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1. How can I pay my water bill?

Water bill payments are accepted at the utilities service counter at City Hall (8650 California Avenue). The counter is open Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., we are closed on Fridays. Cash and check payments only. For your convenience there are 2 drop boxes for check payments at City Hall and an ATM on-site.

2. How do I apply for a job?

Current job opportunities are listed on the Human Resources page. Applications can be dropped off in person at the Civic Center next to City Hall, located at 8680 California Avenue. Human Resources/Risk Management Page

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1. When are City Council meetings held?

Meetings are held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month starting at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers located in City Hall, 8650 California Avenue, South Gate. Agendas are available online and at the City Clerk’s Office. Most Recent City Council Agenda

2. How can I find out what is on the agenda for a particular City Council meeting?

Agendas are posted in accordance with and in compliance with Brown Act requirements. Agendas for regularly scheduled city council meetings are posted at least 72 hours before the meeting. The City Council agenda is posted at the two posting boards outside City Hall and at both the Weaver Library and the Hollydale Library. The complete agenda packet is posted online the Thursday prior to the upcoming City Council meeting and in the City Clerk’s Office. Most Recent City Council Agenda

3. If I go to a City Council meeting how do I address the council?

At every Regular City Council meeting there is "Comments from the Audience." During this time, members of the public and staff may address the City Council regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. Comments from the audience will be limited to 5 minutes per speaker unless authorized by the Mayor. There will be no debate or action on items not listed on the agenda unless authorized by law. Please call 323-563-9510 for more information.

4. How do I get a copy of the City Council meeting minutes?

Minutes are posted online or can be requested at the City Clerk’s Office as soon as they are approved by the City Council at a regularly scheduled Council Meeting. All Agendas and Minutes

5. How do I submit a Public Records Request?

You may request records online, by telephone, in writing, email, or by visiting City Hall (8650 California Avenue). Whichever method you use to request records from the City Clerk's Office, be as specific as you can as to the records you are looking for and also provide a specific time frame associated with the request. The Clerk's Office has 10 days in which to determine if the records are subject to disclosure. Upon payment of fee, records are either emailed, mailed or left with City Clerk staff to be picked up. Please call 323-563-9510 for more information. Click here to submit online request.

6. Is there a fee for city records?

Copies (emailed or paper) for city records is $0.25 per page. However, for documents related to Campaign Disclosures under the Political Reform Act, the charge is $0.10 per page. Audio copies of City meetings are available for $5 per CD. Please call 323-563-9510 for more information.

7. Who accepts claims against the City of South Gate?

Claims against the City are accepted by the City Clerk’s Office. Please note that the City Clerk’s Office does not process claims against the City, this Office simply accepts the forms and submits them to the Administrative Services Department. A $29.00 filing fee is required for the filing of all liability claims. Claimants must submit the filing fee with the claim form.

City of South Gate Liability Claim Form

8. Where can I find a current salary chart for City Council Members, Elected Officials and employee’s of the City of South Gate?

This information is available as a Public Records Request through the City Clerk’s Office, and is available as part of the City’s Budget. Please call 323-563-9510 for more information.

9. Where can I find a list of phone numbers for different departments in city?

A city department phone list can be found in the City Clerk’s Office, and is available on the website. Staff Directory

10. How can I apply to be on a City Commission?

The City of South Gate encourages public participation in local government through its advisory bodies. These are boards, commissions, committees, and task forces that deal with a variety of issues and make recommendations to the City Council. Applicants must be city residents, and registered city voters. All applications will be kept on file for 1 year. Forms are available online and also in the City Clerk’s Office. Commissioner Application (PDF)

11. Where do I get a dog license?

Dog licenses are available through the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA):
9777 Seaaca Street
Downey, CA 90242

Call 562-803-3301 for more information.

