally you must have served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty. (There are exceptions to this rule) and

Your countable family income is below a yearly limit set by law. (The yearly limit of income is set by congress.) and

You are age 65 or older, or you are permanently and totally disabled, not due to your own willful misconduct. 

 As you can see, there are a number of criteria that may affect your eligibility to pension benefits. If you are unsure if you meet all criteria, we encourage you to contact our office if your countable income appears to be near or over the maximum. You can deduct your Medicare premiums, private health insurance premiums and the cost of an assisted living facility or In-Home Care provider from your income to reduce your income. 

This includes income received by the veteran and his or her dependents from most sources. It includes earnings, social security, disability and retirement payments, interest and dividends, and net income from farming or business.

Net worth means the net value of the assets of the veteran and his or her dependents. It includes such assets as bank accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds and any property other than the veteran’s residence and a reasonable lot area. There is no set limit on how much net worth a veteran and his dependents can have, but net worth cannot be excessive. The decision as to whether a claimant’s net worth is excessive depends on the facts of each individual case. All net worth should be reported and VA will determine if a claimant’s assets are sufficiently large that the claimant could live off these assets for a reasonable period of time. VA’s needs-based programs are not intended to protect substantial assets or build up an estate for the benefit of heirs.

Yes, there are exclusions. The following are examples of what may be excluded:

• Public assistance such as Supplemental Security Income is not considered income.
• Many other specific sources of income are not considered income, however, all income should be reported. VA will exclude any income that the law allows.
• A portion of un-reimbursed medical expenses paid by the claimant after VA receives the claimant’s pension claim may be deducted. (These are expenses you have paid for medical services or products for which you will not be reimbursed by Medicare or private medical insurance.)
• Certain other expenses, such as a veteran’s education expenses, and in some cases, a portion of the educational expenses of a child over 18 are deductible.

Your annual pension is calculated by first totaling all your countable income. Then any deductions are subtracted from that total. The remaining countable income is deducted from the appropriate annual income which is determined by the number of your dependents, if any, and whether or not you are entitled to housebound or aid and attendance benefits. This amount is then divided by 12 and rounded to the nearest dollar. This gives you the amount of your monthly payment.

 Your pension is calculated to be an amount equal to the difference between your countable family income and the annual pension limit set by Congress.

• If, for example, the annual income limit for a veteran and spouse is $13,855 and your income combined with your spouse’s income is $10,855, your VA pension will be $3,000 paid in monthly installments.
• If your total countable family income is more than $13,855 in this example, then you are not eligible for VA Veterans Pension for that year. You may reapply again at any time your countable income falls below the limit.
• A portion of your un-reimbursed medical expenses (what you paid out of pocket after medical insurance pays) may reduce your countable income. Using the example above for combined family income ($10,855) 
  • If your medical expenses for a year are $8,000 and your medical insurance pays $6,400 of that, your unreimbursed medical expense is $1,600.
  • That portion of your un-reimbursed medical expense ($1600 in the example above) which is more than 5% of the maximum rate of pension, or $693 in this example ($13,855 x .05 = $693), may be deducted from your total combined income which then increases the amount VA pays you.
  • Since the $1,600 out of pocket expenses is greater than $693, you may reduce your family income by $907 ($1,600 - $693). So, your income for VA pension purposes is now $9,948 ($10,855-$907).
  • Your VA pension would then be $13,855 (maximum rate for a veteran with a spouse) minus $9,948 (total family income after deducting unreimbursed medical expenses), or $3,907 for that year.

Net worth, or corpus of estate (the value of your assets) also has a bearing on your pension eligibility. Because VA pension is a needs-based benefit, a large net worth may render you ineligible. 

 Net worth and corpus of estate mean the market value, less mortgages or other encumbrances, of all real and personal property owned by the veteran, except the veteran’s dwelling (single family unit), including a reasonable lot area, and personal effects to and consistent with the claimant’s reasonable mode of life.

 There are a number of other criteria that may affect your eligibility to pension benefits such as veterans who are in need of regular aid and attendance to manage normal daily activities, or who are in a care facility. That is why we encourage you to go ahead and file an application, particularly if your countable income appears to be near the maximum.

Aid & Attendance (A&A) is a benefit paid in addition to monthly pension. This benefit may not be paid without eligibility to pension. A veteran may be eligible for A&A when:

• The veteran requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required by everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting himself from the hazards of his daily environment, OR
• The veteran is bedridden, in that his disability or disabilities requires that he remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or treatment OR
• The veteran is a patient in a nursing home due to mental or physical incapacity OR
• The veteran is blind, or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity or 5/200 or less in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less.

Housebound is paid in addition to monthly pension. Like A&A, Housebound benefits may not be paid without eligibility to pension. A veteran may be eligible for Housebound benefits when:

• The veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100 percent disabling AND due to such disability, he is permanently and substantially confined to his immediate premises OR
• The veteran has a single permanent disability evaluated as 100 percent disabling AND another disability, or disabilities, evaluated as 60 percent or more disabling.

A veteran cannot receive both Aid & Attendance and Housebound benefits at the same time.

You may apply for Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits by Department of Veterans Affairs (Not recommended) or you may complete Information to Apply for Aid & Attendance and VA Form 21-2680 Informal Claim. Completed applications can be emailed, faxed or mailed to this office. We are a county office and there are no charges for this service.

In addition you will need to get the following forms completed.

• VA Form 21-2680 Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance. Must be completed by an MD.
• Care Expense Statement. To be completed by Assisted Living Facility or Home Care Provider and also signed by the veteran or widow.

You cannot receive a VA non-service connected pension and service-connected compensation at the same time. However, if you apply for pension and are awarded payments, VA will pay you whichever benefit is the greater.

Maximum pension rates are set annually by Congress.

No, you cannot receive both the DIC payments and Pension benefits at the same time. DIC payments are always higher than pension benefits. 

If you meet the requirements for Housebound or Aid & Attendance benefits you can get an additional amount added to your DIC payments. To apply for A&A simply have your doctor complete VA Form 21-2680 and submit.

Veterans in the VA health care system will be eligible to receive necessary hospital and outpatient services, including preventive and primary care. These include: diagnostic and treatment services; rehabilitation; mental health and substance abuse treatment; home health, respite and hospice care; and drugs in conjunction with VA treatment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is required by law to charge veterans, in certain income categories, a co-payment for their outpatient visits. Co-payments are based on primary care visits ($15), specialty care visits ($50), and no co-payment designations.

VA health benefits are established by Federal law and regulations and funded through appropriations. They are not the same as an insurance contract. Also, veterans do not pay monthly premiums to receive VA health care. In addition, you are not required to use VA as your exclusive health care provider. If you have health insurance, or eligibility for other programs such as Medicare, Medicaid, or TRICARE, you may continue to use services under those programs. We recommend that you keep any other insurance or HMO coverage.

Yes. Care in private facilities at VA expense is provided only under certain circumstances. To determine if you are eligible for private care at VA expense, you will need to contact the nearest VA health care facility.

Usually not. VA provides care in private facilities at VA expense when VA has a contract arrangement for certain services or, under very limited circumstances, when VA approves the care in advance.

VA provides urgent and limited emergency care in VA facilities. However, VA’s ability to pay for emergency care in non-VA facilities is very limited. The Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act authorized VA to expand emergency care coverage. Refer to the last paragraph for additional details.

You may receive health care at any VA health care facility in the country. To minimize any “out-of-pocket” expenses while traveling, you should familiarize yourself with the location of any VA health care facilities in the area. VA’s authority to reimburse you for care in non-VA facilities is very limited.

In general, dental benefits are limited to service-connected dental conditions or to veterans who are permanently and totally disabled from service-connected causes. For specifics, contact the VA health benefits advisor at your local VA health care facility.

Nursing home care in VA or private nursing homes may be provided to certain veterans as space and resources permit. The Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act has authorized VA to expand long-term care services. Refer to the last paragraph for additional details. To determine if you are eligible for VA nursing home care, you will need to contact the nearest VA health care facility.

Yes, if you are receiving VA care and are service-disabled with a disability rating of 10% or greater or are a former POW. Otherwise, hearing aids and eyeglasses will only be provided in special circumstances and not for generally occurring hearing or vision loss.

VA provides maternity care, but cannot provide care to a newborn child, even in the immediate aftermath of the birth. The veteran mother must make other arrangements for payment for the care of the child.

No, your treating physician will determine what is considered appropriate and necessary hospital care or outpatient services and will provide such care consistent with current medical care practices.

On November 30, 1999, the President signed Public Law 106-117, the Veterans Millennium Health Care and Benefits Act. This legislation authorizes VA to expand long-term care services and to reimburse for the emergency treatment of certain enrolled veterans. The law also requires VA enroll veterans awarded the Purple Heart into Priority Group Three. VA is currently in the process of drafting regulations required to implement these new authorities. For specifics, contact the Health Benefits Service Center at 877-222-8387.

Agent Orange was one of the weed-killing chemicals used by the U.S. military in the Vietnam War. It was sprayed to remove leaves from trees that enemy troops hid behind. Agent Orange and similar chemicals were known as “herbicides.” Agent Orange was applied by airplanes, helicopters, trucks and backpack sprayers.

In the 1970’s some veterans became concerned that exposure to Agent Orange might cause delayed health effects. One of the chemicals in Agent Orange contained small amounts of dioxin (also known as “TCDD”), which had been found to cause a variety of illnesses in laboratory animals. More recent studies have suggested that dioxin may be related to several types of cancer and other disorders. 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability compensation to Vietnam veterans with injuries or diseases that began in, or were aggravated by, their military service. These are called “service-connected” disabilities. 

Monthly payment rates are based on the veteran's combined rating for his or her service-connected disabilities. These ratings are based on the severity of the disabilities. Additional amounts are paid to certain veterans with severe disabilities ("special monthly compensation") and certain veterans with dependents.

In an Agent Orange-based claim by a Vietnam veteran for service-connected benefits, VA requires: 

• A medical diagnosis of a disease which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange.
• Competent evidence of service in Vietnam, and
• Competent medical evidence that the disease began within the deadline (if any)

Under the law, veterans who served in Vietnam between 1962 and 1975 (including those who visited Vietnam even briefly), and who have a disease that VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, are presumed to have been exposed to Agent Orange.

These veterans are eligible for service-connected compensation based on their service, if they have one of the diseases on VA's list of "Diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide agents" VA updates this list regularly based on reports from the National Academy of Sciences, an independent research and education institution.

Spina Bifida Birth Defect

In 1996, President Clinton and VA Secretary Jesse Brown asked Congress to pass legislation providing health care, monthly disability compensation, and vocational rehabilitation to the children of Vietnam veterans suffering from the serious birth defect spina bifida, which has been linked to the veterans' exposure to Agent Orange. Congress passed the legislation, marking the first time our nation had ever compensated the children of veterans for a birth defect associated with their parent's exposure to toxic chemicals during their military service. VA is now providing benefits to over 800 children, including minors and adults.

Effective December 16, 2003, Congress authorized these benefits to children with spina bifida of certain veterans who served at or near the demilitarized zone in Korea between September 1, 1967 and August 31, 1971, because Agent Orange is known to have been sprayed in that area.

Survivor Benefits

Survivors of veterans (including spouses, children and dependent parents) who died as the result of a service-connected disease may be eligible for monthly Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefits. These survivors may also be eligible for education, home loan and medical care benefits.

If the VA Regional Office says your disability is not service-connected or if the percentage of disability is lower than what you think is fair, you have the right to appeal to the Board of Veterans' Appeals. The first step in appealing is to send the VA Regional Office a "Notice of Disagreement" This Notice of Disagreement is a written statement saying that you "disagree" with the denial. Be sure your Notice includes the date of the VA's denial letter and be sure to list the benefits you are still seeking.

In response to the Notice of Disagreement, you will get a "Statement of the Case" from the VA Regional Office. This will repeat the reasons stated in the VA's denial letter why your claim was denied and will include the relevant VA regulations. Once you get the Statement of the Case, if you still wish to pursue your appeal, you should file a VA Form 9, "Appeal to Board Veterans' Appeals" which is sent to with the Statement of the Case. You have 60 days from the date on the Statement of the Case, or one year from the date the VA first denied your claim, to file the VA Form 9. Whichever date is later is your deadline.

The Board of Veterans' Appeals (also known as "BVA") is a part of the VA, located in Washington, D.C. Members of the BVA review benefit claims decisions made by VA Regional Offices and issue a new decision. You may have a hearing before the BVA in Washington, DC or at your VA Regional Office.

