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1. What is the fee to adopt a pet?

Dog adoptions are $80 and include spay/neuter, one veterinarian check, microchip and registration, rabies vaccination, one professional grooming, a leash and a 3-month City of Hesperia dog license.

Cat adoptions are $50 and include spay/neuter and one veterinarian check.

Ask about our 2-for-1 adoption special!

2. How do I license my pet?

Animals can be licensed at the Hesperia Animal Shelter during regular business hours. Fees are as follows:

Unaltered dog: $70 for one year; $130 for two years; $200 for three years.

Altered dog: $13 for one year; $24 for two years; $33 for three years.

Senior Citizen with altered dog: $8 for one year; $14 for two years; $20 for three years.

Every resident in the City who owns, has an interest in, harbors and feeds, or has the care, charge, custody or possession of a dog four months of age or over and whether such dog is confined or not, shall obtain a City dog license for such a dog.

While a dog is being used as a guard dog within the city, it must have a city dog license and the license tag must be securely fixed to the dog’s collar regardless of where the owner resides and whether a license has been obtained for that jurisdiction.

Although not required by law, we recommend that you license your cat also. Having a license tag will ensure that your cat will be returned home if it is impounded by Animal Services.

Licenses may be purchased at Hesperia Animal Services office located at 11011 Santa Fe Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345, (760) 947-1700. Every animal licensed must provide a valid rabies certificate and sterility certificate if applicable.

3. Where can I get my pet spayed or neutered?

The Hesperia Animal Shelter has a veterinarian on staff who performs spay/neuter procedures. Also, there are several veterinarians in the community that offer these services for reasonable prices.

Staff will arrange for a spay/neuter appointment with a veterinarian for those pets adopted from the Hesperia Animal Shelter; fees for that service are included in the adoption price.

4. How do I relinquish my pet?

Owners may relinquish their dog with an owner turn-in fee of $10 or their cat for a fee of $5. Owners must provide proof that they live in Hesperia. Animals may or may not be adopted.

Many factors are considered when choosing an animal available for adoption, such as:

• Temperament


• Age


• Health


• Breed

Unfortunately, Hesperia Animal Control takes in more animals daily, than are adopted or rescued. Many times the shelter is full to capacity with limited space in our Adoption Center. After the holding period, some animals are euthanized and relinquishing animals to a shelter should be your last resort.

Here are some options to be considered:

• Place an ad under “Free” in the local newspaper or weekly


• If the animal is a purebred then check a search engine on the internet for the breed rescue for that specific breed


• Place picture posters for give away in stores like Petsmart and Petco


• If you are relinquishing the animal because it has a behavioral problem then try Behavioral Specialist or Dog Trainers in the Yellow Pages or attend a dog training class through your local Park and Recreation Department, Petsmart, or Petco


• The animal shelter should be your last resort

5. How do I report a bite?

California State Law requires that all animal bites be reported. Bite reports may be received by phone, in person, or sent by the attending medical hospital and faxed to (760)947-1712.

An animal which has bitten someone will be quarantined for 10 days, either at the owner’s home or at the animal shelter. It is recommended that any person bitten by an animal seek medical attention, especially if bitten by cats.

Cat bites are known to cause serious infections to humans. Special attention and notification should be taken if bitten by a bat, skunk, fox, or coyote.

6. Who do I call if I see dogs running loose?

Call the Hesperia Animal Services at (760) 947-1700. All animals impounded are taken to the Hesperia Animal Shelter, 11011 Santa Fe Avenue, where they are held for a minimum of three working days, not including the day of impound, for the owners to claim.

The animals are available for adoption or owner redemption on the fourth day. The owners are required to show proof of current rabies vaccination, a Hesperia animal license or some type of proof of ownership. Owners must show proof that a dog is spayed or neutered or a State-mandated additional fee must be charged.

7. How do I find out if my animal has been impounded?

If the animal is wearing a current Hesperia license tag, we will notify the owner automatically by phone within 24 hours. If the animal is not wearing any type of identification the owner must visit our shelter and view the animals impounded.

Unaltered, unlicensed dogs and cats will be neutered before being returned to the owner. If you live outside the City of Hesperia, call the animal control agency for your jurisdiction to report animal problems.

8. Can I view pets that are available for adoption online?

Yes, all our adoptable pets are available to view online at www.PetHarbor.com. Our pages are updated immediately when an animal becomes available for adoption, so check back often!

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1. How do I run for a seat on the City Council?

City Council elections are held in November of even-numbered years and are consolidated with the statewide general election. The nomination period for candidates running for a City Council seat begins in mid-July and concludes in mid-August. For more information, contact the City Clerk at (760) 947-1007 or email the City Clerk.

