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Frequently Asked Questions
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AutoPay
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It’s easy! Just complete the AutoPay application and return it to our office with a voided check, preprinted with your name and address AutoPay form |
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You will continue to receive your statement by mail. The Town of Windsor will instruct your financial institution to withdraw the utility payment from your checking account on or after the due date printed on your statement. |
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Becoming an AutoPay customer means:
• You will have one less check to write each month
• Your utility account will be paid automatically, so you will no longer need to remember when to make your payment |
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Once your enrollment is confirmed, you will receive a letter from us indicating when your first automatic payment will process. Future statements will confirm that you are a participant of AutoPay. |
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After entering your bank and checking account information into our data base, the first auto pay transaction will be sent through for $0 to ensure we have acurate information. Since we bill on a bi-monthly basis, it could take up to 4 months before your first automatic payment will be made. |
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Simply submit a completed AutoPay change form to Utility Billing. AutoPay form |
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You may cancel your automatic payments at any time. Simply submit an updated AutoPay form or contact Utility Billing with verbal instructions. Please allow 10 business days for processing. AutoPay form |
Building Inspection
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The best way to find out if you need a permit is to call the Building Inspection Division at (707) 838-5341. Discuss your plans with the code official before beginning construction to determine whether you need a permit. Even if a permit is not needed, the code official will answer construction questions and may provide valuable advice. |
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New buildings
Commercial work
Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, etc.)
Residential work (decks, garages, fences, fireplaces, pools,
water heaters, etc.)
Renovations (garage conversions, basement furnishings, kitchen expansions, reroofing, etc.)
Electrical systems
Plumbing systems
HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning) systems |
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Over-the-counter permits are permits that can be issued without the need for plan review. Some types of over-the-counter permits are: reroofs, water heater, furnace and A/C repair/replacements, electric service panel upgrades, and other miscellaneous repairs. For over-the-counter types of building permits, you may print out the permit application from the Forms Section of this website and fax it to our department for processing. You will need to appear in person to pay for the permit once you have received a call that it is ready to be issued. Forms and Permit Center |
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If it is a plug cord connected spa/hot tub, the only permit required is for any new electrical work needed to operate the spa/hot tub. If it is a hardwired electrical connection spa/hot tub, permits are required for the spa, electrical work, and plumbing work. |
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Yes, a building permit is required if the deck is attached to the structure and is part of an egress or path of travel. Planning department approval may also be required depending on the setback requirements for your area. |
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The required inspections are listed on your copy of the permit. All work must be inspected before it is covered up. For example, we must inspect the footing/foundation after it is excavated; installation of steel reinforcement and before concrete is poured. A minimum of 24-hours notice is required prior to each inspection. Inspections can be requested by calling (707) 522-8346. |
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Yes, dry rot repair does require a permit. It takes only a few minutes to complete the permit application and state, in writing, the scope of work. Most of the time a copy of the termite report is adequate. The permit fee is based on the valuation of the work, including material and labor costs. |
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No, the ceiling joist or the lower cord of the trusses is not designed to support storage loads. |
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The cost of the permit depends on the type and size of the project. The fees are calculated on the total valuation of the project as well as the amount of plumbing, mechanical and electrical work associated with the project. |
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Residential plan checks are completed within ten (10) working days of receipt of a complete set of construction plans. Non-residential plan checks are completed within fifteen (15) days of receipt of a complete set of construction plans. |
Economic Development
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We work with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). We have a counselor available to meet with you one-on-one to discuss finance, marketing and other business matters. We also offer seminars here at Town Hall and the SBDC offers a variety of courses for business owners. |
Election
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Please contact the Town Clerk at 838-5315 regarding filing procedures. |
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Please visit the Election Schedule page. |
Engineering