Anyone appealing to the BVA should read the "Understanding the Appeal Process" pamphlet. It explains the steps involved in filing an appeal and to serve as a reference for the terms and abbreviations used in the appeal process. The Board mails a copy of this pamphlet to anyone who appeals their case. It is also available on the Internet.

If the BVA does not grant all the benefits you are seeking, you have four choices: 

• Decide not to pursue your claim 
• Appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims
• Ask the BVA to reconsider its decision or
• Reopen your case with new and material evidence.

If you served in Vietnam and believe that you have a disease caused by herbicide exposure, but that disease is not on VA's list of diseases associated with herbicides like Agent Orange, you may still apply for service-connection. Such a veteran needs to establish entitlement to service connection on a "direct" (rather than "presumptive") basis. In these cases, VA requires: 

• Competent medical evidence of a current disability
• Competent evidence of exposure to an herbicide in Vietnam; and
• Competent medical evidence of a nexus (causal relationship) between the herbicide exposure and the current disability.

Herbicides were used by the U.S. military to defoliate military facilities in the U.S. and in other countries as far back as the 1950s. Even if you did not serve in Vietnam, you can still apply for service-connected benefits if you were exposed to an herbicide while in the military which you believe caused your disease or injury. If you have a disease which is on the list of diseases which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, the VA requires: 

• A medical diagnosis of a disease which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange (listed below),
• Competent evidence of exposure to a chemical contained in one of the herbicides used in Vietnam (2,4-D; 2,4,5-T and its contaminant TCDD; cacodylic acid; or picloram), and
• Competent medical evidence that the disease began within the deadline for that disease (if any).

If you have a disease which is not on the list of diseases which VA recognizes as being associated with Agent Orange, VA requires:

• Competent medical evidence of a current disability;
• Competent evidence of exposure to an herbicide during military service; and
• Competent medical evidence of a nexus (causal relationship) between the herbicide exposure and the current disability. 

We are located on the bottom floor of the Eric Rood Administration Center.

The Nevada County Community Development Agency customer service counter is open for walk ins from 8am to 3:30pm daily. You can also apply for a permit online by visiting the Citizen Access Portal, which allows you to submit plans digitally, schedule inspections, research permits and much more.  If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out by  emailing the Department or by phone at 530-265-1222, Option 1. Thank you.

Our permit fees vary depending on types of structures or permitted work. For more information review the fee estimate handouts for Eastern Nevada County and Western Nevada County. You can also contact us for a fee estimate by providing the square footage and type of structure. Our phone number is 530-265-1222 or you can email us.

New residences are reviewed in approximately 4 weeks. Most other projects are reviewed in 10 days to 4 weeks depending on size and type of structure or the scope of work to be completed.

Per Section L-V 2.4, Land Use and Development Code, Work Exempt from a Permit: One-story detached accessory building without electrical, mechanical or plumbing not intended for habitation provided the projected roof area does not exceed 200 square feet. Meet setbacks, one structure per parcel. Once you add utilities to this structure, the exemption is removed and it will need to be permitted.

You can check the status of your plan review 24 hours a day on our Citizen Access Portal. You can view the permit information under Building by using the drop down to permit status. Review the Check the Status of your Permit handout for more information.

You can use the GIS mapping tool, My Neighborhood Interactive map, where you can search for your property. This useful tool will provide ground snow load, wind exposure, climate zone, elevation, zoning and other helpful facts.

You can access our online Citizen Access Portal to set up an inspection, find out your inspection time window and view the results of your inspection. See the Inspection Scheduling page for more details. 

You can call the Building Department at 530-265-1222 to set up an appointment to meet with your inspector or plans examiner.

The 2022 California Building Standards are in effect as of January 1, 2023. See the Design Criteria page for details. 

OES is responsible for coordinating with County departments, local  cities, and special districts to mitigate against, prepare for, respond  to, and recover from disasters. OES is responsible for designing and  conducting simulated disaster preparedness and response exercises, and  evaluating emergency staff training. OES is also responsible for  maintaining the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a state of  readiness.

OES is co-located with the Facilities Management Division at:

10014 N Bloomfield Road

Nevada City, CA  95959

The responding agency depends on the type of incident but the majority of the time will either be law enforcement or a fire agency. Emergency Services does not execute tactical field operations but instead supports requests from first responders in the field.

OES manages the Nevada County Government's response to and recovery from  a disaster and provides support to any city, town, or special district responding to and recovering from a disaster.

Yes. The EOC is the central site for managing and coordinating the  County's support of tactical field operations. The EOC is not  a "Command Post"; rather, it is a multi-agency coordination point for emergencies affecting multiple jurisdictions or disciplines.

Call the Nevada County Sheriff's non-emergency line at 530-265-7880. If you are unsure if the emergency is life threatening or not - call 911.

OES continually identifies situations or conditions that have the potential of causing injury to people, and damage to property or the environment. A list of hazards are located in the Nevada County Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (PDF).

The primary plan maintained and utilized by OES is the Nevada County Emergency Operations Plan (EOP).  For a listing of additional emergency plans visit our County Emergency Plans page.

This will depend on decisions made by the responding agency and eventually the incident commander. Always monitor the local media since public safety agencies will make every effort to ensure the media broadcasts critical information.

Yes. Sand and sandbags are available for free for Nevada County residents every year between October 1st and April 30th. The current locations are listed on the Sand and Sandbags page.

Yes. All producers have the right to sell their unprocessed products from the point of production, i.e. their farm. If this isn't feasible, you can apply for permits to establish a produce stand at the nearest paved or main county road with the Planning Department and Environmental Health. You can also sell products directly to a wholesale or retail outlet. For more information please call 530-470-2690.

You must the provide the buyer a record of Proof of Ownership and transport the produce in a box with all required markings, including the identity of the product, the responsible party (name and address of the farm, including zip code) and the quantity (either by measure or count). Boxes may be reused, but all previous markings, including trade marks and brand names, must be completely obliterated or covered up. For more information please call 530-470-2690.

There isn't any farm registry, however, certain types of products or selling in certain places may have additional requirements. Chicken eggs, nursery stock, marketing your products as organic, setting up a produce stand or selling at a farmers market all require separate types of registrations and certifications. For more information please call 530-470-2690.

Not until you have met all of the requirements and registered with California's State Organic Program. Using the term "organic" without completing the organic registration process is a violation of California state law. For more information please call 530-470-2690.

Chicken eggs require that you become a registered egg handler. It is currently a one-time, $15 fee. The program also sells a manual that describes all of the laws and reviews the labeling requirements.

You'll need to complete a certified producer's certificate with the county agriculture office. The certificate is an annual fee of $65 and includes a brief inspection of your growing grounds to verify you are growing what you claim on the certificate. For more information please call 530-470-2690.

All processed foods require a permit from Environmental Health. For more information please call 530-470-2690.

Adult Protective Services only evaluates adults who are 60 years of age or older, or an adult between 18 and 59 years of age and who has a combination of a disability and the inability to protect their own interest, or who has an inability to carry out normal activities to protect their rights, including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities, or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age.  

You have reached the county of Nevada in California. To become a care provider or receive services in the state of Nevada, you would need to contact the State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services office in your area.

Carson City 775-687-4210 

Las Vegas 702-486-3545 

Elko 775-738-1966

Reno 775-687-0800  

IHSS services include: 

• Household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry
• Personal care services like dressing, bathing, feeding and meal preparation
• Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments
• Protective supervision
• Paramedical services as ordered by a physician
• Mobility inside and outside the home
• Other services per State guidelines

The Nevada County Public Authority maintains a list of contracted IHSS  care providers. Community care providers, friends, neighbors, and  relatives can provide services as well.

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) are financed by state,  county, and federal funds. Depending on your countable income, you may  have to pay for a portion of the cost of services. This is known as  "share of cost."

Depending upon your circumstances, you may be eligible for up to 283 hours of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) each month. A county social worker will conduct a needs assessment to determine what services you need and how many hours you qualify for based on State guidelines.

You must be receiving or eligible for Medi-Cal. After Medi-Cal  eligibility is determined, a county social worker will come to your home  to conduct a needs assessment to determine the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and hours you need. Call or visit  the local office to request an In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)  application.

After the needs assessment, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) will contact you to let you know if you have been approved or denied. If approved, you will be notified of the services and number of hours authorized. If services are denied or you disagree with the number of hours authorized, you have the right to appeal. The appeals procedure is outlined on the back of the notice you receive.

No. If you live in an assisted living facility or a nursing home, you do not qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). If you plan to live on your own in the future, you can apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) to begin after your move.

You, the recipient of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS),  are responsible for hiring, firing, and supervising your caregiver.

Yes, but you must be receiving or eligible for Medi-Cal. Call or go to your County Welfare Department to get a Medi-Cal application.

Yes. You can hire relatives, friends, neighbors, and other caregivers to provide you with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) services. They must register with the Public Authority.

Yes. Your In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) caregiver can assist you with medications and accompany you to medical appointments.

The office of the Public Guardian is responsible for conducting the  County investigation into conservatorship matters.  If appointed, the  Public Guardian acts as conservator for those found by the Superior Court to be unable to properly care for themselves or their finances.

• Conservator of the Person - Arranges for the conservatee's placement, protection and care. Also, coordinates and oversees the delivery of needed services.
• Conservator of the Estate - Manages the conservatee's finances, locates and controls conservatee property, collects income, pays bills, invests the conservatee's money and protects estate assets.

California law provides for two basic  types of conservatorship depending upon the conservatee's particular  needs.  The following is a brief description of each:

• Probate Conservatorship: A  probate conservatorship of person may be established for those found  unable to properly provide for their personal needs for physical health,  food, clothing, or shelter.  A probate conservator of estate may be  established for those who are substantially unable to manage their own  financial resources or resist fraud or undue influence.
• Lanterman-Petris-Short (L.P.S.) Conservatorship: A  conservator of the person or both person and estate may be appointed  for those found unable to provide for their basic personal needs for  food, clothing, or shelter as a result of mental disorder or impairment  by chronic alcoholism.

Resources include:

• Public Law Library - The  Public Law Library has open access to legal resource materials for the  public.  It is co-located with the Public Law Center which has personnel  available to assist self-represented litigants. Visit the Public Law  Library channel for hours and information.
• FREED - As a non profit Independent Living Resource Center, our goal is to  empower people with disabilities to exercise their civil rights in  becoming active, productive members of our community. 
• Public Law Center
• Legal Services of Northern California
• Handbook for Conservators

No.

Yes. We will communicate and advocate on your behalf with your consent.

We do not pick up or deliver medications on a regularly scheduled time frame.

At least once every 6 months but sooner if medically necessary.

Only if you give consent.

We can assist you in getting what you need whether that be getting a prescription or referring to other local agencies.

No.

No.

Nothing, if you are 60 years old or older. Donations are welcomed.

No.

Adult Protective Services only evaluates adults who are 60 years of age or older, or an adult between 18 and 59 years of age and who has a combination of a disability and the inability to protect their own interest, or who has an inability to carry out normal activities to protect their rights, including, but not limited to, persons who have physical or developmental disabilities, or whose physical or mental abilities have diminished because of age.  

Adult Protective Services can only remove a person from an unsafe home  on a voluntary basis. If the person is mentally competent and  understands the risk of remaining in the unsafe home, Adult Protective  Services has no jurisdiction. If the client is thought to be mentally  incompetent Adult Protective Services must take legal steps through the  court to determine whether a conservatorship or surrogate decision-maker  is necessary.

Adult Protective Services does not have the resources to locate  independent housing for elderly or dependent adults who are being  evicted or are already homeless. Adult Protective Services can assess  the client for out of home care in a board and care home, assisted  living, etc. and try to facilitate placement. Adult Protective Services  also makes referrals to placement agencies.

It is not necessary to have proof of one's suspicions to make a report  of a suspected abuse as long as the report is made in "good faith."  There are penalties, however, for making a false or malicious report of  abuse. A caller may request to be confidential and that is respected. In  fact, the caller does not have to identify himself/herself at all,  unless they are a mandated reporter by law.

Adult Protective Services does not automatically refer such cases for a  conservatorship. There are many factors to determine if a  Conservatorship should be pursued. Other methods are tried first which  may alleviate the problem such as finding a responsible party to assist  the client or be legally appointed as Power of Attorney, etc. 

A  consultation with the Nevada County Public Guardian is made after the  social worker does a Conservatorship investigation. This might include  talking with the client's physician, family, and other involved persons  to determine if a conservatorship is the only viable plan. Referrals to  the Public Guardian do not guarantee acceptance of the case.