2. How do I address the City Council about items that are on or not on the agenda?

The Council can be addressed by completing a speaker card and returning it to the City Clerk before the Council meeting begins. For items that are on the agenda the Mayor will call for you to speak at the time the agenda item is heard.

If the item is not on the agenda, the Mayor will call for you to speak during the Joint Public Comment section of the agenda. Speakers are limited to three minutes per item. In compliance with the Brown Act, Council Members will not take any action at council meetings for non-agendized items but may direct staff to contact you at a later date or obtain more information about your concern.

3. How do I request a proclamation?

A request for a proclamation must be made in writing to the City Clerk’s Office at least three (3) weeks prior to the date that will be proclaimed or the date the document will be presented. Each request is subject to City approval. Requests may be submitted by simply accessing the Proclamation link, provided on the City Clerk’s webpage, completing the online form and clicking "submit."

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1. How does recycling work in Hesperia?

Advance Disposal has been actively recycling since the mid-1960s. Although residents do not use separate containers for curbside recycling, plastic, glass, metal, wood, yard waste, paper, aluminum and tin are hand sorted for recycling at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF). Once trash is delivered to the MRF, it goes through a number of screens, shakers and conveyor belts where employees pull out recyclables to be diverted from the San Bernardino County landfill.

While this means that Hesperia residents are not required to source separate items at the curb, residents are still encouraged to bundle their green waste separately, as well as their paper items, which are unusable if contaminated by liquids or food.

2. What community service opportunities are available in Hesperia?

The City of Hesperia recently launched a new volunteer matching program that connects those wanting to help with those in need. More...

3. How do I schedule a tour of City Hall?

Call (760) 947-1020 to schedule a tour of the Hesperia City Hall.

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1. Does Hesperia have a Mortgage Assistance Program?

The City of Hesperia has currently suspended the Mortgage Assistance Program due to lack of funding. The program will resume when a new funding source is secured.

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1. Why wasn’t my driveway paved / sealed after road work was done?

During road paving projects, driveway work is normally completed two weeks after completion of road work.

If your driveway requires repair, and more than two weeks have passed since the completion of road work, call Public Works Inspection at (760) 947-1434.

2. What type of insurance does the city require for construction work within the City’s right of way?

Requirements vary based on the type of work being done. Contact Renee Montross at (760) 947-1414 for more information.

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1. Why is the City of Hesperia getting new flood hazard maps?

Flood hazard maps, also known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), are important tools in the effort to protect lives and properties in Hesperia. They indicate the risk for flooding throughout the community. However, the current maps are out of date. Some formerly rural areas were never mapped in detail, and other areas haven’t been re-mapped in more than 10 years. Over time, water flow and drainage patterns have changed dramatically due to surface erosion, land use and natural forces. The likelihood of inland, riverine and coastal flooding in certain areas has changed along with these factors. The floods of 2006 are a recent example of a heavy storm event.

New digital mapping techniques will provide more detailed, reliable and current data on San Bernardino County flood hazards. The result: a better picture of the areas most likely to be impacted by flooding and a better foundation from which to make key decisions.

2. Who is responsible for modernizing the maps?

Currently, there is a nationwide collaborative effort across all levels of government to update the nation's flood hazard data and provide it in a detailed, digital format, in accordance with a multi-year plan created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The effort evolved as a growing number of industries were impacted by out-of-date flood data.

The City of Hesperia’s map modernization project is a joint effort with FEMA in cooperation with local associations and private sector partners.

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1. Where is City Hall located?

9700 Seventh Avenue, Hesperia, CA 92345

2. What are City Hall hours of operation?

City Office Hours

City Hall is open

• Monday - Thursday, 7:30am - 5:30pm;  
• Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm;
  
• 9:00am to 5:30pm on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. 

Animal Control November/December hours are

• Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10:00am to 5:00pm;
  
• Tuesday 10:00am to 7:00pm;
  
• Fridays 10:00am to 4:00pm. 

3. What is the phone number for City Hall?

(760) 947-1000

4. When do Council meetings occur?

First and third Tuesday of each month beginning at 6:30pm.

5. Where do Council meetings take place?

Council Chamber at City Hall.

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1. What is the zoning of my property?

See Hesperia's Zoning Map.

2. What is the Development Process?

See Development Process.

3. Can I have an accessory dwelling unit?

View the accessory dwelling unit

form / application.

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1. Where is the Hesperia Police Department Located?

The Hesperia Police Department’s street address is 15840 Smoketree, Hesperia, CA 92345. The office is located in the City's Civic Plaza, across the street from City Hall.