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An Encroachment Permit is required to perform any work in the Town’s right-of-way. Encroachment Permits |
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Storage containers should be out of the Town’s right-of-way and placed in the driveway. If this is not possible you must fill out an Encroachment Permit application. The application should include the dimensions of the container and the duration the container will be within the Town right-of-way (street) and be placed so as not to cause any traffic obstruction, sight distance obstacle or safety hazard. Encroachment Permit Application |
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The best way to find all recorded interests such as easements in the property is from a current Title Report obtained from a title insurance company. If any easements exist, uses within the easement would be limited so as not to interfere with the purpose of the easement, i.e. a storm drain easement should not be graded or paved over to interfere with drainage of the lot. |
Facilities
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Security guards will be required at any event where alcohol is being served/sold. Security guards may also be required at large events where alcohol is not being served or at youth-oriented events. Security information can be found in the Facility Use and Reservation policy by visiting Facility Rentals webpage or by calling (707) 838-5943. Facility Rentals |
Parks & Rec Comm
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You may contact a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission by phoning the Community Services Department at (707) 838-5382; or by e-mailing the P&R Commission Recording Secretary at jmitchell@townofwindsor.com |
Planning
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At this time, site specific zoning information is not available on the Town of Windsor’s website. Please call the Planning Department at (707) 838-1021 to speak with a Planner. |
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Planning Department policy prohibits us from taking anonymous complaints. Be prepared to furnish your full name, address, phone number and the address of the Zoning Ordinance violation. Call the Planning Department/Code Enforcement at (707) 838-5332. |
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Fencing between the house and street is limited to 3 feet in height with no building permit required. Side and rear yard fencing is generally limited to 6 feet in height (no permit required), although up to two additional feet of open lattice is permitted with a building permit. On corner lots, street sideyard fencing over 3 feet in height must be set back at least 10 feet from the property line. |
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Setbacks will vary according to zoning district. Most of the Town is zoned “Surrounding Residential”, which has the following setback requirements: *Room additions: - Front yard setback to house: 15 ft. - Front yard setback to garage: 25 ft. (new construction) - Side yard setback: 5 ft. - Street side setback (corner lot): 10 ft. - Rear yard setback: 20 ft. *Accessory structures (sheds, detached garages, open sided patio covers): - Front yard setback: 20 ft. - Side yard setback: 5 ft. - Street side setback (corner lot:) 10 ft. - Rear yard setback: 20 ft. (can be reduced to 5 ft. for structures under 500 sq. ft.) *Additional setbacks: 6 ft. from main house and any other accessory structures |
Police
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Effective June 6, 2009 the maximum amount of time a recreational vehicle can be parked on any public street is 18 hours. After 18 hours you can be fined $103 or risk your vehicle being towed. More... |
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A copy of a report can be requested in person or by mail. The cost for a report is $17.10 and payment is required at time of request. Cash or check only is accepted. Checks must be made payable to the Town of Windsor. It is helpful if you have the case number or basic information such as date and time of incident, as well as officers name. |
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Yes, per Windsor Municipal Code Chapter 3-3-200. An application and $65.00 application fee must be submitted to the police department. At that time arrangements will be made for fingerprinting which is done at the Sonoma County Sheriff's Department. Once a clearance has been received and the application has been approved by the Chief, a permit will be issued. Please read Title III, Chapter three of the Municipal Code for further details. More... |
Public Works
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When flushed down the drain, some medications are not completely removed by wastewater treatment plants and end up in rivers and streams, harming wildlife. The Russian River Watershed Association is partnering with local agencies to provide safe medicine disposal locations. For disposal information please visit the RRWA Website |
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The sidewalk is in the public right of way, however, it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain it. |
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Road areas that may be dangerous to pedestrians and vehicles should be reported immediately to the Streets Division at (707) 838-1009. A temporary repair will be made followed by a permanent repair as soon as possible. |
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The Town disposes of approximately 350 million gallons through land discharge (irrigation of farm lands) and 300 million gallons through creek discharge annually. |
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Street sweeping is done by the Town’s franchised waste disposal company. You can contact Windsor Refuse & Recycling at (707) 586.5545 or visit their website: Unicycler website |
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An Encroachment Permit is required to perform any work in the Town’s right of way. Encroachment Permits |