Adult Protective Services can  provide referrals to caregivers to go into the home of a frail client.  In Home Supportive Services (a state run program administered by the  county for low income individuals) is one of the resources. Referrals to  care giving agencies and nursing registries can be provided to the  client, family or friends.

A social worker has up to 10 calendar days to respond to a non-emergency report of Adult Protective Services.

An emergency response report is one in which an abuse or neglect  incident or condition is believed to likely result in permanent injury  or death. An Adult Protective Services social worker will respond  immediately to check on the client's welfare.  (Emergency response  services are available 24 hours a day, seven days per week).  

There are 4 ways you can submit a Code Compliance complaint:

• You can obtain a complaint form by visiting the Eric Rood Administrative Center in person.
• You can also call Code Compliance at 530-265-1222, option #4.
• You can download the complaint form (PDF) and return it to us.
• You can go to our online service request page.

When submitting a complaint, the reporting party must include their name and phone number.  The complaint form must also be signed by the reporting party.

No, anonymous or illegible complaints will not be processed. Reporting party information remains confidential except when disclosure is required by the Court.

Code Compliance’s policy, established by the Board of Supervisors, is that cases are generated through a formal complaint process, or through a referral from the Board of Supervisors or other agency.

That said, reporting party confidentiality is of great importance to the Code Compliance Division. Our office staff creates the case files that the Officers carry on site, and these files contain copies of the complaint forms-with all identifying information removed-so even the Officers have no knowledge regarding the origin of the complaint. The original complaint form remains in our office, in locked storage. Only when requested by the Court will this be information be released.

No. Reporting parties names are kept confidential, even from the Officers who work the individual cases. This means they have no knowledge of who filed a complaint or how to reach them. However, if you are interested in the status of the case, you can contact the Code Compliance Division.  Please allow 4 to 6 weeks from date of submission.

Yes. Please call our main number at 530-265-1222, option 4 and our office staff will be glad to answer your questions and route you to the Officer assigned to a particular case. Please understand that as investigations are ongoing and may end up in Superior Court, Code Officers may not be able to share all details of a case with you.

Most likely the County has started working with the property owner to resolve the violation. After receiving the case, a Code Officer will visit the property in question to confirm the existence of a violation.

Once confirmed, the property owner is given a specific set of tasks-and a time frame for completing those tasks-that will bring the property into compliance with the County’s Codes. If the property owner chooses not to work with the County to cooperatively resolve the situation, we begin a more formal legal process that may take an extended time to fully resolve.

It is Code Compliance’s goal to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible, and we will do all within our power to assist property owners in resolving the issues on their properties. If a property owner chooses not to work with the County to correct the violations on their property, additional enforcement actions may be taken, including, but not limited to:

• Administrative or criminal citations
• Fines
• Liens filed against the property
• Nuisance abatement

The Code Compliance division enforces regulations to the following:

• Abandoned vehicles
• Building Code violations (building, electric, plumbing, mechanical, access, etc) including construction without permits
• California State Housing Law (minimum standards for safe and sanitary housing)
• Condition of existing structures that constitute a clear and present danger to the public
• Illegal solid waste
• Zoning requirements for structures such as use, location, configuration, size and land use requirements

Complaints received by the Code Compliance Division regarding weeds and brush will be referred to the Fire Department. For faster resolution it is suggested that you call these complaints into the local Fire Department directly.

Call the illegal dumping hotline at (530) 265-7111 or report online at Report a solid waste request.  Illegal Dumping requests pertain only to County Maintained Roads. Services are not provided for private roads or private property.

Vehicles on private property that are abandoned, inoperative, wrecked or dismantled are a violation of the Land Use and Development Code of Nevada County. In response to written complaints, a Code Officer will visit the property in question and determine if the vehicles located there meet the criteria of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative. You will be asked to remove, conceal, or make operative each vehicle found to be in violation. The size and characteristics of your property can also dictate the form of remedy.

You can request a hearing before the County Zoning Administrator prior to any action if you wish to contest the County’s decision that the vehicles are a nuisance. If all else fails, an abatement order will be sought from the Court to remove vehicles that remain in violation. Cooperation in resolving these matters is always the desired course of action.

The County participates in the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program funded by the Abandoned Vehicle Trust Fund. This fund provides for a program of Vehicle Abatement from public roads according the California Vehicle Code and local ordinance.  To report abandoned or wrecked vehicles on public roads please call the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 530-470-2750 or complete an Abandoned Vehicle Abatement form.

Before submitting a Code Compliance complaint, have you considered mediation? Sometimes issues can be resolved between neighbors without a Code Officer’s official involvement.  The Conflict Resolution Center (CRC), is a non-profit provider of mediation and counseling, working with residents, businesses, and organizations of Nevada County to find common ground. You can access more information by visiting ResolveConflicts.org.

The County does not enforce easement disputes. These are personal legal matters and are resolved civilly.  You may wish to contact the Nevada County Law Library or an attorney for legal advice.

Click here to submit a Coronavirus Complaint.

You can see how to request a review by visiting the administration citation review page.

Learn about the hearing process and request a hearing on the administrative hearing page.

All complaints must be verified before any action is taken on our part, therefore a Code Officer will visit your property to confirm the validity of the complaint. If the complaint is valid, the Officer will explain to you all violations that currently exist on your property and the actions necessary to correct them.

You will also be a given a time frame to correct the violations. The goal of Code Compliance is to achieve voluntary compliance whenever possible. If however, you choose not to work with the County to correct the outstanding issues, you can be cited and ordered to appear in Nevada County Superior Court.

Code Compliance investigations are the result of public complaints, or referrals from the Board of Supervisors or other agencies regarding conditions on specific properties. We are obligated to act upon those complaints and resolve any violations that may be present.

Every effort is made to enforce Nevada County standards fairly and consistently. If conditions on another property are of concern to you, please report them to the Code Compliance Division, using the complaint form (PDF).

The typical steps of the code compliance process include:

1. A report of an alleged violation is filed with Code Compliance.
2. A site inspection of the property will occur to determine if a violation exists.
3. If a violation exists, a “Violation Warning Letter” is generally sent out to the Property Owner.
4. The Violation Warning Letter will provide a timeframe to cure or fix the violation. That timeframe depends upon the nature of the violation, but generally will allow up to 30 days for compliance. *
5. If compliance is not achieved, a “Citation Warning Letter,” is generally sent out, allowing for a second chance at compliance before further enforcement actions are taken. 
6. If none of these enforcement actions yield compliance, a citation may be issued.  
7. Citations depend upon the nature of the violation. At the lower level, citations start at $100 per violation for the first citation, rise to $200 per violation for the second, then $500 for the third and subsequent citations. Higher level citations for Buildings-related, or safety violations start at $130 per violation, for the first citation, $700 per violation for the second, and $1300 for third and subsequent citations. 
8. Collection of payment for these citations are handled by the Code Compliance division, or a Collections Agency. If the citations are not paid, they may be added to the tax roll as a special assessment.
9. Finally, if compliance is not achieved through the citation process, the County may initiate Abatement Proceedings, and/or record a “Notice of Violation” or “Notice of Pendency” on the property.  
   
   * If the Violation identified poses an immediate life, health or safety risk, for example, leaking septic, fire/electrical danger, or risk of structural collapse, among others, the timeframes and citations for noncompliance may be accelerated seeking more immediate action.
    
   Please remember - the goal of the Nevada County Code Compliance Division is to achieve voluntary compliance on the part of the property owner/tenant, and we will work with you while you form a reasonable and responsible plan for achieving compliance.

The following organizations may be helpful in non-code compliance complaint situations:

• Hazardous Vegetation: Your local Fire Department
• Marijuana Cultivation (such as quantity and legality of plants, associated noise, lighting, and odors): Nevada County Sheriff’s Department, call them at 530-265-1471
• Mobile Home Regulations: California Department of Housing and Community Development, call them at 800 952-5275
• Noise Issues/Disturbing the Peace: Nevada County Sheriff’s Department, call them at 530-265-1471
• Water Quality and Runoff Issues: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, call them at 916-445-0411

The length of time given to each property owner varies based on each case and the violations present. Our goal is voluntary compliance whenever possible and we will work with you to achieve this goal.

Food Programs | Nevada County, CA (nevadacountyca.gov)

You can look up your local Waste Management office online, or call 530-274-3090, or email.

Waste Management has four different sites and transfer stations throughout Nevada County.  You can visit Waste Management's website to find out the locations, hours, and services they provide or try our recycling facilities map to find additional locations throughout Nevada County.

Waste Management offers trash, recycling, and green waste residential services in Nevada County.  Residents can choose from different cart sizes to fit their needs.

• Trash: 35, 64, and 96 gallon
• Recycling: 64 and 96 gallon
• Green Waste: 64 and 96 gallon

You can call 530-274-3090 with any questions you may have on commercial services, or visit your local Waste Management website.

• AB-1826: As part of California’s recycling and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission goals, businesses will be required to collect yard trimmings, food scraps and food-soiled paper for composting, effective April 1, 2016.
• AB-341: Requires all businesses and public entities that generate 4 cubic yards or more of waste per week to have a recycling program in place. In addition, multi-family apartments with 5 or more units are also required to form a recycling program.

Waste Management provides construction services locally.  For hauling services and rates, you can call Waste Management at 530-274-3090.

• Accepted Materials: asphalt, brick, carpet, doors, concrete, glass, inerts, linoleum, metals, plastics, plumbing fixtures, PVC piping, sheetrock, sheet insulation, wood, and tile.
• Unaccepted Materials: treated wood waste including pressure treated wood, telephone poles, and railroad ties.

View a list of items you can put in your recycle bin.

In an effort to reduce illegal dumping, Waste Management, Nevada County and the Bureau of Land Management hosts used tire amnesty collection events in the fall of each year.  Dispose of up to 9 used tires at no charge during the tire amnesty events.  Dates and times to be determined.

Recycle unflocked trees without ornaments, lights or metal stands at various locations in Nevada County beginning December 26 through the beginning of February for free!  

• Eric Rood Administrative Center - drop box at Cement Hill entrance
• McCourtney Road Transfer Station - green waste area
• Lake Wildwood and Lake of the Pines WW Treatment Plants and Alta Sierra Fire Department - date to be determined
• Curbside - residents with Waste Management green waste carts may cut trees to fit into their carts for collection during normal collection days

You can request pick up through your account using the WM app or by reaching out to WM (Waste Management) Customer Service at (530) 274-3090

Trash from Western Nevada County is transferred from the McCourtney Road Transfer Station to the WM Lockwood Landfill facility for processing. 

Call the illegal dumping hotline at 530-265-7111. 

Illegal Dumping pickup requests pertain to only to County Maintained Roads.  Services are not provided for private roads or private property. 

Recyclables from Western Nevada County are transferred to the WM Sacramento Recycling & Transfer Station for processing. Recyclables from Eastern Nevada County are transferred and processed at the Eastern Regional Landfill in Truckee, California.

Looking for a place to take new or gently used appliances or building materials? Take them to the Nevada County Habitat for Humanity's ReStore. The ReStore accepts donations of new and gently used building materials, electrical and lighting, appliances, cabinets and more!

Solar panels can be taken to Recology, 12305 Shale Ridge Road, Auburn CA 95602.

If the panels are in working condition, you can contact Good Sun for the solar panels to be repurposed: www.goodsun.life/ 

Improved properties in Western Nevada County that use or for which the solid waste disposal system is available for use, are assessed annual solid waste parcel charge through their property taxes. This charge will fund post-closure maintenance of the closed McCourtney Road Landfill and Transfer Station Property. 

Currently residential rates are as follows:

Nonresidential parcels are charged a per ton fee based on volume of waste generated.  To learn more about parcel charges, you can find details in the Nevada County Solid Waste Code Chapter 13 Section 15.13.250 - Parcel Charges - Western Nevada County.

Disposal locations can be found on Nevada County's Recycling Facilities Resource map

Depending on the type of medication, a few options are:

• Grass Valley Policy Department, 129 S Auburn St, Grass Valley
• Dokimos Pharmacy, 737 Zion St, Nevada City
• Nevada City Policy Department, 317 Broad St, Nevada City
• Nevada County Health Services, 500 Crown Point Circle, Grass Valley

You can also dispose of medication by mail through the online approved drug take back program: https://medtakebackcalifornia.org/

You can download a copy of the most recent WM Franchise agreement from the Solid Waste Division's Document Library

• Waste Management Franchise Agreement (PDF)

You can find the most recent franchise agreement with Tahoe Truckee Sierra Disposal in the Solid Waste Division's document library.