2. On what Holidays is the Police Department office closed?

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• Fourth of July
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day (and the day after)
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year's Eve

3. I received a citation for a traffic violation. What do I do?

If you were cited for a “correctable” violation and have repaired or corrected the condition, you may come to the police department and request that a deputy sign off the citation. There is no charge for Hesperia residents, but a $10 charge for non-residents.

If you were cited for a violation related to registration and/or insurance, you must go directly to the Courthouse in Victorville.

If you received a citation, issued by a Hesperia Deputy, but have lost it, you may obtain a duplicate copy at the police department anytime during business hours. There is no charge for this service.

4. How do I get my towed vehicle released?

To obtain a release for vehicles towed for vehicle code or criminal violations you will need a valid driver’s license, $50 cash, current registration and the owner of the vehicle must be present when the release is issued.

If your vehicle was towed due to a drunk-driving violation, you will need to come to the station for a release and pay the City’s DUI charge of $400.00 either cash or credit card.

If your vehicle was impounded for 30 days, it will be held for the entire 30-day period unless that time is reduced through our tow hearing process. If you believe there are valid, mitigating circumstances related to the 30-day impound of your vehicle, you may request a tow hearing by calling police department within 10 days of the tow.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call the Hesperia Police Department at (760) 947-1500.

5. What are the office hours?

Our business hours are from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 am - 4:30 pm on Friday. The Hesperia Police Department office is closed on weekends.

6. I received a notice of violation of the City's party ordinance. What do I do?

There is a complete set of instructions printed on the back of the notice that was issued to you.

If this is your first notice, then it serves as a warning and there is no fine involved. If you are issued subsequent notices, you are subject to a fine. Fines can only be paid in the Water Department office at City Hall.

If you believe there are valid, mitigating circumstances related to your violation of the party ordinance, you may request a mitigation hearing by calling the City of Hesperia Building and Safety Department within 10 days of the notice date.

If you have any questions or would like more information, you can reach the Building and Safety Department at (760) 947-1300.

7. How do I obtain a copy of a Police Department report?

In order to obtain a copy of a report you must be an involved party, and not listed as a suspect. Please call the Hesperia Police Station's Records Department at (760)947-1500 for the status of your report. There is a $10 charge for each report copy, payable by cash or credit card. The Police Department cannot release reports if a juvenile is involved. If the juvenile is a suspect in a case, please contact the Juvenile District Attorney's Office. If the juvenile is a victim or involved party in a case, please contact the Sheriff's Civil Liabilities Division at (909) 387-0613.

Traffic collision reports may be released to an involved party or the registered or legal owner of an involved vehicle. Major Injury or Fatal traffic collisions are generally available 90 days after the incident date, however may take up to six months to be completed. If a crime report has been referred to a detective for review, the report may only be released upon approval of the detective. If you are the victim of domestic battery or spousal abuse, you are eligible to obtain a copy of the report as soon as it is complete.

When a criminal case is submitted to the District Attorney's Office for review, the Police Department may not release the report to anyone. To obtain a copy of the report, please contact the District Attorney's Office at (760) 243-8600.

If you are listed as the suspect in a criminal report, the Police Department will not release the report to you unless the case has been adjudicated. Insurance agencies and law firms may obtain a copy of a police report by sending a formal written request letter to the Hesperia Police Department, along with a $10.00 check made out to the City of Hesperia.

8. How do I file a complaint?

Complaints may be filed online or by contacting the Hesperia Police Department by telephone or in person. Please ask for a supervisor or Watch Commander. If a supervisor is not available, any employee can direct you to the online procedure on how to file a complaint. For more complete information regarding the Department's complaint process please visit the Sheriff's Department Citizen Complaint page.

Sheriff's Department Citizen Complaint page.

9. What are the hours of operation for Live Scan fingerprinting?

Live Scans are scheduled by appointment only.  Please call the Hesperia Police Station at (760) 947-1500 to set up an appointment.

The Police Department charges $10 to roll the fingerprints. The California Department of Justice charges range from $25 to $100 depending on the purpose of the fingerprinting. Generally, the exact charge is unknown until the information is entered into the system.

10. Where can I shoot?

The discharge of a firearm within the City limits is generally illegal, and there are no authorized shooting ranges within the City of Hesperia. However, there are several recreational and competitive shooting venues within the Victor Valley. For further information please visit the Bureau of Land Management website.

Bureau of Land Management website.

