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1. How do I determine where my property lines are?

A property survey is the most accurate way to determine exactly where the property lines are. Contact a licensed land surveyor or licensed engineer to prepare a property survey. The Planning Department will only have a copy of a property survey if a survey was submitted as part of a Planning application.

2. Are there any easements on my property?

Please review the title report for your property. The City does not maintain a list of all easements on properties in Orinda. 

3. How do I get a copy of my title report?

Contact a title company to obtain the title report for your property. The Planning Department would only have a copy of the title report if it was submitted as part of an application.

4. How do I obtain a copy of the original plans when my home was built?

To obtain approved building permit plans for your home, submit a Records Request with Contra Costa County. Building services are provided by Contra Costa County and the City does not maintain copies of approved building permit plan sets.

5. How do I apply for a new address or change my existing address?

Addresses are assigned by the Moraga Orinda Fire District (MOFD). Submit an Application for New Address or Change in Address to MOFD. 

6. What are the rules for leaving out garbage or trash bins?

Garbage cans must be reasonably screened, where practical, from a public street or the vicinity of the property, except during times allocated for regularly scheduled collection.

7. What can I do if my neighbor has a neglected swimming pool?

Submit a service request to Contra Costa County Vector Control.

8. Can I place a storage pod or container on the street in front of my property?

Please contact the Public Works Department for more information.

9. When is a soils report required?

The Planning Department requires a soils report for all new homes. Certain projects may also require a soils report if soil stability is a concern. Contact Contra Costa County Building Department to determine what projects will require a soils report as part of a building permit application. 

10. How do I apply for a business license?

The City does not have a business license requirement, but a business registration program. Apply for a business registration at https://orinda.hdlgov.com/.

11. How do I display a banner at the BART overpass?

Submit a BART Banner Application by clicking here.

12. Do I need a permit for a garage sale?

No permit is required for a garage sale. A maximum of two garage sales are allowed per calendar year. Any signage for the garage sale shall be removed after the event.

13. Can I run my business out of my home?

You are allowed to conduct limited commercial or professional activities on a residential property if you comply with all of the home occupation requirements. Complete the Home Occupation Application and submit it to orindaplanning@cityoforinda.org.