• RES-19-255-Franchise-Agreement-with-Tahoe-Truckee-Disposal-Company-Inc 

View requirements from Cal Recycle to become a certified used oil collection center in Nevada County.

Learn about mandatory commercial organics recycling including food waste and green waste.

Visit the following links for more information on general waste and recycling

• Universal Waste
• Fluorescent Lighting

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne disease that is common in Africa, West Asia and the Middle East. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

WNV was first detected in the United States in New York in 1999. Since then, WNV has rapidly spread across the U.S., reaching as far west as California and Washington. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

In 2002, California's first reported case of West Nile Virus was recorded in Los Angeles County. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

People usually get West Nile Virus from the bite of an infected mosquito. Also, there is evidence that WNV can be acquired via a blood transfusion or organ transplant from an infected donor. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Most people who are bitten by a mosquito with WNV will not get sick. People who do become ill may experience mild flu-like symptoms like fever, headache and body ache. It is estimated that less than 1 percent of the people who are infected with WNV become severely ill and require hospitalization. The elderly are particularly susceptible to illness caused by WNV.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for WNV infection. Since it is a virus, it does not respond to antibiotics. In severe cases, hospitalization and supportive care is important. If you have symptoms of West Nile Virus, call your doctor. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Avoid activity outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk. When outdoors, wear long pants, long sleeve shirts and other protective clothing. Apply insect repellent according to label instructions. Make sure that doors and windows have tight fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes. Eliminate all sources of standing water that can support mosquito breeding. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

California has a long history of conducting surveillance for mosquito-borne viruses and has taken active steps to ensure early detection of WNV. Due to ongoing collaboration with over 70 local mosquito and vector control agencies and state public agencies, California is well prepared to detect and monitor WNV. These agencies use a variety of scientific techniques and products to control mosquitoes in their earliest stages and play a key role in reducing the risk of WNV. Also, California has launched a statewide public education effort concerning personal protection measures, mosquito source reduction and reporting dead birds. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

The public is encouraged to assist in the efforts to detect and monitor WNV by calling the WNV hotline if they find a crow, raven, magpie, jay or hawk that has been dead for about a day. Birds play an important role in maintaining and spreading this virus. Mosquitoes acquire the virus from infected birds, and then transmit the virus to people. Evidence of the virus in dead birds is often the first indication that WNV has been introduced into a new region. The California Department of Health Services has set up a toll free hotline for the public to report dead birds: 877-WNV-BIRD. Birds can also be reported by visiting the West Nile Virus Information site.

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a disease carried by mosquitoes that can be transmitted to humans and in serious cases can cause meningitis and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). For more information please call 530-265-1222.

West Nile Virus was discovered in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937 and has been detected in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and west and central Asia. First detected in the United States in 1999, WNV is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected by biting a bird that carries the virus. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Most mosquitoes do not carry the virus and most people bitten by a mosquito have not been exposed to the virus. The virus is not spread by person-to-person contact or directly from birds to humans. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Fewer than one out of 150 people who are bitten by an infected mosquito get severely ill, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In most cases people who are infected never become sick or have only very mild symptoms for a few days. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

In rare cases the virus may cause encephalitis and death. People over 50 years of age are most at risk for severe effects of the disease. Most of the serious U.S. cases have involved the elderly, according to the CDC. Only 1% of people bitten by infected mosquitoes became seriously ill. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

The incubation period is thought to range from 3 to 14 days. Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms. Of those that become ill, most symptoms are mild, such as fever, headache and body aches, mild rash and swollen lymph glands. Other mild symptoms might include loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, and eye pain. Symptoms generally last 3 to 6 days.

More severe symptoms might include a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, muscle weakness or paralysis and loss of consciousness. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

There is no human vaccine currently available and no specific treatment for the West Nile Virus, but in a serious case, an individual may be hospitalized to ensure good supportive care.

Because most symptoms are mild, and similar to other viral diseases, the disease is underreported. It is thought that infected people develop a lifelong immunity to the disease. For more information on West Nile Virus, visit the West Nile Virus Website.

While there are many different species of mosquitoes, only a small proportion actually carry West Nile Virus. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

There are many things that attract mosquitoes: colognes, perfumes and scented body lotions can attract mosquitoes. Dark-colored clothing is also more attractive to mosquitoes. During evenings, nighttime and dawn, mosquitoes are most active in searching for blood meals, so people outdoors during that time are more likely to be bitten. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Depending on the species, adult mosquitoes can fly several miles with help from the wind. Culex pipiens has a travel range of up to three miles. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Generally, adult female mosquitoes have a life span of 2 weeks to one month while adult male mosquitoes only live one week but, when conditions are right can be as short as 72 hours. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

A mosquito goes through four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa and adult. This life cycle, from birth to death, is about one month long. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Eggs are laid in clusters and float on the surface of water. They can be stuck together in rafts of hundreds, or laid separately on water or flooded soil. Most eggs hatch into larvae within 48 hours. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Mosquito larvae live in water from 4 to 14 days depending on the water temperature. They come to the surface frequently to get oxygen. They feed on algae and small organisms living in the water. The larva sheds its skin four times while it grows. After the fourth time, the larva becomes a pupa, the stage before the mosquito becomes an adult. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

The pupal stage is a resting, non-feeding stage. Mosquito pupae must live in water from 1 to 4 days, depending on the species and water temperature. When development is complete, the pupal skin splits and the mosquito emerges as an adult.

The newly emerged adult mosquito rests on the surface of the water for a short time to dry and allow all its parts to harden. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Mosquitoes flutter their wings very fast, some as much as 250 times per second, producing a high-pitched buzz. For more information please call 530-265-1222.

Yes.  All producers have the right to sell their unprocessed products from the point of production, ie their farm, directly to wholesale or retail outlets, ie restaurants, schools, hospitals, etc.  If this isn’t feasible, you can apply for permits to establish a field or farm stand  with the Planning Department and Environmental Health.  

You must the provide the buyer a record of Proof of Ownership and transport the produce in a box with all required markings, including the identity of the product, the responsible party (name and address of the farm, including zip code) and the quantity (either by measure or count).  Boxes may be reused, but all previous markings, including trade marks and brand names, must be completely obliterated or covered up.  

Proof of Ownership and Container Labeling Requirements Handout

There isn’t any farm registry, however, certain types of products or selling in certain places may have additional requirements.  Chicken eggs, nursery stock, marketing your products as organic, setting up a produce stand or selling at a farmers market all require separate types of registrations and certifications.

You can trademark your farm or ranch name with the CA Secretary of State, under their Trademarks and Service Marks program, using Form TM/FN 103, for a $10 fee.  

Not until you have met all of the requirements and registered with California’s State Organic Program.  Using the term "organic" without completing the organic registration process is infringement, and violation of California state law.

Chicken eggs require that you become a registered egg handler with the California Department of Food and Ag’s (CDFA) Egg Program.  The program also sells a manual that describes all of the laws and reviews the labeling requirements.

You’ll need to complete a certified producer’s certificate with the county ag office.  The certificate is an annual fee of $65 and includes a brief inspection of your growing grounds to verify you are growing what you claim on the certificate.  Information and the forms can be found here.

All processed foods require a permit from Environmental Health.

All commercial devices should have a round paper seal showing the date it was tested by our department. If it does not have a seal, call our department.

Only scales that have been approved for commercial use (type approved) and sealed by the department may be used for a commercial transaction. A licensed service agent may place a device into service before our inspectors conduct their tests

Tare, or tare weight, is the weight of a bag, soaker, ice, packaging, wrapping, box, bin, pallet, truck, or any material not considered product or part of the net weight. Tare weight plus net weight equals gross weight. Selling by gross weight or measure is a misdemeanor (Business & Professions Code 12023).

Investigation of consumer complaints is a high priority in our department. All complaints are assigned to an inspector and investigated as quickly as possible. When a complaint is outside our jurisdiction, we direct the consumer to the appropriate agency.

A cord of wood is 128 cubic feet, and cannot be delivered as one load in a regular pick-up truck. The wood must be neatly stacked before it can be measured to confirm you have received the full amount.  

 Ask for the seller to stack the wood (there may be a small fee for this), or to wait while you stack it, before paying the seller. Ask for an invoice with the seller’s name, address and phone number, the number or portions of cord(s) delivered, the date and the amount. Pay once you are satisfied that you have received the agreed upon amount. 

If you think you were shorted after the seller is gone, neatly stack the wood, and call our department to investigate. DO NOT BURN ANY OF THE WOOD UNTIL IT HAS BEEN INSPECTED. It can be helpful to take a picture of the stacked wood as soon as it has been stacked.

Gas stations are inspected every year. Gas stations that do not pass an initial inspection are placed on an increased frequency of inspection. Increased frequency of inspection can be every six months depending on the number of meters that failed on the first visit.  All visits are unannounced to verify the business practices being inspected are representative of standard operating procedure.

We check the quality of fuel at every station in the county. Each tank is tested for the presence of water. Samples of fuel are sent to the Division of Measurement Standards

Petroleum Lab for octane and quality analysis. Petroleum and automotive products must meet SAE and ASTM Standards.

Any meter or other commercial device found out of tolerance, or is overcharging the customer, is placed out of order (red tagged) until repaired by a certified device

repairman. After the device has been repaired, we recheck it to verify that it is in compliance.

 We only inspect electric, vapor (gas), and water meters that utility companies do not. An example of these meters is a mobile home park in which there is a master meter and an individual submeter at each mobile home. We test the submeters and a utility company (such as PG&E) tests the master meter. We test these submeters every ten years. 

We have original jurisdiction over sub-metered installations; where a landlord is master metered by a utility and has individually metered apartments, mobile home spaces or business locations. Each unit must be individually metered if there are separate charges for gas, electricity, or water. 

The Public Utilities Commission requires that all information and charges that appear on a customer's bill follow the format of the serving utility: 

• Opening and closing reading dates 
• Opening and closing meter readings 
• Days in billing period 
• Rate code being charged 
• Baseline use and rate 
• Over baseline use and rate 
• Total charges for the billing period 
• Note: A copy of the prevailing rate schedule must be posted in a common area of the office building. 

While many of our services are free, many are also fee-based. Please check our current fee schedule on the website for details.

Call Nevada County Environmental Health, 530-265-1500 for availability and give away schedule.

Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release, 530-477-5774.

See the Ag Dept’s webpage on Wildlife Services and Information.

The Nevada County Agriculture Department can identify a tick to determine if it is the specie that can carry Lyme disease. Carefully extract the tick, including the head, and place in a ziploc bag with a moist cotton ball. Partial ticks are difficult to id with any certainty.

The Placer County Public Health Laboratory can test ticks for Lyme disease. To test a tick, please contact the Placer County Laboratory at (530) 889-7205.

The Nevada County Beekeepers Association will man the "Honeybee Hotline" where the public can report incidents of honeybee swarms. People sighting a swarm of honeybees may call the hotline at 530-675-2924 for a qualified beekeeper to retrieve and remove the swarm. Note this service is ONLY for HONEYBEES and DOES NOT include yellow jackets, bumblebees, hornets, or wasps.

To call the Honeybee Hotline, dial 530-675-2924 and leave a message if necessary. If there is no response within four hours the alternate number is 530-265-3756.

Most agricultural smells and noises are generally considered “normal” operating practices. The County of Nevada has adopted a “Right to Farm” ordinance that states, “normal agricultural operations

will not be considered a nuisance”. We recommend initiating a dialogue with the producer you are concerned with. Most producers are willing to explain their practices and make efforts to reduce the

effects of their activities on their neighbors.

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Yes, all mobile food facilities require a permit that must be renewed annually.

An excellent resource is the website Speak For Safety.  The form to request a gun violence restraining order is located in our public forms library.

www.nncourts.com

The jail publishes an in custody list that can be accessed by any member of the public.

http://reports.nevcounty.net/justice/rdPage.aspx?rdReport=default

• Visit library.nevadacountyca.gov, the online library catalog or download the Nevada County Library App
• Enter your barcode number (no spaces) and your library-registered  4-digit PIN. If you do not yet have a PIN, please contact the library.
• To reset your 4-digit PIN, call or visit your local library location 

Visit the Library Meeting & Study Room page for more information, and to book a space. 

Sign up for a free library account, whether resident or non-resident of Nevada County. We make it easy to apply for and access print and digital library services! Apply online or in-person at any Nevada County Library.

Detached garages, additions, remodels and other simple projects will be completed within 2 weeks. New residential construction and commercial project will be completed within 4 weeks.

