Frequently Asked Questions

Red Light Photo Enforcement

14

  • The video footage of suspected violations captured by the cameras are routed through a protected internet connection directly to the Photo Enforcement Officer’s computer for evaluation. The photo enforcement officers reviewing the suspected violations are specially trained in the use of the photo enforcement system, and are police officers who have several years of experience in traffic enforcement including traffic collision investigations. Upon receiving a suspected violation from Red Flex, the officer reviews the video footage which includes the front and back of the vehicle a few seconds before, and after, the suspected violation. If the officer confirms the driver of the vehicle is in violation, they determine if the driver can be positively identified as the registered owner. If the registered owner is the driver, and is positively identified by their Department of motor vehicles photo or other law enforcement photo, they will be issued a citation. If the driver does not appear to be the registered owner(s), the officer does not issue a citation, but requests assistance from the registered owner by mailing a notice of violation to the address listed on the registration. The notice requests the registered owner(s) to provide the driver’s information. If the registered owner is not the driver, and does not respond with information of who the driver is, no citation is issued. If the registered owner does provide the information of the driver, and that driver can be positively identified, the driver will be issued a citation.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • Sometimes the red light camera flashes in the intersection for a vehicle that has run a light from another direction. Just because the light flashes, this does not mean it is taking a photo of you. Often times the camera system is checked periodically as part of its maintenance to ensure all the cameras and flashes are working properly. As you can see from above, each suspected violation is carefully reviewed by an officer to determine if a violation exists. There is not automatic issuance of a citation to anyone.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • Follow the instructions listed on the notice carefully. Most of the questions you may have are answered on the notice. Court information and options are also available on the Sacramento County Court's website.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • Suspected violations are routed to the Police Department daily but are not immediate. Calling the Police department to determine if you were caught, the same day or within a couple days of the violation will not reveal any information. If you think you may have been caught running a red light, wait to see if you receive a violation in the mail. If your address information on your license and vehicle registration is correct, you will be notified by mail.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • If you receive a RLPEP citation you can view the video of the violation via the internet by following the directions listed on the citation. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view your violation in the lobby of the Police Department with the information provided on the citation. If after reviewing your citation via the internet, and you still don’t believe that you violated the law, your next opportunity to dispute the violation will be at the court date listed on the citation.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • If you receive a citation, you are required to go to court, or pay the fine, as you have been identified as the driver of the vehicle. Even if you sell the vehicle, the citation is issued to an individual not the vehicle; you will be responsible for appearing in court or paying the citation. If you do not appear or pay the fine, the courts may issue a failure to appear notice and send notification to DMV. DMV may suspend your license for failure to appear or pay fines.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • Traffic School is not granted automatically at court or during trial. You may contact the Sacramento County Superior Court or go to their website.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • Public document related to this program can be found under the heading Red Light Photo Enforcement in our document center. There is no charge for downloading or printing the information.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • A picture of the person driving the vehicle at the time of the violation appears on the Citation/Notice of Violation you receive from the Citrus Heights Police Department. If you receive a citation and were not the driver YOU MUST TAKE ACTION. Contact the Citrus Heights Police Department PRLE Unit at 916-727-5884. Leave complete information including your citation number, the full name, date of birth, driver's license number, and address of the correct driver. The Citrus Heights Police Department will contact the court with the correct driver information. Do NOT send payment to the court if you were NOT the driver. If you fail to contact the Citrus Heights Police Department or do not appear on or before the date listed at the bottom of the citation, additional penalties may be added to your fine and your driver's license may be suspended by DMV.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • If you receive a citation, you should view the video of the violation via the internet by following the directions listed on the back of the citation. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the video during normal business hours in the lobby of the Police Department. You will need information provided on the citation. If after reviewing your video you still believe that you did not violate the law, your opportunity to dispute the citation will be at the court date listed on the citation.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • If you choose to pay and do not wish to appear in court, choose one of the following ON OR BEFORE your due date/court date from the following website: http://www.saccourt.cagov/traffic/payingfines.aspx
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • Citations issued by automated enforcement systems (red light cameras) are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle involved in the incident or the driver if the R/O was not the driver. The citations are issued by Citrus Heights Police Department and mailed to the address provided by DMV within 15 days of the incident. If you are the owner of the vehicle and were not driving at the time the citation was issued see section below (What if I wasn't driving my car and I received a Notice of Violation?)
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • When you receive your copy of the citation from the Citrus Heights Police Department it will include a date to appear in court or to pay the bail (fine) amount due. YOU MUST APPEAR OR RESOLVE YOUR CASE BY THE DATE ON YOUR CITATION. Failure to appear or resolve your case will result in additional penalties being added. In addition, the court will send a request to the Department of Motor Vehicles to suspend your driver's license.
    Red Light Photo Enforcement