12. What are the addresses and phone numbers of the libraries in South Gate?

Leland R. Weaver Library
4035 Tweedy Boulevard
South Gate, CA 90280
Phone: 323-567-8853

Hollydale Library
12000 Garfield Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280
Phone: 562-602-8016

13. What are the days and hours of operation for the City Museum?

The museum is open Wednesday’s from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

14. Are birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and other vital records available through the City Clerk’s Office?

These records are provided by the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder located at:
12400 E. Imperial Highway
Norwalk, CA 90650

Please call 562-462-2137 for more information.

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1. What if I am not sure that what I see is a violation?

Please call it in anyway. When your complaint is taken in you will be advised if it is a violation. You may contact the Code Enforcement Division at 323-563-9558 or via email to report a violation.

2. What happens once I call in my complaint?

The complaint is logged in and given a complaint number. That complaint is then forwarded to the Code Enforcement Officer assigned to that area. In most cases, a notice requesting an inspection will be sent out to the property owner and an inspection scheduled. If a violation is found to be valid a notice of correction is issued to the owner and/or tenant and a specific time for compliance given. Subsequent follow-up inspections will be conducted until compliance is obtained.

Please call 323-563-9558 to file or check in on a complaint.

3. Do I have to give you my name and address?

No. However, you may leave your name and number if you wish to be contacted regarding the complaint. Please call 323-563-9558 to register a complaint.

4. How can I file a complaint in the evenings or on weekends?

Use the following link to find out how to file a complaint: How to File a Complaint

5. I have a garage that I don't use for parking, can I use for a playroom or bedroom?

Please contact the City's Planning Division at (323) 563-9526 to verify if your property meets the development standards to convert the garage into a living space per the City's Code. Community Development Department Page

6. I want to build a bathroom inside my garage so that my children can use it instead of coming in the house all the time. Do I need a permit?

Please call the Planning Division at 323-563-9514 for more information.

7. I want to build a small room to store gardening tools and my trash cans. Do I need a permit?

You do not need a permit to build a structure that is 120 square feet or less (approximately 10 feet by 12 feet) if it is a minimum of 6 feet away from other structures, and 3 feet from the property line. Please call the Building and Safety Division at 323-563-9549 for more information.

8. What does not require a building permit?

Use the following link to find out what projects do not require building permits: Projects Not Requiring Permits

9. What are some of the common items that require a permit?

Please follow the provided link to learn what projects do require a permit: Projects Requiring Permits

10. Where can I get more information on specific Code Requirements?

You can obtain more information regarding code requirements at the Building and Safety Counter (8650 California Avenue), Monday - Thursday from 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. (City Hall closes Fridays). The cut off time for permit issuance or plan submittal is 4:30 p.m. Payments are accepted in cash or checks (no credit card or debit card payments). Please call 323-563-9549 for more information.

11. Where can I report Graffiti to be removed?

Graffiti Removal is offered citywide at no cost by calling the 24-hour Graffiti Hotline at 323-563-5793.

12. Can I schedule a large item pick-up?

Large Item Pick-up at no cost is available by calling Waste Management at 800-225-0175 (once a month pick-up).

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1. When are elections held in South Gate?

Elections are held in odd-numbered years and in accordance with established city ordinances. Elections are held in staggered terms, meaning that every 2 years in the odd-numbered years, there are either 2 seats for City Council, 1 seat for City Treasurer, and 1 seat for City Clerk; or 3 seats for City Council up for reelection.

2. How do I register to vote?

Registration forms are available at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall (8650 California Avenue). Your local post office and the Los Angeles County Registrar Recorder (12400 E Imperial Highway, Norwalk) also have the forms available. Voter registration is processed by the California Secretary of State's Office. Register to Vote

3. How do I find my polling place during an election?

Find your polling place by calling the City Clerk's Office at 323-563-9573, or online. Find Your Polling Place

4. What is the deadline to register to vote?

In California the deadline to register to vote for any election is 15 days before Election Day. Please call 323-563-9573 for more information.