You can find all current County codes on County Counsel's webpage under County Codes. The code regarding cannabis cultivation falls under Title 2: General Code, Chapter 4: General Regulations, Article 5: Marijuana Cultivation. 

The most current draft long-term cannabis cultivation ordinance can be found here. The original draft that was presented at the May 1, 2018 Board of Supervisors meeting, along with its associated documents, is located on the Event Documents page.

Both our calendar page and Press Releases page have documents related to the formation of the CAG and the process thus far, including meeting videos. For a overview, you can look at our document What Is and Why the CAG (plus background) (PDF) document.

You can view material online, call the Community Development Agency (CDA) at 530-265-1222, email ComDevAgency@co.nevada.ca.us, or visit the CDA office at 950 Maidu Ave. Suite 170, Nevada City, CA 95959.

June 6, 2018 at 8:00 a.m.

Call the Nevada County Community Development Agency (CDA) at 530-265-1222 or visit our office at 950 Maidu Ave. Suite 170, Nevada City, CA 95959.

June 20, 2018

The permit application and associated documents will be reviewed within two weeks of application submittal. The project will either be approved for issuance, or project plan review comments will be issued. The applicant would then address the review comments and resubmit.

You can check your project review status online by visiting https://permits.mynevadacounty.com/citizenaccess/, clicking on the “Cannabis” tab and searching your project review number. This is searchable by project number, address or parcel number.

Parcels zoned AG, AE, or FR

MyNeighborhood, our interactive GIS map, allows you to easily search parcels and use map overlays. The Marijuana Ordinance map overlays show parcels in categories by setbacks and regulations (R1, R2, and R3; RA (Res/Est); or RA (Rural), AG, AE, FR, and TRZ).

No. You will need to work with the Nevada County Code Compliance Division to resolve the code compliance case prior to submitting your application.

First you will need to obtain a permit to conduct medical commercial cannabis activities. Reference the Temporary Medical Commercial Cannabis Permit Security Plan Checklist and Nevada County Cannabis Ordinance available online at https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2536/Temporary-Cannabis-Permit for a complete list of requirements.

Yes.

100ft to residential wells and 400ft to public wells and public water tributaries. Cultivation areas and buildings shall also not be located over septic tanks, leach lines, or leach line repair areas.

o Over 2 acres – 5 acres: 100ft

o Over 5 acres – 10 acres: 150ft

o Over 10 acres – 20 acres: 200ft

o Over 20 acres: 300ft

Find upcoming events on our calendar and stay informed on past events with our Cannabis Conversation Press Release page.

The District Attorney's Office can only receive crime reports from law enforcement agencies. Contact the nearest law enforcement agency. If you are unsure of the contact information for the correct agency, we can provide you with that information. 

You can report it to the law enforcement agency that took the original report.

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Once law enforcement is called and a report is forwarded to our office, it is up to the Deputy District Attorney assigned to the case to determine whether or not charges are to be filed.  You may submit a request in writing to the attorney handling the case.  Please refer to the District Attorney Case Assignment page.

Deputy District Attorneys may be contacted by email.  Please refer to the District Attorney Case Assignments page for attorney email addresses.

Please contact Nevada County Superior Court, Criminal Division at 201 Church Street, Nevada City, CA  95959 or call (530) 265-1311.

Please contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

No. All Deputy District Attorneys are governed by a code of ethics which prevents them from speaking directly to a defendant.  They may only speak to your attorney of record.  Please refer any questions about your case to your attorney. 

When a criminal case has been resolved, our office sends a property release to the law enforcement agency that generated the crime report.  You should contact that agency directly for questions about your property. 

The jail publishes an in custody list that can be accessed by any member of the public.

Contact the law enforcement agency that generated the report for their policy on releasing reports.  If the agency refers you to the District Attorney, please make your request in writing.  We generally only release law enforcement reports to an attorney of record.

Phase one: Nevada County declared a Local Health Emergency, allowing us to provide free hazardous waste clean-up services. All affected properties have already been assessed and clean-up operations are underway.

Phase two: Nevada County Environmental Health can assist you with debris removal on your property. You can contact Amy Irani, Director of Environmental Health, at (530) 265-1464 or amy.irani@co.nevada.ca.us to obtain or complete a Right of Entry (ROE) form which grants government contractors access to your property. You can also find Nevada County's ROE and instructions to fill out the ROE on our Lobo and McCourtney Fire Recovery web pages.

The fire debris clean-up by state agencies and Nevada County has two phases: removal of hazardous waste and removal of other fire-related debris. 

In phase one, the County, state, and federal agencies have organized teams of experts from the California State Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to inspect your property and remove any household hazardous waste that may pose a threat to human health, animals, and the environment such as batteries, asbestos siding, and paints.

In phase two, Cal OES, FEMA and local officials are coordinating with CalRecycle to execute contracts and conduct fire-related debris removal from your property.

All initial costs will be paid by state and federal agencies. However, if property owners have insurance that specifically covers debris removal owners must inform local officials, and they will be required to remit that portion of the insurance proceeds that are specifically reserved for debris. This is required by state law (California Disaster Assistance Act, California Government Code sections 8680-8692) and is included in Nevada County's Right of Entry forms.

Phase 1: Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) crews have already begun removal of hazardous household waste. 

Phase 2: Removal of fire debris, other than hazardous household waste, is scheduled to begin by November 13th, 2017. In order to take advantage of free state debris removal for your property, you must complete and turn in a Right of Entry (ROE) form by November 7th.

• All County related building permit fees & County impact fees will be waived for any property affect by the fires as long as permits are applied for prior to October 10th,2018 and the structure was previously permitted. More information on building fees can be found on the Permit Fee Estimate Form (Waived Fees).
• If your structure was destroyed in the fire, when you rebuild you will need to comply with current 2016 California Building Codes. Your project plan check will be expedited through the process to assist you in your recovery efforts.

Household hazardous waste is waste from houses that poses a threat to public health, animals, or environmental. Hazardous waste includes chemicals that are ignitable, toxic, corrosive and reactive. Examples include pool chemicals, car batteries, antifreeze, used oil filters, solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, propane tanks, disinfectants, aerosols, paint, bleach, and ammunition.

Yes. However, to avoid a duplication of benefits provided by the state or federal government, your insurance company is required to provide payment from your policy that is designated for debris removal. This is a required by state law (California Disaster Assistance Act, California Government Code sections 8680-8692) and is in Nevada County's Right of Entry form.

Contact the PG&E Building & Renovation Service Center online at www.pge.com/CCO or by phone (877) 743-7782 or (800) 743-5000. Their Local Service Planning Office is located at
788 Taylorville Rd in Grass Valley and  are open Monday - Friday from 7am - 3:30pm.

Housing First is an approach to quickly and successfully connect individuals and families experiencing homelessness to permanent housing without preconditions and barriers to entry, such as sobriety, treatment or service participation requirements. Supportive services are offered to maximize housing stability and prevent returns to homelessness as opposed to addressing predetermined treatment goals prior to permanent housing entry.

The Point in Time Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons on a single night in January. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that Continuums of Care conduct an annual count of homeless persons who are sheltered in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and Safe Havens, and a count of unsheltered homeless persons every other year. Beginning in 2016, Nevada County’s Continuum of Care has opted to perform an annual Point in Time count of both sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons.

A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a local or regional body made up of local stakeholders who are committed to ending homelessness. Nevada County and Placer County participate in a regional Continuum of Care, which is coordinated by the Homeless Resource Council of the Sierras (HRCS).

Nevada County Coordinating Council (NCCC): The NCCC is a subcommittee within the CoC that specifically discusses matters pertaining to Nevada County.

Placer Consortium on Homelessness (PCOH): The PCOH is a subcommittee within the CoC that specifically discusses matters pertaining to Placer County.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines a chronically homeless person or family as an individual or family that:

“(i) is homeless and lives or resides in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter;

(ii) has been homeless and living or residing in a place not meant for human habitation, a safe haven, or in an emergency shelter continuously for at least 1 year or on at least 4 separate occasions in the last 3 years; and

(iii) has an adult head of household (or a minor head of household if no adult is present in the household) with a diagnosable substance use disorder, serious mental illness, developmental disability (as defined in section 15002 of this title), post traumatic stress disorder, cognitive impairments resulting from a brain injury, or chronic physical illness or disability, including the co-occurrence of 2 or more of those conditions”

Permanent supportive housing refers to long-term, low-barrier, affordable housing with supportive services that enable special needs populations to live as independently as possible in a permanent setting.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) defines “homeless” in four categories:

1. Literally Homeless: an individual or family who lacks a fixed, regular and adequate nighttime residence. This includes residences not designed for permanent habitation including, but not limited to, cars, parks, abandoned buildings, buses, camping grounds, emergency shelters, hotels/motels paid by public or private agency due to homelessness, and transitional housing.
2. Imminent Risk of Homeless: family who will imminently lose their primary nighttime residence and who lack resources or support networks to obtain other permanent housing
3. Homeless Under other Federal Statutes: Unaccompanied youth and homeless families with children and youth defined as homeless under other Federal statutes who have experienced a long-term period without living independently in permanent housing, have experienced persistent instability as measured by frequent moves over such period, and can be expected to continue in such status for an extended period of time because of chronic disabilities, chronic physical health or mental health conditions, substance addiction, histories of domestic violence or childhood abuse, the presence of a child or youth with a disability, or multiple barriers to employment.
4. Fleeing or Attempting to Flee Domestic Violence: individual or family who is fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence who lacks the resources or support to obtain other permanent housing.

However, the HUD definition of homeless fails to capture individuals and families who are “doubling up” or “couch-surfing”.

Rapid re-housing rapidly connects families and individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing through tools such as time-limited financial assistance and targeted supportive services.

In 2000, the National Alliance to End Homelessness put out a call to end homelessness in ten years, providing a blueprint with key strategies. In 2001, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) formally reinforced this challenge, and in 2002, all communities seeking HUD funding through the McKinney-Vento Continuum of Care grant application process were strongly encouraged to develop a Ten-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.

The Coordinated Entry System (CES) is a streamlined and standardized referral process to community resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. Nevada County’s CES includes a vulnerability index, which ensures that those with the greatest needs receive priority for any type of available housing and homeless assistance.

HMIS is a software application that records characteristics, needs, and service provisions to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. 

Emergency shelter is a facility with overnight sleeping accommodations, the primary purpose of which is to provide temporary shelter for those experiencing homelessness.

The HEARTH Act of 2009 amends and reauthorizes the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, resulting in updates including the definition of homeless and chronically homeless.

The McKinney-Vento Act, first enacted in 1987, is a major federal legislative response to homelessness, creating several valuable programs including protections for youth experiencing homelessness within the education system.

HUD defines affordable housing as housing for which the occupant(s) pay less than 30 percent of their income for gross housing costs, including utilities.  

The Housing Choice Voucher Program, formally known as Section 8, is a federal HUD program that assists low-income individuals with affording decent housing in the private market. Housing Choice Vouchers are locally administered by the Regional Housing Authority of Sutter and Nevada Counties. Participants will pay no more than 40% of their adjusted monthly income towards rent, with a housing subsidy paid to the landlord for the remainder of the rent. Visit the Regional Housing Authority of Sutter and Nevada Counties’ website for more information about Housing Choice Voucher applicants and becoming a participating landlord.

The State of California has Public Resource Codes (PRC) 4290 and 4291. PRC-4291 prescribes the requirement for 100' defensible space around an improved building found in the state responsibility area (SRA). This is the statewide standard and what defensible space inspection (DSI) programs utilize. This code is applicable to all businesses and residences (improved parcels) that are not in an incorporated city or town, thus they are in the SRA. The City of Grass Valley, Nevada City, and the Truckee Fire Protection District each have their own vegetation ordnance, so you should look to the specific agency in which your home resides in for details. Nevada County Consolidated Fire District has Fuel Modification Standards that apply to vacant parcels if they reside in their fire district boundary.

PRC-4291 is applied to a single property at a time in the SRA. The SRA is fundamentally the unincorporated county area. As such, Nevada County has a vegetation ordinance that builds on this code. First, if a home cannot achieve their needed 100' of defensible space due to their property line being less than 100' from their home, it requires the adjacent property owner to accommodate the additional space needed to obtain the full 100'. Second, it adds the requirement for property owners that are along a private road that is a critical egress route to mitigate the vegetation 10' back from the roadside edge and trimmed up 15" high. The County ordinance only applies in the unincorporated county area and includes a fee structure and abatement program.