  • In order to close your case and not appear in court, go to their website. NOTE - In the agency menu section, choose "RLC - Red Light Camera", NOT "Citrus Heights Police Department."

    Red Light Photo Enforcement

Code Enforcement

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  • By ordinance, the city does not give out any information regarding the complaining party. All information submitted to Code Enforcement is held in high confidence. However, it is recommended that you leave your name and phone number so the code enforcement staff can call back if there are any questions.
    Code Enforcement

  • There is no law that limits the number of vehicles one person can own. However, vehicles in public view must be licensed with current registration, in operable condition, and be parked on an approved parking surface.
    Code Enforcement

  • City codes are designed to maintain a healthy and safe environment and preserve the quality of life standards for residents and businesses. There are many types of codes: City Codes, Fire Codes, Uniform Building Codes, Uniform Housing Codes, Zoning Ordinances, Vehicle Codes and Penal Codes. Code Enforcement is a responsibility shared by staff of several departments in the City of Citrus Heights. The city relies on residents to help identify possible code violations. Code Enforcement officers respond to complaints according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that pose a serious risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received. For all types of code complaints, the first step is personal contact by a Code Enforcement Officer to ascertain if a code violation exists, and to request remediation. If the individual responsible for the situation is not available, or is unwilling to correct the code violation in a timely manner, a notice of violation or a citation may be issued. The individual has ignored previous notices / citations. In many cases the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply with current codes without a penalty. If the correction is not made in reasonable time the individual may be subject to fines and other penalties.
    Code Enforcement

  • City code does not allow occupancy of RVs except in approved mobile home / RV parks. It is a serious violation to have a power cord run from the house to any camper, motor home or trailer.
    Code Enforcement

  •  The parking of a motor vehicle used for commercial or industrial purposes and rated more than one ton capacity and trailers used for commercial or industrial purposes shall not be parked or stored in any residential zone except when loading, unloading, or rendering service. (CHMC §106.36.030E)                          

    Code Enforcement

  • We suggest calling an environmental hygienist to assist you with this problem. There are listings for environmental hygienists in the yellow pages of the phone book. The Code Enforcement Division can help out if there is a current active source causing the mold, for example a broken leaking pipe, leaking roof etc.
    Code Enforcement

  • Reports can me made to the Code Enforcement Division in many ways. Reports may be left on the 24-hour recorder at 916-725-2845 or filed on the website by using the Online Service Request. Complaints may also be filed in person or mailed to City Hall. When filing a complaint, be prepared to leave the complete address and details of the violation.
    Code Enforcement

  • There are codes restricting both the amount of driveway width allowed per residence (35 feet maximum for single family and duplex residential) and how a driveway ties in or encroaches onto the public right-of-way (the sidewalk). The General Services Department should be contacted at 916-727-4770 for an encroachment permit if the existing sidewalk will be part of the driveway. If a second driveway is being considered, the Planning Division should be contacted at 916-727-4740.
    Code Enforcement

