Benicia Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I apply for a business license? 

• Acquire or renew a business license online.

How can I check for current water conservation guidelines? 

• Look for the latest updates on the Water Conservation page of this website or contact the City’s Water Conservation Team in the Public Works Department at 707-746-4380

I’m a contractor looking to bid on a project, where do I go?

• For building projects, contact the Community Development Department, Building Division at 707-746-4230. Also look for updates on the Bidder Notification page of this website.

How do I obtain a building permit?

• You can acquire a building permit through our Community Development Department Building Division. Find more information on the Building page of this website or call them for more information and hours at 707-746-4230

Where can I take E-waste, bulk garbage, or excess yard waste? 

• Contact Republic Services for:  weekly curbside garbage collection and recyclables, biweekly, curbside collection of green waste and many other types of pick-ups at 707-747-0608.
• Additionally, the City of Benicia’s Corporation Yard located at 2400 East 2nd Street is open on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for drop off of batteries (car and household), motor oil (and filters), latex paint, fluorescent bulbs, and antifreeze.
• For more information, contact Republic Services at 707-747-0608. 

Where is the nearest landfill? 

• There is no land fill in the City of Benicia.  The closest transfer station is the Contra Costa Transfer Station, 951 Waterbird Way, Martinez. For more information, contact Republic Services at 707-747-0608.  

Alternate Fridays Schedule Begins in 2020 

The City of Benicia's new Alternate Fridays schedule begins Friday, January 10, 2020. City Hall will be closed on alternating Fridays when City staff begins working the uniform Alternate Fridays schedule (also known as a 9/80 schedule) at City Hall.

Days of operation will not change for the Benicia Public Library and the Benicia Community Center. The Benicia Police Department lobby will remain open 24 hours a day. Schedules for Police and Fire staff also will not change except that the lobby of Fire Station 11 located on Military West will be closed on alternating Fridays.

This calendar shows City of Benicia staff holidays and Alternate Friday closure days in 2021. The calendar is also posted at each City Hall entrance and at the entrance to Benicia Fire Station 11.

Many City services continue to be available online. Click these links to register for classes, file certain police reports, pay your water/sewer utility bill or obtain a business license.

How do I know if the City is hiring? 

• All available job openings are listed on the City’s website.
• Click here to view jobs and to complete and upload employment applications. 

I have questions about the Benicia Farmers Market, holiday parades or other downtown activities.

• Look for events and contact information on the VisitBenicia.org Events Calendar or call Economic Development staff at 707-746-4202.

I’m new to town, which services can I set up with the City?

• Water and Sewer Services can be set up with the City’s Finance Department at 707-746-4225. 
• Garbage and recycling services can be set up with Republic Services by calling 707-747-0608.
• Gas and electricity in this area is provided by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and MCE Clean Energy.

Can I meet with the Mayor?

• Yes. Mayor Young is maintaining an open office on the first and third Mondays of the month (except holidays) in the Mayor's Office of City Hall from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary. Other meeting times may be scheduled through City Hall by calling 707-746-4200.

I am unable to attend a City Council meeting or Planning Commission meeting in person. Are there alternate viewing options?

• You can watch the City Council meetings on Xfinity channel 27, u-Verse channel 99, or from the City’s website, here. The video recordings, agendas, and minutes of all meetings are available here.

Can the City Clerk issue marriage licenses or perform weddings? 

• No. The City of Benicia does not issue marriage licenses nor performs wedding ceremonies. 
• Marriage licenses may be obtained from the Solano County Clerk’s Office at 675 Texas Street, Suite 1900 in Fairfield, CA. The telephone number is 707-784-7485. Marriage Licenses are issued from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (excluding holidays).
• All birth, marriage, and death certificates must be obtained through the Solano County Assessor/Recorder’s Office at 675 Texas Street, Suite 2700.  The telephone number is 707-784-6294.  

We’re moving. Can we store a storage pod in our driveway?

• Contact the Public Works Engineering Department for permits by calling 707-746-4240

Who do I contact for a bus schedule or Dial-A-Ride?

• Our transportation system is SolTrans and you can get schedules, routes, and pricing on their website at SoltransRide.com or by calling them at 707-648-4666.
• For Dial-A-Ride and other transit questions, call Soltrans Dispatch at 707-745-0815.

I want to remove a tree on my property. How do I start the process?

• Contact the Parks & Community Services Department for a Tree Removal Permit at 707-746-4285 

How do I pay my water bill or sign up to pay my water bill electronically?

• You can set up water services, turn off water services, pay your water/sewer bill and sign up for electronic payment of your water/sewer bill with the City’s Finance Department. For more information, call the Finance Department at 707-746-4225 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.