You can find all the ordinances mentioned here online with at each agencies' public website. Learn more about preparing your property and specific laws and ordinances in our Ready section. https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2710/Ready 

The best approach is friendly in person conversations neighbor to neighbor with the people who own the property of concern.  In most situations, neighbors care about one another’s safety, and are open to accommodating requests when they fully understand the situation and need – and are asked nicely.  If this fails, then you can reach out to the City, Town, County, CAL FIRE, or your local Fire District (whatever agency is most appropriate for your situation) and they can help provide guidance, look at the property, talk with the owner, and move the process forward.  It should always start at the neighbor to neighbor level as that is most effective, timely, and efficient. Learn more about communicating with property owners and find template letters stating concerns here. https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2787/Defensible-Space-Neighbors 

Alert them that the property does not meet current code requirements through a friendly phone call and that you are concerned for your safety in the case of a wildfire event.  If all reasonable attempt of friendly conversations and request have failed, then it’s time to bring in the appropriate local agency. That could be the City, Town, County, CAL FIRE, or your local Fire District (whatever agency is most appropriate for your situation) and they can help provide guidance, look at the property, talk with the owner, and move the process forward.  Most agencies have a defensible space inspection request form, and/or a hazardous vegetation complaint form located on their agency’s public website.

In western county, green waste can be disposed at the County McCourtney Road Transfer Station for a fee.  Waste Management operates the transfer station and also offers home based green waste cart pickup service.  http://www.wm.com/location/california/nevada_county/nevada_county/index.jsp

Information for the Truckee area can be found on the Town’s website here:
https://www.townoftruckee.com/government/administrative-services/solid-waste-recycling/green-waste-disposal

The Nevada County Firesafe Council annually conducts a free or low-cost neighborhood green waste event scheduled over several days/weeks in the Spring.  Details  on future events can be found here: http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/

The Firesafe Council has provided a special needs assistance program in the past and is currently working on securing funds for a future program.  Updates will be posted here and at their website http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/ 

The Nevada County Resource Conservation District has some programs for larger property owners that can help offset vegetation mitigation costs.  Find info on their website here: http://www.ncrcd.org/  Additionally 211 is a free service that can connect you to community resources and services that may be appropriate for your situation. Dial 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211 for assistance. 

Acceptable items include: biomass consisting of all tree and plant trimmings, dead plants, weeds, leaves, branches, and similar materials that fit into a Green Waste Cart. Please note, items with a diameter greater than 6 inches, tree stumps, root balls, and household waste will not be accepted.

The Fire Safe Council maintains a page of current and past projects here: http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/get-fire-smart/projects/

You can learn more about making your home more fire-resistant here:  https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2748/Create-a-Fire-Resistant-Home

CAL FIRE also has a great site with many resources to harden your home at: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/   This site also includes links out to building material lists and building codes.   http://osfm.fire.ca.gov/strucfireengineer/strucfireengineer_bml

Building codes can be found at your city/town website and/or the County Building Department page which is here: https://www.mynevadacounty.com/1114/Building-Department   The site http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Hardening-Your-Home/    also includes useful information on the State’s building codes.

The Office of Emergency Services is currently conducting a broad public education and preparedness campaign branded “Ready Nevada County”.   A professional media expert was hired to coordinate activities and produce content.  OES staff have participated on numerous local radio show segments, attended dozens of public meetings with neighborhood associations, service groups, and public agencies.  Social media, local radio, local websites, and local print media have all run numerous information articles and stories on the County’s PR efforts and messages.  The County mailed a Ready, Set, Go wildfire home and family preparedness brochure to every household in western Nevada County and the Soda Springs area in May. A new website was created and launched at www.ReadyNevadaCounty.org. OES conducted two town hall wildfire education meetings, one western and one in eastern county; each had overflow 400+ people in attendance.  OES conducted a community showing of wildfire films and a wildfire expert panel discussion at the Nevada Theater with over 300 people in attendance.  OES produced a four series public wildfire public education series held at the Rood Center, each had standing room only crowds with the fourth event scheduled in June.  These townhall and public events were all live streamed on the Internet and local cable TV and are available for on demand video viewing from the County and Nevada County Media’s websites.  OES via Ready Nevada County, Miners Foundry Cultural Center, and Nevada City First Friday Art Walk joined forces for a summer-long series of Ready, Set, Go Mixers in Nevada City, June 7, July 5, August 2, 5:00-9:00 P.M. Nevada County Media developed a video segment PSA that Sierra Theaters will start airing for the summer at every movie showing.  The annual wild fire guide produced in collaboration with the Fire Safe Council and local Fire was printed in The Union newspaper in May.   On May 4^th, the annual Wildfire safety day was held at the Rood Center seeing 70+ vendor booths and agencies and hundreds of residents in attendance. Numerous other actives are currently in process and planned for the year.

The County has several hazard mitigation plans and a specific wildfire action plan.  The County’s master countywide Hazard Mitigation Plan was updated and approved by FEMA in 2018.  There are three current Community Wildfire Prevention Plans (CWPP) that cover general western county, Norther San Juan, and Truckee. The Office of Emergency Services developed a wildfire preparedness action plan that was presented to the Board of Supervisors in January 2019.   This plan outlines 15 action initiatives the County is pursuing from public education and outreach, evacuation planning, to emergency notifications.   OES recently hired a consultant to update the County’s Emergency Operation Plan’s annexs for Evacuations and Mass Causality.  

The Nevada County Office of Emergency Service coordinates several local emergency related tasks forces that address wildfire issues.  The Nevada County Emergency Service Council, required by County code, is comprised of local first responders, public health, and emergency related non-profits.  The Council is chaired by a BOS member typically meets quarterly.    A special cohort group meets bimonthly and focusses solely on public safety in the Yuba River canyon.  This group is co-chaired by two BOS members and includes members from State Parks, Fire, Sheriff, OES, BLM, US Forest Services, and nonprofits.  The local fire chiefs including CAL FIRE conduct a monthly “chief’s” meeting; OES, City Police, Sheriff, CHP, and other related agencies attend as well.   

Starting in January 2019, OES facilitates the Ready Nevada County wildfire stakeholders group that meets quarterly.  This is a countywide group of 35+ local agencies with a shared mission of wildfire prevention and preparedness. Over 70+ people from the various agencies attended each meeting where CAL FIRE, OES, local Fire, Sheriff, and local non-profits share and hear about current grant opportunities, projects, and efforts; all with the goal to further coordinate local projects, communications, and resources.  An online group site was implemented to further foster regular stakeholder communications, document sharing, and event coordination.  To date, over 100 stakeholders are registered on the site.   

The Firesafe Council (FSC) of Nevada County is a local nonprofit with the sole mission to address local wildfire threats and advocate for wildfire preparedness.  This group leads the collaborative development of the western county wildfire prevention plan (CWPP).  The County is a major funder of the Fire Safe Council and has a Board of Supervisors member on their Board of Directors.  The County works closely with the FSC on wildfire related grants, projects and strategies.

You can learn more about burn piles and watch a video from CAL FIRE here https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2753/Burn-Piles. Additionally, here are a few sites that can help you learn about prescribed burns.

http://www.norcalrxfirecouncil.org/

http://www.areyoufiresafe.com/get-fire-smart/prescribed-burns/  

http://www.readyforwildfire.org/Prescribed-Fires/

The Northern Sierra Air Management District posts this information on their website here:  http://myairdistrict.com/index.php/burning-info/burn-day-status/

Burn days are only allowed when the smoke from your burn pile will properly dissipate and not pose a health issue to your neighbors and the larger community.  As such, it could be a cloudy damp day, but not have the other proper conditions to dissipate the smoke.

Our local homeless population challenges are complex and multi-faceted with many good organizations working hard to address them.   These groups along with the human service, law, and fire agencies monitor homeless camps as much as possible and talk with the homeless population about wildfire safety and risks.

Since 1989, the County has implemented and operated a local defensible space inspection (DSI) program.  This program works closely and coordinates with CAL FIRE’s DSI program and local staff.  This year, the County took a further step and partnered with Nevada County Consolidated Fire District (NCC), contracting with NCC to provide DSI program management, development, and daily supervision services, all targeted to increase the effectiveness and impact of the County DSI program.  To further support the DSI program and increase its impact, the County created and adopted a Hazardous Vegetation abatement ordinance.  The ordinance was updated this past spring with increased fine and fees to assist with motivating property owners to perform their vegetation mitigation.  This Spring also saw the first full abatement process completed on a local residential property.

Share the Ready Set Go Guide from this website with them and go over in depth the Set and Go check lists.  Have them sign up for local emergency alert messages while they are visiting.  Be sure they know how to be situationally aware, especially on a Red Flag warning day.  Using the guide, identify a place to meet up if you are separated during an evacuation.  Other good tips are in the guide. Additional tips and links to areas of interest can be found here. https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2784/Tips-for-Visitors-Camping-Hospitality 

Due to the highly variable nature of fire and the uniqueness of each emergency event, it is difficult to provide wildfire evacuation maps for the community. Evacuation routes will be determined in the event of a wildfire based on the direction the fire is moving and cannot be predetermined. Our approach is to have individuals be familiar with all main arterial, major/minor collector, as well as local roads near their home.

The best rule of thumb is to have at least 2 exit routes. We encourage every member of your family to know all possible ways to get out of your neighborhood in case one or more exit routes are blocked. The best way to familiarize yourself with possible exit routes is to take a day to drive your neighborhood. Relying on a map alone may not provide you the full picture, as road conditions, gates, and other obstacles are not shown or may change over time. We encourage you to prepare for low visibility and potential challenges specific to your situation. We also recommend that individuals have a printed map as GPS may not be available in an emergency.

 A general Emergency Preparedness Guide & Evacuation Plan may be printed and posted on your refrigerator to save for future use.

There is no “one size fits all” preparedness strategy.  Learn more about preparing your family for safe evacuations here   

Be ready to Go by learning evacuation and traffic terms here. 

Do not wait to evacuate if you feel unsafe.  Leaving early increases your chance of survival and late evacuations put you, your neighbors, and first responders at risk.

The best rule of thumb is to have at least 2 ways of egress. Every member of your family should know all possible ways to get out of your neighborhood in case one or more egress routes are blocked. The best way to learn routes out of your neighborhood is to take a day and drive around, prepare for low visibility and challenges specific to your situation. Do not count solely on mapping software and applications as they often do not show gates and other road hazards. 

There is no “one size fits all” preparedness strategy.  Learn more about preparing your family for safe evacuations here https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2711/Set

Be ready to Go by learning evacuation and traffic terms here. https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2712/Go

In some countries, like Australia, residents evacuate high fire risk areas on red flag days before an ignition occurs. This is the safest strategy for your family. It takes a lot of mental and physical fitness to survive an entrapment or shelter-in-place during a wildfire and it is not recommended because it is often deadly. Early evacuation and avoiding fire weather is always preferred.

There is no “one size fits all” preparedness strategy.  Learn more about preparing your family for safe evacuations here https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2711/Set

Be ready to Go by learning evacuation and traffic terms here. https://www.mynevadacounty.com/2712/Go

The County maintains 560 miles of roadway and spends approximately $700,000 per year on roadside brush clearing, tree removal, and mowing.   This treats about 70 miles per year.   The County and Fire Safe Council applied for and received a grant this year to perform an additional 50 miles of roadside vegetation management which was performed. The County has applied for several FEMA and CAL FIRE wildfire mitigation grants to treat approximately 350 additional miles.  The County Board of Supervisors sent a letter to Governor Newsom advocating for CAL TRANS to perform increased roadside vegetation treatment along all state highways located in our County, as well as to increase lane/shoulders where appropriate to reduce potential evacuation bottlenecks.

Public Resources Code 4291 requires homeowners in Mountainous, Forest, Brush and Grass Covered lands to develop defensible space by removing ladder fuels within the first 100 feet of a structure, or to the property line. Defensible space creates a buffer between the home and oncoming fire, while providing a safer place for firefighters to combat the fire and defend your home.

The County’s ordinance encompasses all of the same regulations found in Public Resources Code  4291, but also addresses hazardous vegetation and combustible material abatement beyond the property line of a parcel on which a building and structure is located in order for property owners to achieve their 100 feet of defensible space.

The County’s ordinance also contains hazardous vegetation maintenance requirements for private roadways in the unincorporated areas of the County that are not included in Public Resources Code 4291.