5. What is a provisional ballot?

While provisional voting may be relatively new in some areas of the country, California's provisional voting statutes have been in effect since 1984. First, provisional voting ensures that no properly registered voter is denied their right to cast a ballot if that voter's name is not on the polling place roster due to a clerical, processing, computer, or other error. Second, provisional voting allows elections officials to ensure that no voter votes twice, either intentionally or inadvertently, in a given election.

Please call 323-563-9573 for more information.

6. What if I want to work at the polls? How do I apply?

To be a poll worker you must be a registered voter in Los Angeles County. Poll workers receive a maximum stipend of $125. Inspectors receive a maximum stipend of $200. You must serve all day on Election Day to receive training stipend.

Election Day hours are approximately from 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please call the City Clerk’s Office 323-563-9573. Poll worker applications for the March 3, 2015 Election had to be received by January 19, 2015. Poll Worker Application

7. Where can I see a precinct map for the City of South Gate?

City of South Gate precinct maps can be viewed at the City Clerk’s Office:
8650 California Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280

Please call 323-563-9573 for more information.

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1. What is fair housing?

Fair housing can be defined as a condition in which individuals of similar income levels in the same housing market have a like range of housing choice available to them regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, age, gender, marital status, familial status, source of income, sexual orientation, or disability. Please call 562-989-1206 or toll free at 800-446-3247 for more information.

2. What is housing discrimination?

Housing discrimination is unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals, in the area of housing and real estate, based on the individual's protected class. Please call 562-989-1206 or toll free at 800-446-3247 for more information.

3. What guarantees my right to fair housing?

The right to fair housing is assured by a variety of federal and state laws, primarily the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988, and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, which make it unlawful to discriminate in renting, selling, financing, and insuring housing. Please call 562-989-1206 or toll free at 800-446-3247 for more information.

4. What should I do if I have a complaint?

If you believe you have been denied housing or the opportunity to apply for housing in the city because of a protected characteristic, you may contact the Fair Housing Foundation at 800-446-3247 or visit us online for free counseling and assistance. Fair Housing Foundation Website

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1. Do I need a permit for a wrought iron fence?

No. A chain link or wrought iron fence must maintain a height of 5 feet maximum in the first 20 feet of front yard and side yard of the property. Any fencing after the first 20 feet front and side yard setback can be built up to 6 feet maximum. Please call 323-563-9514 for more information.

2. Do I need a permit for a solid block wall or a combination of block wall with wrought iron?

Yes. A solid block wall must maintain a height of 3 feet maximum in the first 20 feet of the front yard and side yard setbacks. Any fencing after this 20 feet side setback will be allowed to be built up to 6 feet maximum height.

A combination block wall with wrought iron fencing must maintain a height of 4 feet high maximum for pilasters with a height of 5 feet high maximum iron fencing in the first 20 feet of the front yard and side yard setbacks. Any fencing after this 20 feet side yard setback will be allowed to be built up to 6 feet maximum height. Please call 323-563-9526 for more information.

3. What do I need to submit to get a permit for a block wall?

You must provide a Site Plan, drawn to scale on an 8 1/2 x 11, indicating the location of where the proposed fence will be built. The length of the proposed fence must be shown on your plans. All structures including Garage, Dwelling, Patio Cover, etc., must be shown. Download the Site Plan Sample for more information.

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1. I want to have a garage sale but cannot come to City Hall during business hours to obtain the permit. Can someone get the license for me?

Yes, choose a friend / family member that can get the license on your behalf. Print a letter stating they have your permission to obtain a garage sale permit under your name. Your friend / family member can then bring in the printed letter along with your ID and their ID to obtain the permit. All other restrictions apply, please refer to the Garage Sale Permits page for more information. Garage Sale Permits Page

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1. Where can I get route maps?