  • Acceptable parking surfaces include cement, asphalt, decomposed granite, inlaid brick or stone, or parking strips composed of the above mentioned materials. All parking surfaces must also meet the standards set forth in section 50-146.(9)a.,b., of the Citrus Heights Municipal Code and be maintained free of weeds and debris.
    Code Enforcement

  • As long as the vehicles have current registration, are in operable condition (no flat tires, broken windows, etc) and parked on an approved parking surface, there is no code preventing the parking of these vehicles in the driveway.
    Code Enforcement

  • We are aware that violations frequently occur due to a lack of knowledge of the codes. Therefore, our first step (for all non-emergency calls) is to send a Courtesy Letter. The Courtesy Letter is sent to the current resident advising them that a complaint has been received with a list of the alleged violations, and informing them that we will be inspecting the property on, or after 10 days from the date of the letter. These courtesy advisements allow the resident to call us with any questions or concerns and then to make any corrections necessary before an officer inspects the property. Most of the time, the Courtesy Letter resolves the issue. In cases where compliance is not gained, an official Notice to Abate letter is sent via certified mail to the property owner, warning of monetary penalties in the form of both fees and administrative citations. These fees and fines are issued if the violations are not corrected by the official re-inspection date specified on the notice. If you have filed a complaint and do not see any changes, please keep in mind that this process allows the residents of Citrus Heights between 10 and 20 days to bring their property into compliance before monetary penalties are issued. You are always welcomed to contact the Code Enforcement Unit at (916) 725-2845 to check the status of any service request.
    Code Enforcement

  • Here is the link to the Rental Housing Inspection Program.  

    http://www.citrusheights.net/RHIP


    For additional questions email RHIP@citrusheigths.net or call (916) 727-5520

    Code Enforcement

Police Department

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  • The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department handles medical and fire calls in the City of Citrus Heights.
    Police Department

  • Citrus Heights Police Department uploads their crime statistics at
    Police Department

  • If you have loaned your vehicle to another person to drive and this person does not return the vehicle, certain documentation is required to report the car stolen. Since the vehicle is being operated with permission of the owner, this permission needs to be rescinded. Send a letter to the person via Registered Mail-Return Receipt. The language of the letter should include: "Your permission to operate this vehicle is rescinded. You are to stop operating the vehicle immediately. Park the vehicle legally and notify me of the location, so I may recover it. If you fail to comply with these instructions, I will report the vehicle as stolen." (Including language that instructs the borrower to return the vehicle implies further permission to operate the vehicle.) The letter should also include a description of the vehicle including the year, make, model, color, license plate number and VIN. Keep a copy of the letter and post office documents needed to send it. After the letter has been mailed, you will either receive proof of delivery or the letter will be returned by the post office as unclaimed. If you are not successful in getting your vehicle back, call the CHPD at 727-5500 or come to the CHPD to report the vehicle as stolen. You will be required to appear in person and sign the theft report since this is a borrowed vehicle case and supporting documents are necessary to be given to the officer. You must also be willing to press charges and testify in court against the person to whom you loaned the vehicle.
    Police Department

  • Yes, Police Dispatchers must attend a Police Officers Standards and Training (POST) approved 120-hour Dispatch Academy and receive a minimum of 24 hours of POST approved training every two years.
    Police Department

  • Yes, Arrest information is public information which includes the charges they were arrested on. You may locate in custody inmate information at the Sacramento County Jail, easily accessible on their website at
    Police Department

  • Click on the link to download the application, waiver, and ride-along regulations.
    Police Department

  • The Citrus Heights Police Department welcomes justified complaints concerning the actions of its employees. The Citrus Heights Police Department wishes to provide you the best law enforcement service possible.

     

    SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

     

    Every person has an absolute right to file a complaint. Your reluctance to prepare a complaint form shall not impair that right. If you do not wish to complete the form, or sign it, it shall be completed by the Watch Commander with whom the complaint is lodged. It is desirable that you come to the Police Department where your complaint can be received during a personal interview. However, complaints can be made by mail or by telephone, and may be made anonymously.

