City of Vista
Home Menu*City - Popular Searches
Common Questions / Engineering
What projects are out to bid? Visit our Bids & RFPs page.
Where do I find benchmarks? Vista's benchmark maps are compiled from field surveys ranging from 1982 to 2006.
Where do I get a Development Permit? Contact Development Services at (760) 643-5395 or visit the Community Development Department webpage.
Sewer / Septic Related
How do I find out if my property is on sewer or septic? Please contact (760) 643-5417.
Information about private sewer laterals, conversion from septic systems to city sewer, connecting to sewer system? Please contact (760) 643-5417.
WHAT IS FOG?
FOG is Fats, Oils, and Grease. FOG comes from food and liquids such as cooking oils, meat fat, butter and dairy, and some sauces. One of the leading causes of sewer backups in homes is FOG – when you pour fats, cooking oils or grease down your drain, it cools and hardens in your pipes. Over time, FOG can build up in your pipes and eventually block the entire drain. In addition, when FOG accumulates in large sewer pipes under the street, it can cause a major backup or spill of raw sewage in your neighborhood or local creek.
Questions on sewer requirements or capacity charges for residential, commercial or industrial sites? Please contact (760) 643-5417.
Questions on sewer service or sewer billing? Sewer service is billed annually as part of the San Diego County Assessor's property tax bill and is based on service type and approved rates. To determine which agency provides your sewer service, consult the Sewer Service Area Boundaries map. For more information on billing or sewer rates call (760) 643-5364.
How do I find out about the Waste Management Plan for Vista's city-permitted construction projects? Please contact the City Building Inspector assigned to your project. That person will assist you with your Waste Management Plan when required.
How do I report a sewer spill? Please contact Public Works Department.
Questions on septic systems/leach fields? Please contact the County Health Department at (760) 471-0730.
Stormwater Related
How do I report illegal discharge of pollutants into a storm drain or creek or a clogged drainage ditch? Contact the Stormwater Hotline at 760.643.2804 or report the problem online at waterquality.
What do I need to do before holding a fundraiser car wash? Fundraiser car washes are not allowed within the City of Vista because they generate pollution i.e. dirt, oil, grease, metals, and soap that go into the city storm drain system without treatment and flow to our local creeks and waterways. We recommend using commercial car washes which are designed to contain, capture, and prevent wash water from entering storm drains and creeks. Many local car wash operators have agreed to offer discounted car wash coupons or tokens to organizations looking to hold fundraisers, which can in turn be sold at a higher price to raise funds. Contact the water quality hotline at (760) 643-2804 or waterquality.
What do I need to do before draining my pool or spa? Pool and spa water may be discharged to the storm drain only if it has been properly de-chlorinated and does not contain other chemicals. Before you discharge your swimming pool or spa water to the storm drain, make sure the water does not contain chlorine, acid, chemicals, algae, or other pollutants. Flow must be controlled so that it does not cause erosion problems. More information can be found in the City's Best Management Practices for Swimming Pools, Fountains, and Spas brochure.
Traffic Related (Traffic Division: (760) 639-6116)
Who do I contact to report a malfunctioning traffic signal, burned out street lights, faded roadway striping, or damaged traffic signs? Please contact Public Works Department.
How do I report traffic signal problems at FREEWAY ON/OFF ramps? Contact Caltrans at (619) 688-3275.
Who do I contact about traffic control plans? Please contact (760) 643-5426.
Questions on Encroachment permits, Wide Load permits or applications for these permits? Please email us at: encroachmentpermit.
Miscellaneous:
How can I report or obtain information about street and/or pothole repairs? You can report the problem by calling (760) 639-6177 or report the problem online here.
Questions on City-owned properties and easements or acquisition of property for public projects? Please email Right-of-Way Agent, William Tuck or call (760) 643-5420.