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Storage containers should be out of the Town’s right of way and placed in the driveway. If this is not possible you must fill out an Encroachment Permit application. The application should include the dimensions of the container and the duration the container will be within the Town right of way (street) and be placed so as not to cause any traffic obstruction, sight distance obstacle or safety hazard. Encroachment Permit Application |
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The best way to find all recorded interests such as easements in the property is from a current Title Report obtained from a title insurance company. If any easements exist, uses within the easement would be limited so as not to interfere with the purpose of the easement, i.e. a storm drain easement should not be graded or paved over to interfere with drainage of the lot. |
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You may view a list of projects currently bidding by visiting the “Bids” section on the Town of Windsor home page. |
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The Town’s responsibility for maintaining water service ends at the water meter, the customer is responsible for the line on the customer side of the meter. |
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Notification for an inspection can be made up to 24 hours prior to commencing any work shown on the Public Works Permit, and by calling (707) 838-1006. The contractor must show proof that he/she has pulled a Public Works permit. |
Recreation
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The times reflected in the Guide are to give parents a framework in which their child will have his or her game scheduled. Once the schedule is handed out, (at the second practice) and you are assigned to a team, you will know the exact 1-1.25 hour period in which your child will be participating. You need only be present for your scheduled game or practice, not the entire session. |
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Children are not required to have footwear specifically designed for these sports. The normal running shoes or shoes they wear to play at school are fine for both of these activities. We do request that children do not wear black soled shoes in the gym for basketball as they leave marks on the floor. No sandals or open toes are allowed. |
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Yes: We do our best to accommodate all team requests to help with carpooling. At the first two practice sessions, parents will have the opportunity to write down their child’s name and the name of one friend to be placed together on a team. Although no guarantees are made, we do our very best to fulfill these requests. |
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Call Community Services at 838-1260. We can give the information over the phone or fax the information. |
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Camp supplies, food, and staffing are based around the number of participants enrolled in each week long session as a whole. Unfortunately we can not pro-rate families that miss a day during a session. |
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Security guards will be required at any event where alcohol is being served/sold. Security guards may also be required at large events where alcohol is not being served or at youth-oriented events. Security information can be found in the Facility Use and Reservation policy by visiting Facility Rentals webpage or by calling (707) 838-5943. Facility Rentals |
Redevelopment
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Redevelopment is a tool created by state law to assist local governments in eliminating blight from a designated area, as well as to achieve the goals of development, reconstruction and rehabilitation of residential, commercial, industrial and retail districts.
Examples of redevelopment tools:
Ability to assemble land for development
Ability to utilize tax increment and issue bonds
Ability to invest in infrastructure to "lure" private enterprise
Ability to create affordable housing opportunities
Redevelopment is a locally driven activity that assists local governments in revitalizing their communities. Redevelopment encourages new development, creates jobs and generates tax revenues in declining urbanized areas by developing partnerships between local governments and private entities. Over 400 California cities and counties have adopted local redevelopment plans.
Redevelopment can help your community implement a revitalization effort for your downtown, neighborhood or industrial areas. Redevelopment plans are locally created and adopted so they can respond to your community’s unique needs and vision.
Redevelopment plans have helped communities such as yours to:
Attract new jobs and businesses
Create more affordable housing
Stimulate private reinvestment in local neighborhoods and businesses
Reduce crime
Stimulate development of downtown improvement programs
Stimulate private investment and help rehabilitate homes and businesses
Build or improve roads, utilities and public facilities
Revitalize waterfronts and surplus military bases
Preserve open space
Transform hazardous waste sites (called brownfields) into productive uses
Create, adopt and/or implement specific plans
Initiate and fund comprehensive planning efforts
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Redevelopment is one of the most effective ways to breathe new life into deteriorated areas plagued by social, physical, environmental or economic conditions which act as a barrier to new investment by private enterprise. Through redevelopment, a project area will receive focused attention and financial investment to reverse deteriorating trends, create jobs, revitalize the business climate, rehabilitate and add to the housing stock and gain active participation and investment by citizens which would not otherwise occur.