     

    If the complaint is made by either telephone or mail, a copy of the complaint will be mailed to you if an address is provided. An investigator will contact all witnesses, examine any relevant physical evidence, and gather all information associated with each charge made in the complaint. After completion of the investigation, a disposition for each charge shall be made, based on each alleged act of misconduct.

     

    The final disposition of your complaint will be made by the Chief of Police. Departmental procedure allows thirty (30) days for completion of an investigation into a Civilian’s complaint. An extension may be granted by the Chief of Police, if necessary. You will be notified of the extension and the reasons for that extension. You will be notified by mail of the disposition of the complaint.


    The complaint form can be accessed by clicking on this link. The form can be dropped off to the front counter at the police department, mailed to the address below, faxed to (916) 727-5565, or emailed to chpdcontact@citrusheights.net.


    Please mail complaint forms to:

    6315 Fountain Square Drive
    Citrus Heights, CA 95621

    Police Department

  • While we appreciate being kept apprised of situations that are of concern in our community and encourage the public to contact the police department with concerns, please be aware that online reporting forms are not monitored 24 hours a day. They are reviewed and monitored by professional staff during regular business hours. If an issue is active, it is always best to call the police department at 916-727-5500 instead of email. 

    • For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
    • From a cell phone, dial 916-726-3015 to reach the CHPD Emergency Line directly.
    • TDD callers can use the phone numbers listed above. All incoming phone lines are connected to a TDD device that activates when called by another TDD.
    • Other Important Phone Numbers:

    Police Department

Property and Evidence

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  • * Property is released by appointment only. Call (916) 727-5801 to make an appointment. Appointments are held on Tuesday and Thursdays. We do not accept walk ins. If property is booked in as evidence, it cannot be released until the case is adjudicated. * SAFEKEEPING property is housed for 60 days, FOUND property is housed for 90 days. Unclaimed property is destroyed or auctioned.

    Property and Evidence

  • Property must be picked up by the owner. If the owner is not available, then a notarized letter authorizing someone else to act on their behalf, will have to be presented at the appointment. If the owner is incarcerated, a letter from the jail or prison "Property Authorization Release" form is required. This form is completed by a Deputy. The person being authorized to act on the inmate's behalf will be listed on this form. The Deputy will sign the form and return it to the person being authorized. This form will need to be brought to the appointment.
    Property and Evidence

  • Any person who claims title to any firearm, is in the custody or control of a court of law or law enforcement agency and who wishes to have the firearm shall submit a Law Enforcement Gun Release to DOJ (http://www.oag.ca.gov/firearms) or call (916) 227-7527 to determine whether he or she is eligible to possess a firearm (PC 33850-33890). It may take up to 6-8 weeks to process the application. DOJ will send a letter of eligibility to the applicant claiming title which will have a "Gold Seal" of authenticity. In addition, ALL firearms must be registered with DOJ, before release. * If the firearm(s) was taken as SAFEKEEPING, the owner must start the clearance process with DOJ within 180 days of the date the firearms are taken as safekeeping. Upon receiving clearance from DOJ, the owner must contact the Citrus Heights Police Department Property and Evidence unit within 30 days, in order to make an appointment to pick up the firearms. The letter is voided 30 days from the date listed on the top. If the letter is expired, a new letter is required for the release. * If the firearm(s) was take as EVIDENCE in a crime or suspected crime, you will have to wait to obtain the clearance letter, until the criminal case is closed. Then, upon closure of the criminal case, you will have 180 days to start the clearance process, through DOJ, to obtain your firearm(s). Per PC 33875, firearms will not be retained after 180 days if unclaimed. * If the firearm(s) was taken during a domestic violence incident, per PC 18250, your firearms may be taken into custody. Unless the firearms confiscated from you are to be evidence in any criminal procedure, the firearm(s) shall be made available to you from the law enforcement agency 5 business days after the seizure or as soon as thereafter possible. You will then be required to obtain a DOJ gun clearance letter as explained above. If CHPD determines that the return of the firearm(s) results in the endangerment of the victim or others, you will be advised within 60-90 days from the date of the seizure. At which time, a petition will be initiated in the Superior Court of Sacramento County, to determine if these firearm(s) should be returned. It should be noted, that if a criminal case is pending in court, regardless if the weapons are held as evidence or safekeeping, DOJ will not issue a clearance letter, therefore the firearm(s) cannot be released. * If the firearm(s) was taken during a Mental Health Incident, if you were detained under Welfare and Institutions Code 5150, your firearms may be taken into custody per Welfare and Institutions Code 8102(a). If you are admitted to a mental health facility, you are prohibited from owning, possessing, and controlling firearms for a period of 5 years in California. If you currently own any firearms, you must contact the nearest law enforcement agency to surrender those firearms, alleging that your possession of the firearms may cause endangerment to yourself or others. You have a right to a Hearing by that Court. Please contact the Property and Evidence Unit for further detailed information. To submit a Law Enforcement Gun Release to DOJ online. Go to the
    Property and Evidence