Gate maps are located both on the buses and in the Transit Office located inside the Sports Center in South Gate Park:
9520 Hildreth Avenue
South Gate, CA 90280

Maps are also available online: GATE Route Map (PDF)

2. Does the GATE operate during holidays?

The GATE does not operate during the following holidays: Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Memorial Day. For more information please call 323-563-5754.

3. Are there any other special discounts?

The “Ride the GATE to Work for Free Program” allows certain individuals to ride at no charge. This includes high school and college/vocational students, and any employee with a valid identification card. Enrollment is not necessary. Identification card must be presented to driver at time of boarding. Call 323-563-5754 to learn more.

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1. Is the South Gate Housing Authority currently accepting applications?

The SGHA is not currently accepting applications.

2. Does the City of South Gate have rent control?

Yes, please click here to read AB 1482 regarding rent control. 

3. Who do I contact if I am an owner and I am having issues with my tenant?

Contact the Fair Housing Foundation (800-446-3247).

4. Who do I contact if I am a tenant and I am having issues with my landlord?

Contact the Fair Housing Foundation (800-446-3247).

5. Do you know of any other Housing Authorities that are currently accepting applications?

Here is a link to all the Housing Agencies in California
http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/states/california/renting/hawebsites

6. Does the South Gate Housing Authority screen the family for suitable as renters?

The SGHA does not screen families for their suitability as renters. This is a responsibility of the property owner. However, the current address and name of landlord, as well as the previous address and the name of the previous landlord may be requested by the prospective landlord.

7. Can I use my own lease agreement?

Yes, an owner is required to use their own lease agreement. However, you must attach the tenancy addendum containing HUD proscriptions and federal provisions will also be required.

8. What are the conditions for unit approval?

A unit must pass a housing quality standard inspection and the rent must be reasonable. These two requirements are necessary for health and safety reasons and to make sure that rents families are paying are consistent with program rents. The unit inspection checklist and list commonly failed items can be viewed in our forms library.

9. What is the purpose of rent reasonableness?

The purpose is to ensure that rents are similar with unassigned rents in the community, and to make sure that Section 8 participants are not being charged more than non-participants.

10. How much of a security deposit can a property owner collect?

You must contact the Fair Housing Foundation (800-446-3247) to verify the amount.

11. How often will my rental unit be inspected?

Your rental unit will be inspected at least once a year. However, a supervisory inspection may be conducted in that same year per HUD regulations.

12. When can a property owner raise the rent?

The rent may be increased after the expiration of the initial lease term. However, a rent increase cannot be processed unless an advanced 60-day notice beginning the first of the month is provided to the tenant and the SGHA. Also, the increased rent must always be comparable to similar unassisted rents in the area.

13. What if the property is sold?

The owner must contact the South Gate Housing Agency prior to the sale of the property. The new owner must also contact the South Gate Housing Authority in order to fill out and submit documentation necessary to complete the change of ownership. If the new owners should decide not to rent to the current Section 8 participant they must provide a ninety day notice to the tenant and the SGHA but are still require to submit the proper paperwork in order to receive payment for those months.

14. What document between the owner and the Housing Authority is required?

A written contract provided by the Housing Authority is needed. This is a program requirement and the purpose of the contract is to legally provide housing assistance payments on behalf of an eligible family.

15. What is contract rent?

The contract rent is the total amount of rent that the Housing Authority authorizes as reasonable for a unit occupied by a family receiving assistance.

16. Does the City of South Gate have a first-time homebuyers program?

No, the City of South Gate does not currently have a first-time homebuyers program.

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1. What is a TAP card and why do I need one?

Metro no longer issues stickers. Everyone wishing to purchase a monthly fare is required to obtain a Transit Access Pass (TAP) card. TAP cards can be electronically loaded with your monthly fare at the Transit Office 9520 Hildreth Avenue. Please call 323-563-5754 for more information.

