These are the city’s published answers. In this design preview, search covers page text, meeting records, and document titles. To search inside PDFs, use the city’s original search.
How do I pay my city utility bill?
You can pay your water, sewer, and trash bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at City Hall (1416 C Street). Online and phone payments accept major credit cards and e-checks. For details, visit the Finance Department page.
What day is my trash and recycling collected?
Residential trash and recycling is collected weekly. Your collection day depends on your address. If you are unsure of your day, please call Public Works at (209) 394-8041 and we will confirm your route.
Who do I call about a water leak or low water pressure?
For water emergencies such as main breaks, leaks, or sudden loss of pressure, call the Public Works Department at (209) 394-8041 during business hours. After hours, follow the prompts for the emergency line.
How do I apply for a business license?
All businesses operating within city limits must hold a current business license. You can start your application on the Business License form page. Most applications are processed within 5–7 business days.
Do I need a permit to remodel or build on my property?
Most construction, remodeling, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires a permit from the Building & Safety Division. Contact Planning & Community Development to confirm requirements before starting any project.
How do I get a permit for a special event?
Special events held on city property or public right-of-way require a permit. Apply early using the Special Event Permit form. Allow at least 30 days for review.
When does the City Council meet?
The City Council generally meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Agendas are posted at least 72 hours in advance on the Meetings page.
How can I view meeting agendas and minutes?
Agendas, minutes, and meeting videos are available on the Council Meetings page. You can also subscribe through Notify Me to get an email whenever a new agenda is posted.
How do I request a public record?
Submit a Public Records Act request using the Public Records form. The City will respond within 10 calendar days as required by California law.
How do I reserve a park or picnic area?
Picnic areas and park facilities can be reserved through the Parks & Recreation Department. Visit the Community page for available facilities and contact information.
What recreation programs are available for youth and seniors?
The City offers year-round youth sports, after-school programs, summer camps, and senior activities including meals and wellness workshops. See Community Programs for current offerings.
Can my child do community service for the Recreation Department?
Yes. There are many programs and events that can use community service workers. Call the Recreation Department to find out what volunteer opportunities are available.
How do I become a coach for my child's team?
Contact the Recreation Department to request a coach's application. All coaches and volunteers are required to pass a background check through the Department of Justice. The Recreation Department Specialist will call you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment. Once clearance is complete, you will be notified of trainings and meetings for the sport you are coaching. You may contact us via email with any questions at recreation@livingstoncity.com.
How do I register my child for a class?
All registrations and payments are currently done online at livrec.recdesk.com. Registration must be done by a parent or guardian.
If I do not live in Livingston, can I participate in the recreation programs?
Yes. Non-residents are welcome to participate as long as space allows. There is typically a 20% increase in fees for non-resident participants.
What programs are available to my child?
The Recreation Department offers a variety of programs for kids 5 to 12 years of age, including Youth Sports (soccer, basketball, baseball, swim team) and classes such as Folkloric Dance, Punjabi Dance, Hip Hop, music lessons, and swim lessons. See the Parks & Recreation page for the full list.
What special events occur in Livingston?
Livingston has many fun opportunities for our community. See Special Events under the Recreation menu, and the Community Calendar for all events submitted to the Recreation Department.
What are City Hall's hours?
City Hall is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays. City Hall is located at 1416 C Street, Livingston, CA 95334.
How do I report a pothole, graffiti, or other concern?
You can report non-emergency issues such as potholes, graffiti, or broken streetlights through the Citizen Request page. For emergencies, always call 911.
How do I sign up for city news and alerts?
Use the Notify Me service to subscribe by email to city news, council meetings, job postings, events, and announcements. You choose the topics you care about.
How is City policy formulated and established under the Council/Manager form of government?
The City Council retains sole power of being the policy making and legislative body for the City. However, both the City Council and the City Manager have responsibilities for initiating consideration of new policies. The City Manager routinely prepares policy alternatives and recommendations for consideration by the City Council. The City Council may adopt, reject, or modify the recommendations. The City Manager is bound by whatever action the City Council takes and is responsible for implementation of the City Council-approved policy.
How many members are on the City Council?
The City Council consists of a Mayor, who is elected separately for a two-year term, and four City Council members, elected for a four-year term. Learn more on the City Council page.
How many members of the City Council must be present in order to conduct business?
Three (3) members of the City Council constitute a quorum and are needed to conduct City business.
What are the duties, responsibilities and powers of the Mayor and the Mayor Pro Tempore?
The Mayor has the same duties, responsibilities and powers of the other members of the City Council. In addition, the Mayor presides over the sessions of the City Council, signs official documents when the signature is required by law, and acts as the official head of the City on public and ceremonial occasions.
The City Council elects from its members a Mayor Pro Tempore. The Mayor Pro Tempore may be removed by the City Council at any time with or without cause upon an affirmative two-thirds vote. The Mayor Pro Tempore acts as Mayor in the absence or disability of the Mayor.
What are the qualifications to be a member of the City Council?