When a neighboring (Adjacent) parcel prevents a homeowner (Improved Parcel) from achieving their 100 ft of defensible space, Nevada County’s Hazardous Vegetation Ordinance enables the homeowner seeking 100 ft of defensible space assistance achieving it. Property owners are responsible for all costs associated with achieving their 100 ft of defensible space on their own property. In addition, when a property line interferes with a homeowner’s ability to achieve this 100 ft of defensible space, the homeowner is responsible for half of the cost of clearance which takes place on the neighboring parcel. The ordinance states:  “The Owner, occupant or other person in control of the improved parcel shall be responsible for fifty (50%) percent of the abatement cost on the adjacent parcel if the owner of said adjacent parcel consents in writing to the abatement.” (Sec. G-IV 7.4 Paragraph C. # 2)

We recommend starting neighbor to neighbor. If there is a concerning parcel in your neighborhood, start by talking to the property owner or collaborating with existing efforts through Firewise Communities. Your neighbor may already be working with the Firewise Community to resolve the issue. Inviting a neighbor to learn more often yields the best results. The Ready, Set, Go! Handbook and ReadyNevadaCounty.org provide good resources for best practices and local requirements for creating safer, more fire-resistant properties, and evacuation routes.

Private road owners are required to maintain free of ladder fuels a minimum of a ten (10’) foot wide strip of land beyond the shoulder of a roadway serving as primary ingress and egress to the parcel, to a height of fifteen (15’) feet along the boundary of a Parcel.

You may file a request for Defensible Space Inspection online here. 

Upon the first inspection, a Hazardous Vegetation Notice to Abate letter will be mailed to the property owner explaining the violation(s) and instructions on how to bring the property into compliance. Upon the mailing date of the Notice to Abate letter, a property owner will have a minimum of thirty days to rectify the violation(s). After the initial thirty (30) days, a second inspection will be performed. If the property continues to lack defensible space, a Warning Letter will be mailed explaining the violations and how to fix these issues.

Upon the mailing date of the Warning Letter, a property owner will have fifteen days to comply. At this point, a third inspection is conducted. If a property is noncompliant after the third inspection, a progressive fee schedule may be assessed by way of Administrative Citation against all noncompliant properties. A noncompliant property on the third inspection will be assessed $130, a noncompliant property on the fourth inspection will be assessed $700, and a noncompliant property on the fifth inspection will be assessed $1,300. Fees are cumulative. Cases in which properties are noncompliant after the fifth inspection may be referred to Code Enforcement for abatement. Expenses associated with abatement, including administrative costs, may be made a special assessment added to the County assessment roll and become a lien on the real property, or be placed on the unsecure tax roll.

Nevada County Defensible Space Inspectors assigned to the Office of Emergency Services will inspect a home for violation(s). All inspectors are in County approved uniforms and supplied with a County ID badge that has their photo, employee number, and the office to which they are assigned. Inspectors drive County vehicles.

Yes. Any person who receives a Notice to Abate may appeal by delivering a written request for a hearing to the Clerk of the Board’s Office within ten days from the issuance of the Notice to Abate, along with payment of the appeal fee. The written request shall include a statement of all facts supporting the appeal.  See Ordinance Section G-IV 7.9 Appeals Process for further clarification.

The Office of Emergency Services cannot recommend a defensible space vendor, however, the Fire Safe Council maintains a vetted list of vendors on their website at https://www.areyoufiresafe.com/vendors. If you find a vendor outside of the Fire Safe Council’s vetted list, confirm the vendor you hire has a valid state license issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). You may verify their license is valid on the State’s online contractor license verification tool: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/OnlineServices/CheckLicenseII/CheckLicense.aspx. Vendors with a CSLB will be experienced, bonded, and insured.  

The Office of Emergency Services and Fire Safe Council actively pursue grants which seek funds to assist low-income homeowners and those with Access and Functional Needs. Please also see below for additional resources.

CAL FIRE California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP): The purpose of the California Forest Improvement Program (CFIP) is to encourage private and public investment in, and improved management of, California forest lands and resources. Cost-share assistance is provided to private and public ownerships containing 20 to 5,000 acres of forest land.  Cost-shared activities include: Pre-commercial thinning or release, pruning, follow-up (includes mechanical, herbicide and/or slash disposal follow-up, and more.

Fire Safe Council of Nevada County’s Access and Functional Needs Program (SNAP Program) which serves low-income and individuals with access and functional needs is currently accepting applications for their waiting list. Currently, no grant funds are available, however residents are encouraged to apply. When funds become available those on the list will be served first.

Fire Safe Council of Nevada County’s Chipping Program: Once you are done creating defensible

space around your home and roadway, the Fire Safe Council can help you process your green waste. Submit a request for assistance online, and the Fire Safe Council will help you chip your green waste for free. To ensure service to all applicants, service is limited to 4 hours, per customer, per application.

Fire Safe Council of Nevada County’s Defensible Space Advisory Program: Are you ready to create defensible space, but need some guidance to get started? One of the Fire Safe Council’s specially trained volunteer Defensible Space Advisors will meet you at your home to help you assess your wildfire risk and provide insights on how to make your home more resilient to wildfire. This service is free.

My Sierra Woods: Through local partnership, My Sierra Woods helps provide funding and support to qualified landowners to protect our beautiful forests and to restore conditions family forest lands throughout northern California.

• My Sierra Woods Project Overview
• Forest Biomass Transportation Incentive Program Overview

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): NRCS has a unique cost-share program, known as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. EQIP provides financial incentives to farmers, ranchers and timberland owners that apply approved conservation practices on their properties. NRCS helps to defray the costs by 50-75%. Typical practices in Nevada County include forest thinning and pruning, conversion of brush fields to timber land or range and pasture, irrigation system efficiency improvements, improving livestock distribution through fencing, and wildlife habitat. Since 1997 NRCS has distributed $4.6 million to landowners in Nevada County.

USDA Single Family Housing Repair Loans & Grants in California: Also known as the Section 504 Home Repair program, this provides loans to very-low-income homeowners to repair, improve or modernize their homes or grants to elderly very-low-income homeowners to remove health and safety hazards.

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which became law in 1970, reigns as the broadest environmental protection law in California. CEQA is a statute that requires state and local agencies to identify the potentially significant environmental impacts of a project and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible.

The basic purposes of CEQA are to:

• Inform governmental decision-makers and the public about the potential, significant environmental effects of proposed activities.
• Identify the ways that environmental impacts can be avoided or significantly reduced.
• Prevent significant, avoidable impacts to the environment by requiring changes in projects through the use of alternatives or mitigation measures when the governmental agency finds the changes to be feasible.
• Disclose to the public the reasons why a governmental agency approved the project in the manner the agency chose if significant environmental effects are involved.
• Encourage early coordination among agencies in reviewing projects.
• Provide better opportunities for public participation.

Most proposals for development will require the applicant to undergo at least some environmental review in compliance with CEQA. CEQA is required for projects that will have a substantial impact on the community. However, even small-size projects must follow the CEQA process, especially if they have adverse impacts on the environment. 

The Act focuses on the project applicant bearing the burden of the cost as the community assesses the project. In short, the public does not pay for this process. CEQA requires the governing agency to review the project in its totality, not one-off smaller pieces. This ensures the broadest impact is weighed and measured throughout this process.

Under CEQA governing bodies will undergo some form of environmental review in the form of an Initial Study. The governing body or lead agency must determine if the proposed project will have a limited impact on the environment or a large impact. In the case of limited impact, a negative declaration is made. However, on larger impact projects, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) must be prepared.

To follow CEQA guidelines, many documents must be generated. These documents include technical information about the project, the environment, traffic, air quality, aesthetics, etc. These documents also focus on applicable environmental laws and plans and how the impacts of said project can be reduced to a less than significant level. 

A project is a proposal (or any part of a proposal) requiring discretionary approval, which may result in physical changes to the environment. The CEQA Guidelines provide a clear definition of a project (Governor’s Office of Planning and Research). Some examples of projects are applications to change adopted plans (i.e. General Plan Amendments), road widening projects, use permit requests, and subdivisions of property. The term "project" refers to the activity that causes the environmental impact.

CEQA only applies to projects that require discretionary approval by a government agency. A discretionary approval requires the use of judgment on the part of the approver. For example, if you want to change the zoning on your property to subdivide the property for a housing development, a discretionary action would need to be taken by the Board of Supervisors. This simply means that the Board of Supervisors has a choice to either approve or disapprove your request.

CEQA also applies to ministerial (non-discretionary) projects, however may qualify for an exemption as allowed by CEQA. A project requiring only ministerial approval simply involves a comparison of a project with specific standards or checklists and checking for compliance. For example, a County Building Department may check your house plans against electric and plumbing standards to make sure that the plan complies with adopted safety and sanitary regulations. Generally, the issuance of a building permit consistent with zoning and other land-use regulations is a ministerial action.

The CEQA Guidelines outline certain types of projects that are not expected to impact the environment to be exempt from environmental review requirements. Some examples of exempt classes of projects, known as Categorical Exemptions, are:

• Repair, remodel, or minor additions to existing facilities;
• Construction of a single-family residence;
• Gardening, landscaping, or minor grading for a driveway or sidewalk,
• The creation of four or fewer parcels from one piece of land when public services are available and no variances or exceptions are required.

There are other exemptions under CEQA known as Statutory Exemptions. These are projects exempt from CEQA as determined by the State Legislature. For example, a project for restriping streets or highways to relieve traffic congestion or the installation of a new pipeline or the maintenance, or restoration of an existing pipeline as long as the project does not exceed one mile in length.

General Rule Exemptions are sometimes applied to proposals that are clearly not expected to impact the environment but do not fit into any of the specified exemptions categories of CEQA.

Even if a project is listed as an exempt class, it will be subject to environmental review if the lead agency determines that special circumstances exist that could result in an environmental impact. For example, a small parcel split that may otherwise be a candidate for an Exemption happens to be in the floodplain, contains special habitat, has a historic building, or other special characteristics that would trigger the need for environmental review. A project proposed on such a parcel is not likely to qualify for an exemption.

An Initial Study is a preliminary analysis of a project intended to:

• Serve as an informational document to be used by the public and by decision-makers when making choices about projects;
• Determine whether a project has the potential to cause significant environmental impacts;
• Decide whether an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required;
• Ensure that all potential areas of environmental impact are identified;
• Identify possible appropriate mitigation measures; and
• Assist in the preparation of an EIR by identifying the environmental impacts upon which an EIR should focus.

An Initial Study is used to make a determination if potentially significant impacts would occur. If there are significant impacts, the Initial Study identifies mitigation measures to reduce impacts to less than significant levels. In Nevada County, an Initial Study consists of a written report that addresses such issues as land use, access/circulation, traffic generation, drainage, air quality, noise, biological resources, impacts to trees, cultural resources, provision of public services, etc. An Initial Study Checklist is part of the staff report and provides a summary of potential environmental impacts in each area analyzed.

The term “Significant Impact" means substantial damage to the physical environment. Harmful changes to land, water, air, biological resources, wildlife, mineral resources, noise levels, and cultural resources are examples of physical impacts which are to be avoided whenever possible. Projects that substantially pollute the water supply, use prime farmland for nonagricultural purposes, cause substantial flooding, erosion, or affect rare and endangered species generally result in significant adverse impacts upon the environment. In some cases, generally accepted or adopted thresholds of significance are used.

If thresholds are exceeded, a determination of significant impact is made. Independent judgment and local circumstances also come into play in deciding whether a project may have the potential to cause substantial environmental harm. During the evaluation process, impacts will be assessed and quantified so that scientifically based findings of significant impact can be accurately reported. Sometimes, significant impacts are identified which can be eliminated or significantly reduced using various mitigation measures.

A mitigation measure is a requirement that is placed on a project to reduce or eliminate environmental impacts that will be caused by building the project. For example, if a development causes the removal of native oaks trees, there may be a requirement to redesign the project to save more trees as well as a requirement to replace those trees that could not be saved. Another example of a mitigation measure is to build a sound wall between a housing project and a noisy street to reduce traffic noise impacts.

The terms Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration are sometimes misunderstood. A Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration is simply a statement that a project will not create significant environmental harm, or that environmental impact has been mitigated to a less than significant level. A Negative Declaration (ND) or Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) is issued after an Initial Study has been prepared. It is a "positive" outcome for the project. If a project is approved with the use of a Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration, a Notice of Determination will be filed at the County Clerk’s Office stating that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment.