2. How do I purchase my monthly bus fare through the City of South Gate?

South Gate residents with eligible bus passes (Reduced Fare TAP cards) may purchase their monthly bus fare at the Transit Office (9520 Hildreth Avenue) by presenting their South Gate METRO card and bus pass (TAP card). Eligible passes include Senior/Disabled, K-12 and College/Vocational passes. General fare passes are not sold at the Transit Office. Please call 323-563-5754 for more information.

3. How do I obtain a South Gate METRO Card?

Bring a valid picture ID and utility bill with your name and address to the Transit Office (9520 Hildreth Avenue). For K-12 students bring any recent correspondence with the student’s name printed on it (Example: Report Card containing name and address). Please call 323-563-5754 for more information.

4. When can I purchase a monthly fare?

You may purchase your monthly fare Monday - Friday, Noon - 6 p.m., and 1st and last Saturday of every month from Noon - 3 p.m. Passes are good for 30 days from the first use on the bus. Please call 323-563-5754 for more information.

5. My tap card is not working. What can I do?

If your TAP card is not working properly contact Metro Customer Service by calling 866-827-8646, and speak to someone regarding your reduced bus pass. Please keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

6. Do I have to be present to purchase my bus pass?

You are not required to be present to purchase your monthly fare. Someone else may purchase your pass by presenting your valid South Gate METRO Card and TAP card. Call 323-563-5754 to learn more.

7. Will the fare price change when I begin using a TAP card?

For residents of South Gate the fare price will remain the same: Senior / Disabled $10, K-12 Students $17, College / Vocational $25. To find out more please call 323-563-5754.

8. Can I buy more than 1 month?

You can load up to 6 months of fare on your TAP card. Call 323-563-5754 to find out more.

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1. What is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is a Crime Prevention Program that involves a group of residents living in the same area who want to make their neighborhood safer by working in conjunction with law enforcement to reduce crime and improve their quality of life.

2. Does Neighborhood Watch work?

Yes, Neighborhood Watch has proven to be an effective program made successful by its participants.

3. What are the benefits of a Neighborhood Watch program?

A reduction in crime, a better quality of life, a greater sense of security, responsibility, and personal control, it helps build community pride, prepares residents to help others and themselves in their community, provides law enforcement agencies with volunteer support year round by being an extra set of eyes and ears for the South Gate Police Department.

4. Who can be a part of Neighborhood Watch?

Anyone who lives in the city of South Gate can participate whether they live in an apartment complex, condominium complex, townhouse, or single family home.

5. Can minors participate in Neighborhood Watch?

Yes, any member of a participating household is considered part of the Neighborhood Watch. However, some activities are only appropriate for adults.

6. How do you start a Neighborhood Watch group?

Residents interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group would need to contact the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at 323-563-5465. Contact neighbors and find out what is the best time for them to meet. Schedule the meeting and distribute flyers 7-10 days prior, inviting neighbors to the Neighborhood Watch meeting.

7. How big does our Neighborhood Watch group have to be?

A major function of Neighborhood Watch is for neighbors to keep an eye on each other's homes and watch for suspicious criminal activity. Therefore, you do not want your Neighborhood Watch group to be bigger than what would allow the watch group to be effective. An average city block is about the right size for a Neighborhood Watch group.

8. Does everyone in the Neighborhood Watch group have to live on the same street?

We encourage members of a Neighborhood Watch group to live on the same street being that each block has different issues or concerns regarding their area. It also makes it easier for residents to lookout for each other.

9. How much time is involved in being part of a Neighborhood Watch group?

Neighborhood Watch requires a minimum amount of time. Residents are asked to participate in Neighborhood Watch meetings and other activities which include Street Beautification projects, Potlucks to get to know neighbors, etc.

10. How long do Neighborhood Watch meetings last?

Meetings usually last 1-2 hours depending on the topic that is being discussed and / or questions that are being asked.