Redevelopment enables communities to grow inward, not just outward. Redevelopment enhances and expands local businesses, renovates declining housing stock and improves public infrastructure systems and facilities. Redevelopment helps encourage new housing and businesses to locate within already developed areas. It helps reduce crime and long commutes, promotes affordable housing, and preserves the environment. |
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Redevelopment is primarily financed by tax increment revenue. Other revenue sources include loans, grants and issuance of tax allocation bonds.
Typically, agencies use tax increment funds to leverage financial assistance from various agencies of the state and federal governments, and private sources.
The most common bond instrument used by redevelopment agencies to finance projects is called a tax allocation bond. These bonds, which are a loan of money to an agency, are not a debt of the community or the general taxpayer. Rather, they are repaid solely from tax increment revenue generated within the project area. In other words, increased tax revenues generated through redevelopment activities are funneled back into the project area to stimulate more development as well as to pay the costs involved.
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The area within which actual redevelopment will take place. The project area must first go to public hearing (giving citizens who will be included in the project area a chance to express their views) after which the Redevelopment Agency acts on the adoption of the project area and becomes primarily responsible for future projects.
Before a project area is established, a survey area is designated to determine whether or not a redevelopment project is feasible. Preliminary studies, such as feasibility studies, are conducted to make a determination of the blighting conditions within the area.
A project area is chosen when a local governing body first designates a survey area. Then the redevelopment advisory committee (RAC), made up of members of the community, provides the agency with input on the kinds of changes they would like to see made in the area. The survey area must then be evaluated to determine if it qualifies for redevelopment. Based upon this evaluation, the planning commission selects a project area and indicates how the purpose of the Community Redevelopment Law can be attained by redevelopment of this area. A project area can be reduced in size prior to adoption of the redevelopment plan, but cannot be enlarged without amending the survey area. A project area can also include non-adjacent properties. |
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The plan provides the Agency with powers to take certain actions such as to buy and sell land within the area covered by the plan (project area), improving dilapidated facilities and to use tax increment financing. A redevelopment plan provides a legal framework for planning and implementing revitalization activities in a redevelopment project area. A redevelopment plan:
Describes the purposes and objectives of eliminating deteriorated conditions.
Sets the basic goals, powers and limitations within which the redevelopment agency must conduct its activities over the life of the project.
Is broad and flexible. The plan should set forth basic powers, limitations and should provide a general statement of redevelopment objectives and techniques that clearly establishes how the agency intends to remove deterioration from the project area.
The redevelopment plan must also be in harmony with the city or county general plan. A redevelopment plan generally contains the following components:
A legal description of the project area in written and graphic form and a description of land uses.
Descriptions of the proposed actions to be taken to carry out redevelopment. These descriptions cover the duties, powers, and authorities of the redevelopment agency and describe the rights of owners and tenants.
Descriptions of the authority and limitations for financing the activities necessary to implement the plan.
Plan for how the agency will implement redevelopment projects to remove the deterioration.
Adoption of a redevelopment plan is normally a lengthy and complicated process involving public participation and preparation of specific reports and documents. This process typically takes between 12 and 18 months. The duration of the redevelopment plan cannot exceed 30 years.
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Tax increment is the primary source of revenue that redevelopment agencies have to undertake redevelopment projects. It is based on the assumption that a revitalized project area will generate more property taxes than were being produced before redevelopment. When a redevelopment project area is adopted, the current assessed values of the property within the project area are designated as the base year value. Tax increment comes from the increased assessed value of property, not from an increase in tax rate. Any increases in property value, as assessed because of change of ownership or new construction, will increase tax revenue generated by the property. This increase in tax revenue is the tax increment that goes to the Agency.
