Welcome to the City's Frequently Asked Questions page where you can find answers to commonly inquired about topics. Explore the FAQ library below by keyword search or by filtering by department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should a civil subpoena be served?
All subpoena duces tecum and deposition subpoenas for Police Records or Police Officer appearances for civil cases should be served to the Atascadero City Clerk’s Office as follows:
City of Atascadero
Attn: City Clerk
6500 Palma Avenue
Atascadero, CA 93422
The subpoena should be accompanied by a check for associated fees ($15.00 for production of records and $275 per day for each officer appearance.). Additional fees as provided for in Evidence Code § 1563 may also be due before any item(s) are provided in response to a subpoena.
Who do I call to report a dead deer or animal in the street?
The City is only able to remove large dead wild animals (deer, etc.) on City streets. We cannot remove dead animals on private property.
- For removal of a deceased wild animal from an Atascadero City street, please call Public Works Operations at (805) 470-3148.
- If you need someone to remove a dead wild animal from your private property you can contact a junk removal service.
- For removal of injured or dead domestic animals (dogs, cats), please contact Animal Control at (805) 781-4400.
- For removal of injured wild animals, contact Pacific Wildlife Care at (805) 543-9453 or Fish & Wildlife at (559) 243-4005 x 151.
Who do I contact if I have questions about Sewer/Wastewater service, or need to start/stop service?
The City of Atascadero provides sewer service to approximately half of the residents and to a majority of businesses within City limits. Privately owned and maintained on-site septic systems are utilized by the remainder of the City. Sewer usage fees are tied to property tax bills, so there is no need to start/stop service if you move.
If you have questions regarding sewer billing or connecting to sewer, please contact 805-470-3456 or publicworks@atascadero.org.
Who do I contact if I need to excavate on my property?
To allow for underground utilities to be marked, please call 811 (Dig Alert) at least 2 days before you begin digging or excavating on your property.
Who do I contact if I see a sewage (wastewater) spill?
If you see a sewage spill, immediately call the Atascadero Police Department at 805-461-5051.
Who do I contact if I smell a strong sewer (wastewater) odor?
Please contact Public Works Operations at 805-470-3148.
Who is responsible for maintaining the tree(s) and sidewalk in front of my property?
Per Atascadero Municipal Code 4-6.04, property owners are responsible for maintaining all items in the public right-of-way, including, but not limited to, trees, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and driveways.
Who should I contact regarding an ongoing issue with a barking or loose dog?
When availability allows, Atascadero Police Department Officers are able to respond and attempt to resolve a barking or loose dog complaint. However, this is only a temporary solution to the problem. You are encouraged to contact SLO County Animal Services at (805) 781-4400 to seek a more permanent resolution to an ongoing problem.
Who should I contact regarding code violations?
Please contact Code Enforcement at (805) 461-5070 for issues related to weed abatement, building code violations, unsafe residences, and other related issues.
Who should I contact regarding loose animals?
If the animal is loose in or near the roadway causing a traffic hazard, Atascadero Police Department Officers will respond and attempt to contain the animal. To report an animal causing a traffic hazard, please call (805) 461-5051.
Why did I receive a false alarm invoice or notice?
The City established a false alarm policy in 2003. The policy allows for three false alarm responses at no charge per calendar year. A false alarm response from the Police Department will result in an informational letter that if the limit of three responses is exceeded, a charge will be incurred. A fourth false alarm response will result in a charge. Please see the current fee schedule for amount.
Why is there algae in Atascadero Lake?
Algae in Atascadero Lake
Even though this natural algae growth cannot be completely eliminated, the City has employed and continues to explore various methods to address it. Addressing water quality and algae in Atascadero Lake has always been an important and ongoing effort of the City’s. We have implemented a long-term algae management plan which involves the use of aquatic pesticides, hydrologic and algae level studies, and biological and botanical resources surveys. The management plan focuses on prevention and provides options for addressing algae blooms that do develop. City staff recently performed preventative measures to prevent massive weed growth that would promote algae in open waters, and we have options to implement other measures if needed to eradicate algae blooms. The City uses herbicides sparingly and only after other preventative measures are in place. In addition, the water conditions are monitored, sampled and tested; routinely and as needed. It is important to note that all activities and actions the City undertakes that affect Atascadero Lake comply with various State and local regulatory and licensing agencies, including the Department of Fish and Wildlife and the State Water Resources Control Board.
Where does algae come from?
Our beautiful and very scenic Atascadero Lake contains numerous aquatic plants and naturally occurring algae, which provide filtration and shade and are an essential ingredient in providing a balanced aquatic environment. Unfortunately, hot summer days combined with direct sun and reduced water circulation, can create conditions which trigger certain varieties of algae to grow at an extremely rapid rate. Following periods of hot weather, Atascadero Lake routinely experiences very normal cycles of extreme algae growth, also known as algae blooms.