Fingerprinting and Livescans

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  • Yes. The DOJ does not share your information with other agencies. It is against the law for different agencies to share confidential fingerprint results with each other. An applicant's Live Scan form acts as a release for a criminal history response to be sent to the specified requesting agency. This means that you must submit a new application each time a criminal history is requested of you; therefore you must go through the Live Scan process again. Previous Live Scan information CANNOT be utilized.
    Fingerprinting and Livescans

  • 1) Per DOJ policy, sharing of criminal history is not permitted. 2) For identification purposes. 3) Each job/license/permit application can require a different level of service, i.e. some require DOJ, some require both DOJ and FBI, in addition to other checks. Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), including responses that no criminal record exists, are confidential. Sections 11142 and 11143 of the Penal Code provide for criminal penalties for the release of this information to unauthorized individuals. Article I, Section 1 of the California Constitution grants California citizens an absolute right to privacy. Individuals or agencies violating these privacy rights place themselves at both criminal and civil liability. The California right of privacy was created to curb, among other things, the over broad collection and retention of personal information by government agencies, the improper use of information properly obtained for a proper purpose, and the lack of a reasonable check on the accuracy of existing records. (White v. Davis (1975) 13 Cal.3d 75, 775.) CORI shall be accessible only to the records custodian and/or hiring authority charged with determining the suitability for employment or licensing of an applicant. The information received shall be used by the requesting agency solely for the purpose for which it was requested and shall not be reproduced for secondary dissemination to any other employing or licensing agency. The retention and sharing of information between employing and licensing agencies are strictly prohibited. The retention and sharing of information infringe upon the right of privacy and fails to meet the compelling state interest defined in Loder v. Municipal Court (1976) 17 Cal.3d 859. In addition, maintenance of redundant information separate from the information maintained by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) avoids the updates and makes it for DOJ to control dissemination of CORI as outlined in section 11105 of the Penal Code.
    Fingerprinting and Livescans

  • No. Once your fingerprint record has been processed and your suitability for certification, licensing, employment and/or volunteerism has been reported to your Referring Agency, your fingerprint record is deleted. The only civilian fingerprint records kept are those belonging to convicted felons.
    Fingerprinting and Livescans

On Line Crime Reports

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  • If this is an emergency or in progress, please call 9-1-1 or 916-726-3015.
    On Line Crime Reports

  • This will depend on jurisdiction and the city where the incident occurred.
    On Line Crime Reports

  • You should NOT file an on line report if there is a suspect. Please call 916-727-5500 to file your report.
    On Line Crime Reports