For example, a property owner pays $1,000 (the standard property tax rate of one percent) on land assessed at $100,000 this year, pursuant to Proposition 13. If, as a result of new construction on the property, the property increases in assessed valuation to $500,000, the property owner would pay $5,000 at the same standard tax rate. The $4,000 increase is called “tax increment.” Redevelopment agencies are entitled to collect this increase in property tax revenues, or tax increment, on the acreage they redeveloped to repay the debt involved in the project, and to reinvest these dollars in redevelopment activities within the project area. As well, 20 percent of that tax increment money goes into a housing fund set aside specifically to finance low- to moderate- income housing. |
Risk Management
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The Town of Windsor has insurance specifications for construction projects, professional services, encroachment permits, vendors and events. The details of those requirements can be found by selecting the following link: Specific insurance requirements |
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The Town of Windsor is a member of the Redwood Empire Municipal Insurance Fund (REMIF) which provides insurance programs for 15 cities along the north coast of California. Our insurance requirements and limits are determined by REMIF to protect both the Town and it’s contractors in the event of a loss. |
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Town personnel are here to help you and your insurance agent with specific questions or concerns. We are available Monday through Thursday from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm. Please call (707) 838-5362 or email us. |
Street Maintenance
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Street sweeping is done by the Town's franchised waste disposal company. Contact Windsor Refuse & Recycling at (707) 586-5545 Windsor Refuse & Recycling |
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The sidewalk is in the public right of way, however, it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain it. |
Town Clerk
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Send your request to Town Clerk. To add a Proclamation, please provide your Draft to Town Clerk at least one (1) month prior to the meeting date . Upon approval of your request, plan on attending the meeting to accept the Proclamation. For the Standard Language, find attached template |
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The Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers. For detailed calendar, visit the agendas and minutes page. |
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Council meetings are televised the same day live on the Public Access Channel 27. Meetings can be viewed on the website under Watch Meetings Online |
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Town Council Meetings are televised. You may order a DVD of the meeting, at a cost.
You might also subscribe through Notify Me to receive notifications as new documents are available. |
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Town Council Minutes are not posted on the website until approved by Town Council at the subsequent meeting. Please contact the Town Clerk for any further questions. |
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Please view the Public Hearing Notices page |
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You must be registered to vote 15 days prior to an election, to be eligible to vote. For further information, please visit the Registrar of Voters. |
Town Council
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You may contact a Town Council via email or by calling (707) 838-5311. Town Council |
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The Town Council holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm in the Town Council Chambers. For detailed calendar, visit the agendas and minutes page. |
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Council meetings are televised the same day live on the Public Access Channel 27. Meetings can be viewed on the website under Watch Meetings Online. |
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Please contact Town Clerk or for further details, view the Municipal Election page. |
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Sign up through Notify Me to receive notifications. Notify Me |
Utility Billing Fees
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The Town charges a $200 deposit for:
• Tenants without prior payment history with the Town of Windsor
• Tenants whose payment history was not in good standing on a prior account
• Account holders who are locked off for non-payment
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Your paid deposit will be credited to your account after 12 months of on-time payments.If your account has a deposit at the time your closing bill is run:
• The deposit will be used to pay any outstanding charges under your customer number.