11. Where can I ride my ATV or off-road vehicle?

The riding of ATVs and other off-road vehicles is prohibited within the City limits. However, there are several recreational ATV / OHV riding venues and areas within the Victor Valley. For further information visit the Bureau of Land Management website.

Bureau of Land Management website.

12. Where can I find the crime rate statistics for the City of Hesperia?

Crime reports and mapping help residents see and understand where crime is occurring in their neighborhood and engage with their local law enforcement agency. For information on annual crime statistics in the City of Hesperia visit: Annual Crime Statistics.  For information on crime mapping in your neighborhood visit: Crime Map.

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1. How do I get added to the City's vendor list?

To be added to the City's Bidder List, complete a vendor application, which contains forms that request information regarding your business and the goods and services you provide.

The W-9 Form: Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification must be on file with Purchasing prior to award of a bid or contract.

Once you have submitted the vendor application, your company's name will be placed on the City's Bidder Database and available to departments seeking your goods or services.

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1. When can I contact the City?

The City of Hesperia is available:
Monday - Thursday
8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Friday
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

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1. When does the City of Hesperia expect to receive funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?

The release of recovery funds varies depending on the source of funding for the project. Some recovery funds will be given directly to the City based on a formula and some funds will be distributed through competitive grants. The City expects to receive a majority of the funding for which it qualifies over the next several months to a year.

2. How will the funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act work for Hesperia?

There is a common misconception that these stimulus funds can be used for any City need. The bill creates nearly 100 different accounts to fund specific federal programs. Each City of Hesperia funding request must align with a specific account to receive funding. Additionally, funds cannot be used for general municipal operating expenses or general fund support.

3. How will the recovery funds affect the City’s budget?

Some funds will help enhance capital projects that are already underway and possibly pay for projects that are currently unfunded. If funds are used for operating expenses, the City cannot substitute recovery money to pay for programs already included in the City’s budget. The City can only use recovery funds to supplement or enhance programs that are currently in the budget.

4. How can I learn more information about how City projects were selected for recovery funding?

The City does not have a final list of projects that have been selected for funding at this time. However, based on the different criteria that projects must meet to qualify for the limited recovery funds that are available, the City is working on refining this list which will include projects in energy conservation, transportation, public safety and infrastructure. As the City receives information about anticipated funding, a project list will be reported on the website.

5. What are the reporting requirements for projects funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act??

The federal government has issued a full description of reporting requirements. Both the City of Hesperia and the federal government will regularly report on investments and impact of the Recovery Act.

6. How can I contact the City with questions or comments about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act?

Additional information on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act can be found on our website as well as contact information for questions and comments. Additional Information

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1. How do I know if there is a water leak?

Here is a simple checklist to help determine if there is a water leak on your property:

• Do you hear water running when it is not in use?
• Do you see puddles or patches of green on your property even though you are not watering a lawn or plants?
• When walking around the property, can you feel muddy or spongy areas which might indicate an open or leaking sprinkler head?

Follow these steps to check for a water leak on your property:

1. Locate your water meter. Water meters are usually located in a rectangular or oval shaped box in the ground near the street. They can also be found in utility easements at the rear of many properties in Hesperia.

2. Ensure that no water is being used anywhere on your property. Turn off all faucets inside and outside. All appliances that use water should be off, including your washing machine, automatic ice maker and irrigation system.

3. Return to your meter box and observe the face of the water meter. If there is movement on the dial you may have a leak. For a very slow leak, you may not see the dial move but you will be able to observe the small round or triangular low-flow detector turning.

   Another method is to record the meter reading and also the position of the dial and return later to see if the reading is higher or if the dial has moved.

4. If you detect a leak, turn off the water at the house shut-off valve, if there is one. If the leak stops, it is in the house. If the leak continues, it is outside between the meter and the house or possibly in your irrigation system.

   To check for a toilet leak, flush the toilet and while the reservoir is still filling, add two drops of food coloring to the water in the reservoir. Wait 15 to 30 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, the flapper valve needs to be replaced.
   

A broken sprinkler head wastes a large amount of water when the sprinklers are operating. You can check for this type of leak by observing all of your sprinkler heads while each station is running.

Once you have determined water is leaking, you may need to call a plumber or handyman to assist in finding and repairing it.

2. How can I make my payment?

Payment can be made online, in person, by mail, through your bank or in the drop boxes at City Hall. More...

3. How do I start new service?

Visit the Utility Billing counter inside Hesperia City Hall to sign up for service and bring a valid government-issued photo identification. A new Customer Service Application for Water Service will be completed with the assistance of a customer service representative and your signature will be required. If you are not a current or prior customer in good standing, a refundable deposit will also be required.

