Q. What hours are the libraries open? Where are they located?
| Central Library 7111 Talbert Avenue, (714) 842-4481 |
|
|---|---|
| Monday | 1 p.m. - 9 p.m. |
| Tues, Wed, Thurs | 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. |
| Friday & Saturday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Sunday | 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Banning Branch 9281 Banning Ave, (714) 375-5005 |
|
|---|---|
| Tues, Wed, Thurs | 12 p.m. - 9 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Closed Sunday & Monday | |
| Main Street Branch 525 Main Street, (714) 375-5071 |
|
|---|---|
| Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Closed Sunday & Monday | |
| Helen Murphy Branch 15882 Graham Street, (714) 375-5006 |
|
|---|---|
| Tues, Wed, Thurs | 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Friday & Saturday | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
| Closed Sunday & Monday | |
| Oak View Branch1 7251 Oak Lane, (714) 375-5068 |
|
|---|---|
| Monday - Thursday | 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. |
| Closed Saturday & Sunday | |
Q. What are the qualifications to receive a free HB library card?
A. You must be a permanent resident of Huntington Beach, own a business in the City, or own property. Cards are nontransferable, and may be issued to an individual only. No family, group, or organization cards will be issued.
Q What documentation is needed to receive a free HB library card?
A. Applications are available at any of the library locations. Adults - You must show valid photo identification and two items with your name and current address (utility bills, preprinted checks, credit card bills, car registration).
Minors - A parent or guardian must be present when applying and sign the application.
Q. How much are library cards for non-residents and what do I need to do to get one?
A. The cost for a non-resident card is $25. The documentation requirements are the same as above.
Q. Does the Huntington Beach Public Library have a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden, Art Museum, the Dead Sea Scrolls or the painting "Blue Boy?"
A. No. Those things are associated with the Huntington Library in San Marino, California. Their website is: http://www.huntington.org
Q. Are there study or meeting rooms available at the Library?
A. Yes. A variety of spaces are available to the public for meetings, seminars, arts events and private parties, including individual study rooms, large meeting and conference rooms, and the Library's theater.
Q. What types of children's programs does the Library have?
A. Storytimes are held every day of the week throughout the Huntington Beach Library system. Special children's programs including puppet shows, ballets, plays and magic shows are held monthly. Check the library website for a complete listing of Storytimes and programs with days, times and ages. You can also pick up a copy of the Storytime schedule and a monthly calendar at the Central Library or at any of the Huntington Beach library branches. For more information, contact the Children's Department directly at 375-5107 or go to the Library's website.
Q. Can I access the Internet in the Library?
A. Central Library has wireless Internet that offers free access to the Internet for those with a laptop that has wireless access capabilities. Library cardholders can also access the Internet in the computer lab at no charge, one hour per day.
Q. Does the Library have computers for the public to use? If so, what are the charges and what programs are available?
A. The Media Services department has eight personal computers available for public access. They cost $5.00 per hour. Printouts are 25 cents per page for black-and-white and 75 cents a page for color. Software includes Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint and all computers have high-speed Internet access.
Q. Why can't I get into the Library's online renewal system to renew my books?
A. You must register for a username and password on the library's catalog system, which is accessible at www.hbpl.org. Click on the red Catalog/Renewals button and follow the instructions on the webpage. If your registration fails, you may need to come into the library to have your pin number verified by reception staff to enable your account.
Q. How can I get to online databases like Heritage Quest and Reference USA from home?
A. Online databases are accessible through our website at www.hbpl.org. Click on the red Catalog/Renewals button and follow the instructions on the webpage.
PARKS
Q. Huntington Central Park Questions
A. For rentals and reservations at Central Park, call (714) 536-5486.
Q. Park Maintenance/ Park Equipment Questions
A. For questions about maintenance and/or equipment, call (714) 536-5480.
Q. Softball questions
A. For schedules, adding players to a roster, adding their name to the eligible player list, or to be mailed next season's roster, call (714) 536-5486. Any other questions, Ray Frankeny (714) 536-5230.
Q. Huntington Central Park Sports Complex Questions
A. For field rentals and information for the Central Park Sports Complex and Batting Cages, call Ray Frankeny (7140 536-5230). For Batting Cages specifically, call (714-375-3960).
PARKING REGULATIONS
Q. How long can a car be parked on the street?
A. A vehicle can park no more than 72 hours on the public street. Following this time, the vehicle is marked and if not moved, the vehicle may be towed.
Q. Can trailers and RVs be left on the public street?
A. RV's in excess of 20' must have a permit obtained through the Police Department by calling (714) 374-5300, twenty-four hours a day. RV's can obtain a permit for 16 days a month, not to exceed 8 days in a row. Vehicles must be moved for street sweeping. Unattached utility trailers are not permitted in a residential area and are limited to 4 hours in a commercial area. If a utility trailer is attached to a vehicle, it cannot exceed 25' in a residential area and may not park in excess of 72 hours.