• Any remaining deposit will be sent to the mailing address on record. |
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Your account will be assessed an administrative disconnect fee if payment has not been made for past due charges by the date service is scheduled to be locked off, unless payment arrangements have previously been set up with Utility Billing staff. Duties for processing disconnections begin prior to field staff locking off the service. |
Voting Information
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You must be registered to vote 15 days prior to an election, to be eligible to vote. To obtain a registration form, visit the Registrar of Voters |
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Please visit the Election Schedule page. |
Water Conservation
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Call the Town's Water Waste Hotline at 522-8331. A recorded message will help direct you to the appropriate contact person based on the type of problem and the time of occurance. |
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There is no one size fits all answer for how long to water. Sprinkler application rates, weather, soil type, slope, and plant water needs are just a few of the factors that must be taken into account when deciding how long to water. More... |
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If you have a water/sewer service account with the Town of Windsor and your new clothes washer is on our list of qualified models, you are eligible for a $125 rebate. For other requirements see the complete program details. |
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Two different rebates are available for the purchase and installation of High Efficiency Toilets (HETs) that use 1.28 gallons per flush or less. Get up to $50 to replace 1.6 gpf toilets (this is the most common type of toilet in Windsor)
Get up to $150 to replace 3.5 gpf toilets (this rebate requires pre-approval). For other requirements see the complete program details. |
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If possible, you should schedule your irrigation early enough in the morning to be completed before sunrise. This is the time of day when there is the least amount of wind and the least amount of water loss to evaporation. |
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Your water meter's low flow indicator can be used to detect whether you have a leak or not. More... |
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You can install an on-demand recirculation pump, which speeds up the delivery of hot water to the fixture. The water that normally goes down the drain as you wait is returned to the water heater by using the cold water line as a return loop. Once the hot water arrives, water begins to flow out of the fixture and the pump shuts off automatically. More... |
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The Water Use Classification of Landscape Species(WUCOLS), a publication of UC Cooperative Extension, is a comprehensive list of plants classified by their water requirements. The Sonoma County Master Gardeners website (http://groups.ucanr.org/sonomamg/)also maintains a list of plants well suited to our climate. Go to WUCOLS link... |
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You need to call 838-5357 and schedule a free pre-inspection visit / water use assessment before starting work on your project. Additional restrictions are listed in the complete program details... |
Water Division
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Phone us at (707) 838-1006 or Utility Billing at (707) 838-1004. For after hours emergencies call (707) 838-1000 and the standby duty person will be contacted. |
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Contact Utility Billing Department at(707) 838-1004 |
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Pressures vary throughout the Town’s water distribution system. Contact us via email or phone (707) 838-1006 and we will schedule a Water Operator to check your pressure and provide you with the test result. |
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The average hardness level is 8-11 gpg. |
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The meter readers have a plastic tube, which is sealed with clear plastic on one end. The meter reader places the tube on top of the register to get the read. The clear plastic tube displaces the murky water providing the meter reader a clear line of sight to capture the reading. |
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We dig out the box just enough to expose the register cap, wipe off the face of the register above the odometer dial, and get the reading. It doesn't matter if the meter itself is buried. Meter readers often rub their meter hook (the tool they use to remove the meter box lid) over the face of the register to expose the odometer type dial.
If you don't believe your meter is being read, read it yourself and compare the results to the reading printed on your water bill. Be sure to make allowances for any difference between the day you read the water meter and the day it is read by the meter reader.
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All of our residential water meters (meters 1" in size and smaller) are positive displacement meters. We buy this type of meter because when they fail, they fail in favor of the consumer. The manufacturer certifies the accuracy of the meters when they are new. With age and extended usage they either maintain their accuracy or they slow down. |
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In large part, the effects and feel of hard water vs. soft water are subjectively based on what the individual is accustomed to. Some people are acclimated to soft water and opt to install and use water softeners on their home water system. These can reduce hardness and related hardness effects. Persons with sodium regulated diets are cautioned to avoid the types of softeners that increase sodium content in their drinking water. If individuals who insist on having a water softener have concerns about sodium they should specify installation of another type of water softener that does not increase sodium. Or, sodium can be removed after softening by a point-of-use filter/conditioner at the tap. |
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During regular business hours, call us at (707) 838-1006 and ask to speak with a Water Operator. For after hours emergencies call (707) 838-1000 and the standby duty person will be contacted. |
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The Town’s responsibility for maintaining water service ends at the water meter, the customer is responsible for the line on the customer side of the meter. |
Water Reclamation
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The Town disposes of approximately 350 million gallons through land discharge (irrigation of farm lands) and 300 million gallons through creek discharge, annually. |
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