  • If this is a vehicle violation, you would report this to the California Highway Patrol. Please call 1-800-TELL-CHP (1-800-835-5247).
    On Line Crime Reports

  • Yes, please look for your serial numbers if you have them and add them to the report. This will help make it easier for us to identify your property if we have located something that looks like it could be yours.
    On Line Crime Reports

  • You can create a supplement report on line through the on line reporting system, but don't list property that has already been reported in the original report.
    On Line Crime Reports

  • If your vehicle has been in any way associated with the crime, then yes. Please list it on the report.
    On Line Crime Reports

Rental Housing Inspection Program

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  • A rental property is any type of home or dwelling unit that is not occupied by the owner of record.

    Rental properties are defined as "residential property in which the owner does not reside." This means a house could be occupied by an owner’s relative or friend who is paying less than market value; providing house-sitting services; paying utilites only or paying no rent at all and still be considered a rental.  


    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Yes. Properties that are:

    • Newly constructed within the last five years
    • Subject to verifiable, routine, periodic inspections by another government agency.  Proof of the inspections will be needed.
    • Units that are occupied by the owner of record
    • Units occupied by a family member within one generation of the owner of record

    To be considered for exemption from the RHIP you must complete a RHIP Application for Exemption and submit the required documentation.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Any non-owner occupied property will be considered a rental property.  Rent is defined as "means to grant the possession or enjoyment of, in exchange for money or any other consideration." (CHMC 50-244) This means that a house could be occupied by an owner’s relative or friend who is paying less than market value; providing house-sitting services; paying utilities only or no rent at all and still be considered a rental.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Yes. Annual registration, including payment of the annual registration fee is a requirement of the program. Registration is complete once 1) a completed registration form is provided to the City and 2) the annual registration fee and housing stock fees is paid.  (CHMC 50-247)

    Registrations are valid for a period of one year or until within 30 days of any change in owner or local contact representative information.  

    Register online at www.citrusheights.net/RHIPRegistrationForm or visit the online forms center for a printable form.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Yes. The annual registration fee is per rental property.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • RHIP will provide written notice of the date and time of inspection to the owner and any local contact representative. This notice shall be sent by mail to the address provided on the most recent annual registration form at least 30 days in advance.  A separate notice will be sent to the tenants at the rental property address.  

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • All violations are the responsibility of the rental property owner.  If the tenant has caused the violations, the RHIP will work with the owner and the tenant to achieve compliance; however, the owner is ultimately responsible to bring the rental property into compliance.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Yes. Only if there are no known substandard living conditions or exigent circumstances.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • State Law requires the City to maintain certain health and safety standards.  Fees collected are used to fund the program that responds to violations of those standards.  The increased fees directly fund the Rental Housing Inspection Program (RHIP)

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Registration Fee
    Single Family Residence
    		$67
    Duplex-Fourplex (2-4 units)
    		$108
    5 or more units on a single property
    		$144
    RHIP Annual Registration Fees


    Housing Stock Fee
    1 - 4 units
    		$28 per unit
    5 - 99 units
    		$21 per unit
    100 or more units
    		$17 per unit


    Effective January 1, 2024 new fees are based on the number of rental units per property and are billed annually through Consolidated Utilities Billing and Services. The Master Fee Schedule may be found here.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • The HSF and the annual registration fee will be collected by the County's Consolidated Utility Billing and Service (CUBS) at the beginning of each calendar year. The county will then forward the fees to the City.  

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • The Housing Stock Fee (HSF) is per rental unit. If you own a duplex, you would need to pay one annual registration fee and 2 Housing Stock Fees. For more information about the Housing Stock Fee, click here.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • Yes. The RHIP has no authority to demand the rental property owner not pass the fees on to the tenant.  However, the cost of the program is a max of $6.66 per month for a single unit rental property.  

    Rental Housing Inspection Program

  • The fees may be adjusted each year by resolution of the City Council, after a duly noticed public hearing.

    Rental Housing Inspection Program