PARKING TICKETS
Q. How do I contest a parking citation?
A. Parking citations can be contested by completing the form available at the front Traffic counter or by sending a letter to the Police Department/Traffic Bureau. Once the form is turned in, an investigation will be conducted and the requesting party will be notified within 4/5 working days of the results of the review. Follow up information will be provided with the response to further contest the citation if it is not dismissed at the first level.
Q. Where do I pay a parking citation?
A. You can pay your parking ticket by delivering your payment to the HBPD traffic bureau between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. After hours, you can deliver your payment to the traffic payment box located at the front desk of the HBPD. Payment by phone is possible by calling (800) 565-0148. You can also pay online by going to www.surfcity-hb.org/payments.
PASSPORTS
Q. I need to renew my passport. Can I do this at City Hall?
A. The City of Huntington Beach City Clerk's Office, located on the second floor of the City Hall building, is designated as an authorized United States Passport Acceptance Facility. The Passport Acceptance Facility hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., excluding holidays. For more information, please call (714) 374-1600.
PET LICENSE
Q. I need to get a pet license. How do I do this?
A. To get a license for your pet, please call Animal Control at (714) 935-6300.
PLANNING - GENERAL
Q. I would like to obtain a temporary banner permit for my new business. What is the process?
A.You will need to fill out a temporary banner permit application and submit the application with the filing fee of $113 at the Planning Counter. You are permitted to have a banner 90 days per calendar year. Your business frontage to the street determines the size of the sign: You are allowed one square foot of sign area per linear foot of building frontage. For example, if your building faces Beach Boulevard and the linear frontage is 45 feet, then you would be allowed a 45 square foot temporary banner.
Q. What is a General Plan?
A.California law requires each city to adopt a comprehensive, long-range General Plan to guide development. In essence, the General Plan serves as the City's blueprint for growth. It provides a statement of the values and goals of the City regarding the nature and location of development, and identifies policies for the implementation of those goals.
The General Plan is composed of numerous elements, including Land Use, Housing, Urban Design, Noise and Economic Development. The General Plan is adopted by the City Council. The City's Plan was updated in May 1996. It is available for review at the City Library, or for purchase at the 3rd Floor Planning Counter, City Hall. Call (714) 536-5271 for more information.
Q. Where can I get information on our City's demographics?
A. The Planning Department maintains demographic and census information which includes population, age distribution, and housing. Materials can be reviewed at the 3rd Floor Planning Counter, City Hall. Some information is also available on the City's website under Economic Development Department, "Facts & Figures."
Q. What types of planning publications are available from the City?
A. The Planning Department has a number of planning publications available, including: copies of the General Plan, Specific Plans, demographic information, flood information, and design guidelines. The documents can be purchased through the mail or in person at the 3rd Floor Planning Counter, City Hall. To purchase over the phone, call (714) 536-5271.
Q. What new projects and housing developments are going on in HB?
A. The Planning Department's homepage contains updates on major projects in the City. Contact the Planning Department at (714) 536-5271 or the Building and Safety Department at 536-5241 to obtain information for new developments.
Q. When can I get the result of my blood alcohol test?
A. Usually within one week of the arrest. The results can be obtained by first contacting the Records Unit at (714) 536-5641 to make sure the test results are on file. To receive the results you or your attorney must come in person to the Police Department Records Unit with proof of identity.
POLICE-REPORTS
Q. My insurance company wants a copy of my Police report. How can I get a copy?
A. If you are a victim of a property crime (theft, burglary, etc.) either you or your insurance company can obtain a copy through the Police Records Bureau at (714) 536-5641. There will probably be a fee for the copy.
Q. I am the victim of a crime. How can I get a copy of the crime report?
A. Crime reports may only be released with the permission of the handling detective. Investigations that have not been adjudicated may prevent the release of the crime report to the victim. This is done to preserve the integrity of the investigation and to insure the rights of all parties have been protected.
Q. My car was broken into and when I called the Police I was told they would take a telephone report. Why wasn't an officer sent to take the report?
A. To keep officers available for emergencies, occasional reports are taken over the phone. If the officer feels there may be physical evidence at your car, the officer can still send a crime scene investigator to you.
POT HOLES
Q. Who should I call to have a pothole repaired?
A. For street repairs on all city streets, please call 714 960-8861. For street repairs on Beach Blvd. or Pacific Highway, please call 949 724-2000.
PROPERTY AND ZONING
Q. How do I determine where my property lines are?
A. Your property lines can be determined by a licensed surveyor completing a survey of your property. The City has plans that show your lot dimensions; however, you cannot determine the exact location of your lot lines without a survey of the property. The City does not recommend any specific surveyor or survey company. Please check your phone book for a list of surveyors.
Q. What is the zoning on my property?
A. Please contact the Planning Department at (714) 536-5271 to obtain zoning information. They can also assist you in identifying all the permitted uses. The Zoning Code is also posted on the City's website. Go to "Elected Officials," then "City Clerk," then "Zoning Code."
PROPERTY TAX BILL
Q. Who do I call for questions regarding my property tax bill?
A. Call the Orange County Tax Assessor's Office at (714) 834-2727.
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