City Attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is the City Attorney selected?
- Does the City Attorney advise private citizens on legal matters?
- Where can I get a copy of the Salinas City Code?
- How do I report a potential code violation of the Salinas City Code?
- What department handles issues related to traffic signals & stop signs?
- What department handles issues related to overflowing sewer lines, sidewalks, trees and street maintenance?
- Who can I contact to help me with a specific problem in my neighborhood?
- Where can someone go if they are ordered to vacate from residential rental units that are deemed unsafe and/or dangerous by the City’s Code Enforcement Division?
- Where can I find a signed copy of a resolution or ordinance the City has adopted?
- How do I file a claim with the City of Salinas?
- How do I obtain a claim form?
- How long do I have to file a claim?
- What should I attach to a claim form?
- Once a claim has been filed, what happens next?
- Where do I file a Small Claims court action?
- How do I inspect or obtain a copy of a public record in the City of Salinas?
Q. How is the City Attorney selected?
A. The City Attorney is appointed by the City Council.
Q. Does the City Attorney advise private citizens on legal matters?
A. No. The City Attorney cannot provide legal advice to private citizens on personal legal matters. The following organizations may be helpful to citizens seeking legal assistance:
Organizations for Legal Assistance Monterey County Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service (831) 663-6955 State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Service (866) 442-2529 California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) (831) 757-5221 Legal Services for Seniors (831) 442-7700 Monterey County Self Help Center (831) 647-5890
Q.Where can I get a copy of the Salinas City Code?
A .The Salinas City Codemay be viewed from the City’s website or at the Office of the City Clerk, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas, CA 93901.
Q. How do I report a potential violation of the Salinas City Code?
A.You may contact the Code Enforcement Division of the Development & Engineering Department at (831) 758-7157.
Q.What department handles issues related to traffic signals &
stop signs?
A.You may contact the Department of Development & Engineering at
(831) 758-7241, or you may attend a meeting of the Traffic & Transportation Commission which meets on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Rotunda.
Q. What department handles issues related to overflowing sewer lines, sidewalks, trees and street maintenance?
A. You may contact the Maintenance Services Department at (831) 758-7233.
Q. Who can I contact to help me with a specific problem in my neighborhood?
A.You may contact the Neighborhood Services Coordinators who can assist you in identifying resources at (831) 758-7382 or (831) 758-7993.
Q.Where can someone go if they are ordered to vacate from residential rental units that are deemed unsafe and/or dangerous by the City’s Code Enforcement Division?
A. Displaced tenants can contact California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA), located at 3 Williams Road, Salinas, CA 93905, (831) 757-5221, for information and referrals to local emergency housing/shelter agencies.
Q. Where can I find a signed copy of a resolution or ordinance the City has adopted?
A. The Office of the City Clerk maintains records of official City documents. You may contact the City Clerk’s office at (831) 758-7381.
Q.How do I file a claim with the City of Salinas?
A.The City has a standard claim form that may be used to file a claim for money damages against the City. Completed forms must be filed with the Office of the City Clerk, located at City Hall, 200 Lincoln Ave., Salinas, CA 93901.
Q. How do I obtain a claim form?
A. You may print this form from the City Clerk’s page of the City of Salinas website or pick up a copy at the Office of the City Clerk.
Q. How long do I have to file a claim?
A. The Government Tort Claims Act establishes the time limits for filing a claim relating to death or injury to a person, personal property or growing crops (see Government Code Section 911.2). Generally, a claim relating to death or injury to person or to personal property shall be filed within six (6) months from the date of occurence.
Q. What should I attach to a claim form?
A. You must provide a breakdown of how you computed the amount claimed. Attach copies of repair estimates, photographs, receipts, wage loss verification, and any other documents supporting your claim.
Q. Once a claim has been filed, what happens next?
A. The claim will be forwarded to the City Attorney’s Office for review, investigation, and resolution. It is our practice when possible to complete our investigation within 45 days of receiving your claim. Some claims may take longer depending on the complexity. Notice of determination of your claim will be sent to you via mail. You may call the City Attorney’s office at
(831) 758-7256 if you have any questions.
Q. Where do I file a Small Claims court action?
A. Superior Court of California, County of Monterey, 1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940, (831) 647-5800.
Q. How do I inspect or obtain a copy of a public record in the City of Salinas?
A. To review or receive a copy of a public record you must first make a request to the City department that has the records you are interested in reviewing. Refer to California Public Records Act for additional information.