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1. What are the restrictions?

The following are Stage 2 watering restrictions: - The use of potable water to irrigate outdoor landscapes during and within 48 hours of measurable rainfall is prohibited. - Operators of hotels and motels shall provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily, and prominently display notice of such option in each guestroom. - Irrigation of landscapes with potable water outside newly constructed homes and buildings shall not be in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission. Additionally, all Hesperia water customers are required to eliminate nonessential uses of water, including the following: - No water provided by the district shall be used for the purposes of washing down hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and parking lot areas, except as specifically permitted by the district for public health and safety reasons such as washing down flammable or otherwise dangerous liquids or substances. - No water shall runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures when watering outdoor landscape. - When washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, trailer houses or other type of mobile equipment, a shut-off hose nozzle is required. - Parks, golf courses and school grounds which use water provided by the district shall be irrigated between the hours of 11pm and 5am. Additionally, turf areas in excess of 1,000 square feet will be required to use soil moisture sensors and rain shut-off valves as part of their irrigation system. The District greatly appreciates and anticipates that each customer will comply with the use restrictions identified above so that all of the District’s customers will continue to receive safe, adequate and reliable water service. Those unwilling to reduce their water consumption may face fines for non-compliance.

2. Will I be fined for watering?

Those that violate water use restrictions may face fines for non-compliance.

3. Is the City in danger of running out of water?

No, the City of Hesperia is not in danger of running out of water. Due to California’s drought, Governor Jerry Brown and the State Water Resources Control Board have instituted various water mandates and regulations to help ease the effects of the drought on the state as a whole.

4. When can I water my landscape and turf?

You may water your landscape and turf any day of the week, but during the summer season (June-September) it is recommended that watering takes place from 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM and during the winter season (October-May) it is recommended that watering takes place from 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. However, no water shall runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures when watering outdoor landscaping.

5. Can I still have a garden?

Yes, however as part of the City's Stage No. 2 water conservation plan, no water shall runoff to adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots or structures when watering outdoor landscape.

6. Can I wash down my driveway?

No, as part of the City’s Stage No. 2 water conservation emergency plan, no water provided by the Hesperia Water District shall be used for the purposes of washing down hard surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks and parking lot areas, except as specifically permitted by the district for public health and safety reasons such as washing down flammable or otherwise dangerous liquids or substances.

7. Can i still wash my car?

Yes, but when washing automobiles, trucks, trailers, trailer houses or other type of mobile equipment, a shut-off hose nozzle is required.

8. Can I take my usual showers?

The average American shower uses 17.2 gallons of water and most Americans take an average of an 8.2 minute shower. By simply shortening our showering time to around 5 minutes and installing low flow shower heads, we can save up to 12.5 gallons with a low flow shower head and up to 25 gallons with a standard 5.0 gallon per minute shower head. The Hesperia Water District encourages all our customers to increase their water conservation in whatever ways they can and as you can see by making small changes, like shorter shower times, we can make a real impact in conserving our most precious natural resource.

9. I have a fountain (or similar structure) on my property will I still be able to use it?

Unless the water is circulated, operation of any decorative fountain, or other structures making similar use of water, is not permitted.

10. Is a pool cover required?

Yes, all residential, public and recreational swimming pools shall use evaporation resistant covers and shall recirculate water. Any swimming pool which does not have a cover installed during periods of nonuse shall be considered a waste of water.

11. Can I install a pool?

Yes, Hesperia Water District customers may still install a pool at their place of residence. However, all residential, public and recreational swimming pools shall use evaporation resistant covers and shall recirculate water. Any swimming pool which does not have a cover installed during periods of nonuse shall be considered a waste of water.

12. How can I reduce my water consumption when I use so little water now?

There are a variety of ways we can each reduce the amount of water we use both within and outside our homes. From simply taking shorter showers to properly watering and caring for landscaping there are many simple and easy ways we can each help conserve water. For more ideas, simply visit www.cityofhesperia.us/conserve.

13. Will residents be given an individual quota for water usage?

No, there is not currently a State mandate requiring individual quotas for water usage.

14. I just purchased a new home in Hesperia, how do the water restrictions affect me?

Irrigation of landscapes with potable water outside of newly constructed homes and buildings shall not be in a manner inconsistent with regulations or other requirements established by the California Building Standards Commission.

15. How do I report water waste?

Residents and community members looking to report water waste may do so by either calling the 24 hour Water Conservation Hotline at (760) 947-1601 or Public Works staff at (760) 947-1400. Water waste can also be reported through the City of Hesperia's App which is available on the App Store and Google Play.