A member of the City Council must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States and a resident of the City of Livingston.
What is the compensation of the City Council?
Members of the City Council are paid $300 per month. They receive no City benefits.
What is the difference between the City Council and the City Manager?
The City Council is the community's legislative body and is similar to the Board of Directors of a private or public corporation. It provides direction on business matters, sets policy, and adopts the annual budget. It hires the City Manager and supervises his or her performance. The City Manager serves as the City Council's chief advisor, prepares the budget, oversees the staff, and acts to carry out the City Council's goals and programs. Learn more on the City Council page.
What is the purpose of the Council/Manager form of City government?
The Council/Manager form of City government is intended to provide the City Council with the power to govern a community and set policy. The City Manager has the authority to carry out the City Council's goals and programs and manage the day-to-day operations of the City.
When and where are City Council meetings held?
Regular meetings of the City Council are held on the first and third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Special meetings and emergency meetings may also be called by the City Council. City Council meetings are held in the City Council Chambers at 1416 "C" Street, Livingston, California. The City Council may hold a closed session in accordance with state law to consider matters permitted by statute. See upcoming meetings on the Calendar of Meetings.
When do new members of the City Council take office?
7:00 p.m. of the first day of the first regular meeting following the canvass of the election. This is usually the second meeting in November or the first meeting in December.
Where can I get an agenda of the City Council meeting?
The agendas of regular City Council meetings are posted at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. They are posted on the bulletin board outside City Hall and on the Meetings page of this website.
Who is currently on the City Council?
The following individuals currently sit on the City Council:
- Gurpal Samra - Mayor
- Raul Garcia - Mayor Pro Tem
- Juan Aguilar Jr. - Council Member
- Gagandeep Kang - Council Member
- Maria Baptista-Soto - Council Member
Learn more on the City Council page.
Do dogs have to be on a leash within the City limits of Livingston?
Yes. City code states that any dog outside the confines of the home or fenced-in yard must be contained on a leash or chain. If chained in the front yard, they must not be capable of reaching the sidewalk area.
Does Animal Control rescue cats trapped in trees?
No. In almost all cases the cat will come down on its own.
Does Livingston Police Department Animal Control respond to pick up dead or injured animals?
If the animal is not yours, Animal Control will pick up dead or injured animals. If the animal is yours and injured, you need to take it to the veterinarian of your choice for immediate medical attention.
How do I stop a barking dog in the neighborhood?
If the dog is preventing your peace and quiet during the evening hours, call the Livingston Police Department Dispatch for an officer to contact the neighbor with the barking dog. Or you can contact the Animal Control officer during normal duty hours to file a complaint. The complaint will be investigated and the animal's owner will be contacted.
I see a dog in my neighborhood that is always outside and never seems to get any attention. Is that animal cruelty?
A number of factors determine whether a case constitutes animal cruelty. It is best to contact the Livingston Animal Control Officer with your complaint to make sure it is properly reviewed. In general, the law states that a person cannot inflict unnecessary suffering or pain on an animal. It also states that the animal must have shelter, food, water, rest, sanitation, space, and medical attention if needed.
My pet is missing. What should I do?
Contact the Livingston Animal Control Officer with the following details: animal description, color, male or female, and last time seen. Also check with the Merced County Animal Shelter to find out if the animal has been impounded for running at large. This is one of the primary reasons to license your animal with the City — the identification tag will immediately let the Animal Control Officer know who the animal belongs to, and we will attempt to contact you before bringing it to the shelter.
What can you tell me about microchips?
Microchips can be implanted by any veterinarian or by the Livingston Police Department Code Compliance Officer. They enable most animal control agencies and the Merced County Animal Shelter to immediately identify your animal, even without the licensing tag.
What should I know about pets being inside cars in the summer?
Never leave pets in parked vehicles for any length of time. On a warm day, the temperature in a vehicle can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows cracked. Dogs and cats cannot perspire and can only dispel heat by panting and through the pads of their feet. Every summer, animals left in parked cars suffer brain damage and die from heatstroke.
Where can I obtain a free or low-cost spay or neuter for my pet?
The Livingston Police Department offers low-cost spay and neuter vouchers. They can also be obtained from your local veterinarian, the California State Humane Society, and the Merced County Animal Shelter.
Where do I report a stray animal?
Call Livingston Police Department Dispatch at (209) 394-7916. Stray animals will only be picked up during the normal work hours of the Animal Control Officer. Learn more on the Animal Control page.
Do the search results include the contents of PDFs and other documents?
Yes. The site search covers web pages as well as city documents such as agendas, minutes, and reports in the Document Center.
If I search for a phrase (e.g. alarm permit), will the results only show exact matches?
No. By default, the search results will show matches for any word within the phrase. In this example, you would receive results for pages and documents that contain either the word "alarm" or the word "permit" or both. To search for an exact phrase, enclose it in quotation marks: "alarm permit".
Can I exclude a word from a search?
Yes. You can exclude words by using the minus sign (-). To find all pages that mention "alarm" but not "permit", search for: alarm -permit.