When an Initial Study indicates that a project has the potential to "significantly" impact the environment, CEQA requires that an EIR be prepared. An EIR is an informational document to be used by the decision-makers when making a decision about a project. CEQA does not require technical perfection in an EIR, but rather adequacy, completeness, and a good faith effort at full disclosure. In an EIR, significant environmental impacts (also called effects) are identified; methods (mitigation measures) for reducing or avoiding impacts are identified, and project alternatives are developed which seek to reduce or avoid environmental impacts.

• As part of the EIR process, the public provides input during the scoping process; this part of the process hones which environmental impacts will be studied and what type of environmental document will be needed.
• Once the Draft EIR document is circulated, and a formal comment period begins allowing agencies and the public to comment on the adequacy of the EIR, as outlined in the CEQA Guidelines. All received comments during the Draft EIR public comment are responded to in what is called a Final EIR.

Once the Final EIR (or MND in the case of a Mitigated Negative Declaration) is finished, the project planner can prepare the staff report for the hearing body/bodies. The environmental document only presents the results of an objective review based on facts. The staff report is the document that contains extensive staff analysis on the merits of the project and the recommendation as to whether a project should be approved or denied. The recommendation is based in part on the findings of the environmental review It also takes into account other considerations such as recommendations from an advisory commission such as the Agricultural Advisory Commission or the Nevada County Airport Land Use Commission. Also, the staff report ties in recommendations or findings from the General plan such as land use compatibility and consistency with established land-use policies. The actual decision to approve or deny a project rests with one or more of the following hearing bodies: Nevada County Board of Supervisors, Nevada County Planning Commission, or the Nevada County Zoning Administrator.

Once all the information is generated and reviewed, the lead agency must make the final decision to permit the project. Nevada County has adopted procedures that require a public hearing for all environmental documents (Environmental Impact Report, Negative Declaration, and Mitigated Negative Declaration) to provide an opportunity for written or oral comments by interested parties. During the public hearing, the County’s Planning Commission and/or Board of Supervisors accept public testimony on the environmental document, as well as the project itself. While many projects go through the CEQA process without issue. Once the lead agency gives its final determination, anyone who objects or is adversely impacted can challenge the project’s approval. This action may further develop the project, and/or bring additional mitigation or adaptation measures to the project.

The heart of CEQA is public disclosure. Public review is considered one of the most important parts of the CEQA process and is required under CEQA.

• The County is required to mail notices to the property owner of all properties which are located within 300 feet or 500 feet of the project site, depending on the parcel size.
• In addition, notice is published in a newspaper of general circulation and posted with the County Clerk Recorder’s office and on the County’s website.
• The County also mails notices to organizations and individuals who have previously requested such notice in writing.
• The notice of public hearing also specifies the environmental document type.
• Anyone can and is encouraged to comment upon the adequacy of environmental documents.
• For projects with the potential to cause serious environmental impacts, an agency is required to respond in writing to public concerns.
• The public review period for Negative Declarations and Mitigated Negative Declarations is 20-30 days depending upon the project.
• The review period for an EIR ranges from 30-60 days again depending upon project characteristics. For example, if an EIR requires review by state agencies, the review period will be at least 45 days.
• Public notices specify due dates for comments for each project.

The Pilot Program is for unpermitted cannabis only. This will include plants but may also include other violations such as unpermitted greenhouses, unpermitted grading, unpermitted electrical, etc. associated with the unpermitted cannabis cultivation.

• The program guidelines are specific in that only photos of the violation are taken. There will be no photos of persons. 
• The tool will only be operated vertically from a publicly accessible area or reporting party’s parcel when consent is provided.

• Cannabis Compliance Division field staff will operate the UAS.
• All UAS operators will obtain and maintain FAA licensing, which includes annual testing. Initial training is approximately 10-15 hours.

Data will be retained consistent with current record retention policies and procedures.

• Unpermitted cannabis cultivation negatively impacts the environment, public safety, wildfire preparedness, and the permitted growers working to build a new industry.
• This program will enhance enforcement efforts and the ability for staff to follow through with neighborhood complaints.
• Other tools such as helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are not cost-effective and time-consuming.

No, the UAS program will not include helicopters/fixed-wing aircraft Staff will continue to utilize other aircraft types when collaborating with local and state agencies to address unpermitted cannabis cultivation.  However, this is unrelated to this pilot program.

A one-time cost of $10,000 which includes the tool and initial staff training.

This will be a general fund allocation and/or costs will be recovered through the issuance and payment of administrative fines associated to unpermitted cannabis enforcement activities.  

The program will be operational approximately April 2022.

No, a search warrant is not required.

If an accident or disabling of the tool occurs, the cannabis program manager is notified immediately, and an incident report is filed with the County Risk Management Department.  Additionally, as required by law, the FAA is notified within 10 days.

During sentencing, a Judge will decide if a person is eligible to apply for alternative sentencing through the Nevada County Sheriff's Office. This will be indicated on the sentencing paperwork. 

Home Detention / Electronic Home Monitoring

A person is confined to their own residence

May only leave for work or to attend a court ordered class

A GPS tracking monitor is placed on a person's ankle for the duration of the sentence

Weekender program

A person spends 2-3 consecutive days per week in the jail for the total duration of the sentence

No

While there are many things that may cause someone to be denied, automatic disqualifications include:

A person sentenced to jail for any sex crime

A person who has current, unsentenced charges in any jurisdiction

A person who tests positive for any use of alcohol or drugs, including THC

Complete the fillable Alternative Sentencing Application (PDF) and collect the required documents

At least 30 days prior to the court-ordered commitment date, call or e-mail the alternative sentencing officer for an appointment. This appointment will be to turn in the application and required documentation.

Call 530-265-1291

Email Alternative Sentencing 

Yes. There are a number of things that may cause a person to be removed from the program. These include, but are not limited to:

Tampering with or removing a GPS tracking monitor, unscheduled boundary violations

Testing positive for the use of any alcohol or drugs, including THC

Arriving late for any weekend, without prior approval from the Alternative Sentencing Officer

New criminal charges, to include a warrant

Violation of facility rules

You will be required to complete the remainder of your sentence in the jail. 

• Parents may have problems receiving benefits, obtaining a passport, social security number, welfare, and/or may have citizenship problems.
• The child may have problems with school admission.
• The birth certificate will become a two-page document to add the child’s name.
• It may take up to one year to apply an amendment adding the name.

• Once a birth certificate is registered with a child’s name, the name (s) may only be changed with a court order.
• The Court Order Change of Name will be attached to the child’s birth certificate making it a two-page document.
• It may take up to one year to apply the Court Order Change of Name.

• California law requires that the parents use their full birth names.
• Parents may have problems obtaining a passport for the child and/or leaving the country.
• If an alias or also known as (AKA) is used the parents must petition the court for an Adjudication of Facts of Parentage for a determination of parentage.
• It may take up to one year to process the Adjudication of Facts of Parentage.

• Depending on the error, the parent may be required to go to court to make the change.
• Name changes require a court order. See number 2.
• Gender errors may be corrected. See number 5.
• Other errors may be amended; however, a fee is required after one year of the date of birth.
• The processing time for an amendment is approximately one year.

• An Affidavit to Amend a Record may be applied to the birth certificate.
• The affidavit should be signed by one of the following: the birthing hospital indicating that it is a hospital error; the local registrar indicating it was an administrative error; or the physician in attendance of the birth indicating the gender was reported incorrectly.
• Upon receipt of the affidavit and fee, a new birth certificate will be prepared for the child correcting the gender.
• The processing time for the creation of a new birth certificate takes approximately one year.

• Upon payment of the required fee, the father’s name may be added after the birth certificate is registered.
• If the parents are unmarried the parents must sigh the Acknowledgement of Paternity (VS 22) and Declaration of Paternity (CS 909).
• If the parents are married, they must sign the VS 22 and provide a copy of their marriage certificate.
• If both parents are not available to sign the paperwork, an Adjudication of Facts of Parentage (VS 21) will be necessary to add the father’s name.
• The processing time for the creation of a new birth certificate takes approximately one year.

• If the parent does not sign the birth certificate they do not have the opportunity to make sure everything on the certificate is correct.
• It may take up to one year to amend a birth certificate.
• The birth certificate will become a two-page document if an amended needs to be done.

Moved to Penn Valley as a kid

Was awarded a football scholarship to St. Edwards College in Texas - The Union, May 2005

Served in the U.S. Army Air Corps - The Union, May 2005

An 8-time Sheriff, 32 total years from 1950 - 1982

Started with 6 deputies, 1 of whom worked in Truckee. The department grew tenfold while he was in office. 

Involved in many community activities, joining the Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, the Shriners, Grass Valley Native Sons, Grass Valley Elks, the state Sheriff's Association, and orchestrating large picnics. - The Union, May 2005

He passed away in 2000

"Touched the lives of many, embodying the compassion, tenacity and dedication expected of the county's top law-enforcer" - The Union, May 2005

NCDEH recommends you visit our main office to review the facility’s file before purchase. A Business Advisory is required for all “Change of Ownerships”. A Business Advisory is a scheduled onsite inspection with one of our Consumer Protection Specialists. Any improvement to the facility involving food areas (storage, prep, cooking) requires a Food Facility Plan Check. Lastly, an application and payment for a Certificate of Operation (Annual Permit) are required. All forms and Applications can be found on our website. 

Three complete sets of plans and specifications must be submitted to NCDEH along with an Agreement to Pay form. A separate building permit may also be required, check with the local municipalities Building Department. 

Permits may be paid by check, cash, money order or credit card in person at our CDA office located at the address at the top of this page. Additionally, you can pay online with a virtual check or credit card. Please click here to be directed to our online payment page. 

NCDEH’s permit year is from November 1 – October 31. Invoices are sent out annually at the end of September for all food facility permits. If nothing has changed, you can pay your annual permit fee online, please be sure to have your Invoice Number on hand. Visit our Food Facilities Page for more information. 

No home preparation or home storage of food is allowed unless you have a Cottage Food permit. Please go to our Cottage Food Operations page for more information. 

California State Law requires that each food facility must have at least one owner/employee that has passed a state-approved food safety certification exam. Nevada County does not currently provide training and testing.  

There are currently no requirements for glove use in food service establishments, however a “no bare hands” policy is recommended and encouraged for handling ready-to-eat foods (e.g. sandwiches, salads, etc.). Contamination of food by the hands of food handlers is an important cause of foodborne illness outbreaks. Gloves and utensils can be used to minimize bare hand contact. 

Employees who have cuts, sores or rashes on their hands, or those with orthopedic support devices such as casts or braces that cannot be cleaned properly must wear gloves while preparing food. 

It is recommended that you avoid latex gloves since it is estimated that 10% of the population contain latex allergies. Polyvinyl, nitrile, chloroprene or Polyethylene are recommended as alternative materials to latex. Make sure to use high-quality durable gloves to minimize leaking and tearing, and have different sizes available to ensure a proper fit. Always make sure to wash hands thoroughly before and after glove use, including when changing into a new pair of gloves. 

It’s recommended that you change gloves as frequently as possible. Especially when: 

 Changing tasks: moving to a new station, after handling raw meats, before handling ready-to-eat foods 

 After cleaning duties 

 After covering mouth during sneezing or coughing, blowing nose, or touching hair 

A CFO is an enterprise at private home where specific low-risk food products, which do not require refrigeration, are prepared or repackaged for sale. A cottage food operator is an individual who operates a cottage food operation in his or her private home and is the owner of the cottage food operation. 

“Private home” means a dwelling, including an apartment or other leased space, where the CFO operator resides. 

Yes: A CFO can have one full-time equivalent employee (not counting family members). 

Yes: CFO sales are limited to no more than $75,000 for Class A and $150,000 for Class B of gross sales per calendar year.

Only foods that are defined as “non-potentially hazardous” are approved for preparation by CFOs. These are foods that do not require refrigeration to keep them safe from bacterial growth that may cause illness. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will establish and maintain a list of these approved foods and will establish a process by which new foods can be added to the list and other foods can be challenged and removed. Please contact the CDPH for more information regarding non-potentially hazardous foods.

 Class A: CFOs are only allowed to engage in “direct sale” of cottage food.

 Class B: CFOs may engage in both “direct sale” and “indirect sale” of cottage food.

“Direct sale” means a transaction within the state of California between a CFO operator and a consumer, where the consumer purchases the cottage food product directly from the CFO. Direct sales include, but are not limited to, transactions at holiday bazaars or other temporary events, such as bake sales or food swaps, transactions at permitted farm stands and certified farmers’ markets, through community-supported agriculture subscriptions, transactions occurring in person in the cottage food operation and transactions made via the phone, internet, or any other digital method. A direct sale may be fulfilled in person, via mail delivery, or using any other third-party delivery service.