11. What happens at the Neighborhood Watch meetings?

The first meeting will consist of an introduction to the Neighborhood Watch. Residents will have an opportunity to share concerns and ask questions regarding the program. Future meeting topics will be based on what the residents would like to discuss or learn about. If there is a specific topic residents would like to learn about or obtain more information on, the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator can provide resources and if possible, obtain a guest speaker. After the first meeting, it will be up to the Block Captain and neighbors to schedule and coordinate future meetings. It is the responsibility of the individual Neighborhood Watch groups to keep the program active.

12. What topics can the meetings be about?

Meetings can be but are not limited to the following topics: Concerns or Issues happening in the neighborhood, Personal Safety, Home Safety, Observing & Reporting Suspicious Activity, Gang Awareness, Drug / Narcotics Awareness, Identity Theft / Fraud, Sexual Assault / Sex Offenders, Domestic Violence, Emergency Preparedness, Community Policing, Traffic and Internet Crimes. Meetings can also consist of potlucks or barbecues to give residents the opportunity to get to know each other as well as Neighborhood Beautification projects that help bring the community together.

13. What are the qualifications to be a Block Captain?

Will sustain the effort.

Gets along with people and listens constructively.

Uses good communication and negotiating skills.

Will delegate tasks.

Conducts meetings effectively and efficiently.

Has a long-range vision of neighborhood and community improvement.

Embraces the position as a civic duty.

14. What are the responsibilities of a Block Captain?

Block Captains and Alternates are liaisons between the Neighborhood Watch group and the police department. They schedule Neighborhood Watch meetings, maintain a current membership roster, and distribute flyers or other information to the community.

15. How do Neighborhood Watch groups communicate?

Neighborhood Watch groups communicate through telephone rosters, flyers, emails, cell phones, and text messages.

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1. What do I need to present in order to register?

Registrants 62 years and older must present a valid state issued photo ID and proof of residency. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill or correspondence from medical providers, school or government agencies containing registrant’s name and South Gate address in printed form. Disabled residents must provide the same documents plus proof of disability. Hand written documents are not accepted. Please call 323-563-5754 for more information.

2. What days can I register?

Enrollment is available from Monday - Friday, 12:30 - 5:30 p.m. You are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 323-563-5754.

3. I just registered for the Phone-A-Ride program. When will I receive my card?

Your card will be mailed to you in approximately 3 weeks after the date you registered. You may start using the program when you receive your card. Call 323-563-5754 for more information.

4. I am renewing my Phone-A-Ride service. Will I be receiving a new Phone-A-Ride card?

Once you renew your card a renewal label will be placed on your card to indicate the status and you will continue to use the same card. For more information call 323-563-5754.

5. What can I do if my card is lost or stolen?

If your card becomes misplaced please report it to the Transit Office immediately at 323-563-5754. Replacement cards are $5. You will receive your replacement card by mail in about 2 weeks, and may resume using the service at that time.

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1. What time does the pool open?

Depending on the season, the swimming pool may be open Monday - Thursday, 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Weekends Noon - 4:30 p.m. Closed on Fridays except in the summer. Call 323-563-5446 for specific program time.

2. Do I have to wear a swim suit?

Yes. All individuals wishing to swim must wear a proper swim suit. Swim suit material is usually made of a mix of nylon, Lycra, polyester, and spandex. Check with your local sporting goods or department store. Please call 323-563-5446 for more information.

3. When is swim lesson registration?

Swim lesson registration is usually held the Saturday following the last class of the previous session. Our classes are held month to month, twice a week for 4 weeks. Please call 323-563-5446 for specific date, times, and information on what to bring to registration.

4. Is the pool open when it’s cold?

Yes, we are open all year long. The pool temperature is kept at 82 degrees and the pool area temperature is 81 degrees. Please call 323-563-5446 with any additional questions.

5. Can I enter the water with both of my small children?

No, 1 adult per child. Every small child under the age of 8 and 48” tall must be accompanied by 1 adult 18 years or older. Call 323-563-5446 for more information.